About Us
CHENM, Christian Home Educators of Northeast Mississippi, is a private organization that was created to help Northeast Mississippi home school families in their quest to “Raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” We are a group of Christians who have bound together for the common cause of educating our children. We are not a source for curriculum, accreditation, or supervision. We provide a platform for home school families to socialize as well as share information about opportunities participate in sports, arts, and other group classes. Each of these opportunities is initiated and carried out by volunteers of the CHENM community.
2025 Graduating Class
CHENM actually only directly governs four major events:
We also operate a website and Facebook page where our members share activities, field trips, and information with each other. We do ask that all of our members belong to the Christian faith and pay yearly dues of $40 per family. In order to find out more about membership, please go to our Membership Page. We wish you well in your quest to educate your children and are here to assist you in every step of the way.
Thank you and may God bless you,
The CHENM Board
Meet The CHENM Board
The CHENM board consists of volunteers who willingly give their time and service to the CHENM community. Each board member serves a three-year term in some capacity: president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, new member coordinator, and communications.
The Williams
Michael and Hannah Williams live in Saltillo, MS. Married for 19 years, they are parents to Heidi (16), Owen (13), and Phoebe (10). Michael graduated from Mississippi State University and is a Soil Scientist with the USDA. Hannah, a homeschool graduate from south Mississippi, graduated from University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in nursing. They are active members of Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo and have recently finished their 13th year of homeschooling.
Michael & Hannah hold the position of President for the 2026/2027 school year.
The Witts
Ryan and Leighanna Witt live in Tupelo, MS, where they are active members of West Jackson Street Baptist Church. Married for 15 years, they have three children ages 14, 12, and 7 and are beginning their 9th year of homeschooling. Their family is involved in the Rooted Well co-op, and their kids run with the Tupelo Spartans. Ryan earned a degree in Agricultural Economics from Mississippi State University and has spent the past 17 years with the USDA-NRCS. Leighanna holds a degree in Radiologic Technology and worked in the medical field for 10 years before transitioning to full-time homemaker and homeschool mom. She now works part-time from home as the marketing lead for a furniture store in Houston, TX.
Ryan & Leighanna hold the office of Vice President for the 2026/2027 school year.
The Hoods
Chris and Jonde Hood live in New Albany, Mississippi, where they are raising their eight children, several of whom are currently homeschooled: Bethani, Mavryck, Hawkyns (a homeschool graduate), JayniBell (11th grade), Owen (10th grade), Davis (5th grade), Phoenyx (2nd grade), and Quillmyn (Pre-K). They have been homeschooling for the past six years and are active members of Hillcrest Baptist Church in New Albany.
Chris is a Marine combat veteran, certified nutritionist, and fitness trainer who works at Planet Fitness. Jonde serves as the primary homeschool teacher for their children and is also a gardener, small hobby farmer, and aspiring herbalist. In addition, she runs an online shop where she creates and sells all-natural, homemade skin and wellness
Chris & Jonde hold the Office of Communications for the 2026/2027 school year.
The Hitts
Joey and Nicole Hitt live in Myrtle, MS and have been married for 24 years. They have two homeschool graduates, Johnathon (21) and Grayson (18) who are both pursuing degrees at BMCU in Biblical Studies, and two daughters, Rylee (15) and Reagan (12). They will begin their 11th year of homeschooling in the fall. Joey is the District 1 Construction Engineer for MDOT and pastor of Ashland Baptist Church. In addition to teaching their children at home, Nicole enjoys teaching young adults and children at church.
Joey& Nicole are the Lead Activities Liaisons for the 2026/2027 school year.
The Turners
Daniel and Emily Turner live in Saltillo, MS. They have been married for 13 years and have two children Gemma (11) and Jett (8). Daniel graduated from Mississippi State University and is a vocational rehabilitation counselor. Emily
graduated from Mississippi University for Women with a degree in elementary education. They attend Gum Tree Presbyterian Church and have homeschooled for 5 years.
Daniel and Emily serve as Treasurer for the 2026/2027 school year.
The Holts
Tyler and Lauren Holt live in Tupelo, MS and will soon celebrate their 20th year of marriage. They have two children; Brodie (19), a graduate of Excelsior Classical Christian Community and CHENM’s 2026 Salutatorian, and Lily (14) who will begin 9th grade and is a member the Arrows co-op and the Alpha Archery team. Lauren earned an English degree from Ole Miss and is a Market Manager for C Spire. Tyler’s holds a degree in computer networking technology. They are members of Lawndale Presbyterian in Tupelo, and are beginning their 14th year of homeschooling.
Tyler and Lauren serve as Secretary for the 2026/2027 school year.