Welcome to the Squiggles Among Squares Movement
The Squiggle Shift Awakening Challenge

Thank You for Being Part of the Awakening

One night. One awakening. A community of squiggles.

The September 1 gathering has come and gone, but the shift is still in motion. If you were there, thank you for showing up. If you missed it, stay connected — another gathering is being prepared, and we will let you know as soon as the next date is announced.

Enter the Squiggle Shift Room

Replay access and resources are available inside.

What an amazing experience at the CSEA/VOICE Annual Conference!

It was such a blessing to be there as a vendor and seeing so many educators connect with the message; not only through the book, Squiggles Among Squares: Shattering the Myths and Transforming the Role of Home-Based Educators, but through the Squiggles Among Squares apparel that allows us to wear the message, live the message, and advocate through how we show up every day.

To everyone who stopped by, shared a conversation, purchased a book or T-shirt, offered encouragement, or simply said, “I understand this message”...THANK YOU! Your support reminds me that this is bigger than a book. There are so many home-based educators ready to stand confidently in who we are, recognize the value of the work we do, and use our voices boldly and unapologetically.

The Squiggle Shift is in motion…and we’re just getting started.

Take the Movement Home

The book. The path. Yours today.

Squiggles Among Squares book flyer — Shattering myths, elevating impact for home-based educators
The Book
Squiggles Among Squares book cover

Squiggles Among Squares

Shattering the Myths and Transforming the Role of Home-Based Educators

Sixteen chapters that name every myth — and the truth that takes its place. The book behind the movement, in your hands.

$24.99

The Companion Workbook
The Squiggle Path companion workbook cover

The Squiggle Path™

A Guided Reflective Journey

The book tells the truth. The Path helps you live it — a chapter-by-chapter reflective journey from the first myth to the final pledge.

$19.99

The Collection

Squiggles Among Squares T-Shirt Designs

Scan the full collection, tap any design to view it larger, then order it on the form.

Design 1 of 32: Stop Calling It Babysitting. This Is Home-Based Education.
Shop this design
Paula Mills smiling in vibrant African print
Your Host & Guide

Hi, I'm Paula Mills.

I am a visionary educator, professional development specialist, certified coach, ministry leader, nonprofit executive, author, and entrepreneur whose life's work reflects an unwavering commitment to empowering children, families, educators, and communities. With more than 30 years of experience in education, I have devoted my life to nurturing excellence in both young learners and the adults called to steward them. I believe education is a purposeful calling and a powerful ministry in action; one that has the ability to transform lives, strengthen families, and shape futures.

I am a T-TAP Professional Development Specialist and Coach for both Early Childhood and School Age programs, as well as a CDA Professional Development Specialist. I am also a New York State-certified teacher in Early Childhood and Childhood Education and a licensed New York State School Counselor. Across these roles, I have become known for my ability to develop and facilitate meaningful, engaging, and reflective learning experiences for children, youth, and adults.

My entrepreneurial leadership extends across several mission-driven initiatives under the umbrella of Elite Scholars LLC. For more than 18 years, I have served as the Founder and Director of Elite Scholars Christian Academy, a home-based early childhood program through which I have faithfully cared for children and partnered with families with excellence, compassion, and intentionality. Through this work, I have become a strong advocate for the dignity, professionalism, and educational value of home-based educators.

As the founder of Elite Scholars Training & Consulting Academy, I provide professional development, coaching, and consulting designed to equip early childhood and school-age professionals with dynamic, research-informed learning experiences that elevate instructional practice, build leadership capacity, and strengthen learning communities.

My leadership also extends beyond the classroom and into the community through The Elite Scholarship Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to investing in students who demonstrate academic excellence, resilience, leadership, and a heart to serve. Under my leadership, the foundation has worked to provide scholarships and meaningful support to students and families while building a broader vision for educational access, empowerment, and long-term opportunity.

Beyond my professional accomplishments, I am a woman of deep faith whose life and work are grounded in my relationship with God. I view my service in education, leadership, and community work as ministry, and I carry that conviction into every platform I am given. I serve in ministry alongside my husband, Pastor Anthony Mills, as co-founder of Anointed Vessels Ministries.

My life's work continues to stand at the intersection of faith, education, and leadership. While I am grateful for every title and opportunity God has entrusted to me, I believe my true impact is not measured by titles, but by the lives touched whenever purpose meets stewardship.

NYS Certified TeacherLicensed NYS School CounselorT-TAP Certified CoachCDA PD SpecialistEIP Trainer & CoachAuthor & Founder
The Movement Lives Year-Round

Pull up a seat. Your voice belongs here.

The Squiggle Shift is one night — but the movement never sleeps. One seat is waiting for you, starting today:

The Squiggle Shift Podcast backdrop

The Squiggle Shift Podcast

Real talk. Real leaders. Real change. All season long, I'm walking through Squiggles Among Squares myth by myth — a new conversation every week, made for home-based educators.

🎧 Listen on Spotify
The Squiggle Table community backdrop

The Squiggle Table™

A supportive community where home-based educators connect, share, and uplift one another — real conversations, shared resources, encouragement, and lifelong connections. Come together. Support. Grow. Thrive.

Pull Up a Seat