Our Leadership

In 1989, God called Dottie and me to leave our pastoral role in South Louisiana and move our family to Guatemala to serve abandoned, abused and neglected children, many of whom found themselves on the “street” at very young ages.  Now looking back over the three decades of ministry at Casa Aleluya, we reflect in wonder at what God has accomplished through the small seeds we’ve planted. Through His grace and His mercy, Casa has:

• Helped bring healing, moral direction and wisdom to more than 5000 abandoned children and then release them back into Guatemalan communities as living stories of God’s restorative power;
• Helped build more than 100 churches, pastors’ homes and Sunday School buildings in the communities surrounding our home – all through relationships with local pastors who were in deep need of resources;
• Facilitated more than 10,000 short-term missionaries from hundreds of U.S. churches and ministry organizations to share in God’s redemptive and restorative work at Casa;
• Raised up a full team of Guatemalan leaders (most of whom grew up at Casa as from abandoned children to Godly men and women) to guide the next 30 years of God’s story at Casa.

For almost thirty years now, Mike and Dottie (alongside their family) have continued to serve faithfully at the Casa Aleluya campus near San Bartolome, Guatemala – transforming the lives of children and literally building the next generation of family, marketplace, ministry, and Casa leaders.

“In the summer of 1997, a man I barely knew invited me to go to a place I had never heard of. This place called Guatemala and the week I stayed there changed my life and that of my family forever.

Although the ministry had been existence a few years, I had entered at a time where the needs were greater than ever for housing and other facilities for the growing population of abandoned and abused children being sent there by the Government. As a contactor I saw where I could use my skills and relationships in the industry to help meet some of these needs. Under the leadership of the man I barely knew, Jerry Caffey, I became part of one of the most remarkable and significant building projects I could have imagined. For the next decade we would bring 100’s of people to Casa to experience the ministry and the wonder of being able to build facilities and relationships that would leave the giver and the receiver changed forever.  Jerry Caffey and I remain today the closest of friends. I am so thankful for his obedience to the Lord to have the courage to reach out to someone he had never met and invite him to be a part of miraculous work in small Central American Village called San Bartolome’.

Now 20 + years later the young children that were always eager to help with projects during these early years are now the new leadership for Casa. Mike’s shared his vision of this very thing on my second trip to Casa. I didn’t have the faith to see that at the time, but through his consistent leadership and obedience to God, the faith of many has been strengthened after seeing this develop as the Lord had shown him.

These professionals will carry the ministry into the future long after we that were a part of the beginning are gone to be with the Lord. For me to now mentor this leadership team in my capacity as Board Chair, I am constantly reminded of the faithfulness of the Lord and His promise to hear our prayers. To say I’m humbled would be an understatement, I am so grateful that God chose a Contractor from Tennessee to watch His magnificent plan unfold to rescue children and use them to change a nation. 

I’ve been to Guatemala now over 100 times and each trip has its different story that has been part of shaping my life. The relationships made there are priceless. Being afforded the opportunity to watch small children that weren’t given a fair chance for a beginning become Christ followers, educated, husbands, wives and mothers, fathers shows me how the love of Christ can change entire generations and that’s what Casa has done for thousands of kids.

One of my favorite stories:

On one of my first trips to Casa a young boy would always be where I was. He wanted to help me, sit with me, eat with me and worship with me. His name was Carlos, actually the first Carlos ever brought to Casa. He is pictured me with me above. We have maintained a father/son relationship for over 22 years now. We see each other each time I’m there and communicate weekly. Carlos graduated from high school at Casa and now has only one year left to have his college degree. He has a great job where he often is promoted and rewarded for his accomplishments. He has his own home and sacrificially helps his family. He chooses as an adult to have a close relationship with Jesus Christ and looks forward to having a family of his own one day. This is only one of countless examples of young people that have called Casa home and have had their lives transformed through the Casa experience.”

