Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation

Send us Fan Mail “That's something that's so special about the NextGen Board – everyone just has such a passion for Wedgwood, and we just want to do as much as we can.” Emily Quellet is the incoming co-chair for the NextGen Board at Wedgwood Christian Services, a group of rising community leaders who are dedicated to advancing the mission of Wedgwood Christian Services by increasing awar...

Send us Fan Mail “Being able to integrate those two things – work and faith together – I think, is tremendous.” Nathan Kline is the Director of Information Services here at Wedgwood. As the head of our IT team, Nathan was instrumental in getting the organization set up to continue offering vital mental and behavioral health services throughout the pandemic. All within his first couple of weeks at...

Send us Fan Mail “Everything we do is through the lens of providing excellent care to those we serve.” Jeanna Raterink is a Contract Administrator at Wedgwood. In her 20-year tenure at Wedgwood, Jeanna has worked a variety of roles which now help her in making sure community partners, funding sources, and Wedgwood services providers can come together to meet community needs. “It’s not just paperwo...

Send us Fan Mail “There is hope, there is a process. We know what to do and things can get better.” According to the CDC, 1 in 54 children has an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Children who have autism spectrum disorders can face serious communication, emotional, and behavioral challenges. But early intervention services can help set kids up for success! Dr. Candice Lake is the Director of We...

Send us Fan Mail “We are planting and watering seeds.” Michael Voss is the Residential Program Manager at Wedgwood, and his role here is so much more than his job – it’s his calling. Michael has an incredible story of what led him to his calling of helping people, what brought him to Wedgwood, and what keeps him going. He strives to model his faith and Wedgwood’s mission and values in everything h...

Send us Fan Mail “We truly care about the people we are serving.” Dr. Elizabeth Raese is the Associate Director of Mental Health Community Programs here at Wedgwood Christian Services. To Dr. Raese, relationships, compassion, grace and are at the core of our mental, emotional, and behavioral health services and vital to walking with people through difficult seasons. In this Wedgwood Coffee Break C...

Send us Fan Mail “They just want you to be who you are, love them, and meet them where they are.”   Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been extending God’s love to children, teens, and families in West Michigan. To Pastor Arlan Palmer, Wedgwood’s Diversity Coordinator and Chaplain, showing the love and grace of God continues to be at the core of everything we do: from paperwork, to provid...

Send us Fan Mail “What is my purpose?” It’s a question we all ask. For many the kids in Wedgwood’s residential care, it is a question that no one has explored with them.  Pastor LeRae Kuperus, Chief Officer of Mission Integration and Director of Spiritual Formation, shares her experience with helping clients at Wedgwood navigate soul-searching questions and mental health. Listen as LeRae talks abo...

Send us Fan Mail The Employment Training Program (ETP) is a hands-on, work-based approach to care for hurting youth. Teens in Wedgwood’s residential program gain workplace experience through the crafting and business operations of the ETP woodworking and sewing shop. Join Jackie Brewster, Program Manager, as she shares the hope and confidence that ETP instills in kids at Wedgwood, the behavioral c...