Hi, I’m Cindy, your homeschool science and nature teacher!
For more than 20 years, I’ve been helping homeschool families make learning creative, joyful, and effective. With a master’s degree in education and plenty of real-life homeschooling experience, I understand that every child and every family is unique — and your homeschool should be, too.
Here at Our Journey Westward, you’ll find practical tips, creative resources, and engaging curriculum to help you teach with confidence, whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro looking for fresh inspiration.
What You’ll Find Here
- No Sweat Nature Study (NSNS) — engaging science classes for 1st–8th graders through the lens of nature. Choose from LIVE classes (twice a month with interactive journaling) or On-Demand access to 175+ recorded lessons you can use anytime.
- No Sweat Nature Study Podcast — short, nature-based science episodes perfect for family listening. A fun, free way to explore science topics together.
- A blog library with nearly 20 years of posts — packed with literature lists, unit study ideas, hands-on projects, curriculum reviews, and encouragement.
- Creative curriculum in our shop — from four distinct nature study series to living math resources, unit studies, and more.
- Homeschool Masterclasses — teacher training designed to help you confidently implement nature study, Charlotte Mason methods, living math, and other creative strategies.
- Speaking engagements — I speak at homeschool conventions and online events about nature study, science, and creative homeschooling.
Why Families Love No Sweat Nature Study
- Engaging & Visual — Kids learn real science through beautiful, nature-based topics.
- Creative & Hands-On — Lessons weave in journaling, art, and optional projects.
- Flexible — Learn live with me or on your own schedule.
- Multi-Age Friendly — Designed so the whole family can learn together.
Learn More About NSNS Live
Learn More About NSNS On-Demand
Listen to the NSNS Podcast
About Our Homeschool
Our family’s homeschool style is best described as eclectic with a Charlotte Mason heart. Over the years, we’ve blended short, focused lessons, living books, nature study, living math, handicrafts, and habit training. Most of our history and science studies have followed a four-year cycle, often taught through hands-on, project-based unit studies.
The variety keeps learning exciting, sparks creativity, and allows my children to think deeply and independently.
With all this in mind, my main homeschool goal has nothing to do with academics! I plan, prepare, and teach so that my children might be prepared for whatever work the Lord has prepared for them. My main goal, therefore, is to guide them to Him gently. Each and every day, I strive to glorify Him in all I do and all I teach. (I often fail miserably, by the way!) It’s absolutely been my pleasure to work towards that goal and watch my children grow in the Lord (and their academics). I wouldn’t trade this life for the world!
About Our Family
We live on a cattle farm in Central Kentucky. My husband is a farmer, real estate attorney, realtor, and state senator (yes, we stay busy!). I love gardening, reading, writing, hiking, exercising, eating chocolate, and spending time outdoors.
When I’m not homeschooling, you’ll find me teaching No Sweat Nature Study, writing curriculum, or speaking to homeschool audiences. Maybe I’ll see you at an event soon!
Let’s Get You Started
Explore the Blog
Learn About NSNS Live
Learn About NSNS On-Demand
Listen to the Podcast
Browse the Shop