“The woman’s bible study group I was a part of had been visiting Casa Aleluya to specifically love on the teenage and high school girls that usually don’t get much attention.   I was excited to go with them and “fill up love tanks” of those girls who don’t always get the love and support they need.

What amazed me from my first visit was the JOY! Every child at Casa is placed there by the court system and walk through the doors alone with no material possessions.  Yet, despite all of this, their JOY is contagious! Jesus is redeeming, transforming and restoring these precious children. They have joy, peace, and healing through the Holy Spirit through the mighty work of GOD! Casa Aleluya changes not only the lives of children in Guatemala, but the lives of those who work to help them know the life-giving love of Jesus. You can’t help but want that same level of Joy, Peace and Love for Jesus that these children have!”

Jessica Jones and her family are part of the Woodlands United Methodist Church near Houston, Texas.  The Woodlands, Jessica and her family have been active in leadership at Casa for many years. She is also a successful business woman, providing financial and investments advise through an international financial services firm.

“As Mike Clark’s secretary while he was Pastor Aleluya Acres in Lake Charles, LA, I was able to see God work to move him from his work in the United States to reaching and helping the abused and abandoned children in Guatemala. When he felt God’s calling in Guatemala, I wanted to help him fulfill his calling. 

As I walked into the children’s home for the first time, it was evident how these children had grown beyond the culture surrounding them. The children just hugged and loved on me and I knew this was a special place. Casa became even more special when my daughter was able to adopt a 10yr old boy from Casa. The work at Casa is life changing for children and everyone involved in this ministry.”

Debbie continues to give leadership to organizational financial matters, and along with her daughter (Lori), handle state-side coordination for short-term mission teams preparing to visit Casa.  They also give leadership to communication with the extended Casa family – individuals, organizations and churches who generously support the Kingdom project that is Casa Aleluya.

For over 25 years, we have been blessed to be a part of the Casa Aleluya ministry helping the children of Guatemala receive medical, educational, and spiritual growth. Our first visit my wife and I were overwhelmed by children who wanted to be hugged, picked up and loved. We’ve seen children grow up at Casa Aleluya and seeing their life changed has had a profound impact on our family.

As a business owner of Big Easy Foods, a Cajun line of food products, I’m always looking for investment opportunities, there is no better investment than being part of a ministry which invests in the lives of the underprivileged through Jesus Christ. That type of investment is priceless. “

Mark and Gina Abraham and their three children live in Lake Charles, Louisiana where Mark is a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, serving from District 36 in Calcasieu Parish.  Like others on the Board, Mark and Gina have been walking with Casa for more than 25 years.

Our family has sponsored many children and I have walked across the graduation stage with some who asked me to be their “Father” for the official presentation of their high school and college diplomas. However, the most powerful images in my mind are witnessing young ladies who were abused, grow up at Casa and finish their time with us by having White Dress weddings that look like storybook ending. Other girls at Casa who are struggling with their own horrible past get to see that their life can be made whole too. “

Wes and Sue Ann Hall live in Little Rock, Arkansas and are part of Fellowship Bible Church.  Wes is a successful entrepreneur and a Physician’s Assistant at the Baptist Health Heart Transplant clinic in Little Rock.  Wes and Sue Ann have been part of the Casa story since the beginning and continue to give leadership in many key areas.

“I came to Casa Aleluya as a toddler after my mother passed away and my father was unable to care for me and my siblings. Growing up at Casa I experienced Gods love and compassion through the love and care of Mimi & Papi (Mike & Dorothy Clark).  At age 18, I had a vivid dream suggesting I may one day have a leadership role at Casa to care of other children.  Over the years, God has graciously and powerfully prepared me to step into Papi’s shoes and serve as ministry leader for Casa.

To everyone who has invested in the Casa vision, thank you for your loving support of the ministry at Casa.  Our home is your home and you are always welcome.”

