Meet The Team

A woman with dark hair smiling, wearing a blue t-shirt with an anchor logo and the text "SHIPSHAPE FARM" standing outdoors next to a weathered red wooden post.

Whitney Poitevint – Co-Founder & CEO
Whitney is the co-founder and CEO of Shipshape Farm and a proud North Carolina native turned military wife. No matter where life has taken her—from coastal towns to mountain communities—Whitney has carried with her a deep passion for building meaningful connections. She has a natural gift for bringing people together and creating spaces where relationships flourish. A devoted mother of four, Whitney is also an avid reader and writer. Her heart for children is evident in everything she does—but just as strong is her commitment to supporting the mothers who raise them. Through Shipshape Farm, she channels this love into creating a welcoming environment where curiosity is nurtured and true community can thrive. However, the greatest gift the farm has given her is the ability to work side by side with her family. Whether she's at the beach—her personal sanctuary—or hosting gatherings at the farm, Whitney finds joy in fostering authentic connection and inspiring others to grow together.

A smiling man wearing a blue T-shirt and a name tag standing outdoors with trees and a wooden fence in the background

Jonathan Poitevint – Co-Founder & CFO
Jonathan is the co-founder and CFO of Shipshape Farm. Originally from southern Georgia, his love for the land was born on the rolling hills of his grandparents’ farm in Pennsylvania—a place that shaped his lifelong dream of stewarding land of his own. A former naval aviator, Jonathan flew missions across the globe, but in 2020, he traded his flight suit for overalls to pursue a quieter, more grounded calling. Now a husband and father of four, his greatest joy comes from time spent with his family. At Shipshape Farm, Jonathan combines his leadership background and financial expertise with a hands-on approach to help build a place where community, purpose, and simple joys grow side by side. Whether he's working the land or planning for the future, he brings steady guidance and a love of honest work to every corner of the farm.

A smiling woman in a blue t-shirt and khaki pants standing outside near a large metal silo with a sun face decoration, in a rural setting with a red barn and hay bales in the background.

Kat Huffman – Director of Education & Physical Operations
Kat wears many hats at the farm, but at the heart of it all is her love for teaching and animals. As the Director of Education and Physical Operations, she brings creativity, energy, and compassion to every project. With a degree in Music Education and a minor in Dance Studies, Kat began her journey in the classroom before shifting into the animal world in 2020—and hasn’t looked back since. Since then, she’s cared for just about every kind of creature you can imagine (though parrots will always have her heart). She’s passionate about creating enriching environments for both animals and people, from designing habitats to leading hands-on learning experiences. When she’s not at the farm, you’ll find her exploring new board games, curled up with a Harry Potter book, or tending to her garden—despite a healthy fear of ladybugs.

A smiling older woman with gray hair, wearing a blue t-shirt with a logo and a name tag that reads "Miss Ann," standing outdoors in front of a wooden fence and trees.

Ann McChristian – Farmhand & Garden Queen
Ann is the heart and soul of the farm’s garden—and proudly wears the title of resident Garden Queen. Her green thumb and tireless dedication have turned the grounds into a vibrant, flourishing ecosystem. From blooming flowers and tidy lawns to baskets of fresh vegetables, Ann’s handiwork is everywhere. A pioneer in the homeschool movement of the 1980s (when she homeschooled her daughters, including Whitney), she’s always been passionate about nurturing creativity in children. She brings that same spirit to the farm, encouraging young visitors to explore, play, and wonder. When she’s not in the garden (which isn’t often), Ann is probably working up a sweat at TRCrossFit, canning fresh produce, trying a new recipe, or solving puzzles. A lifelong traveler, she brings a love of adventure—and a story for every country she’s visited—to everything she does.

A middle-aged man with brown hair, beard, and mustache, wearing a blue t-shirt with a logo and a name tag, standing outdoors with a blurred wooded background and smiling.

Chip McChristian – Farmhand ("Grandpa Mac")
Better known as “Grandpa Mac” around the farm, Chip McChristian is a steady hand behind the scenes, keeping things running smoothly and lending a lifetime of wisdom to daily life on the land. Originally from Florida, Chip began his career in dentistry, opening a successful practice in Hendersonville, North Carolina. After years of caring for teeth, he laced up his hiking boots—traveling the U.S. to climb mountains from coast to coast and later exploring the world internationally. Eventually, he and his wife Ann settled in South Carolina, drawn to the slower pace and beauty of farm life. Whether he's fixing equipment, sharing stories, or cheering on the Florida Gators, Chip is a constant source of humor, heart, and hard work.

Portrait of a young woman with long brown hair, wearing a black shirt, smiling against a plain light background.

Canaan Poitevint – Administrative Assistant
Canaan is the Administrative Assistant at Shipshape Farm, working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. A student at Anderson University, she’s pursuing degrees in both Dance and English, bringing creativity, organization, and a love for expression into everything she does. Though you may not see her face as often around the farm, she takes her love of the farm with her—whether she’s answering questions, coordinating schedules, or ensuring visitors have a seamless experience. Canaan is also a passionate reader and writer with a heart for working with children. When she's not studying or supporting the team, you might find her journaling, dancing, or diving into her next good book.

A young woman with long, wavy red hair smiling and sitting at an outdoor table with a brick wall in the background.

Lena Poitevint – Teacher

Lena is a teacher at Shipshape Farm who finds joy in guiding our farm school students through their weeks with us, leading field trip tours, and facilitating fun for partygoers. A passionate singer and actress, you can often catch her performing around Travelers Rest and Greenville with her band. When she’s not teaching or singing her heart out, Lena loves going on adventures with her friends—whether that means camping under the stars, attending concerts and rodeos, or spending a cozy rainy day on the couch with one of her favorite TV shows.

Your 2026 Camp Counselors

Flyer for Shipshape Farm with the text 'Meet the Crew' and a photo of young woman with long blonde hair, smiling, with event details for Miss Lena, assistant camp director, decorated with purple smiley face flowers.
Flyer for Shipshape Farm featuring a meet the crew event with a photo of Miss Laura holding a dog in a snowy outdoor setting, surrounded by decorative smiley face flowers and large text reading 'Meet the Crew' and her title '3rd Year Counselor & Craft Queen'.
Flyer for 'Meet the Crew' event at Shipshape Farm featuring Miss Taylor, a third-year camp counselor, with a photo of her at a stadium, surrounded by graphic flowers and smiley face icons.
Poster for Shipshape Farm featuring a young man named Mr. Will, a camp counselor in his second year. The poster includes a photo of Mr. Will sitting outdoors on a bench, smiling, with a background of grass and trees. The design has playful graphics, including smiley face daisies, large bold text saying 'Meet The Crew,' and logos of Shipshape Farm, which offers education, events, and experiences.
Flyer for Shipshape Farm featuring a large title 'Meet the Crew', a photograph of a young boy named Mr. Landon, and decorative flowers and smiley face icons. The flyer promotes an event at Shipshape Farm for a camp counselor in their third year.
Flyer for Shipshape Farm meeting event featuring a smiling young woman in a blue dress, surrounded by dark flowers and smiley daisies, with text indicating Miss Cate as camp counselor and 2nd year.
Flyer for Shipshape Farm featuring a meet the crew event with a photo of Mr. Caleb, a first-year camp counselor. The flyer includes decorative flowers, smiley face daisies, and text in navy blue, black, and yellow.
Flyer for Shipshape Farm featuring Mr. Ethan, a camp counselor, with a photo of him smiling on a golf course, surrounded by daisy and smiley face graphics, inviting to meet the crew.