A Mother’s Call to Mentor

Written by Diane Aquila, CHECH President Emerita.

 

I have always believed deeply in the value of mentorship. 

I recall being 33 years old, sitting in a homeschool meeting in Steubenville, Ohio imploring older, more experienced women to remain engaged—to attend meetings and guide those of us just beginning the journey. This was a time before the internet, before the vast array of resources now available; we were pioneers in a landscape that often felt uncertain and uncharted. It was my dream to form a group that would support and inspire homeschoolers, fostering a sense of community while offering opportunities that individual households could not provide alone—such as opening Masses, organizing conferences, and participating in national events like the Scripps Spelling Bee.

When I moved to Houston, I observed a growing trend: many families chose to enroll their children in traditional high schools, unable or unwilling to continue homeschooling through the upper grades. For many, the decision stemmed from a lack of confidence. This realization became a powerful motivation behind the formation of CHECH. 

I led a homeschool group in Houston for 15 years, praying throughout that, if God willed it, He would guide me toward a more formal apostolate in service of homeschooling families. In 2022, during the Aquinas Tutorial, a mother shared the news that a donor was interested in supporting such a mission. Was this the sign I had long awaited?

With encouragement from others, I took the steps to form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. I reached out to trusted friends to establish a board of directors, and the first board of CHECH was composed of the following dedicated and gifted women: myself as President; Deborah Harne, Chair; Casey Torello, Treasurer; Jessica Counts, Secretary; Olivia Kirwan, Member; Diana Hayes, Member.

Each of these women brought both talent and passion to our shared mission. As fellow homeschoolers, they understood the joys and challenges of the vocation and were committed to walking alongside others on that path. Together, we laid the foundation for what we hope will continue to be a source of light, strength, and community for Catholic homeschooling families. 

This article is republished from Volume 1 of the Annual Showcase Magazine "An Invitation to Wonder."

2025 Annual Theme | An Invitation to Wonder: A Culture of Learning at Home. Find more details on how to submit in the upcoming annual showcase magazine, more inspiration from the theme, and where to purchase a limited edition print copy of the 2025 magazine.