Meet Eva Goldstein – Meola | Founder of SFLHRC, Co-Director of SFLHRC, Teacher, and Homeschooling Mother

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eva Goldstein – Meola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eva, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
It is difficult to come up with ONE factor that is the most important element behind our success; however, if I have to choose one – I guess I would say FLEXIBILITY! South Florida Homeschool Resource Center is 100% flexible in not only what we do, but how we do it.

First, we think 100% out of the box! By nature, homeschooling is permissionless education. Flexibility is what makes great educational opportunities turn into fabulous opportunities. SFLHRC brings to the table four co-directors with vast experience working together to plan and execute a wide range of unique experiences for our homeschoolers. We are not afraid to try anything – once!

Secondly, with the theme of flexibility, we listen to both our parents and our homeschoolers for what they are looking for and we make it happen. If we realize that something isn’t going to work the way, we intended for it to – we change direction! Every day is a unique learning experience – for both the students and adults.

Third, a final part of flexibility is that SFLHRC offer permissionless educational opportunities that are 100% inclusive! Everyone – no matter limitation – is invited to participate. We make sure that we are able to reach homeschoolers with various needs whether academic, physical, emotional, social, neurological, or psychological differences they might be dealing with! SFLHRC is ready to create the best environment we can for all homeschooling students!

Let’s talk shop? Can you tell us more about what you have created for the South Florida Community?
South Florida Homeschool Resource Center is an a la carte resource to make every family’s homeschooling journey just a bit easier! We offer project-based, STEM infused classes, field trips, seasonal events, academic competitions, extra-curricular events, and parent workshops! Simply put – we take the BEST parts of a traditional school and bring it to the homeschoolers!

What sets us apart from other resources out there is that (1) we are all inclusive and (2) everything is a la carte. We believe in 100% flexibility! We welcome all homeschoolers to pick and choose what they would like to be a part of to enhance their own homeschooling goals.

The biggest challenge we are facing is finding a space that will be ours! Thus far, we have used parks, pavilions, community spaces, libraries, rented event spaces, and more! We are now in the process of looking for a permanent building so that homeschoolers (and traditional students, who are looking for an “after schooling experience”) have a place to call theirs. Being a non-profit, obviously, money is always an issue. Additionally, South Florida is expensive. With that said, we are moving in the right direction and we hope to have a home soon!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am “old school” Miami. I was raised on Miami Beach before it was cool to live on Miami Beach. Yes – I am talking the 1970s.

Today, Miami is a huge metropolitan city with so much to offer; however, I always go back to my roots. Although many of my favorite haunts and hang outs are no longer open, there are a few classic places that I always bring friends to.

Vizcaya. Miracle Mile. Coconut Grove. Venetian Pool. Lincoln Road. 41st Street. Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach. Miami Beach Senior High.
Sea Watch Restaurant. Joe’s Stone Crab. Versailles. Shorty’s BBQ.
Watching the cruise ships leave Port Everglades at Quarterdeck in Dania.

The list above are all the original memories I have of the area.

With that said, I would certainly allow them to experience Miami the way it is now —- with Wynwood, Brickell Avenue, Merrick Park, Lauderdale by the Sea.

Finally, no trip to Miami isn’t complete with a visit to our beautiful beaches and a day on a boat on Biscayne Bay.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

First, and most importantly, my fabulous daughter, Shayna. Shayna, now 27, was homeschooled and taught me how to move from a public-school teacher who “colored within the lines” to an out-of-the-box homeschooling mother and teacher!

Shayna is very unique as she never followed the “expected developmental pattern.” She was always doing everything way before expected! From speaking full sentences at 12 months old, to “potty training herself” at 18 months, to learning to read before her third birthday, Shayna hit every milestone early. When it was time for Kindergarten, our neighborhood school wanted to put her into second grade. That is where homeschooling began!

Shayna has challenged my thinking as a human, teacher, and her mother. I couldn’t be the person I am today without her influence in my life. Without her realizing it, I probably have learned more from her than she learned from me as her homeschooling mother.

Secondly, and just as important, my husband, Jonathan. Jonathan is my support system; he reels me in when I need to be reeled in as well as gives me space when I am coming up with the next best idea. He is not only my rock, but he is my inspiration. He listens, cheers me on, supports my crazy and ideas, and is there when I need to step back. I couldn’t be where I am without him.

Website: www.sflhrc.com

Instagram: @Soflhomeschoolresourcecenter

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-lynn-goldstein-meola-7ab016276/

Twitter: @sflhrc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southfloridahomeschoolresourcecenter/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SouthFLHomeschoolResouceCenter

Image Credits
Eva Goldstein-Meola Mor Zrihen