We recently connected with Leah McDermott and have shared our conversation below.

Leah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my business wasn’t something I sat down to strategically plan—it was something that grew organically out of my own lived experience and the deep, sometimes messy, journey of motherhood and education.

I used to be a Master Teacher in the public school system. I had the classroom, the credentials, the passion… but I also had a gnawing sense that something wasn’t right. I watched so many kids—bright, creative, capable kids—dim their light to fit into a system that wasn’t built for them. And when I became a mom, that feeling hit even harder. I couldn’t imagine sending my own children into that same system and expecting it to do right by them.

So I walked away.

At first, I thought I was just stepping into homeschooling. But what I quickly realized was that the most powerful thing I could do was not to recreate school at home—but to unlearn the very idea that learning had to look a certain way. That’s when I found unschooling.

As I began to share our journey—online, in small blog posts, on Instagram—people started reaching out. “How are you doing this?” “What about math?” “But can they go to college?” I realized I wasn’t alone in asking these big questions. There were thousands of other parents, just like me, searching for a different way but feeling scared, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start.

That’s when the idea clicked: I could be the guide I wished I had when I was first starting. And not just with resources, but with true mentorship—building community, providing support, and offering tools that empower families to trust themselves and their children.

At the time, there were very few people out there combining real educational expertise with lived unschooling experience—and almost no one doing it with heart-forward storytelling and personal connection. I knew this would work not just because the need was there, but because I was living it. I was in the trenches with these families, asking the same questions, making the same leaps.

What excited me most wasn’t just the idea of building a business—it was the idea of building a movement. One where parents feel brave enough to say, “We can do this differently.” And one where children get to grow up whole, free, and seen for who they really are.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Leah McDermott, a former Master Teacher turned unschooling mom of three and founder of Your Natural Learner and Bridge Academy. Everything I create in my work is rooted in one core belief: Children are naturally wired to learn—and when we trust them, support them, and give them the freedom to follow their curiosity, incredible things happen.

I started my journey as a public school teacher with two Masters’ in Education degrees and a deep love for learning. But as time went on, I realized I was working within a system that often did more harm than good. Kids were being boxed in, creativity was being stifled, and the pressure on both students and teachers was unsustainable. After having my first child, I knew I couldn’t participate in that system anymore—so I left.

That decision led me to unschooling, and it completely transformed not only how I parent, but how I live and work. Unschooling isn’t just an educational approach—it’s a radical shift in how we see children, learning, and life itself. Through our family’s own journey, I started sharing online—first with simple blog posts and Instagram content—and from there, a community began to form. Parents wanted guidance. They were excited, but scared. They knew school wasn’t working, but didn’t know what the alternative could look like.

That’s when I launched Your Natural Learner, a resource hub for families who want to embrace a natural learning lifestyle at home. I create thematic, hands-on curriculum that blends real-life experiences, child-led learning, and creative exploration. I also lead workshops, publish educational guides, and host community spaces where families feel safe to ask hard questions and get support without judgment.

From there, I built Bridge Academy, an online alternative to traditional school that supports homeschoolers around the world with flexible, thematic learning for preschool through high school. Bridge allows families to blend freedom with structure, and it empowers kids to direct their own education while still having the support and resources they need to thrive.

What sets me apart is that I walk the talk. I’m not just sharing theory—I’m raising my own three kids this way, every single day. I bring together the insight of a trained educator and the lived experience of a parent on this journey. My work is infused with both expertise and empathy, which is something families tell me they deeply appreciate.

I’m most proud of the ripple effect this work has had. I’ve supported thousands of families in over 60 countries, and every time a parent tells me, “You helped me trust my child again,” I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.

For anyone new to my work, I want them to know this: There is no one right way to learn. Your child is already whole, already brilliant—and you don’t have to recreate school at home to give them an incredible education. You just have to be willing to trust, to observe, to connect—and to walk alongside them as they discover who they truly are.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My audience on social media grew in the most natural way—through connection, authenticity, and a genuine desire to serve. I never set out with a growth strategy or tried to game the algorithm. In the early days, I was simply sharing snippets of our unschooling life—our daily rhythms, the questions we were navigating, the learning moments that were unfolding in unexpected ways.

What I didn’t expect was how deeply those posts would resonate. Parents would message me saying, “This is what I’ve been feeling, but didn’t have words for,” or “You’re helping me see my child differently.” That’s when I realized that showing up honestly—without pretending to have all the answers—was exactly what people needed.

Over time, I began creating more intentional content: educational insights, encouragement for parents in the thick of deschooling, practical tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at how we live and learn as an unschooling family. But I’ve always kept it rooted in service first. I don’t post just to be seen—I post to connect, to inspire, and to remind people that they’re not alone on this path.

If I had to offer advice to someone just starting to build a social media presence, it would be this:

Know your “why” and stay anchored in it. Don’t post what you think people want to hear. Post what you know to be true, what lights you up, and what feels aligned with your mission.

Show your face. People connect with people, not logos. Let your audience get to know you. Talk on camera, share your story, and invite them into your world.

Be consistent—but don’t force it. I create content almost daily, but only when I have something to say. If you try to post just to post, it will feel hollow. If you post from a place of service and truth, it will land.

Talk to one person, not the algorithm. Every time I write a caption or film a video, I imagine I’m speaking directly to one parent who’s searching for hope or clarity. That connection is what builds community—and that community is more powerful than any “following.”

My platforms grew because I was meeting a real need in a real way—and I stayed human while doing it. That’s what matters most.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has always been building genuine trust through value-driven content. I focus on serving first—educating, inspiring, and supporting families through free content across social media, email, and my website. That consistent, values-aligned presence does more for long-term growth than any flashy funnel ever could.

Many of the families who enroll in my programs or purchase my resources have been following my work for months—even years. They’re not just buying a product; they’re choosing to partner with someone they trust. That trust is earned through consistency, authenticity, and actually helping people before they ever become a customer.

That said, a few practical strategies have helped amplify that organic growth:

Nurturing email marketing. I use email to go deeper—sharing stories, answering common fears about unschooling, and gently guiding families toward aligned offerings like Bridge Academy or Your Natural Learner resources. It’s a space where I can speak directly to my people without algorithm interference.

Strategic product ecosystems. I’ve created low-barrier entry points—like free guides and affordable intro resources—that give people a chance to experience the value of my work before investing more deeply. Once someone gets even a small win through one of my tools, they naturally want more.

Word of mouth and community referrals. Because I prioritize relationship over transaction, families often tell others about my work. That kind of genuine referral is gold—and it only happens when you really care about the people you’re serving.

Ultimately, the best strategy isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about being radically aligned, consistently helpful, and deeply human. That’s what builds a sustainable business and a loyal community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bridgeacademy.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yournaturallearner
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yournaturallearner
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yournaturallearner