Amanda (Winn) Barbour

Founder & Executive Director
[email protected]

As Founder and Executive Director, Amanda leads the staff and the board in staying true to her strategic vision and is focused on community development, fundraising, and the long-term sustainability of the Children’s Healing Center.

The CHC is more than an organization to her – it is a vision that was born from her personal cancer journey. Amanda combined past experiences with current talents and relationships to create a center she believes she was uniquely equipped to launch. This definitely was not part of her original plan – Amanda graduated with an Architecture degree from the University of Michigan and landed a job at AMDG Architects shortly before her Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis. Armed with a dream – and continuing to work as an architect – she spent five years working with donors, families, supporters and the medical community to create the Children’s Healing Center. Amanda is committed to ensuring that children and their families have a safe, clean space to play and connect. Amanda has surrounded herself with staff members and volunteers who share that vision. She is excited to welcome families into what she sometimes refers to as “her baby” and hopes it will bring them as much joy as it brings her.

Amanda keeps a gratitude journal that she writes in daily. She believes in the importance of birthdays and celebrating life, and she enjoys inviting people to gather around her table for communion and nourishment. Her desire to deeply know people, love them and encourage them is a common thread in all she does.

Melissa Block

Associate Director
[email protected]ldrenshealingcenter.org

As Associate Director, Melissa is responsible for day-to-day operations, development, overseeing volunteer coordination, and leading community outreach. Melissa has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University and came to the Center from Sysco Food Services where she was the Marketing Manager.

Melissa and her husband Matt live in Lowell with their children, Claire and Kaleb. In 2009, at 20 months old, Claire was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma. By the grace of God, the amazing care of Dr. Deanna Mitchell at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, and the research of Dr. Giselle Sholler at the NMTRC, Claire is now officially on the other side of her diagnosis and declared cancer free- Praise God!

Through her daughters cancer journey, Melissa developed a passion for helping families experiencing a childhood illness. Melissa feels blessed to be able to use her life experiences and heart to give back to this community of families during the most trying times of their lives.

Melissa is fantasy football champion and sad but hopeful Lions fan. She is a true-crime buff and can typically be found reading a book, listening to a podcast or watching a crime documentary.

Deb Winn

Program Manager
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As Program and Operations Manager, Deb is responsible for leading programs, managing program partnerships and connecting with families and children. Near and dear to Deb’s heart is also monitoring the cleanliness of the building and controlling the screening process to ensure a safe and clean environment. Deb has a BS in Business Administration. She earned her Early Childhood Credits at Grand Rapids Community College. Prior to joining the Children’s Healing Center, Deb taught at Children’s Workshop for the past 18 years. Deb’s husband Scott is a builder/carpenter. You may see him around the CHC doing different jobs. Deb and Scott have two daughters, Amanda and Kristin, both of whom are University of Michigan graduates (Go Blue!). Deb has always been a lover of children, volunteering as a Sunday School Teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary as well as serving as Cheer Director for Forest Hills. Deb looks forward to forming lasting relationships with the families at the CHC.

When Deb is not wiping down tables and toys in the center or talking about upcoming fun programming, you will find her completing DIY projects and reading books. Deb’s dream is to take a long relaxing vacation on a cruise ship any place warm and sunny!

Cheryl Raguse

Membership & Referral Coordinator
[email protected]

As Membership Coordinator, Cheryl works with new members and implements a physical-fitness program.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation, Cheryl’s career began as the Pediatric Recreational Therapist at Mary Free Bed. After six-years with MFB she shifted her focus to being a devoted full-time mom and loved every minute of it.

Cheryl has always been passionate about volunteering, especially when it involves children. She began volunteering with the Center from the day the doors opened, an experience that she quickly felt privileged to be a part of. Cheryl cherishes the connections she has made with member children and families and looks forward to being a part of the CHC team.

Cheryl and her husband, Dave, have 4 children- one daughter and three sons, who are all grown and making lives of their own. In her free time, Cheryl enjoys exercising, various outdoor activities both in and out of the water, cooking, and travel.

Sam Anderson

Project Manager
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As Project Manager, Sam spends her time managing special events, strategic initiatives, and growth projects as well as leading teen programming. She played soccer at Roosevelt University in Chicago and after graduating with a BA in Psychology: Child and Family Studies, Sam traveled to Haiti and was an au-pair, volunteer and student in Milan Italy for 11 months. She also spent time volunteering all over the Chicagoland area, feeding her desire to help others, especially children.

When she was younger, Sam lived in Australia for a few years but spent most of her growing-up years on a farm in Rockford. She is the oldest of 5 kids and is proud of her 13 summers showing cows at the Kent County Youth Fair. Sam spends her free time hanging with her family and friends, listening to country music, being outside and traveling. Her dream is to travel all over the world and help people along the way!

