Heartlight residential staff
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Residential Staff  Ben Weinert, Residential Director/ Program, came to work with Heartlight Ministries in September of 2003. He attended George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon and earned a degree in Christian Ministries and Theatre. While attending college, Ben worked at a camp in Colorado for three summers and was a member of both the program and a counseling staff. In addition to this experience with young people, he volunteered at several churches helping out with the youth group programs, and spent 2 years as a House Staff and House Director here at Heartlight, before moving into the Assistant Program Director role. Ben’s creativity and energy are evident to all who meet him and are vital to Heartlight’s staff.
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 Introducing the residential staff of the Heartlight residential program and school for teens.     Helps from Heartlight...
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Learn how to handle difficult teens, develop effective boundaries, rules and consequences, and get your home under control. Taught by Mark Gregston on video (DVD). For individual home use or for groups. |
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© Copyright 2009 Heartlight Ministries
P.O. Box 286 Hallsville, TX 75650 Phone 903-668-2173
   
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Hope Hiblish, Residential Director. Growing up in Columbia, SC, Hope quickly found her love for the outdoors and refreshes herself at the start of every day with the beauty of God's work so prevalent in nature. Gifted with a passion for walking alongside students and families that are struggling, Hope's encouragement and unfading smile are a blessing to the residents of South House. Hope graduated with a bachelor's degree in Youth Ministries & Bible with an Outdoor Leadership minor from Columbia International University. Prior to moving to Hallsville, TX, Hope was working in Canada in the field of youth ministry. God used a Youth Specialties Conference to introduce Hope with one of the staff members and the program here at Heartlight Ministries.
Meredith Grausam, Residential Director, arrived at Heartlight in June of 2007 and has brought energy and reliability to the Heartlight family. Mere began living “in house” at New Lodge and Vickies before moving into a supervisor role in January of 2009. She grew up in Williamsport, PA where she discovered her love for an active life that involves playing as well as coaching basketball, fishing, traveling (most notably in Russia & the Czech Republic) and spending time with others allowing her to build meaningful relationships. Meredith's intuitiveness and creativity allow her to challenge others to unleash their true aspirations as she digs past the exterior and into the hearts of the people around her. Earning a bachelor's degree in Psychology, she is open to new ideas and her curiosity leads her to grow in relationships. 
Corry Boatwright, Main House Director. Corry, aka Boatie, comes to Heartlight after spending 4 years in a similar role in the Dominican Republic, Canada, and Indiana. He is determined to use the gifts God has given him to bless others and his “slow to anger”, patient personality is a tremendous blessing for those that he encounters. After growing up on a farm and learning to handle horses, Corry helps out with the horses here on campus and he also enjoys fishing, weightlifting and sports activities here at Heartlight. 
Shannon Wine, Old Lodge House Director. Shannon came to us from the beautiful state of Washington. She graduated from Northwest University in Kirkland, WA with a degree in Business Management. Because of Shannon’s strong desire to gain more knowledge and insight into the Word of God she decided to attend His Hill Bible School for two more years in Comfort, Texas. While in school, and because of her love for kids, Shannon began working as a nanny and a camp counselor during the summers. Little did she know God wanted to keep her in Texas longer then she had anticipated as she joined the Heartlight team in January 2009. Her genuine, fun loving, ‘kid at heart’ personality has allowed her to build trusting relationships rather easily with the girls at New Lodge. During her free time Shannon enjoys playing basketball, ultimate Frisbee, and simply being outside and enjoying God’s creation. 
Julia Clarke, South House Director, brings an artsy and creative personality to Heartlight and is able to connect well with the teenage girls she lives with. Previously she worked at a girl’s summer camp in North Carolina for four summers, led a mission trip to Peru, and worked with the Wesley Foundation at the University of Georgia where she earned a degree in Marketing. Julia’s love for life shows up in her wide variety of hobbies such as sewing, dancing, and creating art pieces from everyday objects. Her goofy and sometimes crazy behavior makes her an instant hit with everyone. At the same time, her willingness to allow God to use her in helping bring healing to those that are hurting enables her to be a vital part of our ministry.
