Dr. Virgil Gulker
KIDS HOPE USA Founder

Dr. Virgil Gulker is a KIDS HOPE USA prayer partner for his wife Kathy and Anabel, the second grader she mentors. He and Kathy are the parents of two married daughters, Emily and Laura.

Virgil is a thirty year veteran of church volunteer services whose work is motivated by a single passion to engage church volunteers in the lives of at-risk children and families. A social entrepreneur, he founded numerous other award-winning programs: LOVE INC (1978), now part of World Vision, which has mobilized over 200,000 church volunteers in four countries; Love Our Kids (1990) provided mentors for inner-city children; Love For Children (1991), funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, linked church volunteers with Head Start children and families. He also administered the first college education program in the United States to award academic degrees to inmate students in a maximum-security prison.

Virgil has published numerous books and articles, and he was the recipient of the Mustard Seed Award for Creativity and the 2001 Grand Valley State University Distinguished Alumnus Award. 

David Staal
President

David Staal comes to KIDS HOPE USA filled with passion and experience for reaching kids. As the children's ministry director for Willow Creek Community Church and at the Willow Creek Association, he led teams that served thousands of children every weekend and supported thousands of churches every year.

Despite the large scope of those responsibilities, he looks back at four years he invested as a 1-1 ministry volunteer as having some of the deepest impact on his heart for kids. The same is true for his everyday experiences as a dad - several of which appear in his latest book for parents and anyone who works with kids, Words Kids Need to Hear (Zondervan Publishing, 2008). Additional titles by David include Leading Kids to Jesus (Zondervan 2006), Leading Your Child to Jesus (Zondervan, 2006), and Making Your Children's Ministry the Best Hour of Every Kid's Week (Zondervan, 2004).

Now, after leading a ministry that serves children who attend church, David has focused his heart and life on making a difference in kids' lives outside of a church setting. In addition to his role with KIDS HOPE USA, David also serves as a senior editor for Christianity Today International.

Prior to his work with children, David started in ministry as communications director and spokesperson for Willow Creek following a 13-year business career. He lives in Grand Haven, MI, with his wife Becky, son Scott, and daughter Erin. 

Craig Schrotenboer
Vice President of Operations

Craig’s six years as an Executive Director with Youth for Christ has instilled in him a love and passion for working with at-risk kids. In addition, his time as a Dean with Davenport University and his 26 year career with office furniture manufacturer, Herman Miller Inc. provides him with the experience and skill set to lead the operations area of KIDS HOPE USA.

He graduated from Hope College in 1972 with degrees in business administration and economics.

Craig and his wife Sherry, a Young Fives teacher with Zeeland Public Schools, reside in Zeeland, MI where they are active members of First Reformed Church – Zeeland. They have four children – Eric, Martha, and Lindsay who are triplets and Chelsea who graduated from Hope College this spring. Craig and Sherry love spending time at their cottage on Beaver Island, golf, tennis and walking their three dogs (is there a trend emerging here?).

Drew Peirce
Vice President of Partnerships

After seven years as a church youth director and in Young Life Church Partnership, Drew completed his Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary (Holland, MI) and joined the KIDS HOPE USA staff in 2002. Originally from the Washington D.C. area, Drew graduated from the University of Delaware in 1995 with a degree in Philosophy. It was through his experiences growing up and in Christian ministry that Drew developed a passion for equipping the church to be relationally engaged in the needs of its community. As the Vice President of Partnerships, Drew works with school systems, church networks, denominations, and expansion into new areas for Kids Hope USA.

Drew and his wife Patty, a registered nurse in Holland, MI, have three precious daughters, Leah, Hannah, and Kaitlin. He is also a mentor and friend to Dakota, a 3rd grader from his church's partnering KIDS HOPE USA school.

George Hoogerhyde
Vice President of Development

George comes to KIDS HOPE USA (Dec. 2009) following his role as Regional Director for Opportunity International (a microfinance organization based in Chicago). Although he is new(as an employee) to KIDS HOPE USA, his experience with KIDS HOPE USA runs deep. George began his development career with International Aid in 1999, following his for profit career with Armstrong World Industries. At that time, KHUSA operated under the umbrella of that organization. In addition George recently, through a church in his hometown of Grand Haven, MI, has been a KIDS HOPE USA mentor to a couple of very special boys at Mary A. White elementary school.

George is the loving husband of Laura (20 years and counting) and the proud father of his son, Jordan and daughter, Lydia.

George brings to us a passion for the work of KIDS HOPE USA and a desire to see the organization expand exponentially across this country in response to those children in need.

