Meet India, Founder and Director

Hi! I'm India. I can't tell you how excited I am to be here at The Happy Place Learning Cafe. This has been a dream of mine since 2018. I've held onto this dream over the years because it really is a part of who I am. I was created to teach. My educational background is in mental health, so I wasn't sure how I was going to become a teacher. It wasn't until I married and became a mother at nearly 40 years old that I saw my dream of teaching come to life as a homeschool mom. To say I loved schooling my children is an understatement. Being my boys' mom and teacher has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

That's not to say it was easy. We were a one-income family for a few years, and finances were really tight. To add to the family budget, I began working from home, tutoring, mostly online. Then, my sister sent me a link to an online teaching position. When I asked her why, she said God told her to. I knew then I better pursue it! So, I interviewed and got the job.

In 2016, I began teaching English to children and adults in China.  This experience showed me that I could actually Teach.  Not review a subject, but teach new information to a person.  Convey the material in such a way that they comprehended what I was sharing.   This opened a whole new door for me.  I went on to teach over 3,000 classes online.  The work was wonderful,  but the hours were not at the time.  I decided to take a break from the position in 2019.

During that time, I began teaching at our church co-op.  Being in person was the first time I taught a class I developed to children that weren't mine.  I was so nervous!  And, I loved it!  From that point on, I was hooked.  I began teaching in person for homeschoolers and babysitting.

Everything was great until Covid.  With my students gone, I had to find something to be able to help with the bills.  I started Door Dashing to bring in income.  It helped get us through then and continued to help when I became a single, homeschool mom and did not want to leave my children. 

Over the years, I have taught other homeschool families in my home, the library, and we also rotated between the homeschool moms' homes to keep cost low and still have community.  I am very grateful for all the ways the Lord has provided during our homeschool journey. 

My personal journey has encouraged me to pursue the programs and classes you'll find at The Happy Place Learning Cafe.   The Lord asked me to create a space that meets the needs I have as a homeschool mom.  A place where parents can bring their kids and know they are safe.  A Community of like-minded people who love and honor Elohim with their lives.  Provide teaching opportunities for moms who can't afford the tuition, but still want their children to participate. To offer an alternative for families who want support in the education of their children, but dont want to send them to government schools.  To offer support and coaching to families who need the help.  And, to be a gathering place where children learn, develop, and make friends.   That is how I got here.  This mission is lofty and so worth it.  This Call led me to create The Happy Place Learning Cafe.

We'd love for you to join us.  You might find me teaching a class, leading meditation, or I might be in session next door.  I'm a therapist too.  My new office is located right next to The Happy Place Learning Cafe.  I get to help others and go see my boys during my work days.  This really is a dream come true. 🩷

All learning styles are welcome here. We do our best to meet the learner where they are. If drawing works better than writing ideas down, then draw. If telling the story instead of writing the story works better, do that. We want all children to know they are appreciated for what they bring to the table because everyone brings something worthwhile to the table. Our approach is strength-based, inclusive, and tailored to honor each child’s unique learning style, ensuring a supportive and engaging educational experience.