Board of Directors
Michele Telfer
Founder and CEO
Michele was born in Zambia, Africa, and grew up in neighboring Zimbabwe, where she met her husband, Colin. After relocating to Botswana during their first year of marriage, both Michele and Colin became committed followers of Jesus, and Michele began teaching the Bible through a series of unexpected opportunities. In 1999, the Telfers moved to the United States with their two children and eventually became U.S. citizens.
A gifted Bible teacher and author, Michele has ministered internationally for more than 30 years. She teaches multiple weekly Bible studies both online and in person and has spoken at churches, conferences, retreats, schools, and pastors’ gatherings across the U.S., Africa, Australia, Canada, and the U.K. For eight years, her Bible teachings were broadcast weekly through a far-reaching radio ministry across Africa and the Middle East. Today, through a partnership with Trans World Radio, her Bible teaching reaches listeners around the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Michele has authored numerous books and study guides, leads tours to Israel and mission trips to Africa, and continues to develop new teaching resources each year. Her unique background, deep love for Scripture, and passion for Christ permeate every part of MTM.
Her life verse and prayer is Philippians 1:12 — “Now I want you to know, brothers that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel.”
Founder and CEO
Michele was born in Zambia, Africa, and grew up in neighboring Zimbabwe, where she met her husband, Colin. After relocating to Botswana during their first year of marriage, both Michele and Colin became committed followers of Jesus, and Michele began teaching the Bible through a series of unexpected opportunities. In 1999, the Telfers moved to the United States with their two children and eventually became U.S. citizens.
A gifted Bible teacher and author, Michele has ministered internationally for more than 30 years. She teaches multiple weekly Bible studies both online and in person and has spoken at churches, conferences, retreats, schools, and pastors’ gatherings across the U.S., Africa, Australia, Canada, and the U.K. For eight years, her Bible teachings were broadcast weekly through a far-reaching radio ministry across Africa and the Middle East. Today, through a partnership with Trans World Radio, her Bible teaching reaches listeners around the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Michele has authored numerous books and study guides, leads tours to Israel and mission trips to Africa, and continues to develop new teaching resources each year. Her unique background, deep love for Scripture, and passion for Christ permeate every part of MTM.
Her life verse and prayer is Philippians 1:12 — “Now I want you to know, brothers that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel.”
Mara M Klassen
Administrative Director
Mara was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but was raised in Thousand Oaks, CA. She graduated from California Lutheran University with a degree in Comparative Philosophy and Religion in 1991. She met her husband, Manley, while working a career in high tech as a Sr. Business Systems Analyst. They married in 2003, and Mara retired in 2012 to pursue “significance” instead of “success”. Her husband followed in retirement three years later. Now they work for free doing volunteer work with various Christian ministries including Emmanuel Discipleship Academy, Global Leadership Community, Compassion International, and Christian Foundation of America as well as Michele Telfer Ministries. They enjoy spending time in Uganda with their Ugandan son, Norman, and his family; taking cruises; and encouraging others to find the joy in generosity.
Mara’s life verse is 1 Peter 4:10 — “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.”
Administrative Director
Mara was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but was raised in Thousand Oaks, CA. She graduated from California Lutheran University with a degree in Comparative Philosophy and Religion in 1991. She met her husband, Manley, while working a career in high tech as a Sr. Business Systems Analyst. They married in 2003, and Mara retired in 2012 to pursue “significance” instead of “success”. Her husband followed in retirement three years later. Now they work for free doing volunteer work with various Christian ministries including Emmanuel Discipleship Academy, Global Leadership Community, Compassion International, and Christian Foundation of America as well as Michele Telfer Ministries. They enjoy spending time in Uganda with their Ugandan son, Norman, and his family; taking cruises; and encouraging others to find the joy in generosity.
Mara’s life verse is 1 Peter 4:10 — “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.”
John “Maps” Watkins
Technical Director
John “Maps” Watkins is a Content Producer at Maps Media Works with over 10 years of experience in the media and technology industry. He specializes in using cutting-edge technology to create compelling content across television, social media, and podcast platforms.
John holds a bachelor’s degree from Clark University in Massachusetts. He currently serves as editor and curator of Michele Telfer’s In the Word podcast, where he oversees all aspects of production with a focus on integrity, creativity, and innovation.
John and his family attend Calvary Community Church in Westlake, CA, where he has served in the Worship and Technical Ministry. He has been happily married for 25 years and is a proud father of two. In his spare time, John enjoys practicing guitar and Spanish.
His life verse is Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Technical Director
John “Maps” Watkins is a Content Producer at Maps Media Works with over 10 years of experience in the media and technology industry. He specializes in using cutting-edge technology to create compelling content across television, social media, and podcast platforms.
John holds a bachelor’s degree from Clark University in Massachusetts. He currently serves as editor and curator of Michele Telfer’s In the Word podcast, where he oversees all aspects of production with a focus on integrity, creativity, and innovation.
John and his family attend Calvary Community Church in Westlake, CA, where he has served in the Worship and Technical Ministry. He has been happily married for 25 years and is a proud father of two. In his spare time, John enjoys practicing guitar and Spanish.
His life verse is Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Susan Harvey
Board Member
Susan Harvey joined the board in 2018. She has been married to her husband, Jeff, for over forty years, and has two grown children. She is a recently retired Christian middle-school teacher and an active local church member. Her ministry roles have included leading cancer support groups, MOPS Teacher Coordinator, and Christmas Tea Coordinator. She has worked on Bible curriculum and is currently mentoring and leading women’s studies. Her greatest pleasures are hiking, traveling, volunteer work, reading God’s Word, and having coffee with friends.
One of her favorite verses is Colossians 3:23 NLT — “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the LORD rather than for people.”
Board Member
Susan Harvey joined the board in 2018. She has been married to her husband, Jeff, for over forty years, and has two grown children. She is a recently retired Christian middle-school teacher and an active local church member. Her ministry roles have included leading cancer support groups, MOPS Teacher Coordinator, and Christmas Tea Coordinator. She has worked on Bible curriculum and is currently mentoring and leading women’s studies. Her greatest pleasures are hiking, traveling, volunteer work, reading God’s Word, and having coffee with friends.
One of her favorite verses is Colossians 3:23 NLT — “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the LORD rather than for people.”
Randy Clark
Board Member
Randy landed in California in the early 1970’s. His schooling in communication at UCLA ended when he entered the professional studio system as a “gopher” for Dinah Shore and a game show production company. After many years in the production industry, he started his own audio-visual equipment rental business in 1999. He brings his skill set in technology to the ministry, along with a willingness to enrich people’s lives through the words of Christ.
He became a believer and was baptized in 1996 and married around the same time. Recreation is important to his growing family of four children and four grandchildren, so all outdoor sports appeal to the Clark clan. The "Bucket List" is growing!!!
His life verse is Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
Board Member
Randy landed in California in the early 1970’s. His schooling in communication at UCLA ended when he entered the professional studio system as a “gopher” for Dinah Shore and a game show production company. After many years in the production industry, he started his own audio-visual equipment rental business in 1999. He brings his skill set in technology to the ministry, along with a willingness to enrich people’s lives through the words of Christ.
He became a believer and was baptized in 1996 and married around the same time. Recreation is important to his growing family of four children and four grandchildren, so all outdoor sports appeal to the Clark clan. The "Bucket List" is growing!!!
His life verse is Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
Natalie Halvorson
Board Treasurer
Natalie Halvorson joined the board in February 2023. She and her husband, Joel, have two sons, Jacob (20) and Nathan (17). Both boys have been blessed to have a Christian education, attending preschool to 6th grade at Bethany Christian School, and Grace Jr/Sr High School. Joel and Natalie have called Thousand Oaks home and have attended Ascension Lutheran Church throughout their married life. Natalie served in various roles in the Ascension church council and as treasurer for other non-profit organizations. Natalie has spent over 30 years working in the defense industry from engineer to business area vice-president with budget responsibility from $5M – $125M. She enjoys spending time with family and friends from the beach to the mountains.
Natalie’s life verse is Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Board Treasurer
Natalie Halvorson joined the board in February 2023. She and her husband, Joel, have two sons, Jacob (20) and Nathan (17). Both boys have been blessed to have a Christian education, attending preschool to 6th grade at Bethany Christian School, and Grace Jr/Sr High School. Joel and Natalie have called Thousand Oaks home and have attended Ascension Lutheran Church throughout their married life. Natalie served in various roles in the Ascension church council and as treasurer for other non-profit organizations. Natalie has spent over 30 years working in the defense industry from engineer to business area vice-president with budget responsibility from $5M – $125M. She enjoys spending time with family and friends from the beach to the mountains.
Natalie’s life verse is Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”