Our staff is committed to delivering quality care.
Our staff comes to us from Apostolic Christian congregations all over the United States. Scroll through to see how God led each individual or family to work at Gateway.
Please be praying for us as we strive to uphold our Christian values in a fallen world. The work of planting seeds can be tough but our hope is in God giving the increase.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23
Janice Anliker
Residential Support Staff
HOMETOWN: Elgin, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
Ever since I left the first time in 2001, I felt like I was not “done” with Gateway. I have enjoyed tutoring in the houses after school and always thought I would return to Gateway Woods School as a math teacher…never imagined it would be as the Director of Education.
Amy Austin
Foster Care Case Manager
HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne
What brought you to Gateway?
My journey began five years ago when I became a licensed foster parent. My passion to advocate for children then led me to receive a Social Work degree to become a family case manager. I feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing organization. My mission has always aligned with Gateway Woods and that is to plant the seed in troubled youth so they may bless others.
Eric Bahler
Gateway Farms Manager
HOMETOWN: Wolcott, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
A desire to share the love of Christ, and to experience more of Him.
Kristi Baran
Counselor
HOMETOWN: Watford, MI
What brought you to Gateway?
When I first looked into Gateway I only sensed God’s interest in me coming here, so I begrudgingly complied. However, by the time I accepted the position He had changed my heart to want it, too. I remain grateful for the truth of Psalm 37:4 and the many ways He has continued to sanctify my heart to look more like His.
Hannah Beer
Office Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Leo, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
My parents worked at Gateway as houseparents for 5 years while I was growing up, and I came to love this organization: it’s mission, the hearts of the people working here, and the fact that God was so central to every decision. Then I fell in love with administration and accounting, which I went to college for. God opened doors like crazy my last year of school, and I started working full-time at Gateway the Monday after I graduated.
Heather Beer
Business Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Bradford, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
Feeling the pull to some sort of family ministry, Joe and I considered adoption and other mentoring options, but it was made clear that was not where God wanted us. One morning while praying, God asked Joe, "Why not Gateway?", and we spent the next three months exploring, interviewing, and moving to Leo to be houseparents. After houseparenting, I was blessed to be able to continue serving in an administrative role.
Margie Bertsch
English Teacher
HOMETOWN: Shelby, OH
What brought you to Gateway?
Although I have always supported Gateway Woods at the annual auction since I was a teenager and have biked with Team 224 East for the last couple of years, I never imagined myself teaching at the school. When I was working through my college education to become an English teacher, I realized how much my faith influenced my teaching. While searching for a teaching position, I was drawn to apply at Gateway for the opportunity to share the Gospel, incorporate scripture into my lessons, and to biblically counsel my students. The Lord then opened all the doors through the process and brought me here to serve as the full-time English teacher.
Kody Beyer
Gateway Farms Assistant
HOMETOWN: Sabetha, KS
What brought you to Gateway?
God knew exactly what I needed and when I needed it. I am thankful for His grace to answer His call.
Seth & Hannah Bollier
Lead Houseparents (Maple House)
HOMETOWN: Bloomington, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
We had a desire to serve together in ministry and the Lord grew that desire along with a compassion for at-risk youth. We long for these youth to experience healing and come to find hope in Christ.
Nathan & Michelle Braker
Professional Foster Parents (Alternates)
HOMETOWN: Washington, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
Since we were newly married we have felt a desire to serve the vulnerable. We felt led by God to move to Gateway and answered the call. We are looking forward to serving together as a family.
Rachel Bristol
Adoption Case Manager
HOMETOWN: Archbold, OH
What brought you to Gateway?
My connection with Gateway Woods began in 2012 when my husband and I were foster parents. After two years of fostering, we were blessed to adopt a sibling group of three kiddos. My heart for families also grew as I worked in local church and para-church ministries where I had the opportunity to walk alongside many families who were on their own foster care and adoption journeys. I took several years off to homeschool my family but began to feel the Lord stirring in my heart to work outside the home again. I was praying that He would open the right door for me when I saw an opportunity with the adoption department at Gateway. It seemed like a perfect fit, so I applied! I’m so thankful to be a part of this amazing team as we work together to love children and families like Jesus!
