My previous homeschooling blog was called homescool.ph. With the help of my in-laws, Janna and Ian Simpao (the dynamic duo behind brideandbreakfast.ph ) and former homeschooler, Zoe Tuico, the blog was born in April 2015, on my 14th year of homeschooling.
I am Dr. Donna Pangilinan Simpao. I’ve been married to Gilbert, my college sweetheart for 27 years (married in 1995) and we have four children, Vince, Marco, Gino and Raya. They were all homeschooled from preschool to level 6. I was our children’s main teacher for around 9-10 years of their lives as learners.
Our family was into homeschooling from 2001-2018.
One by one, we released them to regular schooling for level 7. (The kids were ready, excited and asked for it:)
Education-wise, I graduated grade school and high school from Maryknoll (now Miriam) and completed a degree in Psychology in UP Diliman. I went further to earn a medical degree from UP College of Medicine but shortly after passing the boards, my husband was assigned abroad, and I was not able to pursue my residency. In the London, U.K.., I took a certificate course on Early Years: Childcare and Development from the Richmond Community College. I just wanted to be more equipped as a mom of 2 small boys then, Vince and Marco.
As we settled back in 2001, the wonderful window of homeschooling opened up with the help of my sister, Ate Felichi Buizon, who was then two years into homeschooling. Not only did I open the window but truly opened my heart and all doors of our home as I embraced homeschooling. Homeschooling became a full-time career for me eventually as more children came.
So somehow I became Teacher Dr. Donna.
My plans for a full medical career were replaced by being a doctor and non-conventional educator as I took care of the foundational years of our children, and eventually through HAPI, Homeschool Association of the Philippine Islands and Homeschoolers of the Philippines FB group, I was able to serve and come alongside more homeschooling families.
Encouragement is so important in the homeschooling community. And the the main purpose of my previous blog was to encourage all those who in one way or another “homeschool” their children.
As we released our children, one by one, I found myself having more time and space to pursue other passions: studying again ( Health, Wellness and Integrative Nutrition; foundations in Functional Medicine), writing and publishing works and running training seminars for homeschooling. We published the first ever local preschool program called Kidstarter Curious Curriculum, the first local developmentally appropriate notebook for preschoolers, a kiddie activity journal, The Little Ones Journal, with Anvil Publishing and first local, Devotions for Teacher-Moms with OMF Literature. I also resumed clinical work helping clients with lifestyle modifications for weight loss, to reduce risks for cardiometabolic health concerns and to adapt a healthier lifestyle and prevent the onset or progression of certain diseases.
So with this new blog, I am exploring ways to help in creative learning and healthy living— for I truly believe they are essential in living a purposeful life, meaningful life with God as the author and perfecter of our lives, our purpose here on earth ( Romans 8:28, John 17:4)
Jesus said in John 17:4. “I have brought glory to You on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do. “
Donna P. Simpao, M.D. 