Meet The Team
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.
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 great-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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your 2025 Camp Counselors
Lena Poitevint - 2nd Year
Laura Porter - 2nd Year
Taylor Poitevint - 2nd Year
Landon Poitevint - 2nd Year
Will McGary - 1st Year
Cate Deadwyler - 1st Year
Leona Burrow - 1st Year