Shanna Conner
Adoption Supervisor
HOMETOWN: Tipton, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I received my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2009 and briefly worked in Counseling and Adoption services at a local agency in Fort Wayne. Shortly after, my husband and I adopted our first son from Ethiopia in 2010, followed by domestic adoptions of our second and third sons in 2011 and 2012. Gateway Woods provided the home studies for each of our adoptions and I got to know Jan Baumgartner during this time. We stayed in touch over the years as I would occasionally bump into her and other staff from Gateway volunteering with another local Christian agency who partnered with Gateway. Jan had mentioned the possibility of working with her at Gateway a couple of times and eventually, the timing was right for both Gateway Woods and myself. I am grateful to God to be a part of Gateway Woods, allowing me to utilize both my professional and personal experience to encourage, support, and guide adoptive families and birth parents through the adoption process.
Chelsey M. Conroy
LARC Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Massena, NY
What brought you to Gateway?
I have always been passionate about serving and helping others, but I found my purpose in working with kids who needed extra love and support. After years of working with Gateway residents through another agency, personal connections with Gateway staff, and completing my practicum, God's perfect timing opened the doors to LARC. I had been praying for a shift, and I am grateful I got to say "yes" to Gateway.
Megan Dean
Foster Care Case Manager
HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I always knew that God was calling me to ministry; specifically to kids with special needs. I saw a post that Gateway was hiring and I took a huge leap of faith out of my comfort zone. Everything seemed to line up with what God is calling me to do. I am excited to see how God uses me to work in the lives of kids and families.
Kate Dotterer
Math Teacher
HOMETOWN: Sardis, OH
What brought you to Gateway?
For the last several years, my prayer has been that God would use me wherever there is a need to further His kingdom. During my last semester in college, as I was asking God to open doors for my future, Gateway Woods School became a reoccurring theme. The need for a math teacher kept coming up, and since my prayer has been that God would use me absolutely wherever, I found myself asking, “Why wouldn’t I be willing to teach there?” only to answer, “I’ll step out and see where God takes me.” And He brought me here!
Amber Ehnle
Assistant Houseparent (Maple House)
HOMETOWN: Goodfield, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
I was at a point in my life where I didn’t have any reason to NOT think about Gateway as an option. I realized that all of my passions, dreams and desires that I had, lined up with Gateways mission. I just never thought God would be cultivating my heart for this specific mission. I’m excited to see God work in and around me and more importantly, to grow in Him!
Samantha Erickson
Foster Care Counselor
HOMETOWN: Elkhart, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I had been feeling, a push to leave my other job, I had been praying on what other opportunities and possibilities God had out there for me, Dan Sparling, mentioned to me one day that the Foster Care department was actually hiring; and it was not coincidental that he’d brought it up — I knew it was God, speaking to Dan for me! My husband and I really began to pray about this potential opportunity, and over time it became clear that this was where God was leading me! Now, I am here and really excited to see where this takes me!
Travon Erickson
LARC Services Director
HOMETOWN: Elkhart, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I was very unhappy at my other job and I felt like God was calling me to do something in ministry. After spending a lot of time in prayer and really giving my life over to God, he brought me to this wonderful place that is Gateway Woods.
Phil & Janean Gerber
Lead Houseparents (Oak House)
HOMETOWN: Bluffton, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
God provided an unexpected opportunity to be Houseparents at Gateway Woods. It was both amazing and humbling to watch as God transformed each of our hearts to be willing to answer His call! Through confirmation that could have only come from God, we felt peace to join the Gateway Woods team!
Ed Graf
Executive Director
HOMETOWN: Akron, OH
What brought you to Gateway?
Starting out in life I never dreamed I would be part of the Gateway Woods ministry. As a mechanical engineer working in management for an automotive manufacturer, I thought my career course was pretty well set. God upset my plans in 1993 when he orchestrated a confluence of events that would change the course of our family’s life for the better, and bring us into the Gateway Woods community.
John Harding
Development Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Leo
What brought you to Gateway?
After 23 years in sales with corporate America, I decided to step away to find an occupation with more meaning and purpose. It took over a year of searching before Gateway Woods was brought to my attention. After hearing about the newly created position of Local Development Coordinator, I believed my prayers had been answered. I am truly blessed to be part of this ministry that provides unconditional love and healing to children and families in a Christ-centered environment.
Jill Hire
Residential Nurse
HOMETOWN: Spencerville, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
As a nurse, I have a passion for helping others. I was brought here because whether addressing the needs of vulnerable children or the challenges they are facing, I love how Gateway Woods does it while serving God. It is clearly at the heart of everything Gateway Woods does! I feel very blessed to be a part of it!
