Brian D. Ray, Ph.D. and others founded the institute in 1990 as a 501(c)3 non-profit research organization and is the president of the institute. He holds his Ph.D. in science education from Oregon State University, his M.S. in zoology from Ohio University, and his B.S. in biology from the University of Puget Sound. Dr. Ray has been a middle school and high school classroom teacher in both public and private schools, an undergraduate college professor, and a university professor at the graduate level. He is a leading international expert with regard to homeschool research. Dr. Ray executes and publishes research, speaks to the public, testifies before legislators, and serves as an expert witness in courts.

Since 1991, Rhonda has been a part of the Sacramento Christian Organization of Parent Educators (SCOPE) and served in leadership in almost every capacity, chairing the SCOPE Board through the controversial decision to keep the organization’s focus on private home educators. Rhonda now heads IHS Christian School PSP, tutors students from all educational approaches, and consults with homeschoolers across the state. Thanks to the wisdom of her husband, Rhonda taught their five children from K-12. All 10 of their grandchildren are homeschooled, too – Glory to God!

Scott Lasch is an associate pastor at Calvary Chapel of Downey, where he and his wife, Angela, assisted in implementing a new PSP. They have been married for over 30 years and have three sons and one granddaughter they adore. Their three boys were all privately homeschooled. Scott was a police officer for over 29 years and retired as a homicide detective. During this time in law enforcement, he learned what it is to be a servant and how important it is to pass down servanthood to the next generation. He joined the staff at his church in 2021, where he continues to serve people today.

David May is a leader at Dayspring Christian School in Visalia, CA, a PSP. He graduated from The Master’s University in 1997, where his worldview was corrected from the influence of the public schools he attended. He then graduated from Westminster Theological Seminary in 2000. Since 2002, he has served as the Lead Jail Chaplain in the Tulare County Jails. The events of his childhood, including growing up in the public school system, made him passionate about discipleship and gave him the desire to give his children stability in a loving Christ-centered home.

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 and received a B.A. in Political Studies from The Master’s University. Currently he serves as Executive Director and Legislative Liaison for FPM. He works behind the scenes at the State Capitol, meeting with legislators to advocate on behalf of homeschoolers. He and his wife Betsy are actively involved in their church and homeschool their own 8 children.