Our staff is committed to delivering quality care.
Our staff come to us from all over the United States. Scroll through to see how God led each individual or family to work at Gateway.
Please pray 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 us 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 Licensing Worker
HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, IN
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
Supervising 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.
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.
Kim Blanchard
Foster Care Program Manager
HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
For many years I have known about and appreciated the mission of Gateway Woods. When God directed me to step out of my last job and into more full-time ministry work, I gladly followed His leading to be a part of the team at Gateway Woods. I want to experience more of God and help others to know Him more.
Shelley Brown
Foster Care Case Manager
HOMETOWN: Leo, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
My husband and I went through the adoption process with Gateway and have been hosting children in our home over the past 15 years through various organizations. I have been the preschool director at Grabill Missionary Church for 20 years, serving families in our community. I am the Executive Director of a local non-profit, Hope Grafted In, which works to engage followers of Jesus in the orphan care movement. My life experiences, heart for children and families, and the whisper of the Holy Spirit led me to Gateway.
Tracy Cochran
Foster Care Case Manager
HOMETOWN: Churubusco, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I was called away from an agency that I thought I was going to be at for the rest of my career. God, however, had other plans. A couple of months before applying to Gateway, I felt a tugging/a leading from Him to go back into ministry. This took me by surprise, so, to be sure I was hearing Him correctly, I prayed fervently for two months. Finally, at the end of those two months, I asked God to show up. The next day I received a message that Gateway Woods was hiring. So, here I am! …God is good.
Kiera Carlisle
Adoption Program Manager
HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
As an adoptive mother, God has placed different things surrounding adoption on my heart. I have been praying for God to show me my purpose. God told me that ministry is my purpose. I did not fully understand what he meant until I attended the Replanted Conference hosted by Gateway. After Replanted, I prayed about the things God laid on my heart during the conference. He led me to Gateway. When he said ministry, he meant Gateway Woods.
Chelsey 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.
Bruce Drayer
Math Teacher
HOMETOWN: Leo, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
In 2003 my wife and I packed up our young family and moved to Gateway to serve as houseparents. We never would have guessed it, but we stayed in that role for 10 years. Funny how God works! We stayed in the Leo area, I earned my teacher’s license, and I taught in a public school. However, I felt called to change to a school where I could touch both the heart and the mind.
Samantha Erickson
Counselor
HOMETOWN: Elkhart, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I’d been feeling that my time at my previous job was coming to an end but unsure where God would lead me. I’d been praying on what other opportunities and possibilities that God had for me. I didn’t even know that a place like Gateway Woods existed, but shortly after I was exposed to all that it is, it was pretty clear where God was leading me and later on my family too.
Travon Erickson
Director of Older Youth Services
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.
Dixie Gerber
Residential Case Manager
HOMETOWN: Morris, MN
What brought you to Gateway?
In 2006, the Lord opened the doors for me to move to Indiana and work as a counselor at Gateway Woods and it quickly became my favorite place of employment. As I moved on with marriage and children it was always on my heart to have the opportunity to work there again. I am grateful God opened the doors for me to serve as the Residential Case Manager.
Phil & Janean Gerber
Lead Houseparents
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!
Mariana Gutierrez
LARC Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Portland, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I recently got married and moved to Fort Wayne in July. I was working remotely for a company that I thought I would absolutely love, but quickly found out that working remotely was not meant for me. I heard about Gateway through a few of the members of my church and heard nothing but positive things. There was a position that opened up, and after praying this is where God led me.
John Harding
Development Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Leo, IN
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.
Nate & Haley Hartman
Alternate Houseparents
HOMETOWN: Goodfield, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
We didn’t know a lot about Gateway Woods until a friend of ours encouraged us to look in to it. As time went on, God opened a door and made it clear that we should walk through it. We are thankful to be a part of an organization that honors and obeys God by providing hope and healing to others.
Adam & Kathy Herrmann
Alternate Houseparents
HOMETOWN: Goodfield, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
Gateway Woods has been a topic of conversation between Kathy and me since the beginning of our marriage. When I was in high school, my parents served as houseparents here. That experience had a lasting impact on me. Over 20 years later, after hearing it announced at church that Gateway was in need of additional houseparents, we felt moved to pursue the idea of serving here. Last summer, we visited campus. Almost immediately, the Lord worked in our hearts, giving us peace about working at Gateway. It’s awesome how God can lead when you allow Him to.
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
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.
Audrey Kaeb
Office Coordinator
HOMETOWN: Cissna Park, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
While in between jobs, I spent some time learning more about Gateway Woods. I fell in love with their mission and reached out about an office position. They did not have any open positions at the time. Gateway then reached back out 6 months later with availability in the office coordinator position. God worked and opened the doors to accept! He is a Great God, and I am excited to watch Him work in so many ways here at Gateway Woods.
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.
Josiah Kaeb
Assistant Houseparent
HOMETOWN: Leo, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I came to Gateway Woods because Jesus has redeemed me and given me this opportunity to serve and invest in the residents. All so I can point them back to Him and His grace.
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.
Hope Klopfenstein
Adoption Case Manager
HOMETOWN: Leo, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
Spending my teenage years at Gateway as a houseparent kid tremendously influenced my choice of career in Human Services. I always kept Gateway in the back of my mind as a potential place of work if the timing and need aligned. Right when I was graduating college and wanting to try case management, that’s exactly what happened! It’s a huge honor to contribute to the mission here, and God shows more of His heart to me through every soul I meet and work with.
