Team Category: Staff

Cheryl

Cheryl Ritchie

Cheryl, with a heart for reaching our community, has volunteered and also worked at Escape Ministries for several years. Previously, she was an Executive Secretary at Howard Miller in Zeeland for thirty-two years. She enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren, as well as cooking, baking, reading, flower gardening, being involved at church, and helping others.

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Tim Harris

About Tim

Tim joined Escape in 2024 after working with youth as an activity therapist. Approachable, consistent, & reliable, Tim builds trust with our youth to form relationships. He uses biblical messaging on his shirts to stir up conversations with the students about their faith. Tim has an associate’s degree in business administration, and when he’s not at Escape, Tim loves making Christian rap music or gospel music, as well as helping people make music. He enjoys being with his family and friends, cooking, and attending open mic events.

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Jennifer Kuneli

Jennifer joined Escape in 2024 and has a heart for reaching youth with God’s love and life-changing truth. She previously taught elementary special education in Kalamazoo and worked at another youth center. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys being with friends, journaling, and enjoying nature, especially Lake Michigan.

Mark

Mark Leyen

About Mark

Mark joined Escape in 2024, and with his passion for helping young people find and keep jobs, he is dedicated to guiding our youth as they discover their vocation and future career paths. His experience running his family’s business gives him unique insights into the world of work. When he’s not empowering youth, Mark loves spending quality time with his family and exploring the great outdoors. 

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Elena Thomas

About Elena

Elena joined Escape in 2024, and with 5 years of experience working with youth and families, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a positive energy to our student programs that’s truly inspiring. She is dedicated to standing in the gap and creating opportunities for students that they might have never imagined for themselves.

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Jeremias Gaytan

About Jeremias

Jeremias “Jerry” Gaytan joined Escape in 2019 and has been a special part of ASAP and Career Connections. He is a graduate of Westshore Community College. His years of experience working in schools and his big heart make him an important part of our team. He loves to mow lawns, share with families in need, and pray for kids. Outside of Escape Jeremias is the pastor of Iglesia Pan De Vida in Fennville and a family man to his wife and kids.

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Ruben Silvas

About Ruben

Coach Ruben has been training youth in boxing since 2010, and has been a certified boxing coach through USA Boxing since 2013. He helped found Westside Boxing & Fitness, where he continues to impact youth. He keeps an open door for all, and loves spending time with his most dedicated athletes, who then travel to events and Golden Gloves tournaments. When he’s not at Escape, Ruben can be found painting, making pizzas, laughing, and spending time with family.