Scott Gardner, MA: Director

Scott Gardner has worked within the juvenile justice system for many years, lending his experiences and counseling gifts to troubled teenage boys and their families, before being challenged by a friend to start something for girls.  While working closely within the juvenile system he was made aware of the tremendous need for a treatment facility for young females in the West Michigan area.

Scott has a Masters degree in Christian counseling and has been working with troubled teens since 1993.  Having been a troubled teen himself, he grew up into a very confused and lost adult.  It took many years for him to overcome and give his life to something greater.  With God’s help he grew into a person that can speak valuable insight into the lived of troubled kids.  With his experiences combined with that of his specially trained and handpicked staff, Pathway of Hope can do what many people might think impossible.

Scott has worked with many girls, boys, adults, families, ethnic groups and differing socio-economic backgrounds.  By applying these experiences to his counseling, and being driven by his sincere passion, he makes sure that each resident receives maximum benefit when coming to Pathway.

In 1995 Scott married Suzanne and together they have four grown children and four grandchildren.  They currently live in the Grand Rapids area.  Suzanne also has a Master’s degree in counseling and is currently a Curriculum Associate Adviser at Careerline Tech Center in Holland.  She is a gifted mother and wife and shares Scott’s passion for those that have known struggle.

Angela, BA: Supervisor

“I started at Pathway of Hope in October 2004.  God made it clear to me that Pathway is where I needed to be and feel that Pathway is not only a ministry, but a family.  I have a passion for what I do and want nothing more than to help the girls who come here.”

“I married my best friend, Robert, in 1998 and together we have two daughters and one son.  My favorite ways to relax and relieve stress is by going to the beach, shopping and playing outdoor sports with my family.”

Rachel, BS: Case Manager

“In the time I’ve been on staff here I can see that this is a place where miracles take place everyday.  I feel God has brought me here to love and learn from these girls.  I feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team dedicated to helping these girls.”

“I am from Mt. Pleasant, MI and I am a graduate of Central Michigan University. I have a BA in Elementary Education, and a BS in Social/Behavioral Science. I am newly married to my wonderful husband Nick. I enjoy spending time with my husband and family, taking long walks, camping, biking, and gardening.”

Lisa: Administrative Assistant

“God brought me to Pathway of Hope in September 2002.  I feel that I have been called to be a servant.  Because I have lived a hard life myself, I feel like I can relate to these girls and be a testimony of God’s grace and mercy.  I work hard to show them that they can have victory over situations and rise above the circumstances they have faced.”

“My husband, Terry, and I have 5 children and have several grandchildren.  Besides doting on my grandchildren, I enjoy gardening.”

Traci: Direct Care Staff

“I am a 2006 graduate of Lake City High School. After high school I attended Saginaw Valley State University for two years.  In February 2009 I began attending Res Life Church in Cadillac and began a very difficult walk with the Lord that helped me grow in my faith.”

“In May of 2009 God called me to Pathway to work in the lives of these girls. I coach little league and enjoy playing sports and reading my Bible.  I am growing in my relationship with my savior everyday.”

Denise: Direct Care Staff/Life Skills Instructor

“I began working at Pathway this November, 2006.  I have had the privilege of working with children for 16 blessed years – including foster parenting teenage moms.  My passion of working with these girls is what brought me to Pathway of Hope.  I consider it a great joy if I can encourage one girl, or put a smile on one girl’s face, or give a girl new direction with God.”

“My husband Jim and I have 3 children; 2 girls and 1 boy.  We enjoy our family time together being outside, biking, swimming, or hiking through the woods.”

Amber, LLMSW: Case Manager

“I first began my journey at Pathway of Hope in 2009 as a Case Manager. In 2010, I returned to school full-time to obtain my Masters in Social Work.  In 2012, God brought me back to Pathway of Hope after graduating with my masters degree.  In my professional and personal experience, I can truly say there is nothing like it. It is a place where love, hope, and grace are lived out daily in the lives of these girls. My deepest longing is to bring hope and unconditional love to girls whose lives are broken. Everyday is an opportunity to bring healing, reconciliation, and restoration to the unmeasureably valuable lives of the girls and their families. For me, it doesn’t get much greater than taking this journey with these girls.”