Leslie Cole, Vicki's House Director. Although Leslie is originally from Peachtree, GA she obtained her Early Childhood Education certification from Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, WI. Her knowledge and experience has grown due to recent successful opportunities such as working with inner city teenagers at the Los Angeles Dream Center and taking care of 4 children as a full time nanny for 2 ½ years. After learning about Heartlight’s mission on our website, Leslie knew this would be a great place for God to allow her to use her passion for helping others realize their potential and purpose. Her love for life is evident everyday as she continues to be excited about where the new adventures will lead.
Aaron Deimund, East House Director. Aaron found out about Heartlight from a former staff member he grew up with. While growing up in Cimarron, KS he discovered his love for being outdoors and staying active, especially playing sports. Aaron attended Garden City Community College where he studied Criminal Justice. He has worked with kids for the last 4 years, including a children’s camp and volunteering at his local church. God has blessed him with a compassion heart and a love for seeing others walk the right path. His ability to relax, play, and simply have fun make him a great fit at the East House. 
Katherine Scofield, Residential Staff. A self-proclaimed passionate fan of the Atlanta Braves, Jacksonville Jaguars, Rascall Flatts, Jason Mraz, Team USA in any Olympic sport, and Disney World, Katherine “Kat” Scofield adds a child-like enthusiasm for life to the Heartlight staff. Her degree in Hospitality Management and Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida will come in handy for her work with Heartlight residents 
Stephanie Goodman, Residential Staff. Stephanie is another residential staff member that found Heartlight on-line while finishing up her schooling. Originally from Rensselaer, IN she earned her Bachelor’s in Human Communications while attending Indiana State University in Terre Haute. While balancing the pressures and responsibilities of being a full-time student, Steph found time to serve with her campus ministry (Baptist Collegiate Ministries), work as a camp counselor at Gulf Lake in Michigan, and was an intern at Boyd Avenue Baptist Church in Casper, Wyoming. Her consistent positive attitude as well as her radiant smile allows her to instantly connect with the girls at South House as she draws from her own childhood struggles while working alongside these teenage girls. 
Rachael Mulder, Residential Staff. Rachael joined our team here at Heartlight in September of 2008. While attending the University of Wesleyan in Manon, IN she worked towards her degree in Adolescent Ministries and Intercultural Studies. During the summer months she would return home to the state of Michigan where she worked at Springhill summer camp as an aquatic coordinator. Rachael’s servant like heart has brought her to working with teens and young children through after school programs, serving on several mission trips, and interning at a residential and family service program. Her genuine, down to earth personality has allowed her to both connect and challenge the young girls in seeing their potential while pointing them in the direction of God. During her free time, Rachael loves playing the drums and piano as well as enjoying a good cup of coffee with friends.
Lindsey Newman, Residential Staff. Lindsey grew up in Midland, TX and joined our staff in February of 2009 after learning about Heartlight through her school’s career service website. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a Sociology Major as well as a Psychology Minor. While working toward her degree Lindsey worked with “at-risk” student athletes as a tutor and mentor. She has had experience working with Collegiate Student Ministries and leading bible studies for college students. Her desire to impact lives of the girls she lives with allows her to model the positive life decisions that will lead young people to becoming the person God wants them to be.
Melissa Hicks, Residential Staff. Melissa is one of several staff members from the state of California (Kingsburg) currently working at Heartlight. Melissa has been a mentor for a Foster Agency, a member of a street evangelism team and before coming to Hallsville she completed an internship with Teen Mania Ministries. Her vast range of experience working with teenagerren and ministry has given her a character constructed of perseverance, reliability, and a "team concept" mentality. Her belief is that the current generation of teenagers is a "very influential, desperate, and powerful" one. Her desire is to help equip those she lives with and give them the opportunity to know the Truth of the abundant life that God has mapped out for them. Her degree in Psychology, mixed with her curiosity, inspires her to search out God's mysteries as she invites the residents to do the same.
