Holding Fast
Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught (Titus 1:9a, NKJV)
Summer Leadership Conference
Date
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Registration begins at 8:00 AM
Location
Calvary Chapel Downey
12808 Woodruff Ave, Downey, CA

About the Conference

Leading a home education group is deeply rewarding, and it can also be isolating. The Leadership Conference is a full-day event designed to remind you why you started, sharpen your vision, and provide practical tools to lead well.

Sessions cover both the inspirational (rediscovering your why, casting fresh vision) and the practical (building community, financial management, involving dads). A catered lunch gives you time to connect with fellow leaders who share your calling.

All private home education group leaders are welcome. Your group does not need to be part of CHEA's Support Network to attend. We look forward to seeing you in July!

Workshop topics include:
  • Financial Management for Homeschool Groups
  • Engaging Dads in Homeschool Groups
  • Recruiting & Retaining Homeschool Families
  • Building Community & Discipleship
  • Start With Your Why

Our Speakers

Kim Amador
Kim Amador

Kimberly is a wife and mom of four (aged 6 - 12) and currently serves as Treasurer at her local PSP. She was a full-time RN, turned stay-at-home mom, turned homeschool mom, who now seeks to encourage other families to explore their God-given freedom found in homeschooling. Married for 16 years, she and her husband, Danny, share a vision to come alongside other families to raise the next generation of men and women committed to Jesus.

Dr. Austin Andrade
Dr. Austin Andrade

Dr. Austin Andrade currently serves on staff at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills as the Pastoral Overseer of Family and Children's Ministries. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and over 15 years of experience in both teaching and school administration, Dr. Andrade brings a strong foundation in education, leadership, and pastoral care to his ministry.

Ricardo and Ana Maria Bagnuoli
Ricardo & Ana Maria Bagnuoli

Ricardo and Ana Maria believe education is a tool to discover, nurture, and promote God-given purpose for each child, so they founded a ministry that trains and equips Hispanic families how to transform their home into the best and first place of learning under biblical principles and in a creative way. Ana Maria is a Family Counselor and Ricardo holds a bachelor's degree in Christian Education. They homeschool their three children.

Angela Lasch
Angela Lasch

As CHEA's Executive Director and Support Network Director, Angela Lasch has devoted herself to a single vision: every family knowing they can absolutely home educate their children. A homeschool mother herself, she homeschooled all three of her sons from the early years through graduation and understands firsthand the joys, challenges, and rewards of the journey. Drawing from her own years as a homeschool leader, she loves coming alongside those who serve homeschool communities, helping them grow in confidence and effectiveness as they support the families in their groups.

Nathan Pierce
Nathan Pierce

Nathan began working at Family Protection Ministries (FPM) in 2002 to protect private homeschooling in California. He was homeschooled himself from kindergarten through high school. Currently he serves as Executive Director and Legislative Liaison for FPM and on the CHEA Board of Directors. He works behind the scenes at the State Capitol, meeting with legislators to advocate on behalf of homeschoolers. He and his wife Betsy homeschool their own eight children.

Pastor Art Reyes
Pastor Art Reyes

Pastor Art Reyes is the Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel Downey. He has a passion for the exposition of God's Word and a desire to see lives transformed because of it. He strongly believes that home education is an excellent way to train up the next generation. He serves the Lord joined by his wife, Briana, and their three children whom they currently homeschool.

Dr. Roger and Jan Smith
Dr. Roger & Jan Smith

Dr. Roger and Jan Smith feel that despite their successes in medicine and business in their community in Louisiana, their four adult children are their greatest accomplishment. Choosing to homeschool from the very start, and continuing through high school, the Smiths say this made all the difference in their family. Roger is author of Parenting with Influence and has a video blog and podcast (Parenting Matters Now).

Israel Wayne
Israel Wayne

Israel Wayne is a homeschool graduate who is passionate about defending the Christian faith and promoting a Biblical worldview. He is the Director of Family Renewal and author of the books Answers for Homeschooling, Education: Does God Have an Opinion, Pitchin' a Fit!, and Raising Them Up, among others. He is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs and podcasts. He and his wife, Brook, live in southwest Michigan and have 11 homeschooled children.

Schedule

8:00 AM
Registration & Check-In
8:30 AM
Opening Session and Legislative Update
Pastor Art Reyes, Nathan Pierce, and Angela Lasch
9:45 AM
How to Reach and Support the Hispanic Community
(Even if you don't speak Spanish)
Ricardo & Ana Maria Bagnuoli
10:30 AM
Workshop Sessions
11:30 AM
Workshop Sessions
12:15 PM
Luncheon & Keynote Session
Israel Wayne
A delicious lunch buffet will include gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian options.
2:45 PM
Q & A Speaker Panel
Israel Wayne, Roger & Jan Smith, Nathan Pierce
3:00 PM
Coffee at the Calvary Chapel Downey Cafe
Optional time to visit and talk with speakers

Pricing

Regular Price
$70
per person
250 and 450 Support Network Members: please call the office at 562-864-2432 or email sndirector@cheaofca.org to request a coupon code. These membership levels include two free registrations for the Summer Leadership Conference.

Additional Details

Free parking is available at Calvary Chapel Downey.
A delicious lunch buffet will include gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian options.
At-the-door registration will be available; however we encourage you to register by July 6 as we need to supply a final count to the caterer. Meals may not be available if registering after July 6. If you miss the deadline, please call to check availability.
The Summer Leadership Conference is for adults only. No childcare will be provided. Non-mobile nursing infants whose parents are considerate of others are always welcome.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This event is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.

Where to Stay

Holiday Inn® La Mirada – Buena Park
14299 Firestone Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638

A lovely hotel only about 15 minutes from Calvary Chapel Downey. Our group rate of $139 per room per night (plus applicable taxes) includes complimentary overnight parking and free wi-fi.

Holiday Inn Online Reservations
July 9, 2026 · Downey, CA
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