CLA’s History
Karen Taylor became director of Cedar Life Academy in 2008, after her homeschooled son graduated and started college.
CLA was founded almost 30 years earlier by her friend, Becky Maxwell. Becky and Karen worked together as California Homeschool Network volunteers for many years.
When Becky retired, Karen stepped in to continue the tradition of helping parents homeschool through Cedar Life Academy.
About Karen
Karen has been actively involved in the homeschooling community since 1996, and has helped thousands of parents homeschool.
During the years she homeschooled her son, she was a frequent guest speaker at statewide homeschooling conferences and parent events. She was California Homeschool Network’s legal chair for 10 years, and was part of the 5 group team (CHEA, CHN, FPM, HSC, and HSDLA) that successfully fought the 2008 legal challenge that stemmed from the In re Rachel L case. She served CHN in many capacities, including as Trustee and President, answering their 1-800 number, organizing homeschool campouts, and writing The California Homeschool Guide. In 2003, CHN launched the CHN Family Expo, and Karen served as coordinator of the first 6 Expos.
About Kristen
Karen’s daughter, Kristen, joined the CLA team in 2016 with a 20+ year background teaching music in schools and privately. She is a former CHN Family Expo volunteer, and a strong homeschooling advocate with many years of experience helping families. In addition to her work with CLA families, she directs a men’s barbershop chorus and sings in an acapella quartet.