Josue Espana has a Communications degree from Universidad Galileo. Over the years, he has become a strong leader and is now serving as ministry leader, board member and legal representative for Casa Aleluya.

“I came to Casa Aleluya as a toddler after my mother passed away and my father was unable to care for me and my siblings. Growing up at Casa I experienced Gods love and compassion through the love and care of Mimi & Papi (Mike & Dorothy Clark).  At age 18, I had a vivid dream suggesting I may one day have a leadership role at Casa to care of other children.  Over the years, God has graciously and powerfully prepared me to step into Papi’s shoes and serve as ministry leader for Casa.

To everyone who has invested in the Casa vision, thank you for your loving support of the ministry at Casa.  Our home is your home and you are always welcome.”

Josue Espana has a Communications degree from Universidad Galileo. Over the years, he has become a strong leader and is now serving as ministry leader, board member and legal representative for Casa Aleluya.

“Arriving at Casa at age 12, I have been able to grow up and graduate from university with a degree in Business Administration. Now, my wife and I are the house parents for the adult transition house helping the older Casa adults learn how to transition to the next chapter in their lives. It is a joy to work along with my wife so we can help more adult Casa children know how to live in the world. “

Billy also serves as Sub-director of Casa, coordinator for the Casa schools, and is an advocate for the House Parents.  Billy met his wife at Casa and they have a beautiful 3-year-old daughter.

Working at Casa Aleluya for over 14 years, Gladys works closely with the founder and the day to day operations. She enjoys working with the children to help them overcome the obstacles they face and to help guide them spiritually. She helps children through their problems so they can grow closer together as a family through God.

“Your help is essential and indispensable to the work with children at Casa Aleluya. For those who have come to help in various ways, thank you for your time and for loving on the children.”

“I come from a Christian family, my dad died 15 years ago, with the great help of God my mom I managed to get ahead.  I have been part of the Casa family for 4 years now, serving as Accountant with my Bachelor’s degree Expert Accountant, and Bachelor’s degree in Public Accounting and Auditing.

My goals for working at Casa include both achieving my dreams and to keep Casa’s accounting accurately and in accordance with Guatemala law.

To our donors and missionary visitors, thank you helping me to be part of this ministry and for the opportunity to grow spiritually and professionally as I serve at Casa.”

Marlin works with the Social Work team to protect the children and their rights at Casa Aleluya. Arriving at Casa Aleluya at age 14 to finished her education, she went on to sever at Casa in a variety of ways. Marlin also has a variety of diplomas on children rights and quality education, which helps her provide children with exactly what they need. She also holds a degree in Marketing, and supports all Casa’s internal and external communications.

“I feel blessed to contribute to teaching the children of Casa so they can be the change that Guatemala needs. Thank you for seeing the hearts of the children of Casa. Your prayers, service, and financial gifts have made a big difference in the lives of many people.”

“I grew up in Casa Aleluya from the age 12 – I am currently 19 years, and I am well blessed.  My passion is serving the needy, sharing love and compassion to renal children, and showing the love of God to others.

I am a Nursing Assistant and trained as a Hemodialysis Technician, so my role at Casa is serving the children who are in kidney failure and in need of Peritoneal or Hemodialysis Dialysis to prolong their lives.  Children in the dialysis program range from 5 to 18 years old and it is truly amazing to see God’s faithfulness in my ministry to these kids.

I am so grateful for all the support from contributors, missionaries and teams.  Without your contribution, it would not possible to carry out our mission at Casa Genesis.  You are angels of the most needy and thank you for the wings that carry you forward.  May God bless you today and always so that the hands they give will never be empty.”

“I have always felt listening, trusting and responding to Jesus was an important part of my own faith journey.  In July of 2018, I answered His call and came to Casa Aleluya as a missionary.  As the coordinator for visiting missionary teams, my primary role is helping teams prepare for their upcoming trip and helping them plan activities, projects and outreach projects while they are at Casa.  I have 5 children, 3 grandchildren and another grandchild on the way.”