Chris Reinsma
Vice President of Programs

Chris joined the KIDS HOPE USA staff in July 2007 as the National Director of Programs. He graduated from Alma College in 1991 with a degree in business administration. He then spent ten years with Spring Hill Camps of Evart, Michigan in various program leadership capacities culminating with the launch of a second residential camp facility in Seymour, Indiana in 2000. In 2002, Chris moved to Grand Rapids to begin work as an urban community center director for the Salvation Army while completing a masters degree in counseling.

Chris and his wife Sherri have two very energetic young boys and one girl, Jayla Hope. They all reside in Grand Rapids, MI and are active members of the Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. As a family they enjoy sailing, bike riding, and anything that might involve water, dirt, and bugs (not necessarily in that order).

Beth Wassink
Affiliate Relations Specialist

Brooke Johnston
Education & Training Coordinator

Heidi Weesies
Caregivers Choice Coordinator & Program Health Specialist

Amy VanProoyen
AmeriCorps Member - Education & Training Assistant

Amy VanProoyen is in her second year of serving the KIDS HOPE USA National Office as an AmeriCorps Member. She graduated from Calvin College in May, 2008 with a Bachelors Degree in Community Recreation and a minor in Spanish. Amy has experience in leading youth wilderness trips and working in the Recreation and Education Department for Calvin College as a student administrator.

Amy and her husband Brad live in Grand Rapids, MI. Together they are involved in WyldLife (YoungLife for middle school age kids) at Grand Rapids Christian Middle School. They also enjoy rock climbing, backpacking, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, and biking. Amy looks forward to another year at KIDS HOPE USA and hopes to learn a lot more about youth development. 

Deb Bohl
Development Assistant

Before Deb Bohl joined KIDS HOPE USA as an administrative assistant, she was a project coordinator for Herman Miller, Inc. in Zeeland, MI. Deb was previously the KIDS HOPE USA Director at her church where she is currently involved with Bible studies and committees. She brought a wealth of skills and a great personality to us. Deb has a can-do attitude and is always willing to help with various projects and tasks.

Deb and her husband Arlyn live in Zeeland and have 3 adult children and 1 grandchild. She enjoys shopping with her daughter, or anyone else, in her spare time along with reading, knitting, and walking. During summer weekends, you will find Deb and Arlyn enjoying the great outdoors at area campgrounds.

Elise Sagmoe
Communications Coordinator - Administrative Assistant

Elise Sagmoe comes to KIDS HOPE USA with a desire to share her creativity and love for kids, art, and Jesus. She graduated from Hope College with a double major in Art History and Art Education. Her husband, Peter, works at Holland Hospital and is also going to school to get his Radiology Technician degree. They are members of Engedi church and strive to put God first in everything they do. You will be seeing Elise around, especially with a camera in hand, as she will be taking pictures at various KIDS HOPE USA events and assisting as needed.

Carol Slagh
Accounting Assistant

Carol was first introduced to KIDS HOPE USA through her church and has had the privilege over the last 5 years to be a KIDS HOPE USA prayer partner. Carol has a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Calvin College. After several years in a bank customer service role she moved to the Accounting Department of a local community bank and gained significant experience in all aspects of bank accounting including producing board reports for the various bank affiliates.

Carol is married to Brad and they have three children. After her children were born she left the bank so she could devote more of her time to her family. Over the past 20 years she has spent much of her free time volunteering, managing Brad's political campaigns and serving for nine years in various capacities on both a local school and intermediate school district boards of education. With an artistic flair and a love of keeping busy she has branched into many hobbies and the corners of their house have stashes of projects to work on. The opportunity to serve KIDS HOPE USA in a part-time accounting role brings together many of her passions; accounting, schools, keeping busy and bringing hope to children. 

Greg Vander Goot
Michigan State Office Director

Having previously spent time working in public education, KIDS HOPE USA is glad to have Greg Vander Goot on our staff. As the new Michigan State Office Director, Greg will be working on connecting schools with churches that are interested in KIDS HOPE USA programs in Michigan specifically. Previously, Greg was a teacher, principal and superintendent. Prior to working in the school setting, Greg also spent time working in business. Originally graduating from Calvin College, he returned to school to get his teaching certificate and Masters in Education from Grand Valley State University.

When not working, Greg enjoys playing and watching sports. He is a certified referee in basketball, soccer, volleyball and track and field. He is a married father of three small children and enjoys watching them grow and spending as much time with them as possible. Greg is looking forward to communicating with current KIDS HOPE USA Principals and hearing about the many things this program has done in their school. 

Thom Working
Michigan State Office Coordinator

Thom was an educator with the Byron Center Public Schools for 37 years, where he taught band, choir and music to students in grades 5-12, and two years of computer applications in grades 7 & 8. In addition to teaching in Byron Center, Thom taught instrumental music part-time at Grand Valley State University for several years, was part-time music faculty at Hope College for 20 years, and was the Staff Director at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for five years.

