MONA BOELENS, MPA
Executive Director, Kindred Life Ministries
Mona has 25+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector specializing in Teen Pregnancy, Teen Parenting and Adoption. She began her journey with Kindred Life Ministries after serving as Executive Director and as Gurnee Site Director when the ministry operated as Teen Mother Choices. She has utilized her volunteer management, creative program planning and resource development skills along with her educational experience in Non Profit Administration to lead Kindred Life Ministries. Mona holds a Bachelors of Social Work degree from Calvin College, a Masters of Public Administration and certificate in Non-Profit Management from Roosevelt University. Mona lives in Round Lake with her husband Erik and their 3 sons Noah, Ethan and Eli. They attend the Village Church of Gurnee, where Mona serves on the Welcome Team. Mona’s other interests include traveling, Triathlon, gardening and watching her boys at their respective sporting events!
A Note from Our Executive Director
We would love you to meet the amazing, behind-the-scenes staff that supports our direct-service team. They are made up of passionate, talented and mission-minded individuals who propel our ministry forward, and allow each of our young families to thrive.
AMANDA GRANDLIENARD
Development Director
Meet Amanda
Amanda has 15 years of experience in Residential and Commercial design and construction. She has a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from The Illinois Institute of Art. Since her mom’s passing at the end of 2016 she has felt an especially strong call to use her skill and gifts in ministry. Her experience not only includes project management, design and sales but she also has a passion for writing and visual arts. She first became involved with Kindred Life as a volunteer at the Wheeling site and instantly felt compassion for the teen parents served. Amanda has been very involved in her local PTA, serving on the board and serving as co-president. She has served in church for many years in missions, children’s ministry, sanctuary design, and worship team. Amanda, her husband Wes, and their 3 children attend The Orchard of Arlington Heights.
JERRY RUSCITTI
Finance Director
Kindred Life Ministries – Main Office
Meet Jerry
KIMBERLY LURVEY
Supervising Counselor
Meet Kim
NIKKI BEHLER
Business Manager
Meet Nikki
Nikki has been with Kindred Life Ministries since December 2016. She enjoys being able to bring her passion and gift for administration to this ministry in her position as Office Manager. Before she joined Kindred Life, she had been aware of the ministry for a few years through enjoying the Chili Cook-off event at her church and contributing via the Sippy Cup campaign.
Nikki has enjoyed a varied career life which includes scientific research, teaching, IT management and administration. She holds a BSc in Zoology and a PhD in Marine Biology. She spent much of her life in her native England, moving to the states 20 years ago. She is married to Gary and mother to daughter Laurel. Nikki and her family attend Gurnee Community Church, where she is also the Director of Administration. In her spare time she enjoys photography, nature, hiking, knitting, genealogy and baking.
Kindred Life Ministries – Antioch
Meet the Antioch Area Group
We are friendly, funny, easy going, and loving. Mostly we are passionate about supporting each other and being the awesome moms and women God created us to be!
Join other teen moms and their children, each Tuesday during the school year from 6:00pm-8:00pm, as we grow together and work towards accomplishing our educational, emotional, and practical goals! Belonging to Kindred Life Antioch means you’ll have access to free services which can include counseling, financial support and life education!
Let us help support you to finish school, navigate family and community resources and meet some other terrific moms!
SARAH LOVE
Antioch Area Site Director
Kindred Life Ministries - Antioch
Meet Sarah
ANNE SOPIARZ
Life Coach
Meet Anne
Anne has a passion for seeing families grow closer to each other and deeper in their faith as they journey together. She has worked in various roles in the church for 17 years and has a master’s degree in Family Ministry from Bethel Seminary. She is a student at Professional Christian Coaching Institute and is currently working toward certification through the International Coach Federation. Anne lives in the Chicagoland suburbs with her husband, Chris, and their three daughters. For fun, Anne loves to be with friends, be outside, run, play tennis, cook healthy meals, sing, read, and drink coffee.
Kindred Life Ministries – Gurnee
Meet the Gurnee Area Group
Kindred Life Gurnee is a safe place where teen parents feel empowered through opportunities to develop as individuals and parents in a friendly and supportive environment. Our compassionate staff and dedicated volunteers come along side young families as they create and accomplish their personal goals towards independence and self-sufficiency. Enrolling in Kindred Life Gurnee means you’ll have access to free services which can include counseling, financial support, and life education! Join other teen parents and their children each Thursday during the school year from 6:00pm-8:00pm if you’re seeking a fun place to belong.
Eliza LaBelle
Gurnee Area Site Director
Kindred Life Ministries – Gurnee
Meet Eliza
Eliza LaBelle joined the Kindred Life team in 2019. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from the University of Illinois, Chicago. Her home church is The Chapel Libertyville, where she served on staff for 11 years. Her ministry there included leading teams in Chapel Kids, serving as Executive Assistant to the Campus Pastor and Director of Campus Communication and Integration. Eliza is passionate about walking with and equipping young moms. She believes that every story matters and loves to help people connect their story with the redeeming work of God in their lives.
Kasia Freeman
Gurnee Area Counselor
Meet Kasia
Coming soon!
Kindred Life Ministries – Wheeling
Kindred Life Wheeling is a fun, encouraging, and supportive place to be! Join other teen moms and their children, each Wednesday during the school year from 6:00pm-8:00pm, as we grow together and work towards accomplishing our educational, emotional, and practical goals!
Belonging to Kindred Life Wheeling means you’ll have access to free services which can include counseling, financial support, and life education! Are you a teen parent interested in joining us? If so call or text our Program Director at 224-280-8286 for more information, don’t wait!
Christina Greer
Wheeling Area Site Director
Meet Christina
Christina has a background in teaching, counseling and Human Resources. She received her MA in Teaching from George Fox University after completing her student teaching in Ecuador and with the Migrant Summer School. Christina has served as a counselor with Care Pregnancy Center. While there, she and her husband Tony welcomed homeless teen mothers to live with them as a Shepherding Home. She continued her training at Western Seminary where she received a Graduate Diploma in Biblical studies with an emphasis in counseling. Afterwards she served as a counselor with Good Samaritan Ministries.
Christina loves an adventure and has led two tours to Israel. She loves to hike, raft and sea kayak wilderness areas with her husband. Her greatest passion though, is helping others to discover their great worth and to experience the love of God in Jesus Christ.
PAIGE NEUHAUS
Professional Counselor
Kindred Life Ministries - Wheeling