Health difficulties have shown me the infinite love of God because I have been healed from an incurable disease – impossible for man but completely possible for the Great I Am.  This experience changed my whole story because it made me grateful, taught me to live only in the present and to trust God to take care of the future.

I have been part of the Casa Psychology Clinic for 9 years, where every day I attend the children and adolescents that God brings to Casa Aleluya to restore their heart, stabilize their thoughts and support them in their present decisions. 

My education incudes a Psychology Degree from the University of San Carlos de Guatemala and also have a diploma in transitional analysis and a diploma in addictions.  I work with vulnerable children in the garbage dump in zone 3, and care for mothers and workers in the same place.

My favorite thing about being part of the Casa story is helping children turn the heartbreak, pain, loneliness, confusion, sadness and suffering of their previous experiences into thoughts of a winning and not of a victim – so they can be part of transforming their own lives.

I send a special thank you to all the Casa supporters for being sensitive to God’s call in your hearts and giving our children so much love – each of you gives hope for our most vulnerable population.

” I am a person with Christian values, with great desires of overcoming, responsible, always with a desire to learn new things. I come from a united family, with strengths and weaknesses like any family, but we have as main value the Love of God. I am committed to supporting my family members in good times and in bad times.”

” I am responsible for the Casa Aleluya school which includes coordination and planning of the teaching and learning process and working with the members of the teaching-student-parent community. In our school, we promote the practice of Christian values as mentioned by the name of the institution “Build Your House On The Rock.”  

Flor’s education, experience and certifications include: Bachelor of Education Administration, Graduate of Humanities, elementary school teacher, high school teacher in pedagogy and administration technician, international reading and writing workshop, human trafficking workshop, Kaqchikel diploma and pedagogical congress

“My mission at Casa Aleluya is to ensure the well-being of every person in the ministry.  I am a respecter of people regardless of their religion, beliefs, background social status or preferences.  I value personal responsibility, sensitivity, generosity and warmth, and hope everyone who visits Casa will desire to get to know me.

I am a doctor and surgeon with a specialty in pediatrics, plus I have studied 1 year of business administration and am an expert accountant with a specialty in commercial computing.

I am at Casa because, in short, God sent me here.  I was in my house one morning when a friend called, and she indicated that they needed someone to come to cover a few days at the Casa clinic for the dates of November and December.  So, I called to be interviewed and my plan was only to support those dates, but as I say, God is the one who decides what happens in My life every day. When I was at the entrance to Casa, I realized I had already seen the image of the Casa entrance many years ago.  It was at that moment I reminded myself of talking to my mother about having seen this same image in my dreams and she told me God would let you know when you will be in that place.  That’s why I say God sent me here.

What matters most to me is to work in an environment of peace and harmony.  For me, working at Casa is such a place.  Of course, children often need to heal their bodies, but an even more important thing is to heal their souls that have been broken.  I tell them that God is the one who has decided that they are here, and that they see they are not a family of blood, but they are a family in the love of Christ who loves them and cares about them and wants the best for them.

Thank you, God bless you for giving your support and unconditional love to every child you help.”

I come from a very close family, including 6 siblings.  Family is the most important thing in my life and thanks to the help of all of them, I can achieve all my goals and dreams.  God gave me a wonderful husband and 5 children which are all my life, and I have worked hard so that they can also reach their goals and dreams.

I joined the Casa Psychological Clinic in May of 2009 and help with individual therapy, family therapy (fraternal), group therapy (boarding, treatment, evolutionary reports, court reports, teacher training, nanny training, staff evaluation).  My education includes a Bachelor in expert accounting, Second Teaching Teacher in Pedagogy, Degree in Psychology and Master’s in Education.

I love serving God through ministry through the profession of Psychologist, restoring children’s lives so that they can find God’s purpose in their lives.  Casa gives me the opportunity to help the most vulnerable children in Guatemala and teach them the great love of God.

