TARA NELSON - BOARD TRUSTEE & SCHOOL OF CHOICE ADVISOR

Tara wears many hats, from Project Coordinator for Project Rebuild and Program Administrator, to Northwest Indiana Outreach Coordinator. The one thing they all have in common is helping families. Tara is passionate about giving back and helping within her community. Tara wants to be a servant of God’s work, by helping where she is needed. Her desire is to advocate and champion the story within us, by encouraging others to chase the rainbow, not staying stuck in the storm.

MONICA EVANS - FOUNDER & CEO

Founder & Board President, Monica is convinced in the biblical view that children are not “at risk” but “Investments”. It is our responsibility to speak the Word of God over people, to build-up, equip and send-out for the glory of God! Extended bio in executive summary.

ANGELINA HAMMONS - VICE PRESIDENT & CO-VISIONARY/DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM/ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

Angelina desires to expose the existing God-given greatness within the youth, bringing glory to God and positively impacting the world.

TIM EVANS - BUSINESS & MARKETING ADVISOR

Tim believes we are born with 80% of the gifts God intended for us. But believes God intended the other 20%, to be cultivated within our personal, community, spiritual, and professional relationships, throughout our lives. Trust matters and relationships matter! Tim holds a B.S in Law & Society, from Penn State University & a Masters in Global Business Management, from Humber College, Toronto, Canada.

Our Team

JOY CZECH - BUSINESS, Cohort coach, MARKETING ADVISOR, and Parent

Board Trustee and Cohort 1/Elementary teacher, Joy has Bachelor’s of Education, & Childbirth Educator as a Doula. She has served in the educational field for over 12 years in private and public schools. Joy is married to her husband, Elijah and blessed with 2 amazing children. She is a blessed daughter of Christ her King and desires to serve Him in every area of her life. A desire that Joy has had, is to grow her family not just biologically but through adoption. She is a small business owner of “Joy In Birth LLC''. Joy’s heart for children and biblical education is what lead her to IYCLEF and a call from God to join the team.

JILL CALDER - BOARD TRUSTEE AND ADMIN. ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT

Jill is the director of Royal Family Kids’ Camp, Merrillville IN, director of Kingdom Youth Camp, has served with Invested Youth Society in various lake & Porter County schools & has worked as a ASCP certified Histology Technician for twenty-two years, with Methodist Hospital. Jill desires for young people to fully understand their identity in Christ. She knows this only comes through a relationship with Christ and putting youth in environments where that relationship can be cultivated and is why she felt called to lead the IYCLEF board.

NANCY ACOSTA - BOARD TRUSTEE AND ADMIN. ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY

Nancy is a firm believer we all have a purpose to serve God, and that God’s timing is always right. Nancy loves being a wife and mother. Nancy has served as an outreach director, and found her calling here. She had the privilege to help provide resources to families and youth, educating them in ways to avoid drugs, alcohol, gangs, and sex trafficking. Nancy knows God has called her to serve youth needing a little more attention and a core reason she is led to serve on the IYCLEF board. Nancy and her husband became entrepreneurs, establishing a small trucking business, equipping her experiences in the business administrative areas of office management, and accounting.

RENZELL HINDMON - BOARD TREASURER

Renzell believes it is her calling to serve on the School Board. By serving on the school board, Renzell postures herself to contribute to the development of a Christian educational space that prepares students to become compassionate, knowledgeable, and faithful individuals, ready to make a positive impact on the world around them. Renzell is retiring from years of experience in: Finance management, Business management and Human Resource work. She desires to serve in this ministry by utilizing God’s gifts and experience to help steward well over God’s provision.

ARLEN RIENSTRA - BOARD TRUSTEE, RETIRED EDUCATOR/ADVISOR

Having taught in the high schools, college, vocational institutions, job skills training and technologies arenas, Arlen sees the value and need for Project Based Learning options in addition to the traditional liberal arts education for today's youth. His experience in working in the commercial, residential, mechanical, agricultural and construction occupations as well as in educational institutions, is why he knows hands- on learning is an important tool to educate. Arlen believes all persons have innate skills, and talent to be discovered for use in God's kingdom for His glory.

CHERELLE DUNN - BOARD SECRETARY

Cherelle is a State Filing Analyst Assistant for a corporate Chicago insurance firm. A strong proponent of all children achieving quality education and opportunities, she has a background in higher education and data management. In addition, Cherelle has worked as the “Study Abroad Coordinator” and “International Student Advisor” at two major universities in Indiana. Cherelle worked as the “Development Specialist” for a prominent Chicago non-prot, whose mission has been to provide educational opportunities/resources and mental health support for children (infants thru high school age) and their families needing community support throughout the city of Chicago. She holds a M.A. in Mandarin Chinese, Applied Linguistics & Culture from Harbin Normal University in Harbin, China, as well as a B.A. in Spanish Language & Cultures and Mandarin Chinese from Ball State University. Cherelle believes her God-given skills and experiences have all been blessings, not just for her but more for children/students, families, and communities that she has been honored to serve.

Kimberly Evans

Kimberly (Kim) Evans has an extensive background in corporate, non-profit, government, technology, and education. She loves to volunteer with children and animals. Kim has one adult daughter and currently resides in Merrillville. Kim attends Living Hope Church where she enjoys serving in children’s ministry and participating in women’s ministry. Kim believes God purposed everyone and is why she serves on the