Kyle & Lindsey Isch
Lead Houseparents (Pine House)
HOMETOWN: Princeville, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
We have been involved with Gateway off and on since 2014 working as an Assistant Houseparent, Home Based Caseworker, and Teacher. As we begin our own family, houseparenting together is a great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a family environment.
Chad Kaeb
Development Director
HOMETOWN: Bloomington, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
God went to great lengths to persuade my wife Kristy and myself to pursue houseparenting at Gateway Woods in the fall of 2009. I am so thankful that He moved us out to Gateway Woods, as we learned much through our 4 1/2 years of working with hurting youth and their families. I am thankful to now have the opportunity to advocate for these individuals through the role of public relations and donor relations.
Katie Kaufmann
Adoption Case Manager (Illinois)
HOMETOWN: Cissna Park, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
I came to Gateway during a time when God opened a very different “window” for me. As an experienced teacher and single mother to an adult son, I was looking for another traditional classroom. I was also wanting the ability to share my faith without the world’s tightening constraints on Christians in the classroom. Little did I know just how powerfully God would use that desire at Gateway Woods School. Changing hearts is not something WE do, but it’s being an instrument through which God transforms those lives. God was not done with me though, because low and behold, another very different “window” opened up! Gateway Family Services Illinois! I was able to move back to Morton and work with single birth mothers and Christian families wanting to adopt. I had come full circle and richly blessed.
Luci Koch
Executive Director (Illinois)
HOMETOWN: Tremont, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
I didn’t know where I would end up when God placed on my heart to get a Master’s degree is Social Work after working as a nurse for many years. After graduating the social work program, the right job did not open up in central Illinois, so I inquired about opportunities at Gateway Woods. They happened to be looking for someone to start the Illinois Adoption Program. Since that time, God has grown a passion in my heart for the orphaned and vulnerable and am humbled to serve birth and adoptive families in Illinois.
Heidi Knapp
Adoption Case Manager (Illinois)
HOMETOWN: Morton, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
Adoption is something God gave my husband and I a heart for from the start of our marriage, and we have adopted two of our five children, working with Gateway Woods during that process. Adoption, and all that it entails, is my passion as well as my every day life. I'm honored to be a part of the amazing Gateway Family Services Illinois team and have the opportunity to come alongside families as they pursue God's calling in adoption.
Kiley Knoblauch
LARC Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Woodburn, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
God has created me with a deep desire to love and serve people well. That desire has only grown deeper and wider, especially in the last several years. God has led me, our family, and my life in ministry to the most hurting and broken lives, to love and point people to health and healing through Jesus. It is my joy to join the purpose and mission of Gateway Woods and the LARC team.
Kelsey Laukhuf
Foster Care Case Manager
HOMETOWN: Leo, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
13 years ago, my parents were called to be houseparents at Gateway Woods. Even though I was terrified of the change, I quickly learned that God was going to use Gateway for amazing things in my life. God used Gateway to show me my gifts and passions. By watching my parents interact with the residents, I witnessed them show unconditional love and love like Jesus, and I knew that I wanted to be like them. Gateway, the staff, and the church have been huge supporters of me throughout going to college to obtain my degree in social work, prayed for me, and encouraged me. I always knew that I loved the mission and work that Gateway does. I have always wanted to give back to the organization that God used to grow me into who I am today. I believe that Foster Care and Social Work are where I can best utilize the gifts that God has given me for His glory.
Charla Leman
Supervising Counselor
HOMETOWN: Sardis, OH
What brought you to Gateway?
When I was a kid my sister was an alternate houseparent at Gateway Woods and that was my first exposure. After graduating from college I was looking for a job as a counselor and Gateway had an opening. It has been a blessing working for such a great ministry.
Felix Luna
Communications Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I was praying for opportunities to use my creative gifts. I asked God to make it bright as day so that I knew that’s where he needed me to go. As I was going on my lunch break my friend from work told me that there was an opening at Gateway Woods for a Communications Coordinator and it described everything I wanted to do. I knew in that moment that it was where God wanted me to go. I am so fortunate to be part of Gateway Wood's Mission and team!
Mark Maibach
Chief Financial Officer
HOMETOWN: Sterling, OH
What brought you to Gateway?
In 2009, the company I was working for was going out of business. As I was looking for what God wanted next for not only me but my family, He laid Gateway on my heart. It is a blessing to use His gifts for Kingdom work.
