This week, we had the absolute joy of interviewing our very own manager of products and publishing, Christine Apple. Always a source of encouraging and thoughtful words, Christine assists Patriot Academy with preparing items for publication, communicating with vendors, and working with online courses. She is an integral part of our team and ensures that everything works smoothly behind the scenes. Please enjoy this interview!
How long have you been with Patriot Academy?
My Patriot Academy journey began back in 2020 when I volunteered as a Constitution Coach, and three years ago, I officially joined the team. It’s been an incredible adventure ever since. Patriot Academy’s mission—to equip and inspire citizens to lead with integrity and courage—hits home for me. We’re not just producing materials; we’re helping shape culture. I love that everyone here is passionate about the same vision, and we each bring our own skills to make it happen. It truly feels like a family.
Can you share about your professional background and career path leading to this role?
The road here wasn’t straight—more like a scenic route over a mountain with a lot of twists and turns. For 24 years, I served in various roles for a K–12 curriculum publisher. Many of those years were spent assisting schools and homeschools in more than 125 countries and territories and working alongside global representatives.
It was eye-opening to observe the differences in government systems around the world and how each one affected everyday life, education, and freedom. Some of the people I worked with faced threats of school closures, excessive government fines, corrupt officials, attempted coups, terrorist threats, severe inflation, famine, failing infrastructure, and families living in true slums—situations that most Americans can hardly imagine.
And in some cases, believers risked imprisonment or persecution for practicing their faith. I even played a small part in launching a literacy nonprofit for children who were too destitute to attend public school in their country. Seeing how the rest of the world lives made me realize how precious our constitutional republic really is and motivated me to help preserve the liberty we have before it’s gone forever. When America stands on the Biblical foundations that shaped our laws and culture, other nations benefit. But when we become complacent, other forms of government fill the gap—and the same consequences I witnessed in other countries will eventually reach our own shores.
For the next 12 years, I worked in curriculum development and publishing, gaining hands-on experience that carries over into what I do today.
But honestly, the best preparation wasn’t the tasks—it was the people. I was surrounded by coworkers from many backgrounds and cultures who loved the Lord and challenged one another to raise the bar daily. We began each morning with corporate devotions, starting our day with Biblical truth before beginning our work. They shared stories of impossible challenges and how God carried them through every storm. Working among countless spiritual giants and unsung heroes shaped how I approach my work at Patriot Academy today.
Why is what you do important? What is your mission?
Every book, course, and product we release has the potential to spark understanding, inspire action, and change lives. My mission is to ensure those tools are accurate, engaging, and beautiful—because truth deserves to be well-presented. If I’ve done my job well, the authors’ messages shine, reaching hearts and equipping people to make a difference in communities across the nation. Above all, we strive to ensure every product brings glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Describe a typical week for you.
There’s really no such thing as a “typical” week—but that’s what keeps it interesting! One moment I might be laying out the manuscript of a new book, the next I’m updating digital course content, managing our online store, or coordinating a print run with a vendor.
I also work closely with our Fulfillment Team—especially Jonah Murphy and Will Zwart. I order a ton of products, and they somehow manage to ship them out as fast as they arrive. They work extremely hard behind the scenes, and I’m grateful for them. There’s usually a mix of creative work, troubleshooting, and juggling deadlines. And somewhere in there, I try to step back and see the big picture—letting God prioritize my to-do list and readjust my focus.
What has been a memorable experience during your time with PA?
That’s a tough one, because there have been so many highlights. The groundbreaking for the Patriot Academy Campus was unforgettable—but my personal favorite has to be the Furniture of Our Founding Fathers event at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking in Indiana.
I helped build some of the furniture for our replica of Independence Hall—doors and columns—with plenty of sawdust and teamwork. It was such a joy to swap my keyboard for power tools and learn woodworking from the experts. On our breaks, we wandered to the other teams to watch them create Windsor chairs, desks, and even a glass chandelier. You’ll want to donate and help build a permanent home for these creations so everyone can come see them soon!
What would you say to someone interested in doing what you do?
It’s not rocket science, but it does take persistence, patience, and a sharp eye for details. Keep learning. Find people who know more than you do, ask questions, and offer to help—you’ll be amazed how much you pick up just by observing and completing simple tasks. Each step builds on the last. Come with a teachable spirit and never act as if any job is beneath you.
Most of my work happens behind the scenes, so you have to be proactive and fill the gaps no one else sees. Take initiative; don’t wait for someone to ask. Learn to figure things out, make mistakes, and keep improving until the job’s done right. The satisfaction of seeing a finished product released into the world makes it all worth it.
What are your hidden talents? 🙂 What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I’m hopelessly curious—I love learning new things (sometimes too many at once!). Reading God’s Word or a good book in my backyard hammock is my favorite way to unwind. I also enjoy writing calligraphy with a dip pen—it forces you to slow down, and there’s something nostalgic about hearing the nib scratch across the paper. Those are my quiet joys. Quiet moments refresh me, and adventures restore me—so I also love traveling, hiking, and exploring new places.
What’s your favorite coffee at the Patriot Brew?
Cookies and Cream Smooth Operator—creamy, sweet, and just enough coffee to pretend it wasn’t dessert.
What is something God has been teaching you this past year?
That God’s timing is perfect—even when it feels painfully slow. Waiting seasons don’t have to be wasted seasons; they’re often when He’s doing His deepest work in us. I’ve learned that when I reach the end of my strength or understanding, that’s not failure—it’s just my cue to rely fully on the Lord. And honestly, that’s where I’ve seen the most growth this year.
What motivates you to do your best work?
I’m motivated by purpose and people. Every project I work on is a tool that can help someone understand freedom, faith, or leadership a little better and make a real difference in our country. That’s what keeps me going. I also love taking chaos and turning it into order—seeing a finished product that started as an idea is the best kind of reward. And because I started as a Constitution Coach, I understand the needs of one of our key audiences. I’ve walked a mile in their shoes.
What is your goal looking forward?
We have so many exciting projects in motion right now—children’s books, devotionals, journals, and of course, the long-awaited Rebuilding Liberty course. I’m blessed to work with incredible authors like Rick Green, Krish Dhanam, Kamryn Green Emet, Aaron Marshall, Emma Sager, and Sydney Alix. Each project feels like adding another spark to the fire that’s helping ignite passion in this generation and equip them to fulfill God’s calling on their lives.
From a young age, Christine had a passion for history. She worked at a K–12 curriculum publisher for private schools and homeschools for over two decades. In 2020, she became a Constitution Coach to share the message of hope in her community. Christine assists Patriot Academy with preparing items for publication, communicating with vendors, and working with online courses.
Christine and her husband, Leigh, live near Nashville, Tennessee. They delight in serving the Lord together. She enjoys cooking, calligraphy, animals, and hiking.
