EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Chris joined the Ruth Harbor staff as the third executive director in 2022. Chris is a lifelong Iowa and Ankeny native with a 30-year history of serving on the pastoral staff of Grace Church in Des Moines and First Family Church in Ankeny. Before joining Ruth Harbor, Chris served as associate executive director of the Baptist Convention of Iowa. Chris is married to Chris (yes, Chris & Chris), and together they have three adult children and one grandchild. Chris enjoys reading history and apologetics, writing, and teaching.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Sara joined the Ruth Harbor team as Assistant Program Director in October 2022 and now serves as Program Director. She has an M.A. in Human Services and a B.A. in Criminal Justice. In her role, Sara supports direct care staff, develops and maintains programming for current residents, and oversees the Family Life Care Program that serves former residents of RHM. Sara delights in empowering women to discover their value, voice, and worth. Her hobbies include training her dog Saylor, competing in various canine sports, reading, and gardening.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Aimee joined Ruth Harbor as the Office Manager in January 2018 and now serves as Administrative Director. In this role she oversees the front-office operations, supports the Executive Director and staff team, manages fundraising events and develops/oversees Ruth Harbor's volunteer program. Aimee and her husband, Derek, have three children that keep them busy with their athletic, musical and academic pursuits. Although there isn't a lot of time for hobbies during this busy season of life, when possible, she enjoys baking, reading and crafting.

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Mark served as Ruth Harbor’s second Executive Director from 2002-2022. In April 2023, he started as Development Director. Prior to Ruth Harbor, Mark managed the non-profit GuideOne Foundation. His varied background also includes athletic director, instructor, and marketing communications. Mark’s BA is from Cedarville University. Mark and his wife, Deb, have three grown children and five grandchildren. He loves to invest in others in order to see them grow and enjoys his role on a recreational soccer team.

HOUSE PARENTS (CARLISLE)

Matthew and Casey joined the Ruth Harbor team in 2019 as House Parents in Carlisle, IA. As the "house dad and mom," they live in the home and are responsible for modeling a Christian family, serving as a father- and mother-figure to the residents, and overseeing all of the day-to-day operations and "life" that happens in the house and in the lives of the residents. Together they serve as the leaders of the Ruth Harbor home. Matthew and Casey have two young daughters and are blessed by the opportunity to do full-time mission work together as a family. In their free time as a family, they enjoy going on walks and visiting the park and zoo. Matthew loves just about anything outdoors, and Casey enjoys playing sports and sewing.

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Jessica started as Ruth Harbor’s Office Assistant in January 2023. Her responsibilities are varied, relating to account receivables, database management, volunteer oversight, as well as event and administrative support. Jessica is from Mesa, AZ, and moved to Iowa after attending Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny. She graduated with her B.A. in Biblical Studies and Counseling. Her favorite hobby is longboarding at skateparks. Jessica said, “I am blessed to be a part of this incredible team and my favorite part is working with volunteer groups who come to serve our moms. I have been blessed in my role to see donors and volunteers who give their time and energy to show these mothers and their children what Christ's love looks like.”