Michelle Norman
Foster Care Supervisor
HOMETOWN: Decatur, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I worked with the Department of Child Services for almost 10 years and I had been praying for a job with a faith based organization. God answered with this amazing opportunity to work with Gateway woods under an amazing mission statement to honor and obey God by providing help and healing to troubled children and their families so that they can in turn bless others. I love how God has been preparing me to work faithfully under this mission statement. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Jesus Christ, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
Rob Parker
LARC Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I grew up a lot like many of the kids we are doing life with at Gateway Woods, so I have a lot of compassion and understanding for them. God has given me a heart to connect kids to the resources and relationships that they need to not only survive but to thrive in their God given purpose, and this is exactly what the LARC initiative is all about.
Sean & Sarah Ryan
WillowBridge Community Advocate Support
HOMETOWN: Kokomo, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
Though we weren’t actively seeking anything new, we had sensed for some time that God was preparing us for something new. We learned about an open position at WillowBridge through our friends, and after much prayer and seeking (and some wrestling!) we were confident this was the new thing God was guiding us toward. We never expected to be a part of a ministry like Gateway Woods, but are eager to not only follow God’s commands to care for the vulnerable, but to make it the focus of our work at WillowBridge.
Keith Schambach
Manager of Compliance & Maintenance
HOMETOWN: Elgin, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
We have a long family history in the Leo area. Gateway Woods and similar ministries have been near to our hearts for a long time. We served at CVE in Mexico for three years and then lived in Leo and Elgin doing landscape and maintenance work. We felt the calling from God to get back into working with hurting families and teens as a career and God opened the doors to come to Gateway as alternate Hp's. We enjoy serving the residents and families at Gateway and need prayer to continue to share Jesus' love to all we meet.
Clint & Sydnee Schumacher
Professional Foster Parents (Lead)
HOMETOWN: Goodfield, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
We serve a faithful God who knew our future far beyond what we could see. He planted a passion in our hearts that continues to grow the more we get to know Gateway Woods and the mission here. We are so thankful God called us to trust Him and take a huge leap of faith. We love our Gateway family and are excited to serve others while glorifying God!
Dan Sparling
Director of Child Placement
HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
Since I was in high school I felt God’s calling on my life to help kids who are involved in the child welfare system. God gave me a true heart to serve these kids in many capacities. I worked for the Department of Child Services for several years and learned of Gateway Woods as part of that work and the reputation that Gateway has of truly impacting the lives of children. After much prayer I made the decision to apply to work at Gateway Woods and am truly blessed to be a part of this ministry!
Laura Steffen
Science Teacher
HOMETOWN: Latty, OH
What brought you to Gateway?
My first experience at Gateway was a time of incredible spiritual and personal growth. Gateway’s mission is forever on my heart, and I was glad to be able to once again participate in what God is doing here.
Quinn Steffen
Development Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Princeville, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
Over the weeks leading up to my application to Gateway, God had been making changes in the work environments for both my wife and I. When God made His call clear to us that we should be considering Gateway, we were both hesitant to make that step. Our parents helped us approach the call to Gateway as an opportunity to know and serve Him rather than just finding a new job. God continued to work on our hearts and showed His will very clearly so that by the time we moved, we both knew “This IS God’s will and by His design”.
Kirk & Jeana Steidinger
Alternate Houseparents (Oak House)
HOMETOWN: Champaign, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
God laid Gateway on our hearts during a time of transition in our life. We had a desire to grow and to follow God’s call to serve the hurting and the fatherless. We felt God calling us to step out in faith, trusting His will for our life, and eventually ended up here at Gateway!
Toby Steidinger
Residential Case Manager
HOMETOWN: Fairbury, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
I first became acquainted with Gateway Woods through summer volunteering and, while I was studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, the Home-Based summer internship program. The mission mindset, devotion to the residents, and passion for community was profoundly evident. As I continued to seek out where God would use my skillset and passions, Gateway Woods was a clear answer to my prayers.
Traci Steidinger
Counseling Assistant
HOMETOWN: Fairbury, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
I originally came to Gateway with my family to work in the residential program. After our time there I was later offered a position in the office and felt I should take it so I could continue to be a part of "helping the hurting" in a small way.
Nichole Suvar
Systems Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Briceton, OH
What brought you to Gateway?
Paul and I have felt led to missions for quite some time, but overseas missions just weren’t panning out. We felt led to live/work/serve at Gateway as Houseparents as a state-side missionary role. 8 years later I’m still here serving in a more behind-the-scenes supportive role.