As well as being a professional educator, Thom is also an active musician. Thom received his Bachelors of Music Degree in Music Education from Hope College, did graduate work at Yale University, and received a Masters of Music Degree in Performance from Western Michigan University. He played Principal French horn in both the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo Symphonies, and performed with and conducted many other West Michigan music organizations. He is currently playing with the Holland Symphony Orchestra, and is the director of the Holland American Legion Band. The Legion Band toured Europe in June 2009 as part of the 65th Anniversary of D-Day.

Thom is married and has four adult children. His wife is also an educator, teaching math at Zeeland East High School, and his son Chris is a 3rd grade teacher at Woodside Elementary in Holland's West Ottawa School District (a KIDS HOPE USA school.) Thom's hobbies include photography, computers and, of course, music.

Annette Forster
Chicago Office Director

Annette Forster has been leading leaders and developing ministries throughout the 30 years she has been a member at Willow Creek Community Church. From leading students in the high school ministry (Son City) to starting and developing various ministries to Women, to her last role as Director of Affinities (Men's, Women's, Singles, Internationals, Seniors, Business Leaders). There is nothing that excites her more than to watch the power of God transform a life.Annette comes to KIDS HOPE USA excited to see what God will do with the potential of partnerships in the Chicagoland area all for the sake of empowering kids.

Annette grew up in the suburbs of Chicago along with her husband, Tim, of 20 years. Together they have 2 teenage daughters, Ally and Emily. Annette has loved watching her kids discover who God has created them to be and now takes that passion to KIDS HOPE USA to help churches and other organizations make a difference in the life of a child.

Teri Lange
Chicago Office Coordinator

Teri brings with her over 17 years experience in all areas of administration and special projects at the senior leadership level. Teri was on staff in the children's ministry of Willow Creek Community church where she served the director and a team of over 30. She has the ability to strategize and develop projects and procedures, as well as, experience coordinating and supporting conference trainings and events locally and internationally.

Teri grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. She has been married to her husband Mike for 32 years. They have raised three grown children and recently became grandparents for the first time to Mya. Realizing the uniqueness of each of her own children, Teri believes every child can succeed and has a huge heart to reach those kids who have fallen through the cracks.

Teri loves spending time with her family, Sunday afternoon BBQ's, the outdoors, hiking, reading and is an avid knit and crochet guru.

Rosann Holman
KHUSA Representative (Colorado)

Rosann has attended Christ Community Evangelical Church in Greeley, Colorado for the past 14 years, and has been on staff for the past 8 years the KIDS HOPE USA Director. She graduated from Colorado Christian University with a B.S. in Organization Management with an emphasis in Christian Leadership.

Rosann has a passion for at-risk children and a vision for all public elementary schools in Northern Colorado to have the opportunity to launch a KHUSA ministry in their schools.

Rosann lives in Greeley during the school year and spends her summers in the mountains with her husband Roy. Together they have 3 children: son Travis, daughter Melissa, son-in-law Jaron, and a very precious granddaughter Savanna.

Lise Cook
Dallas/Fort Worth Representative

Lise Cook attended Trinity Bible Church for 10 years and is serving her fourth year as the KIDS HOPE USA Director there. Prior to being the KHUSA Director, she served as the children’s director for 3½ years. Since seeing the impact KIDS HOPE USA has had on children, she has been passionate about spreading the vision of KIDS HOPE USA to recruit more volunteers and ministries, and ultimately make more hours happen for more KHUSA children.

Lise and her husband of 25 years, William Cook, grew up in Fort Worth where they went to high school together. Lise stayed in Fort Worth to attend Texas Christian University while William went away to college. After dating seven years, they were married. Lise pursued a career in fashion and marketing until they adopted their first daughter.

They are now the proud parents of three daughters, Addison, Annie, and Amanda; and as a family they sponsor a five-year-old little girl from the Pythian Home for Children.

Bernie J. Groendyke
Houston Representative

Bernie Groendyke comes to KIDS HOPE USA with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Western Michigan University. After college he worked for the Quaker Oats Company for 15 years as a District Manager in the state of Michigan.

Answering the call of God on his life to pastor, Bernie joined the pastoral staff at Resurrection Life Church in Grandville, Michigan, who launched him into church planting. Five years later, he started a church in Grand Haven, Michigan, with 12 people and faithfully served the city and the growing congregation for 18 years. He retired and began searching for his next assignment to serve the Lord.

After moving to the Houston area, he began dialogue with KIDS HOPE USA, and felt that everything he has done until now has prepared him for a time such as this. Bernie believes this is pure religion, to minister to widows and orphans (James 1:27). He knows the church and the heart of pastors and will use these perspectives to unite churches with schools, kids with mentors, and see God’s kingdom advance in this world.