Dr. Leslie Gruis takes us on a whirlwind tour through the fascinating world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, especially as it pertains to middle school girls. With over 30 years of experience at the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, Dr. Grus has dedicated her life to not just understanding complex mathematics but also to demystifying it for the younger generation. She shares insights into the unique challenges girls face in STEM fields, particularly during those tumultuous middle school years when social dynamics shift and interests can wane.

With a mission to inspire and mentor, Dr. Grus emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and building confidence in young girls, showing them that they can indeed excel in mathematics and technology. Her anecdotes about robotics competitions and engaging activities highlight how fun and impactful learning can be when it's hands-on, proving that education isn't just about textbooks—it's about igniting passion and curiosity!

Born a patriot, Dr. Leslie Gruis spent 30 years as a mathematician and intelligence officer at the National Security Agency, where she helped develop technology solutions that balanced national security with civil rights. She later served at U.S. Cyber Command and the National Intelligence Council. Now retired, she writes and speaks on privacy, surveillance, and democracy—making complex topics accessible for everyday Americans. Dr. Gruis is the author of Privacy: Past, Present, and Future; The Privacy Pirates, and a forthcoming third book and she mentors K–12 STEM students, with a special focus on middle school girls.

Find Dr. Leslie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-gruis-b8060b141/

Dr. Leslie's Website

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

VibrantFamilyEducation@gmail.com or Kristina Heagh-Avritt on Facebook

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2025 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

Derek Crager is here to shake up the way we think about neurodivergence and technology! Diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, and dyslexia at the fabulous age of 50, Derek discovered that he wasn’t broken—he just needed a system that spoke his language. Now, he’s on a mission to revolutionize how we learn, work, and connect with his company, Practical AI, and to build a supportive community for autistics at AIforautistics.com.

We dive into the magic of using AI not just as a tool but as a bridge to understanding and empowerment, especially for families navigating the complexities of neurodivergence. Join us for a chat filled with honesty, humor, and a sprinkle of hope as we explore how embracing our differences can lead to extraordinary opportunities!

Derek Crager is a neurodivergent entrepreneur diagnosed at 50 with ASD, ADHD, and dyslexia. After decades of being told he was “too intense,” “too quiet,” or “too much,” Derek discovered the truth: his brain was never broken — the system just didn’t speak his language. Today, Derek leads Practical AI, where he's transforming how we work, learn, and connect — and he's building a powerful community at AIforAutistics.com to help others like him use artificial intelligence to build real, sustainable lives. Whether you're discussing mental health, neurodivergence, technology, or work culture, Derek brings honesty, humor, and hope.

A gift from our guest:

For individuals:

Membership at AIforAutistics.com a Practical AI Community teaching the neurodiverse how to learn and earn leveraging AI based programming and web development tools they may take anywhere.

https://aiforautistics.com and https://www.practicalai.app/community

For Organizations:

I'll empower your existing knowledge base and training programs with Pocket Mentor at no cost to you.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amazonleadership/

or https://www.practicalai.app

Derek's Website

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

VibrantFamilyEducation@gmail.com or Kristina Heagh-Avritt on Facebook

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2025 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

Get ready for a family affair like no other! The Bryant family joins us to chat about their unique homeschooling journey, which is as colorful as it is enlightening. They kick things off by introducing their book, "Trusting Timothy," which artfully tackles the subject of cheating through a lens of faith and family values. Each family member shares their perspective on homeschooling—from its challenges to its joys—highlighting how it has brought them closer together.

The kids, Ava, Bobby III, and Joseph, chime in with their experiences, revealing that while the socialization aspect was a concern, they found creative ways to connect with peers through sports and community activities. And hey, let’s not forget the daily dose of Bible reading that keeps their spirits high and their values strong! With laughter, love, and a sprinkle of divine guidance, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone curious about homeschooling or looking for a dose of inspiration to deepen their own family connections. So grab a comfy chair and settle in for this delightful discussion!

Bio - We are a Christian family(Bobby II, Ava, Joseph and Bobby III) who strongly believe in the power of GOD'S WORD. We are excited to share this message through our book, Trusting Timothy: A Story About Cheating.

Bryant's Website

@trustingtimothy_official on Instagram

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

VibrantFamilyEducation@gmail.com or Kristina Heagh-Avritt on Facebook

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2025 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt