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Upcoming Dates

Meet Your Alongside Team

Senior Leadership Team

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

John DeKruyter
Meet John

Program Director

Andrew Brown, MA, LLP
Meet Andrew

Carol G Fountain Wooten, MA, MDiv, LCMHC

Meet Carol

January Haulenbeek, LMSW

Meet January

Dr. Hanny Wuysang, PhD, LPC

Meet Hanny

Justin Ashurst, MAC, MABS, LMHC

Meet Justin

Chad Westmaas, MA, LPC

Meet Chad

Andrew Brown, MA, LPC

Meet Andrew

Amy Anderson, MA, LPC

Meet Amy

Curtis A. Anderson, MA, LPC

Meet Curt

Melissa Yost, CPA

Meet Melissa

Mary Westergren, MA, LPC

Meet Mary

Jim Ritchie, MD

Meet Jim

Dr. Frauke Schaefer, MD

Meet Frauke

Dr. Charlie Schaefer, PhD, LP

Meet Charlie

Dr. Jessica Pavlick, PsyD, LP

Meet Jessica

Chaplain and Mentor Coordinator

Jerry Wooten
Meet Jerry

Vince Messina

Meet Vince

Judy Messina

Meet Judy

Dave Horne

Meet Dave

Children’s Program Director

Kristin Porter
Meet Kristin

Early Childhood Coordinator

Elise Boss
Meet Elise

Elementary Coordinator

Keziah Hoxworth
Meet Keziah

Teen Program Director

Paul Jennings
Meet Paul

Teen Program Coordinator

Shelley Jennings
Meet Shelley

TEEN PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Charlie Walker
Meet Charlie

Facilities Director

Bill Witters
Meet Bill

Facilities Manager

Josh Carter
Meet Josh

Hospitality Coordinator

Amy Witters
Meet Amy

Office Manager

Michelle Ammon
Meet Michelle

Program Registration Coordinator

Teri Evans
Meet Teri

Communication Coordinator

Kristina Carter
Meet Kristina

Serve Those Who Serve

Do you feel called to help restore and refresh those who serve?
Let’s explore if Alongside is where you’re meant to be.

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John holds an M.A. in Biblical History and Historical Geography from Jerusalem University College. He has served as the Executive Director of Alongside since 2010. John believes Alongside is a strategic ministry that empowers and strengthens leadership in the Kingdom of God. He enjoys seeing how God uses the Alongside staff to bring wholeness and restoration to marriages, families and ministries. John is passionate about offering an environment where deep change can take place.
Andrew holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College Graduate School. He is a limited licensed psychologist in Michigan. Growing up in a ministry family, Andrew developed a passion for cross-cultural ministry and served overseas for several years with his wife and children. Along the way, they received counseling and care that helped them recover from adversity and continue serving. When his time overseas ended, Andrew joined Alongside as a counselor. Now he serves as the Director of Operations. He considers it a privilege to play a role in God’s restorative work in the lives of His servants.

Carol holds an M.A. in Christian Counseling and an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is a licensed professional counselor in Michigan. For over 25 years, Carol and her family served in cross-cultural and domestic ministry roles. She also worked as a clinical member care director. She is passionate about offering the same hope and healing to others that she has received. Carol is grateful to return to Michigan after years of “wandering” to serve at Alongside in the work God is doing to profoundly refresh, renew and restores His servants.

January holds an M.A. in Social Work from Western Michigan University. She is a licensed clinical social worker in Michigan. For more than two decades, she has served in a variety of ministry roles including cross-cultural ministry, and she has worked with youth and families in diverse settings. January believes that there is nothing closer to the heart of God than children. She is grateful to serve in a role where her personal passion for serving children and families intersects daily with God’s restorative plan for His people.
Hanny holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Western Michigan University and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wheaton College. She is a licensed professional counselor in Michigan. Originally from Indonesia, Hanny grew up as a domestic third-culture individual in a Christian ministry family. She has a passion to provide a safe space that will bring healing to people during their transition and cross-cultural adjustments. As a counselor and teacher, Hanny loves integrating her counseling background with her faith to help people in ministry.
Justin holds an M.A. from Reformed Theological Seminary. He is a licensed professional counselor in Michigan. Justin served for 10 years as a Submarine Officer in the U.S. Navy. Then, for 15 years, he served in a variety of pastoral roles including lead pastor. He has a deep passion to care for ministry leaders and pastors. At Alongside, Justin is excited to come alongside people in ministry to help facilitate healing, wholeness and renewal so that they can have an even greater kingdom impact.
Chad holds an M.A. in Counseling from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He is a licensed clinical counselor in Michigan. He has worked as a counselor, supervisor and assistant director at a counseling center. Chad has trained local churches on trauma informed care, burnout and mental health in ministry. He is passionate about serving those in local and cross-cultural ministry. At Alongside, Chad is excited to serve those who have experienced the wounds that can take place in vocational ministry.
Amy holds an M.A. in Christian Counseling from Colorado Christian University. She is a licensed professional counselor in Michigan. Amy worked with and led an international nonprofit ministry for 25 years. She received counseling care at her lowest point in ministry. During this time, share found safety and acceptance. After Amy joined the Alongside staff as a counselor, she realized that nothing she had suffered would be wasted. She is passionate about helping men and women in ministry. Amy loves working at Alongside because she believes the Lord uses it to heal and restore participants.
Curt holds an M.A. in Christian Counseling from Colorado Christian University. He is a licensed professional counselor in Michigan. For 25 years, Curt worked with and counseled Christian leaders, missionaries and pastors in a variety of contexts. He received counseling care during a difficult and painful season in his life, which was beneficial to his recovery. Now, he has a heart of compassion for missionaries and pastors. Curt loves working at Alongside because he has seen people arrive broken and hopeless and leave with a renewed hope and passion for ministry.
Melissa graduated from Western Michigan University with an MSA. She is a licensed CPA in Michigan and is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. She has 10 years experience in public accounting. Melissa started working with JW Accounting and Alongside in 2021. Before that, she worked at another firm in Portage, MI. She enjoys providing accounting support to organizations, especially nonprofits, because it allows her to contribute in a meaningful way by taking care of the financial details. Melissa helps organizations like Alongside stay focused on what they do best and fulfill the mission of their organization.
Mary and her husband served as cross-cultural workers in Thailand and Cambodia for 24 years. Mary then attended Wheaton College Graduate School to earn an MA in Clinical Psychology. After graduating in 2013, God opened a door for her to serve as a counselor at Cornerstone Counseling Foundation in Thailand. In 2019, she and her husband led their sending organization’s counseling and member care services. Mary is an Emotion Focused Couples Therapist and a certified mediator. She is also trained in EMDR trauma care and enjoys teaching a wide variety of emotional, spiritual, and relational health topics.
Dr. Jim Ritchie is an emergency physician who served for 25 in the U.S. Navy. He then served for six years as a medical missionary in Chogoria, Kenya where he helped start a Christian family medicine program. He has assisted workers from Europe, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. Jim is part of Alongside’s MedTeam, and he teaches at MedRetreat. He delights in helping healthcare missionaries thrive in the challenging context of cross-cultural medicine.
Frauke grew up in Germany where she trained in family medicine and psychotherapy. She completed her residency in psychiatry at Duke University and is a board-certified psychiatrist. For 20 years, Frauke worked in private practice and supported global workers and their organizations. She works with Barnabas International. She is part of the Alongside MedTeam and helped develop MedRetreat. Frauke is passionate about coming alongside global healthcare workers, helping them navigate challenges and contributing to their health and wellness.
Charlie has a PhD in Clinical Psychology and an M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is a licensed psychologist in North Carolina. Charlie has lived and served Christian workers in West Africa, Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. Charlie has a private practice where he primarily works with people in Christian service. He is on staff with Barnabas International. He is part of the Alongside MedTeam and provides counseling and teaching for MedRetreat. Charlie loves talking with people about their experiences in global Christian service.
Jessica has a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University. She is a licensed psychologist in D.C. and Virginia. Jessica has a private practice. She has served on several short-term medical mission trips and volunteered as a psychological consultant to Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF). Jessica serves as part of the Alongside MedTeam and provides counseling and teaching for MedRetreat. She is passionate about using her counseling skills to care for missionary health.
Jerry holds an M.Div. and M.A. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Society and taught as adjunct faculty for New Testament Greek for over 5 years. He has worked in campus ministry and missions in Europe as well as in domestic church ministry. Jerry has been serving missionaries worldwide as a pastoral caregiver for the past 12 years through Chapel Hill Bible Church and Global Outreach International. Through Shepherd’s Way, he wants to provide a safe place for pastors and ministry leaders to find rest and be equipped for ministry.
Vince is a graduate of William Tyndale College and Grace Theological Seminary. He has been in pastoral roles for 45 years. Vince has also served on the board of directors for three para-church ministries and as one of the chaplains for the City of Troy Police Department. Vince is privileged to be part of the staff of Alongside ministry where he serves with his wife, Judy, as a mentor to people in ministry.
Judy grew up as a third-culture kid in Central America. She has served in a variety of church ministry roles including music ministry for 45 years. Judy is an active member and volunteer in her home church. Along with her husband, Vince, Judy serves as a mentor to people in ministry.
David holds a Master of Divinity, a certification in Spiritual Direction, and is an ordained minister. With 8 years of experience as a missionary and 25 years as a local church pastor, he understands the unique challenges faced by those in ministry. David currently serves as a spiritual director and coach. He is passionate about helping people connect more deeply with God and navigate the complexities of faith and leadership.
Kristin holds a B.A. in International Relations from Grand Valley State University. She spent 16 years serving the local church in full-time ministry to children. She has also worked with local faith communities to recruit and support foster families. Kristin’s years of pastoral experience have given her an understanding of the joys and challenges of ministry. She is passionate about supporting kids who have been impacted by trauma and adversity. At Alongside, Kristin desires to welcome children and help them experience a sense of joy, peace and healing.
Elise holds a B.A. in Youth Ministry from Moody Bible Institute. Her passions, heart for ministry, desire to work with children, and personal family history of hurt in ministry have prepared her for her role at Alongside. Elise loves seeing God through the eyes of a child. She is passionate about sharing God’s love with the kids who participate in the children’s program.
Kezi holds a B.A. in Human Services from Moody Bible Institute. She has served in multiple roles at Alongside for 10 years, and she has worked with children and families in home settings for even longer. Kezi continues to develop a deep desire to help vocational ministry families with the love and care God has shown her. She has a passion for engaging with children and helping them understand who they are, how God has created them and how much God loves them.
Paul earned a B.A. in K-12 Special Education from Hope College. He is a certified teacher. He taught in public schools for 28 years and served as a missionary for 7 years with Youth for Christ. Paul is passionate about guiding teens to recognize their worth in the eyes of God and helping them understand that they are loved unconditionally. At Alongside, he delights in helping teens cultivate authentic relationships within a genuine and nurturing community.
Shelley holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Hope College and an M.A. in Elementary Education from Nazareth College. Shelley works with husband, Paul, to create a welcoming, understanding and enjoyable space for teens. Combined, they have dedicated more than 20 years to youth programming. She is passionate about supporting the younger generation.
Charlie has a B.A. in Electrical Engineering from Cedarville College. He has volunteered with the middle and high school students at his church for the last 28 years and has been on more than a dozen domestic and international trips with them. He also volunteered as a Cub Scout leader with all 5 of his children. His favorite part of youth ministry is watching the gospel click, and their faith become their own.
Bill received counseling care after serving in cross-cultural missions. Now, he desires to serve other Christian leaders the way he was served and to use the gifts and abilities God has given him for Kingdom purposes. Bill is passionate about creating a restful, peaceful environment for guests and assisting clients in any way that he can. Bill loves working with both the staff and volunteers who give their time, resources and talents to ensure clients can experience a beautiful setting while attending an Alongside retreat.
Josh has a B.A. in Religion from Kingswood University. He served cross-culturally in Bosnia for 16 years and directed a non-profit organization for 7 of those years. Josh cares about people and wants them to grow in their faith and overall health. He loves making a difference in people’s lives in tangible ways. Josh is passionate about serving people who come to Alongside and ensuring that they can experience the healing community of Alongside.
Amy received counseling care after serving in cross-cultural missions. After being on the mission field, she has a heart for missionaries and pastors. Amy is naturally hospitable and caring, and she uses her God-given gifts and talents to serve clients. She is passionate about providing a welcoming, peaceful environment for clients. Amy wants every client who comes to Alongside to experience tranquility and joy.
Michelle holds a degree in Business Administration from Davenport University. Her passion lies in supporting people and missions. With over two decades of vocational ministerial experience and a background in leading short-term mission teams, she can empathize with staff, ministry leaders, and missionaries. By working closely with both staff and clients, Michelle applies her administrative talents to advance God’s Kingdom so clients can rediscover their joy, hope, and calling in ministry.
Teri has a certificate in Christian Ministry from Liberty University. She has dedicated more than 12 years to serving the local church in full-time ministry, specifically with families and children. Teri has a welcoming smile, a heart of service and exceptional organizational skills. In her role, she expertly navigates the steps needed from setting a vision to carrying out tasks. Teri is passionate about guiding children and families and loves making a difference in their lives.
Kristina has a B.A. in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. She served cross-culturally in Bosnia for a decade. Kristina is passionate about creating intentional opportunities for people to connect so that they can experience thriving relationships with each other and with God. She is excited to use her gift of writing to serve the Alongside community through marketing and communications.
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