“I graduated from McBain High School in 2004. From there I went to Grand Valley State University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Psychology and later a Masters in Social Work. In my spare time I love to be outdoors rollerblading, running, playing tennis, softball, etc. I also love to cook/bake and read. Someday, I would love to learn to sew and have my own garden.”

Serina: Direct Care Staff

“I am new here at Pathway, August 2011. I feel God has lead me to learn and share the gifts he has gave to me. I have been blessed with the gifts to help, care, and comfort others.”

“I have a wonderful family, a awesome husband of ten yrs., two kids Jacob, 20; Sophia, 15; two furry pups, Faith and Gracie, plus a grandbaby on the way.  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.  I also paint (oils), and make crafts. For relax time, I play in the dirt in my gardens.”

Casandra: Direct Care Staff

“I came to Pathway in June of 2008. As a former foster child I feel I can relate with the girls here. I asked God to show me what job he wanted for me to do and I truly believe this is it. I have a passion for helping teens learn about life and what is to be expected after they go out on their own.”

“I am married to a wonderful man named Charles, and we have 4 children, Ryan, Andrew, Nathanial and Makayla. We enjoy our family time together, our time with God and outdoor activities.”

Meakayla: Direct Care Staff

“The opportunity to work at Pathway came in the beginning of June 2011. I love watching the girls grow and make positive decisions through the power of God. I can relate to the girls because I have been through many of the same challenges. I use my past experiences and the guidance of God to encourage the girls to do the right thing. The transformation of each girl as they learn and grow is unbelievable and I truly enjoy being a part of this family.“

“I am from the U.P. and I am currently attending Ferris State University. I am actively involved on campus and play Club Volleyball. I am adopted into a wonderful family, I have 9 siblings and I am the oldest.”

Nina: Direct Care Staff

“After being out of work for 18 months, I prayed that God would help me find a job.  I didn’t want “just any job” but a position where I could make a difference in someone’s life.  He led me to Pathway and I began serving the first of July, 2011.”

“I have been married to my best friend, Dave, since June of 1984.  After my husband retired, we moved from Grand Rapids to Ashton and built our dream house.  In my spare time I like to read, make beaded jewelry and draw.”

Rhonda, BS in Psychology and Women’s Studies: Direct Care Staff

“I started at Pathway in January of 2011. God brought me here to make a difference in the lives of these girls. I am a recent graduate from Central Michigan University. I have a bachelors degree in Women’s Studies and Psychology.”

“I love to go camping, river tubing, snow tubing, sledding, and go to the beach. I like just hanging out with friends and family and basking in all the things that God hath made.”

Amber: Direct Care Staff

“After being a stay at home mom for over 3 years the Lord showed me that He had more planned for me, in December 2011 He led me to Pathway. I am honored and blessed to be a part of this team and help change lives. I love seeing the girls grow emotionally and spiritually and begin to allow God to take control. I am married to a wonderful man, Ryan. We have 2 children, Skyler and Colten. I serve in the children’s ministry at Resurrection Life Church and enjoy any time that I can spend with my family.”

Esther: Direct Care Staff

“I started working at Pathway of Hope, in December, 2011. I’d been looking for a job for some time, and believe that God led me here, to help work with the girls, and to do a work in myself. It has been challenging, and very worth it!”

“I live in Reed City, and am from a large family, so I’m very used to being around lots of people. I enjoy cooking, being around friends, going to church, reading, swimming, and being outside! I love to travel, mostly to see family that live all over.”

Julia: Direct Care Staff

“I began to work at Pathway in Novemeber. I got this call to be a tutor for the girls and one thing lead to another and I became one of the staff. I enjoy coming to work and seeing how the girls change and get closer to the Lord each day. Not only are we changing the girls the girls are changing me.Pathway has brought me closer to the Lord.”