Who We Are
The Homeschool Enrichment Hub is a Ministry established by members of the First Church of Waterville, with the purpose of providing resources for all homeschooling families in Central Maine. The Homeschool Enrichment Hub is managed by a team of homeschooling educators with the desire to facilitate a remarkable learning space for all homeschooled children.
Our Purpose
The Homeschool Enrichment Hub provides a physical location for homeschool families to connect. We offer enrichment opportunities for students; such as, unique exposures to art, music, and educational presentations. Our programs are not meant to replace home instruction, rather to supplement the hard work done at home. Additionally, we aim to offer experiences that are difficult to achieve at home with special events and activities designed to foster learning in a larger group.
Our team of learning partners is passionate about providing resources and assistance to homeschooling families. We have guidance services and certified teachers available to assist homeschool educators. The Enrichment Hub is not meant to replace home instruction, but rather be a supplement similar to what public school students would receive during special events, special classes, and assemblies.
Our Vision
The Homeschool Enrichment Hub was created to provide a welcoming environment where homeschool educators and students feel welcome, supported, and encouraged. We believe that home education should be protected and validated. Our vision is that The Homeschool Enrichment Hub will be a gift to the greater homeschooling community where all feel supported and encouraged.
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We believe that educating at home is a right that should be protected for Maine families and is a right that is not well supported. We hope to provide information, support, and again, a large physical space for homeschool students to socialize, experience the arts, and practice learning cooperatively.
Our Board
Maria Pierce
Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Maine Certified Teacher
I am a homeschool mom of three and am the Children’s Ministries Coordinator for First Church of Waterville. I have previously taught grade 4 for RSU 18 and currently hold a K-8 Professional Teacher Certification as well as a Conditional Professional Teacher Certification for 6-12 in English Language Arts.
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I grew up in Central Maine and was homeschooled for most of my education, graduating as a homeschooler. I then attended and graduated from The Master’s Institute with a diploma in Biblical Studies, going on to study abroad and graduate with a BA in English Literature from UMA.
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I currently teach my three elementary aged sons at home, participate in and teach within my local co-op, and am the founder and director of the children’s ministries and Sunday school at First Church of Waterville. I love living in Maine, my hobbies include exploring state parks, hiking, swimming, gardening, reading, and baking with my family.
Daniel Pierce
School Counselor
Dan works as a Middle School and High School Counselor in a virtual setting and previously worked as a Middle School Counselor in rural Maine. He also has years of experience working with at risk youth both in their homes and in the community.
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Dan received a BS in Counseling from Liberty University, and M.Ed. in School Counseling from Liberty University. He holds both a 075 Professional School Counselor license and a Conditional Clinical Professional Counselor license.
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When not working as a School Counselor, Dan is a Registered Maine Guide, and runs a fly fishing business, as well as a professional counseling business. He also spends time with his family hunting, fishing, camping, and farming.
Kristen Evans
Homeschool Teacher
I am a homeschool mom of two with strong ties to Central Maine. My husband and I met in Belgrade and love raising our young family in this awesome community.
I graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington with a degree in community health and nutrition and went on to work as a nutrition supervisor at Educare in Waterville and managed food service at the Belgrade Lakes Golf Club. I stepped away from my career in nutrition to raise our son, Kyle, and daughter, Clarke. Our children are the greatest joys in my life and I love having the opportunity to experience all of the milestones with them. I enjoy participating in our local co-op and recently joined as a board member of the Belgrade Public Library. We love biking in the summer, skiing in the winter, and spending time outdoors with our two labradors, Copper and Cedar.
We decided to homeschool after thorough consideration of all options and countless discussions with local families pursuing a similar journey. The tremendous support and encouragement from others helped us feel confident in our decision to homeschool and I really enjoy extending that support and perspective to new families.
I am excited to be involved with The Homeschool Enrichment Hub and look forward to building the homeschool community in the Central Maine area.
Morghan Laplante
Maine Certified School Counselor
Homeschool Teacher
Education and fostering children’s curiosity of the world around them are among my greatest passions. I have always gravitated towards working with children, starting as a summer camp counselor, then a middle school cheerleading coach, an educational technician, and an elementary school counselor. I received a master’s degree in counseling education from the University of Maine and was employed by various elementary schools throughout Maine. I hold a professional school counseling certification.
Prior to the COVID pandemic I had not considered homeschooling my sons. The pandemic provided the opportunity for our family to try something different. We embraced the experience and our love and understanding of homeschooling grew. What an amazing journey it has been!
I am a co-leader of Wild + Free Kennebec County, a nature-loving group for homeschooling mothers and their children. I help organize and teach in a local homeschool co-op as well as volunteer at the Winslow Public Library, assisting with their homeschool programming.
I live in the Waterville area with my husband and two sons. I enjoy reading, attempting to garden, and visiting the ocean. My family loves to spend time hiking and exploring nature together. We have developed a love for birding over the recent years. We have two cats, Aspen and Oliver, who we all adore.
Stephen Meidahl
Senior Pastor of First Church
Born and raised in Maine, Dr. Steve Meidahl spent much of his life working in New York City and Philadelphia. Returning home Dr. Meidahl assumed leadership at First Church. His ministry focus is text based, seeing the intelligent teaching of Scripture as his primary responsibility.
Dr. Meidahl earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies from the University of Valley Forge, the M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary, and the D.Min. from Covenant Theological Seminary. He is a licensed pilot, black belt in Goju Ryu karate and plays guitar as a hobby. He and his wife, Brenda, enjoy three grown children and have been married since 1987.