Mark
Executive Director

Mark became Ruth Harbor’s second Executive Director in 2002. Prior to Ruth Harbor, Mark managed the non-profit GuideOne Foundation. His varied background also includes athletic director, instructor, and marketing communications. Mark’s BA is from Cedarville University. Mark and his wife, Deb, have three grown children and two grandchildren. He loves to invest in others in order to see them grow and enjoys his role on a recreational soccer team.

Leanna
Developmental Specialist

Leanna joined the Ruth Harbor team in 2017 as Program Director, later transitioning to the newly created Developmental Specialist position in March 2018. This role’s focus is on recruitment of both client and staff, expanding face-to-face connections in the role of marketing and community partnerships, and overseeing special projects within the organization. Leanna had known about Ruth Harbor for 15 years and was drawn here because it would enable her to use her professional talents and connect with the residents at a heart-level. She also knew Ruth Harbor was a ministry with great meaning that she could serve in. Leanna and her husband, David, have 3 children: Dawson, Daniel and Lillie.  As a family, they attend church at Soteria Des Moines. In her free time, Leanna enjoys spending time with her family, investing in her church, traveling, being outdoors, playing the piano, painting and redesigning.

Aimee
Office Manager

Aimee joined Ruth Harbor as the Office Manager in January 2018.  In this role she oversees the front-office operations, supports the Executive Director and staff team, manages fundraising events and develops/oversees Ruth Harbor's volunteer program. Aimee and her husband, Derek, have three children that keep them busy with their athletic, musical and academic pursuits. Although there isn't a lot of time for hobbies during this busy season of life, when possible, she enjoys baking, reading and crafting.

Sandy
Financial & Database Coordinator

Since 2005 Sandy has coordinated Ruth Harbor’s events such as the annual Walk for Life and the Fall Fundraising Banquet in addition to managing the office responsibilities and overseeing the budget throughout the year. Prior to Ruth Harbor, Sandy’s varied resume of experiences include account billing at a private school, church secretary, and school board member and volunteer while her children were young. Sandy and her husband, Phil, have two grown children and two grandchildren.

Shawn & Cara
House Parents

Shawn and Cara have served as a full-time House Parents since 2017. As the "house dad and mom," they live in the home and are responsible for modeling a Christian family, serving as a father- and mother-figure to the residents and overseeing all of the day-to-day operations and "life" that happens in the house and in the lives of the residents. Together they serve as the leaders of the Ruth Harbor home. Shawn and Cara have three daughters, Danielle (who is married to husband, Derrick), Madeline and Alyssa. In Shawn’s spare time, he is a handyman who enjoys woodworking, collecting coins and selling items on Ebay.  Cara enjoys anything craft-related, making jewelry and crocheting.

Michele
Counselor

Michele is passionate about helping young women realize their self-worth by walking alongside them as they find the courage to make desired changes in their lives and reach their full God-given potential. She is a Christian counselor and Des Moines native who earned her Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University (Lunchburg, VA). She is currently licensed by the state of Iowa to provide mental health counseling and she is certified as an alcohol and drug counselor. Michele and her husband, Ronny, are entering a new stage of life as their three children have grown.

Pam
Caseworker

Pam was hired in 2018 as a Caseworker to assist in developing care plans for the residents and meet with them on a regular basis to help them work toward their goals. Pam also assists residents in finding jobs and daycare, and generally helps in any other ways she can to provide a support system for the women and encourage them to be the best women and mothers they can be.  Pam and her husband, J.A., recently retired from their 30-year service as BBFI missionaries to Wales in the United Kingdom. They moved to Des Moines to be close to their son and his family. Pam and J.A. are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren in Wales and three grandchildren in Des Moines.

J.A.
Program Manager

J.A. came to Ruth Harbor in 2018 with his wife, Pam, to serve as Ruth Harbor's Program Manager.  In his role, J.A. oversees the caseworker and provides oversight and training to the staff in both of the homes. J.A. also coordinates the back-up house parents' schedules to ensure the homes have consistent coverage. "I love working with the staff of Ruth Harbor! Their love for Christ and young people is infectious," said J.A. When time allows, J.A. enjoys duck hunting, catching catfish, golfing and of course Skyping with his grand kids in Wales. J.A. and Pam recently retired from their 30-year service as BBFI missionaries to Wales in the United Kingdom. They moved to Des Moines to be close to their son and his family. J.A. and Pam are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren in Wales and three grandchildren in Des Moines.