Thank God for the lives of everyone who support Casa, for your great heart in sharing part of your blessings with our vulnerable children in such need.  God will exalt and compensate you forever.

“I came to Casa Aleluya 10 years ago as a Nursing Assistant because working for children is a most fascinating and a great opportunity.  I believe God guided me to Casa, but I also came because of the children and because of the people who make up the ministry.

I am a God-fearing person and I consider myself a loving and realistic person.  In my own home, we are a family of 4 members – very united and compassionate.

To everyone who chooses to visit Casa and serve alongside us, thank you for the great work you do for the children of Casa Aleluya and for our country.”

I came to Casa because of physical and intra-family abuse when I was younger.  So, I grew up here at Casa Aleluya and I am so thankful for the opportunities they gave me.  Now I am part of the ministry and it has been a blessing for my life and for my family.  We have fulfilled many goals and challenges being part of this great ministry while always putting God first.

I have been part of the Casa team for 12 years and am currently part of the team in the Casa social work department.  Thanks to the experience that I have obtained as attorney, I have the knowledge to help in the problematic area with the children and adolescents of Casa Aleluya. I love helping carry out activities that develop the talents and skills the young people need in order to transform their lives.

We are not a perfect family, but we believe God has a purpose for us, and uses our family as instruments to serve and transform lives through our actions and words.  Our role is serving as house parents for 13 – 16 year-old girls in the Esperanza Down dorm.  The girls are very important in our lives and hope they see this through our love and patience.

We came to Casa some 15 years ago knowing it was a safe place for our family. Now, we feel privileged to serve and to return a little of what Casa has done for our family.

Last, I want to thank everyone for the help you provide to Casa and for being a part of this ministry. This is a place where children’s lives are transformed for the good and thank you for helping make this possible.  Should you be considering a missionary opportunity, Casa Aleluya is a place that can change your life. The love from the kids will make you feel at home and the experience will make you value everything in your life even more.

As dorm parents in Buen Pastor, Alex and Sara have worked with the children to guide them spiritually, academically, and socially as they grow up. As a couple who has been married for 20 years and has raised 4 children of thier own, they are an example to all the children of what a loving and caring home can be for these children’s future. Through the years of working with the program, both have continued their education in business administration, social sciences, and law, so they can provide more comprehensive care to the children and ministry.

“We love sharing the word of God to each child who comes to Casa Aleluya to help form them into strong Women and Men leaders in Guatemala. Thank you for your visits and support.”

As dorm parents to the boys in the Vencedores Dorm, Esdras and Stephanie support the boys spiritually, emotionally, and musically. Both have had their challenges in life, but have seen that with God’s help, anything is possible. Working with the kids and helping them through different experiences, they share how Jesus gives them a second chance at life at Casa.

“We love giving back to these young people and being an example for the next generation of what is possible with God’s help. We are thankful to everyone who God has used to support this ministry with love and service to the children who need it the most.”

“I grew up in Casa Aleluya and thanks to that I am a very kind, cordial person, with a positive self-esteem, I have a beautiful family and I am very grateful to God for giving me such wonderful daughters.

Thanks to my life at Casa Aleluya, I now have completed 6 semesters at Rafael Landívar University as a nursing technician and have been a Nursing Assistant in the Casa Aleluya clinic for 10 years.  I have also completed the renal replacement workshop.

It has been my dream to be part of the Casa team and be able to return what was given to me and help see that each child has physical, mental and spiritual health.

To all the supporters and visitors to Casa, thank you for your great support so that all the children who come to Casa Aleluya will have the opportunity to have a better quality of life and a better future.  I ask God to bless everyone who gives their support for Casa Aleluya.”

I started at Casa Aleluya at age 18 as a volunteer and have been involved ever since.  My first trip to Casa was amazing.  I immediately fell in love with the kids and Guatemala itself, which eventually lead to adopting my son from Casa.