Sam is excited to be a part of the CHC family and can’t wait to experience all the magic that happens every single day!

Liz Greer

Volunteer Coordinator
[email protected]

Liz Greer joins the Children’s Healing Center as the Volunteer Coordinator in which she will be learning about the non-profit world and putting her database knowledge to work. She comes from an Information Systems background with over 12 years of experience. She has a BS in Business Administration with a Hospitality Information Systems major.

She is married to Ken and has 3 girls, Kaitlyn, Sydney, and a special needs girl, Makenzie. She enjoys watching her girls play sports, including soccer, track, cross country, volleyball, and Miracle baseball. She also enjoys traveling and camping.

Liz is excited to contribute to this amazing Center as the Volunteer Coordinator where she can put her IT background to work and relate to families that come to visit.

Kelsey Sankovic

Project Administrator
[email protected]

As Project Administrator, Kelsey leads research for the Center, as well as, leading programming for the Adolescent and Young Adults (AYA) group here at CHC. She grew up in Novi, a suburb of Detroit, and currently lives in Kalamazoo. For many years, she worked with children diagnosed with autism; implementing applied behavior analysis interventions to improve basic skills and target behaviors.

Kelsey expands the expertise of the Center staff with a degree in Behavioral Science Psychology from Western Michigan University. She is currently taking courses towards a Masters in Clinical Mental Health. Kelsey brings behavioral research knowledge and experience in writing literature reviews and research reports. She also has been a committed volunteer at the Center since shortly after we opened our doors.

Growing up, she spent her summers living up in Northern Michigan, in the tiny town of East Jordan, with her family. She was born and raised a Michigan Wolverine fan, cheering them on in the stands at football games for as long as she can remember. Go Blue! Fall is her favorite time of the year because it means weekends full of football! Kelsey has a love for children and spent many years nannying two awesome little dudes. She loves being with family and friends, going Up North, exploring cities, and taking spontaneous trips. Kelsey has hiked two National Parks: Zion and Mount Rainer. 10/10 would recommend.

She is looking forward to being a part of this team and using her research experience and love for children to impact the lives of the families and contribute to the Center’s mission of Good. Clean. Fun.

Taylor Wilson

Program Administrator
[email protected]

As Program Administrator, Taylor spends her time planning and executing programs, communicating with members, and working in the member database. Taylor has plans to create additional programs for the members, that will build stronger relationships within the community of CHC.

She graduated from Aquinas College with a BS in Child Life and also studied Early Childhood Development at Grand Rapids Community College. Taylor was grateful to be able to follow her passion while being close to her family and continuing to experience the great city of Grand Rapids. She says there is always something new to discover, and is thankful for all the social media accounts and blogs to help her find all the good spots.

Along with her education she has a lot of experience working with children and their families. She has nannied several families of all ages, worked in a gym daycare, and also volunteered with the Child Life team and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

In her free time, Taylor enjoys reading, going for long walks or hikes, swimming, and cooking. Her favorite type of food is Greek, although her favorite dish is Thai Chicken Curry. Taylor feels very fortunate to be a part of the CHC family and is excited to see all the opportunities it creates for everyone involved!

Bailey Schulte

Music Therapist

Bailey is a board-certified music therapist. She received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Western Michigan University and recently completed a 6-month music therapy internship at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. During her internship, Bailey was able to provide music therapy services on many units of the hospital including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Hematology/Oncology Clinic, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Perioperative Care Services, as well as provide weekly music therapy groups at HDVCH’s Intensive Feeding Program.

Bailey became acquainted with the Children’s Healing Center in 2017 while volunteering with WMU’s student organization: A Moment of Magic. As part of the organization, Bailey provided creative programming in the form of character visits and visited the Children’s Healing Center alongside her “friend” Snow White. Bailey loved volunteering with the kids at the center and is excited to continue working with the families as a music therapist!

Rachel Traxler

Program Intern

Rachel is currently attending Western Michigan University where she is obtaining her bachelors in Child and Family Development. She also has started her Master’s degree through the Accelerated Child Life program at WMU.

Rachel has experience volunteering at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, working within a Children’s Advocacy Center in Kalamazoo, and working within the childcare setting. Rachel has always had a passion for working with children and families and hopes to pursue a career as a Child Life Specialist.

In Rachel’s free time she enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it be hiking, going to the beach, or camping. She also loves to spend time with her two dogs along with friends and family

Lauren Dennis

Administrative & Development Intern

Lauren currently attends Grand Valley State University where she is obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration with an emphasis in community health.

Lauren has experience working with families and their children from the various nanny positions she has had throughout college. She has also volunteered with Kid’s Food Basket and local organizations in her hometown.

In Lauren’s free time she enjoys reading, watching Netflix and or hanging out on her rooftop. She also loves to visit home to see her family and her two dogs.

Lauren is excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to learn and be a part of the Children’s Healing Center!