Meet the Teacher
Marianne has spent more than 30 years helping children grow as thinkers, creators, and learners. From the traditional classroom to homeschooling her own children to teaching online, she’s discovered that education is truly her calling. As a graduate of the College of Education at University of Maryland, she brings both experience and heart to every lesson she teaches.
She believes learning should feel joyful and meaningful — a place where students’ thoughts, ideas, and questions are not only welcomed but celebrated. When curiosity leads the way, children naturally explore the who, what, when, where, why and how of the world around them, building deeper understanding and lasting confidence.
Marianne is excited to begin this new chapter, bringing her love of discovery and her commitment to nurturing curious minds to every student she meets.
How It All Began
At first, the homeschool reading in our house consisted of assigned books and casual conversations. However, my children and I had trouble staying consistent with the lessons without accountability. It seemed to always get pushed aside with a "we'll do it later" attitude. This was during the COVID lockdown, so we gathered a group of their friends for weekly, online, literature classes—and we all fell in love with it. We spent time with friends discussing great works, learning about various cultures, living vicariously through the authors’ descriptions of events, and empathizing with the circumstances, challenges, and emotions of the characters.
As the students became more vocal and better at digging deep into the material, I was reminded that learning thrives when it is exciting and free flowing. My loose agenda and specific goals only served to nudge the students’ participation as they guided the path of their learning. Now, every summer, the kids eagerly anticipate our next reading adventure.
Education with Purpose
Lyons Oak Homeschool Resources is committed not only to bringing engaging, high‑quality education to older homeschoolers everywhere, but also to supporting parents who suddenly find themselves needing income after years devoted to raising their children. Many families have chosen to prioritize caregiving over careers, and when life changes through death, divorce, illness, or injury, the shift can feel overwhelming. LOHR hopes to offer a path forward.
By hiring experienced, educated stay‑at‑home parents, LOHR can provide exceptional learning experiences for homeschool students around the world and create meaningful, sustainable employment for adults navigating one of the hardest transitions of their lives. This work allows seasoned homeschool parents to continue teaching, gives parents of young children the chance to remain at home with them, and offers stability to families rebuilding their future.
At its heart, Lyons Oak aims to cultivate a community where support flows in every direction — homeschool students receiving excellent instruction, parents finding connection among fellow homeschooling families, young children benefitting from time at home with mom or dad, and adults rebuilding their professional lives with confidence. Everyone grows together, and everyone is strengthened.
The Meaning Behind Our Logo
Lyons Oak Homeschool Resources carries a name and symbol rooted in legacy, place, and purpose. Lyons comes from my grandmother’s English family name — a tribute to a woman who believed deeply in education and encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue learning as the path to success. Honoring her keeps that generational belief at the heart of our work.
The oak tree reflects both my community and my vision. My city is represented by an acorn, and I have a magnificent oak in my own yard — a daily reminder of strength, growth, and beauty. LOHR is built in that same spirit: an oak with many branches of support, service, and education.
I aim to assist parents in empowering their children, so they grow into mighty oaks themselves— confident, steady, and resilient, yet also capable of offering shade and comfort to those who need it. This logo serves as a reminder of the strength we gain when we grow and encourage one another, and of the many benefits that emerge from a thriving, interconnected learning community.
