About Christi

The Short Version

🏡 Helping new homesteaders build a thriving, low-stress homestead—one step at a time

📍 12+ years of experience homesteading, 2 homesteads built from scratch

🐓 Focused on planning, efficiency, and sustainable systems

✍️ Founder of Modern Desert Homestead

📚 Sharing real-world homesteading lessons, not social media fantasies

✈️ Fun fact: Before I was designing homestead systems, I was solving manufacturing problems in Avionics Systems as a Manufacturing Engineer. My favorite? The A-10 Warthog—because sometimes, you just need a machine built to last.

The Longer Version

Homesteading changed my life. It gave me peace, security, and a way to build something real—without the overwhelm.

But when I started, I was drowning in information. Everyone online seemed to have it all figured out—big gardens, barns, and self-sufficient lifestyles.

I thought I had to do everything right away.

I was wrong.

Now, after 12+ years and two homesteads, I know the truth: you don’t need to do it all at once.

What you do need is a clear plan, sustainable systems, and the confidence to take the next step—no matter where you are.

That’s what I teach at Modern Desert Homestead—because homesteading isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters.

My Journey

I didn’t always dream of homesteading.

I grew up in rural Southwest Missouri, where my grandmother’s garden kept food on the table—but I swore I’d never garden as an adult. I went to college, became an engineer, and embraced modern convenience.

Then I had kids.

I wanted better food for my family, so I started cooking from scratch. That led to gardening. Then came a shift in the lifestyle I wanted to live.

Before I knew it, I was homesteading.

We sold our HOA house, bought a 2-acre fixer-upper, and learned as we went. From permaculture gardening to raising animals and designing systems, every lesson shaped our path.

But life had other plans.

After a cancer diagnosis and recovery, I realized waiting for “someday” wasn’t an option.

We moved to 16 acres of raw desert land and started again.

Lessons From Two Homesteads

💡 Planning beats burnout—Starting small and having a clear plan keeps homesteading sustainable.

🛠 Systems make everything easier—From food storage to garden planning, well-thought-out systems save time and stress.

🌵 You don’t need land to start—Homesteading is a mindset. You can build skills no matter where you live.

🐴 Horses change everything—Atlas, my first horse, led me to the life I was meant to live.

What I Do Now 👩‍🌾

I created Modern Desert Homestead to help new and overwhelmed homesteaders find clarity, take action, and build a homestead that truly works for them.

My focus? Teaching the skills I wish I had when I started:

✅ Planning & decision-making—because the right choices make everything easier

✅ Strategic inventory systems—so you always have what you need

✅ Homestead design & efficiency—for a lifestyle that works long-term

I share real homesteading—lessons from my wins and mistakes—so you can learn without the trial and error.

How I Can Help You

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re in an apartment, a suburban backyard, or 10 acres of land, homesteading starts with learning how to think, plan, and prioritize.

Here’s how you can get started:

📚 Read the blog for planning strategies, real-world lessons, and practical skills

🎥 Follow me on social media for more content

Homesteading isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things.

I’m here to help you plan, build, homestead, and grow—without the stress.

Let’s take the first step together. 🌿