Matt Organ, Residential Staff. Matt grew up just down the road in Van, TX making him one of the few “locals” working in our residential program at Heartlight. His passion for teaching God’s word, complemented by the knowledge he received while earning his degree in Biblical Studies at The Criswell College in Dallas, TX give Matt the drive to minister to the struggling teenagers he lives with. He has had several years of experience serving at Sky Ranch Christian Camp, Rockin’ C Ranch, working with church youth groups, and was also an Interim Pastor at Providence Baptist Church before moving to Hallsville, TX. Matt’s obsession for basketball and fun-loving personality allow many of the new residents at East to quickly feel welcome. 
Lauren Pope, Residential Staff. After attending Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she studied nursing, Lauren’s focus and heart began to move in a different direction. Her passion to work with people remained, however, the physical aspect of nursing changed to wanting to help teens struggling emotionally and spiritually. After doing some research, Lauren came across Heartlight online and began working with us in January of 2009. Lauren’s experience serving in hospitals and churches allows her to be well-rounded in many aspects of struggle and her caring and compassionate heart allow her to connect with the girls while building loving relationships with them.
Kenny Smith, Residential Staff. Kenny also comes to us from Columbia International University after hearing about Heartlight through one of our current House Directors, Hope Hilbish. Kenny began working at East House in July of 2008 bringing several years of camp and outdoor experience with him. In the past 6 years he has worked with the Boys and Girls Club, Young Life, his home church, public schools, and a YMCA summer camp and managed to squeeze enough time in to earn his B.A. in Bible and Communications with a minor in Outdoor Leadership. Kenny’s “broken” home-life growing up propelled him to develop a personality of persistence and desires to see teenagers make positive changes in their lives while loving life during the difficult times.
Brandon Munchbach, Residential Staff. One of our true Texan staff, Brandon joins the Heartlight staff from Friendswood, TX. Before coming to Heartlight, Brandon spent five years leading music with Young Life, an experience that developed a burden in Brandon’s heart for teenagers. In addition to enjoying the guitar, Brandon loves playing Frisbee, wearing flannel shirts, watching movies, and backpacking.
Peter Magner, Residential Staff. Hailing from River Falls, Wisconsin, Peter got his associates degree from Eureka College in Illinois and is working toward his Bachelor’s from the University of Wisconsin as an International Studies major. Peter’s energy and outgoing personality help him accomplish his goals at Heartlight: to help teenagers develop life skills and healthy coping mechanisms. He is able to approach Heartlight residents from a position of understanding and empathy because of his personal experiences. Peter loves outdoor sports (archery, kayaking, hiking) and is the first one to jump in whenever there’s a competition.
Nef Aguilar, Residential Staff. Neftali, aka Nef, joined the Heartlight staff from Yuma, AZ, where he worked at a crises center hotline and counseled people going through difficult situations. A hard working, caring person, Nef enjoys creating art whether he’s drawing, painting, or playing music. He hopes to bring a new perspective to teens at Heartlight and help them make the most of their teen years. 
Courtney Craft, Residential Staff. With a friendly smile and the determination to help out in any way she can, Courtney has been a welcome addition to the Heartlight residential staff. Originally from Bay City, TX, Courtney completed her undergrad at Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Marketing and then worked at a summer camp and in the school system for several years. Her humor and energy serve her well in relating to kids on their level while giving them a good example to follow. 
Luke Ijams, Residential Staff. Luke heard about Heartlight from his friend and current Heartlight employee, Sam Sheeley, and joins the residential staff after a career in banking. Luke enjoys playing and recording music, fishing, camping, golfing and video games. His desire to work with people stems from experiences as a camp counselor and involvement with the Navajo Christian Foundation. 
Blair Hawley, Residential Staff. Coming to Heartlight from Branson, Missouri, Blair has spent the past 10 years working with Kanakuk Kamps in various leadership positions. After obtaining an Art Degree from Carson Newman College in Tennessee, Blair attended the Kanakuk Institute where she did graduate studies in Youth and Family Ministry. She continues to enjoy drawing and painting in her free time along with various outdoor (camping, rock climbing, Frisbee) and musical (playing guitar, singing) hobbies. Her desire at Heartlight is “to be an example of Christ to the next generation by teaching them and letting them know they are loved”. 
