Michael & Stefanie Shafer

Communications Director 

Married for over 20 years, Michael and Stefanie Shafer are passionate advocates for Christ-centered homeschooling and intentional family discipleship. Since beginning their homeschool journey in 2011, they’ve been dedicated to encouraging and equipping other families to stay the course and embrace the calling to raise their children in faith.

The Shafers live on a small hobby farm with their three wonderful children, where life is full of gardening, reading, beach days, and cheering on their kids at basketball games...because yes, homeschoolers can play sports too! Their heart is to see Michigan families thrive spiritually and academically through the freedom and joy of home education. Stefanie serves as the Communication Director for MiCHN. 

Cameron & Shante Pickford

Legislative Director

Cameron and Shanté Pickford have been married for almost 17 years. They have 3 sweet daughters, Aláthea (15), Caitrìona (12), and Talìa (10) whom they homeschool together. During the week, Cameron works for the Michigan Senate Republicans as the Senior Media Strategist. In his spare time, he is a lay-elder at their local church. He can oftentimes be found helping out in their homeschool journey as well, painting on canvas, or building models. Shanté spends much of her time caring for their home, educating their daughters, and volunteering with MiCHN as their Legislative Director. She enjoys reading, writing, and keeping up with the political arena. Together, Cameron and Shanté are passionate about the calling God has placed on men and women in marriage. They have been pre-marriage mentors for years, and believe God's inerrant word is the resource for everything. 

Travis & Ashlie Childress

Finance Director

Travis and Ashlie Childress have been married since 2011 and have been passionate advocates for homeschooling since beginning their family in 2012. Together, they carry a deep desire to see families grow strong and walk in the true calling of God—believing that a thriving family begins with a solid, Christ-centered foundation.

Travis is a licensed Christian Marriage & Family Therapist, committed to helping restore what the enemy works so hard to destroy. He often says, “If the devil destroys the marriage, he destroys the family.” When he’s not counseling, Travis is at home helping Ashlie homeschool their five children—Elijah (12), Uriyah (10), Azariah (8), and twin girls Beriyah and Gianna (6). 

Ashlie is a full-time stay-at-home mom who joyfully manages their busy household, which also includes two dogs, two cats, and a growing flock of chickens. She has a heart for raising the next generation for Christ through both education and example. When not teaching, Ashlie is often in the kitchen baking something new with one (or all) of the kids by her side. She also serves as the Finance Director for MiCHN, using her skills to manage budgets and steward resources—both for their home and the homeschool community.

As a family, the Childress' love being outdoors, enjoying the beauty of God's creation. Hiking, fishing, canoeing, and camping are some of their favorite ways to connect and create memories. On cool Michigan days, you'll likely find them curled up by the fire, each with a good book in hand.

Together, Travis and Ashlie believe God has called them to walk alongside and encourage families—especially moms and dads—as they pursue God’s purpose for their homes.