2010 Speakers

Featured Speaker

Dr. Voddie Baucham, Jr. has been referred to as an “Evangelist to intellectuals.” He is one of the most sought-after preachers of his generation. His unique blend of sound biblical exposition, theological content, down-to-earth demeanor and engaging presence make it clear why this man is considered a modern day prophet.

However, that is only part of the story. He is also a pastor, church planter, author, (The Ever Loving Truth, Broadman /Holman, 2004; Family Driven Faith, Crossway, 2007) professor, husband, father and …chef. Born in Los Angeles California in 1969, Voddie was raised by his single, teen-aged mother after his father went off to pursue a career in professional football. Voddie was not raised in a Christian home. In fact, his mother was a practicing Buddhist. It was not until his freshman year in college that he actually heard, understood and responded to the saving message of Jesus Christ.

The Baucham’s are a committed homeschool family. Voddie and Bridget both educate their children. They view education as an essential aspect of discipleship (Luke 6:40), and have seen firsthand the dangers of surrendering this crucial ground. They are both advocates and exponents of home education.

Dr. Baucham’s formal theological training began at Houston Baptist University where he earned BAs in Christianity and Sociology. From there he went on to earn degrees from Southwestern and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminaries, respectively, and has done additional post-graduate study at the University of Oxford, England. His academic disciplines include Evangelism/Missions and Apologetics. He has served as an adjunct professor at a number of colleges and seminaries, including the College of Biblical Studies (Houston), and Union University (Jackson, TN).

What is not as well known, however, is Dr. Baucham’s commitment to the local church. Far from a roving itinerant, he has served on numerous church staffs over the past 17 years. In fact, he has spent 16 of the last 17 years laboring in the local church. He has spent 9 years as a Pastor of Missions, 4 years as a Teaching Pastor, and currently serves as Pastor of Preaching at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, TX where he resides with his wife and 6 children.

Jim Davis Family Protection Ministries
www.pheofca.org

Jim Davis and his wife Judy have been married for 45 years, and graduated their youngest daughter in 1997, after 12 years of private home education. Jim and his wife continue to be active in their local church. In 1975, Jim graduated from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago after serving eight years in the Navy. He worked for PG&E until 1994, when he joined Roy Hanson at Family Protection Ministries (FPM) as the Legislative Liaison. FPM is the only full‐time ministry working in California’s capitol, to ensure the freedom of parents to educate and care for their children in their own homes privately without governmental interference. Jim speaks at home school conferences and writes the Legal/Legislative Update column for the Christian Home Educators Association of California (CHEA) in their magazine The California Parent Educator.

Kendra Fletcher Preschoolers and Peace
www.preschoolersandpeace.com

Kendra Fletcher is the homeschooling mother of eight, ages 17 down to 2. She has never known what it means to homeschool without the presence of preschoolers, and loves to encourage other moms beginning their homeschool journeys with little ones underfoot. Her website and blog can be found at www.preschoolersandpeace.com.

Darren Jones, Esq. Staff Attorney
Licensed in California
www.hslda.org

Darren Jones received his J.D. from Oak Brook College of Law, an apprenticeship-based law school in Fresno, California. While enrolled in school, he first worked for Christian Solidarity International, a Christian human rights organization assisting persecuted Christians around the world. He later came to work for HSLDA as a legal assistant to Dewitt Black, where he worked with members who were experiencing legal difficulty in their home schooling. As a litigation attorney, Darren assists Jim Mason in preparing cases and defending members who are experiencing legal difficulty.

Darren and his wife Sara were married on September 30, 2000, and they have four children, Adelaide, Stuart, Daphne and Phillip. They “officially” began homeschooling in April 2005.

Woody Robertson Co-Founder of CollegePlus!
www.collegeplus.org

Woody Robertson: As a first generation homeschool graduate, Woody has a huge vision for those who come behind him, helping them wisely answer life’s biggest questions concerning their future.

Woody is passionate about equipping the next generation with resources and tools to help them maximize their impact. Whether speaking to parents or students, Woody’s enthusiasm and vision for the family permeate his sessions.

A frequent motivational speaker at conferences nationwide, Woody thrives in rallying and organizing teams, families and students for greater efficiency and impact in our culture today. You’ll find his sessions innovative, and inspiring. Be prepared to get knocked outside of your educational box!

As a Co-Founder of CollegePlus!, entrepreneur and visionary, he earned his accredited BSBA in General Management in 18 months for under $10k. Woody now resides in San Antonio, TX with his wife Gina—the girl of his dreams!

Lisa Kjeldgaard, M.S.

Compassion International
www.compassion.com

Lisa Kjeldgaard, M.S. is passionate about serving her family, homeschooling, ministry, and reading aloud. She is a bona fide curriculum junkie and loves researching homeschooling and helping younger moms.

Her six sons and two daughters, ages 16 to two, keep her busy from son up to son down and she has no trouble sleeping when she finally lays down her head.

When not homeschooling, Lisa loves to serve in her role as Advocate for Compassion International.

