Meet the Homeschool Iowa Board

Your state homeschool organization, Homeschool Iowa, is led by a terrific team of dedicated board members.

Since its inception in 1992, Homeschool Iowa (NICHE) has been served by an amazing roster of homeschooling parents who were willing to offer their time and talents to promote and protect home education in Iowa.

Our current board members are dedicated to continue and build upon those past high standards of service.

MEET THE HOMESCHOOL IOWA BOARD

JOE & ELIZABETH BAILEY

Joe and Elizabeth Bailey have been married since 2012 and have six children. Joe was homeschooled K-12 and was involved with his local homeschool choir, volunteering for Homeschool Iowa, 4-H, First Lego League, and running his own lawn care business. Elizabeth was homeschooled 3rd-12th and was involved in TeenPact, volunteering for Homeschool Iowa, 4-H, and working as an Iowa Capitol Page during high school. Joe went on to receive his B.S. degree in Mechanical and Welding Engineering from LeTourneau University. Elizabeth earned a B.A. degree in Social Sciences from Thomas Edison University, using the accelerated distance learning approach to college. Joe now works as a weld engineering manager at Vermeer Corp., while Elizabeth works as a stay-at-home mom. Joe is currently serving as Homeschool Iowa President. They are both passionate about securing homeschooling freedoms for their own children and for future generations.

JILL OPPMAN

Jill Oppman and husband, Darren, have been married since 1985. They have four adult children who were all homeschooled, and they are also the proud grandparents of two of the cutest little boys!
When their oldest child was nearing kindergarten age a seasoned homeschool couple approached them and asked if they had ever considered homeschooling. They had never even heard of homeschooling! With direction from this veteran couple, they jumped in and never looked back!
One of the greatest blessings of homeschooling was the closeness it brought to their family.
Jill enjoys sharing her homeschool experiences with others as a way to encourage and help them navigate their own journey. The Oppmans have been volunteering for Homeschool Iowa in a variety of ways for many years, and Jill has served as our Capitol Day Coordinator and Conference Volunteer Coordinator. She is also a Homeschool Iowa Regional Representative. Darren served on the Homeschool Iowa board for three years and retired in 2020.

BOB & CATHY SORENSEN

Bob and Cathy Sorensen have been married since 1983 and homeschooled two children K-12 who are now both college graduates, married, and enjoying their careers. Bob has a technology background and has served in leadership positions on small business, non profit and ministry boards. Together they have served together on the HEED Board, a local homeschool group and The Network Board in the Des Moines metro area. Cathy has also served as a HEED president twice and as Mentor Mom for 20 years. She is currently our Homeschool Iowa Regional Representatives and Special Needs Advisors coordinator. Bob serves on the Homeschool Iowa Executive Committee.

GEORGE & KIM BLOM

George and Kim Blom have been married since 1993 and homeschooled four children K-12, all of whom have now graduated. Two of their children are married, and Kim and George now have a grandchild as well. They have served served in leadership positions in their local homeschool group in Pella and taught courses in a local homeschool co-op. George is Vice-President and serves on the Homeschool Iowa Board Executive Committee. Kim is the Homeschool Iowa Conference Coordinator.

JEREMY & JODI VOS

Jeremy and Jodi have been married for over two decades and have four children, two of whom they are still homeschooling. They have been active in their local homeschool group and are now serving as our Homeschool Iowa Capitol Day coordinators. Beginning with the 2023 Iowa Legislative Session, Jeremy will be our Homeschool Iowa Lobbyist.

Welcome to our newest Board members!

JOE & ANGIE O'TOOL

Dr. Joe & Angie O'Tool are passionate about inspiring others that homeschooling IS possible, preserving the freedom to homeschool, and raising awareness of the benefits this kind of education and lifestyle brings. With his focus as a clinician on neurology and brain health, Joe sees the value of home education in a way many others may be unaware of. The O'Tools have been married since 2007 and have five very social, creative children. They have lived abroad, served in various missions and non-profit organizations, and are involved in their local church. Joe & Angie have a heart for small group ministry, love meeting new people, and are always learning and growing. As small business owners, they love how homeschooling fits seamlessly into their life and allows Angie to be involved in their business and their kids to have a variety of learning experiences they would not have if followed the "normal" path. They were both homeschooled from K-12 and had very different schooling environments, but both loved the opportunities and open doors homeschooling afforded them. When asked why they choose to serve with Homeschool Iowa, they shared, "We're excited to be aligned with the trusted leader in home education in Iowa and to see the growth of homeschooling in the coming months and years! We know that, while it is not without its challenges, no one will regret choosing this path for their family!"