I have always loved kids of all ages.  I think Casa captured my heart because watching Mike & Dottie over the years has encouraged me to see what “real, unconditional love“ is, and how far it can go with God leading the way.  I believe 100% in what God has done and is doing thru Casa Aleluya.

Since I am responsible for connecting Casa kids with sponsors and coordinating the shipment of essential supplies to the ministry, being able to see the kids wearing clothes that we packed and sent lets me know the whole system is working.  Plus, the joy of holding babies all day long when I visit Casa is just icing on the cake!!!

If you have not yet experienced Casa for yourself, I can only tell you that I absolutely love my role at Casa.  I do what I do for the children and God’s glory.

I have a passion for children as I have three of my own, and that is my life. I have been in church all my life and served in children’s church for over 20 years.  I’ve been part of the Casa team since August of 2018 and currently serve as Dorm Mom for the University girls support visiting missionary teams by caring for their dorm.

My first visit to Casa was with a mission team and during that experience felt called to come serve as a long-term missionary.  My love for children plus my love for the Lord keep me inspired and the joy of loving on all the kids is my reward.  Should you be considering a trip to Casa or feel a nudge to come serve as a missionary, I could encourage you to just put all your trust in the Lord and He will guide your heart.

“I am on a ministry team with Gladys Godoy here at Casa and I am teaching 40 youth from four different dorms in a discipleship group that seeks to grow spiritually in Jesus Christ. We meet on various nights and attend occasional Christian events off campus. I also teach Bible at our Christian school and occasional Biblical messages at our staff vigilia.

I became a Christian in 1973 and received a call to ministry in 1976.  My family received salvation in the same week.  My amazing family include two brothers and sisters living in the state of Washington, my wife, Kathleen (and she is a blessing), my son Jim, yet single, has studied for missions and now lives in North Dakota and my daughter Ellena, who married Hiona of New Zealand, lives there now and has one daughter and three sons.

My education and background include a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Northwest Nazarene College and a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary.  I’ve had the pleasure to serve as Associate Pastor in a Nazarene Church and serving as leader or co-leader in children and youth ministries in several Church of Nazarene, Assembly of God, Baptist and other churches.

Since February of 2013, I have served with my wife Kathleen as dorm parents in Buen Pastor and Esperanza Abajo, a Discipleship ministry since January of 2016, and Bible teacher in our Christian school since January 2018.  My journey to Casa began with a call to minister to children and youth in poverty.  God brought Guatemala to my attention and through a website of Christian Orphanages in Guatemala, Kathleen and I decided to visit Casa.  During our visit, we felt led to serve as missionaries at Casa, and arrived here after 7 months of preparation.

I love these kids as if they were my own, and love being able to bless them and help them receive salvation and grow spiritually.”

“I was raised Catholic but felt something was missing.  After attending many churches, I became a Christian in November 2003 and became very active in the churches I was part of (in FL, ID, and WA).  I attended Boise Bible College starting in 2008 and met (now husband) Jim online the same year.  We were married in 2011 after I got back from teaching English in China for a year. We both had a heart for missions and when we felt it was time we pursued going into the mission field full-time.

We found out about Casa through a website and decided to visit. While we were visiting, we felt called to become dorm parents, and started the process to make that happen when we returned to the states.  In February of 2013 we started our Casa journey as dorm parents in Buen Pastor, then moved to Esperanza Abajo. Then, I went full-time in the special needs class at the school. I took the job managing the bodega (supply room) this school year.

I have a B.S. in Education for Elementary and Special Ed, and an M.S. in Education for Elementary and early childhood education. I have used my teaching skills to help in the special needs class at the Casa school, and to suggest changes in the classroom.

I am continually inspired and motivated by the kids, the staff, the beauty that surrounds us, and making a difference for the Lord!