Addie Waibel
Professional Foster Care Assistant
HOMETOWN: Champaign, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
I had been praying to know Jesus more, to seek His kingdom first, and to live my life for His glory. When the opportunity to come to Gateway came up, it was clear that the Lord had gone before and this was all of Him and His doing! It truly is an honor to serve here.
Jeff Waibel
Director of Residential Services
HOMETOWN: Bay City, MI
What brought you to Gateway?
In 2001 I graduated with a degree in social work and my first thought was to work for Gateway Woods. I had spent some time at Gateway Woods as the volunteer coordinator and I had become convinced that the work being done at Gateway was extremely important. In many ways, it is the front line of the gospel. Since I had a professional degree I was hired as a counselor and have spent the last 15 years trying to create the sort of setting where young people can feel safe, work on the challenges in their lives, and interact with people who were truly trying to follow Jesus. I’ve seen a lot of change over the past 15 years, but my belief in the work we do has not changed. If anything, I have become more convinced of the necessity of our work here at Gateway Woods.
Kristin Walko
Dean of Students
HOMETOWN: Gridley, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
I came to Gateway Woods as a volunteer the summer of 2007. That experience left an imprint on my heart that made me want to devote myself to “inspiring hearts and minds” at Gateway Woods School.
Emily Wiegand
History Teacher
HOMETOWN: Philadelphia, PA
What brought you to Gateway?
In 2020, I felt like I needed to start praying about Gateway. I had no idea where the Lord would lead, but a year later when the Social Studies position opened up, everything seemed to fall into place. I'm so thankful that God always has a plan and that His ways are greater!
Gabriella Wiegand
Assistant Houseparent (Oak House)
HOMETOWN: Denver, CO
What brought you to Gateway?
I desire to love God and love people. Gateway is a place that will grow me in both of these areas.
Brock Williamson
Director of Education
HOMETOWN: Latty, OH
What brought you to Gateway?
There was a need. I prayed. They hired me.
Lydia Williamson
Adoption Case Manager
HOMETOWN: Sabetha, KS
What brought you to Gateway?
I had the opportunity to volunteer at Gateway one summer and was moved by the ministry and the houseparents who worked in the residential program. Two years later I learned about the job opening as an Assistant Houseparent, and God nudged me to apply. Throughout the hiring and cross country moving process God granted me a wonderful peace which gave me the courage to follow Him where He wanted me to go, and that was Gateway.
Amanda Winn
Counselor
HOMETOWN: Gridley, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
Since I was young I have desired to help those in need but I was not sure how I would do this. I prayed that God would show me what to do with this desire and He lead me to Gateway. It's been challenging but also really rewarding working with troubled youth and their families.
Danielle Wirtz
Foster Care Case Manager
HOMETOWN: Luverne, MN
What brought you to Gateway?
I worked at Gateway as a counselor from 1998 to 2002. For the last 15 years I have stayed at home raising our children and running our home. After learning about the need for help in the Foster Care Program, the Lord provided me with another opportunity to serve at Gateway.
Bethany Young
Communications Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Leo, Indiana
What brought you to Gateway?
I grew up around Gateway Woods through junior high and high school. The mission and people here have always held a special place in my heart, and I am so thankful that God has led me to be a more direct part of this mission!
Jesse Zimmerman
Houseparent Manager
HOMETOWN: Forrest, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
After adopting our daughter, Wren, and personally building relationship with her birthparents for the 6 months before Wren was born, our hearts broke for those who come from difficult places. Getting to see first hand the daily reality of teens/young adults trying to manage their lives when they haven’t been taught about God or provided with stability and loving nurture throughout their childhood gave us a passion to do something more. God led us to Gateway Woods to begin doing our part to heal the hurts from childhood instability. We view our daughters birth mom as our “burning bush” as God used her to get our attention and show us how he wanted to use us for His purposes. After being a houseparent for 5 years and having a passion for the mission and the staff that work in it God opened the opportunity for me to become the Houseparent Manager.
Pete & Jolene Zimmerman
Alternate Houseparents (Maple House)
HOMETOWN: Forrest, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
Ever since we met we both had a heart for children in need. God led us through a journey of foster care. Throughout that He put the need of houseparents on our hearts and now we look forward to serving here at Gateway.
Gateway Woods offers Christ-centered family services.
Gateway Woods has a Christian staff and culture.
Join us in this narrative of "Restoring Hope" in the youth and families we serve.