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.
Cindy Lemmen
English Teacher
HOMETOWN: Bluffton, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I love serving God through serving people in need, and I learn so much from others. I am originally from Michigan. My family moved to Ossian, Indiana, in 2007. I taught English for several years in Bluffton at Kingdom Academy and loved serving in that Christian school. We moved to Leo this summer, not knowing where I was going to work, but I still felt called to teach in a Christian setting. For years, I had seen the sincere hearts of the staff at Gateway Woods, and that is what drew me to apply here. I enjoy being one of the team, teaching these teens and sharing the truth of Jesus in this confusing world.
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.
Alayna Price
Assistant Houseparent
HOMETOWN: Morris North, MN
What brought you to Gateway?
As I was considering a career change, I made the decision to go back to school for counseling, but God had other plans. God put Gateway on my heart and opened doors leading me here. I’m excited to see the work God is doing here.
Emily Rassi
Social Studies 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!
Timothy Rassi
Science Teacher
HOMETOWN: Champaign, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
I love learning how the world works and deeply care about the people God cares about (that’s everyone, by the way). That is why I earned my Master’s in Science and Math Education and work as a teacher. I am at Gateway because I have a heart for high schoolers and foster care. My career and these passions intersect in an exciting way with the position of Science Teacher at Gateway Woods.
Gabrielle Reutter
Assistant Houseparent
HOMETOWN: Creston, OH
What brought you to Gateway?
I felt God put Gateway on my heart close to the end of my last job, and with prayer started the application process. God opened the doors to working here, and I feel so thankful and blessed. How could I not give of myself when He has given so much to me!
Wyatt Rocke
Assistant Houseparent
HOMETOWN: Goodfield, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
My aunt and uncle worked at Gateway many years ago, and though I did not realize it, God had already begun to weave together the many threads that made up His plan for me to serve here. I wasn’t expecting to be drawn to child services in any capacity, but it was clear to me that God intended for me to serve at Gateway. After all He has done for me, what else could I do but answer the call?
Sean & Sarah Ryan
WillowBridge Community Advocates
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
Director of Residential Services
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.
Millie Smith-Dean
WillowBridge Community Advocate
HOMETOWN: Connersville, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
I have loved the work that Gateway was doing and wanted to be a part of it. I was interested in working and being part of the mission at WillowBridge even when I was not living in the United States. When the Lord was calling my husband and I back to the US, I immediately thought of Gateway. The Lord graciously opened the door for me at Gateway, and things fell into place from there!
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!
Maya Spearman
WillowBridge Community Advocate Support
HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, IN
What brought you to Gateway?
Gateway Woods was a perfectly timed blessing for me. I was in a season of searching for purposeful work when Chelsea told me about the opportunity to become a community advocate at WillowBridge. I am so grateful for the chance to do what I love and pour into young people. I hope to contribute my small part in pointing them towards purpose and the full life God has for them.
Laura Steffen
Dean of Students
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”.
Ben & Christa Stoller
Lead Houseparents
HOMETOWN: Junction, OH
What brought you to Gateway?
We both deeply desire to serve the hurting and teach others of our joy in Christ. God kept knocking on our hearts to come to Gateway, and when we could put our personal circumstances aside, we knew it was only our next step to follow that call and move here. We trust in faith that He will make all things good as we step out.
Toby Steidinger
Counselor
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.
Jeff Waibel
Executive Director
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.
Gabriella Wiegand
Assistant Houseparent
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.
Danielle Wirtz
Foster Care Licensing Worker
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, IN
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!
Mark & Grace Zeller
Alternate Houseparents
HOMETOWN: Alto, MI
What brought you to Gateway?
Grace and I both felt the call to minister. I always had a desire to work in missions, but I couldn't visualize the whats and hows of the mission field. We pursued foster care in Michigan but were kept from placement for about a year by a house fire. Soon after, we became members of our church in Alto, and soon after that, we heard the announcement of the need for houseparents over the pulpit. We decided to let the call simmer in our hearts instead of dismissing it and saying, "Someone else will go." We talked to some connections at Gateway and prayed about it. The more we prayed, the more excited we became. We realized that houseparenting was like what we wanted to do with foster care but with more support and community! We are excited to serve and to allow the Lord to use us as He will!
Jesse Zimmerman
Houseparent Manager
HOMETOWN: Forrest, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
After adopting our daughter, Wren, and personally building a relationship with her birth parents for the 6 months before Wren was born, our hearts broke for those who come from difficult places. Seeing firsthand 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 daughter's 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.
Jolene Zimmerman
Residential Support Staff
HOMETOWN: Forrest, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
Ever since my husband Pete and I met, we have both had a heart for children in need. God led us through a journey of foster care, and through that experience, He put the need for houseparents on our hearts. After houseparenting for 3.5 years, we moved into new roles and are thankful to be serving here at Gateway.
Pete Zimmerman
Maintenance & Grounds Supervisor
HOMETOWN: Forrest, IL
What brought you to Gateway?
Ever since my wife Jolene and I met, we have both had a heart for children in need. God led us through a journey of foster care, and through that experience, He put the need for houseparents on our hearts. After houseparenting for 3.5 years, we moved into new roles and are thankful to be serving here at Gateway.
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