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.”
Rebecca, LLPC: Case Manager
“I am excited to have this opportunity to be with an orginiztion that is so full of compassion and love for the girls that come here. Since graduating with my degree in Counseling and Art Therapy, from Wayne State University, I have been searching for a place to serve. The girls here at Pathway come from various backgrounds and I am so excited to work with each of them with love, empathy, and healing. I look forward to knowing each one as unique individuals. I also have a BFA from Kendall College of Art and Design. Art and Art Therapy are very important to how I work professionaly. I love using art as a language to communicate. Often pain, trauma, and hurt are difficult to articulate. Art provides the ability to use metaphore and make the hurt tangible through art media. It’s a beautiful process.”
Traci, MA: Case Manager
“I am excited to be a part of Pathway’s amazing team of dedicated staff whose grace and love fill the rooms of the house. My desire is to serve each girl with empathy, love, and encouragement, filling each heart with hope, warmth, and healing.”
“I have earned a B.S. in Psychology from Ferris State University and a M.A. in Rehabilitaton Counseling from Michigan State University. I also am a PATH (Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship, International) Certified Registered Instructor where I have conducted therapeutic riding lessons for people with an array of disablities. I hope to use these professional skills along with spiritual and personal experiences to help guide the girls on their path to recovery.”
“During my free time I enjoy riding my horses, playing sports, camping, and spending time laughing with family and friends.”
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.”
Rachel, BS: Direct Care
“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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Christine: Direct Care Staff
“I started working at Pathway in 2012. I am blessed to be a part of a Christian organization which is dedicated to assisting troubled teens as they change their lives. I pray that the girls will use their experiences at Pathway to become responsible and caring adults, who bring hope to the people in their lives. After going through some traumatic experiences in my life, I feel as if I can use those experiences to minister to others, and to show them that they can overcome any negative experience that may come their way.”
“I have been the worship leader in my church for over eight years. I enjoy playing the keyboard, singing, playing sports, and spending time with my family. I love football and baseball, and I enjoy watching my favorite teams, the Detroit Lions and Tigers, play. I married my high school sweetheart, Glen, in 1997, and we have four beautiful children, ages 3, 10, 12, and 14. Currently, I am attending Ferris State University and my major id accounting.”
Helen: Direct Care Staff
“My name is Helen and I came to Pathway in June 2012. I really enjoy working with the girls, they teach me so much everyday.”
“I enjoy hanging out with friends and family. I have a dog who goes everywhere with me. I have always wanted to visit Australia and own a pet alligator.”
Danielle: Direct Care Staff
“My name is Danielle, I started at Pathway in June 2012. I was brought here by fate. I think it was in my plans. I love seeing the girls grow and become young women”
“I am recently married and have two children, one biological and one step. My family means alot to me. I love the outdoors and feel like I have so much to offer to these girls.”
Nicole: Direct Care Staff
“In September of 2012, I became a part of Pathway’s wonderful staff. Working with pre-teen to young adults is my passion. I love to be one of the many people to really explain what life is supposed to be like. Helping the girls grow and guiding them along the way is the most
rewarding gift God ever gave me.”
Kelly: Direct Care Staff
“I started at Pathway in December of 2012. I came to Pathway from another facility and am very glad I made the step into Pathways. I enjoy helping others and seeing them make changes in their lives. In my spare time I enjoy crocheting, swimming and any arts and crafts. I love sports.”