STRENGTHEN YOUR FAMILY THROUGH FAMILY COUNSEL : Chris & Melanie Ballard
Christopher and Melanie Ballard have seven children ranging from seventeen to four years old. They have homeschooled their children from the day their oldest was born. In 2005, Melanie founded the Moms’ Retreat, and in 2014, Chris founded the Dads’ Retreat, which are LDS-based, non-profit, annual, overnight events whose missions are to create an environment for Mothers and Fathers to receive personal revelation on their God-given missions. Chris and Melanie are also owners of the Homeschool Tribe by Homeschool Family Network, which strengthens, networks and connects Utah homeschoolers.
Chris and Melanie also serve as a lead couple for Marriage Enrichment, founded by Dr. Victor Cline in 1978. Marriage Enrichment is dedicated to helping spouses and families realize their full potential by providing seminars and follow up support to help spouses recommit to each other, improve communication, and heal.
Melanie is a personal mentor for homeschooling mothers. She also lectures in church and educational settings, including speaking at the World Congress of Families IX. She was voted by her peers as a 2015 Influential Homeschool Leader. She received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in education, from George Wythe University.
Chris is an attorney in the Utah Attorney General’s office, Criminal Appeals division. He received both a bachelor’s degree in political science and a law degree from BYU.
Together, Chris and Melanie have a mission to protect and strengthen families—especially homeschooling families—something which brings them great joy!