To our generous donors – thank you!!! Without you we could not do what we do.  To potential missionaries – this life is a joy, but it is not easy.  Make sure that you are truly called to be part of Casa and you will experience the pleasure of our Lord in ways you could not imagine.”

“Before coming to Casa Aleluya, I was completely unaware that God existed and I was always a rebel to my mother. After God transformed my life through the love of Papi and Mami (Mike and Dorothy) and his Word, I understood that I must forgive the people who have hurt my family. My desire is to serve at Casa as long God allows it and my family supports me, and to move forward and achieve the dreams and goals that God has determined for my life. 

I am a House Parent and supervisor dorm named Los Angelitos.  Although I do not have a degree related to the care of children, I have a deep sense to serve the children who enter the doors of Los Angelitos.  I love working with babies because I get to share love with them just as God gave it to me through other people like Papi and Mami. My education includes a bachelor’s degree in science and letters with a computer orientation. 

I have been working for Casa for 15 years in different areas and that has allowed me to grow in the workplace and serving God through children. 

I came to Casa Aleluya because my father died very young and after his death, many family problems arose for the next 2 and a half years. Then, the judge determined that the best option would be to be sent to a home. (Casa Aleluya) 

My prayer is for the world to know the love of God is infinite and that is why he created this wonderful place to transform the lives of many children through his Word. Thank you for all the support you provide to Casa and for all the love you give children. “

God has watched over me my entire life and has guided me to pursue His purpose since retiring from teaching at 65.  Both my son and daughter are married, and I have two grandkids, Melissa and Olivia.  My Casa journey began in July of 2014 when I visited with a mission team.  Mike Clark shared his vision for a three-story Dialysis Clinic for the campus and I wanted to help.

Since arriving at Casa in October of 2014, I’ve been able to use my B.A. degree in industrial arts from the University of Northern Iowa and my 52 years of woodwork and carpentry to manage the woodshop, repair and build furniture, cabinets and much more – all while teaching shop skills to Casa kids.

Perhaps my favorite thing about being on the Casa team is teaching children what God helped me learn in my life’s work.  I encourage anyone interested in Casa to just come and visit and see how God changes your life forever.

We grew up at Casa so our desire is to show the same love and protection we received in our time here.  We have been serving on the Casa team for 5 years and are currently dorm parents in Estrellitas Abajo.  We love helping others because we believe every person who comes into our lives should see evidence that God is using as tools to change lives.

Our goal as dorm parents is to help the girls in as many ways as possible, but most importantly by showing them love.  We are so grateful for the great blessing that comes to Casa through missionaries and support provided to the Casa children through sponsorships and other gifts.

Faith was always a very big part of my family.  I grew up in church and do not remember exactly when I accepted Christ because it was at a very young age.  I started teaching school in 1990 directly after I graduated college, beginning with regular education for my first year and then special education.  I then did a short-term mission and taught in Belgium for 3 years. School and being a missionary are the biggest things in my life. God called me in 1989 to do missions internationally.

I learned about Casa through the Mississippi vacation bible school team who came every June with their kids.  I started visiting Casa in 2000, moved here in 2005, and have been part of the Casa Aleluya missionary team for 15 years as of January 2020.  God called me serve at Casa, and although life has not always been easy here, Casa is my home.

My background includes a Bachelor’s in education, a Master’s in curriculum and instruction, and a certification with ESAW.  I am the English elementary teacher at the Casa school, and I help with the Montessori Lab at the school on Fridays. I also help with teacher resources.

My favorite thing about serving at Casa is the relationships that allow me to grow closer to the children and then be more effective in ministering to them. Without relationships it is very hard to make a difference in the kids’ lives. God has always impressed me from the beginning to make connections and relationships.

In closing, a quick thank you to everyone who visits and contributes – our school and our kids are very grateful for all the resources that help us change lives.  One last note, the most important thing to do is to pray for the kids and if the door is opened, please come visit and experience Casa.