The people God put in this work.

01

Michael Clifford

Co-Founder

Michael K. Clifford is a co-founder of American Faith Academy and a lifelong education entrepreneur with a deep conviction that more students deserve access to meaningful, excellent education. Michael helped lead the transformation of Grand Canyon University from a struggling institution into one of the nation's largest private Christian universities, helping pioneer new models for online learning and student access. Throughout his career, he has brought together vision, innovation, and perseverance to build institutions that open doors for students. At American Faith Academy, Michael brings that same belief: that education can be both deeply rooted in faith and boldly prepared for the future.

02

Jennifer Burns

Co-Founder and Head of School

Jennifer leads American Faith Academy with more than two decades of experience in classical Christian education and a deep conviction that children are capable of far more than the world often tells them. She founded and continues to lead a classical Christian academy in Illinois, where she has spent years helping families pursue an education rooted in truth, goodness, beauty, and high expectations. Today, she also works alongside classical Christian schools across the country, helping them launch well, grow wisely, and build communities where students and families can flourish. Jennifer holds a master's degree from Northwestern University. She has been married to David for more than thirty years, is the mother of three young men, and is a grateful grandmother to one.

03

Stephanie Ludwig

Academic Director

Stephanie Ludwig brings a deep love for science, classical learning, and the formation of young minds to American Faith Academy. She graduated magna cum laude from North Central College with a degree in Biology and a minor in Secondary Education. Before becoming a homeschool mother to Nathan, Abigail, and Isaac, Stephanie taught high school Biology and Physical Science as well as middle school science. Today, Stephanie brings extensive experience in classical pedagogy, instructional leadership, and adaptive learning technology. She helps shape curriculum that is coherent, adaptable, and rooted in a biblical worldview—so that students are not simply moving through material, but growing in understanding, wisdom, and confidence.

04

Morgan Ervin

Marketing Director

Morgan Ervin serves as Marketing Director for American Faith Academy, bringing a rare combination of creative vision, brand strategy, and a deep understanding of how stories shape belief. As the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Prophetic®, Morgan has helped leaders and organizations bring culture, narrative, and mission into alignment. His work spans established brands and emerging ventures alike, always with an eye toward building something that is clear, compelling, and built to endure. At American Faith Academy, Morgan helps ensure that the way we speak about education reflects what we believe about children: they are worthy of beauty, truth, and an education that calls them toward a meaningful life.

05

Jan Pevny

Director of Technology

Jan Pevny serves as Technology Director for American Faith Academy, bringing more than twelve years of experience building thoughtful, dependable digital systems. A skilled programmer with deep experience in PHP, Laravel, Symfony, TypeScript, Angular, Python, databases, and mobile and web applications, Jan helps turn the Academy's vision into a platform that works beautifully for students, parents, and teachers. At American Faith Academy, technology is never the point. Jan helps ensure it serves the child and family—making personalized learning, meaningful connection, and steady progress toward mastery possible in an online school.

06

Ryan Collins

Advisor

Ryan Collins serves as an advisor to American Faith Academy, bringing entrepreneurial insight and deep experience in technology and innovation. As a technology executive and business leader, Ryan has spent his career helping organizations think boldly about what is possible and build wisely for the future. He brings a practical understanding of how thoughtful technology, strong leadership, and mission-driven work can come together to create meaningful opportunity for students and families. Ryan's counsel helps American Faith Academy remain both ambitious and grounded—using new tools thoughtfully while keeping children, families, and lasting formation at the center.

07

Randy Barton

Advisor

Randy Barton serves as an advisor to American Faith Academy, bringing decades of experience in law, business planning, taxation, securities, and real estate. A graduate of Northwest Nazarene College and the University of Idaho College of Law, Randy has spent nearly five decades helping individuals and organizations navigate complex legal and financial decisions. His perspective strengthens the Academy as it builds carefully, grows responsibly, and remains focused on serving students and families well. Randy's counsel helps American Faith Academy pair bold vision with wise stewardship—building an institution designed to endure for the good of the families it serves.

08

Fritz Steiger

Advisor

Fritz Steiger serves as an advisor to American Faith Academy, bringing more than forty-five years of experience building organizations, connecting people, and mobilizing resources for meaningful change. As Founder and CEO of Deltox, Inc., a multigenerational family business, Fritz has spent his career bringing together people, capital, and opportunity to create lasting impact and prosperity. He also co-founded the Texas Public Policy Foundation, where he continues to serve as President Emeritus and Trustee. Fritz brings a deep commitment to preserving America's heritage while building wisely for the future. His counsel helps American Faith Academy form strong partnerships, pursue bold opportunities, and remain grounded in the conviction that education is one of the most important ways to shape the next generation.