Lisa and her husband, Eric, blog at www.passionforcompassion.wordpress.com

Carissa Ruiz

Carissa Ruiz is a Christian, a wife, and a mother of three. She has been homeschooling for eight years and is active in her local homeschool community. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education and is a certified preschool teacher. Her goal for homeschooling parents is to encourage them to cultivate the love of learning in their children, so their children will grow and honor God when they are adults.

She has studied and researched math curriculums and philosophies for over ten years. She wishes to ease the parent’s fears and doubts they may have about teaching math to their children. She also wishes to share how to cultivate, in children, the enjoyment and understanding of mathematics. Her focus is more on elementary math (PreK-7), because improper teaching of the elementary years of math tends to lead to long-term problems in higher mathematics.

Carlita Boyles Math on the Level
www.mathonthelevel.com

Carlita Boyles has an extensive background in child education with particular emphasis in the field of learning disabilities.

Carlita taught for over 12 years in the public system, mostly teaching special education classes for 4th, 5th, and 6th learning handicapped children (CA terminology) as well as a few years teaching 6th grade. During this time, she was also a California Resource Specialist in special education. She is now in the eleventh year of homeschooling her own children.

Carlita writes:
"Besides being author of Math on the Level, I'm also a homeschool mom. Math on the Level is the method I developed to teach my own children, because after years of doing individualized instruction in public school special ed classrooms, math textbooks and workbooks frustrated me. I just wanted to teach my children what they were ready to learn, and then help them practice what they had mastered so they wouldn't forget it. Other moms in my homeschool group asked me to write a math curriculum so they could also teach their children using my approach. Math on the Level is the result. I'm excited to see all the families who are adopting this maturation focus."

Marcia Brim Brimwood Press
www.brimwoodpress.com

Marcia Brim is a wife and homeschool mother of three. She and her husband are publishers of BrimWood Press materials for homeschool families. Marcia's degree is in theology from Multnomah Bible College. Her passion is to equip parents and students to be salt and light in a lost world. For more information about BrimWood Press, please visit their website.

Dawna Wiemeyer Touche
http://touchedebate.org and
Covenant Christian Academy

Dawna Wiemeyer has 19 years of homeschooling experience. Scared to death to begin her first year, she considers the years in the trenches with her children as the best investment she’s ever made. She’s well acquainted with the challenges, distractions and difficult path homeschooling parents face. She learned how to conquer fear, inadequacy and loneliness and has become a great cheerleader for those homeschooling today.

She and her husband Glen homeschooled all 3 of their children Kind – 12th grade and believe that the many years of homeschooling were key to the reason why each of their adult children serve the Lord today.

They also administrate Covenant Christian Academy, a PSP in Santa Rosa, and have been leading the group since 1992. Dawna’s mantra: “If I can do it, anyone can do it!”

Dawna is also the coach of Santa Rosa Touché, a nationally ranked speech and debate club for homeschooled students, ages 12 – 18.. She finds great joy in training the next generation to be articulate communicators for Christ.

Kyle Forti and
Hope Nowak Forti
www.fortieducation.org

Kyle Forti and Hope Nowak first met through their involvement in national political and civics work in 2007. Over the last few years, both Kyle and Hope have developed both their working relationship and friendship. They’ve finished their home educations, chosen colleges, and enjoyed numerous other opportunities.

Kyle is a junior at Hillsdale College where he double majors in Christian Studies and Political Science. He is the eldest of eight and was homeschooled since 4th grade. Hope is now attending The King’s College pursuing an education in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. Her home education of 18 years sparked a variety of interests that she now uses in work with Kyle and at school.

Last year, they launched Forti Education and will spend the summer traveling across the country to teach speech and apologetics. Grateful for years of investment by others into their own lives, Kyle and Hope are here to pour into young people in the same life-shaping ways.

Exposing a Trojan Horse Exposing a Trojan Horse DVD

Government-funded programs for home educators are enticing. They provide free materials and educational experiences to home educating families. But what price do parents pay to participate in these programs? Is there a cost to the homeschooling movement?

Are we welcoming a Trojan Horse into our midst through these programs? What will be the impact on the future generations of Christian home educators? Exposing a Trojan Horse interviews leaders of Christian state homeschool organizations, researchers, and parents to uncover the hidden costs of parents participating in government-funded programs for home educators. This powerful DVD exposes the dangers of government-funded homeschooling.

The National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leadership is an association of Christian state homeschool organizations who support Christ-centered home education, not just for this generation, but for the generations to follow. Find an Alliance-affiliated organization in your area by visiting www.beginninghomeschooling.com.

Homeschool Dropouts Homeschool Dropouts DVD

From the producers of Return of the Daughters and Father to Son comes a revealing documentary featuring homeschool graduates who take a critical look at how to preserve the modern home education movement. Their findings may surprise you. Homeschooled children have unique advantages as well as a unique legacy. Will they build on it, or drift back into the spiritual wilderness? What will tomorrow’s homeschool graduates do with the vision, the foundation, and the freedom that their parents have provided for them? Careful research by the seven Botkin children opens a window on the true state of American homeschooled youth ages 15-30, revealing six specific sins that could lead to the death of the homeeducation experiment if not dealt with directly by second-generation Christian homeschoolers. This controversial documentary addresses the spiritual threats to the movement, and explores how faithfulness can be maintained for a hopeful future.