Staff
Amanda Barbour
Founder & Executive Director
Melissa Block
Associate Director
Deb Winn
Program Director
Cheryl Raguse
Membership Manager
Sam Egnatuk
Special Program Coordinator
Liz Greer
Volunteer Coordinator
Kelsey Sankovic
Research Coordinator
Taylor Wilson
Program Administrator
Autumn Haan
Project Manager
Kristy Irwin
Finance Manager
Alex Repyak
Music Therapist
Annalisa Lascoe
Program Intern
Lauren Dennis
Administrative & Development Intern
Emily Miller
Program Intern
Amanda 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]
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 Director
[email protected]
As Program Director, 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 Manager
[email protected]
As Membership Manager, 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 Egnatuk
Special Program Coordinator
[email protected]
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
Research Coordinator
[email protected]
As Research Coordinator, 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!
Autumn Haan
As Project Manager, Autumn focuses her time on strategic initiatives, growth projects, fundraising, and special events.
She earned her bachelor’s in Communications from Calvin College and has specialized in marketing, community relations, and program management throughout her career. Autumn comes to us from MVP Sports Clubs, where she worked for 15 years in various positions including marketing and youth program manager.
Autumn and her husband live in Caledonia with their four children, Elijah, Stella, Silas and Emmett. She enjoys staying active, traveling, watching her kids play sports and trying to keep up with the family’s very energetic dog, Rocco.
Autumn is excited to join the CHC family and help share the mission of the importance of play for all children and families.
Alex Repyak
Alex received his 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. In this internship, Alex was able to provide music therapy services in several units in the hospital including In-patient and Out-paitent Hematology/Oncology Clinic, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, HDVCH’s Intensive Feeding Program, and working alongside the interdisciplinary team with phlebotomists, speech/language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and child life specialists.
Alex has previously visited the Children’s Healing Center while volunteering with WMU’s student organization: A Moment of Magic. The organization provides creative programming through character visits, where Alex visited children with his “friends” Spider-Man and Flynn Rider. Alex is excited to work with the wonderful kids and families at the center as a music therapist.
Annalisa Lascoe
Annalisa is currently attending Western Michigan University where she is obtaining her bachelor’s in Child and Family Development.
Annalisa has experience volunteering at both Bronson Children’s Hospital and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, working within a Early Childhood Development Center in Kalamazoo, working with Love Your Melon and working within the childcare setting. Annalisa has always had a passion for working with children and hopes to pursue a career as a Child Life Specialist.
In Annalisa’s free time she enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it be hammocking, biking, going golfing, or just simply watching the sunset. She also loves to spend time with her friends and visit home to see her family.
Annalisa is excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to learn and be apart of the Children’s Healing Center!
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!
Emily Miller
Emily currently attends Western Michigan University where she is obtaining her bachelor’s in Child and Family Development and her master’s in Child Life.
Emily has experience working with children and their families from working at a daycare and a couple nannying position. She will be Child Life Student at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Emily is involved in the child life organization at Western where she is able to connect with other aspiring child life students.
In Emily’s free time she loves watching Netflix, cooking, reading, hanging out with friends and the occasional arts and crafts. She also loves going home to see her family, especially her niece.
Emily is excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to see the smiles she creates at the Children’s Healing Center!
Board of Directors
Mark Scott, Chair
Chair Director of Finance
Autocam
Pat Waring, Vice Chair
Community Relations Director
GVSU – Office of the President
Matt Sikma, Treasurer
Project Manager
Property Resources Inc.
Beth Kurt, MD, Medical Advisor
Pediatric Oncologist
Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
Dawn Burgess,
CHC Parent
Community Volunteer
Afton DeVos,
Chief Operating Officer
Kids Food Basket
Janet Conzelmann ,
Human Resources
Breeze Church Management
Mary Dixon,
Owner
Dixon Interior Design, LLC
Ron Grifka MD,
Chief Medical Officer, Pediatric Cardiologist
Metro Health
Kelly Jandernoa,
Oncology RN
Spectrum Health
Cheryl Ora,
Director of Indirect Procurement
Steelcase, Inc
Mark Periard,
Director of Wealth Management
Legacy Trust
Scott Winn,
Owner
Scott R. Winn Builders
Jian Yu,
SVP, Chief Actuary
Priority Health
Chris Koontz,
Business Development
Stryker Corporation
Mark Scott
Chair
Mark Scott has been involved with the Children’s Healing Center since early 2016 and serves on our Board as well as our Finance and Nominating Committees. Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, Barb, and their children, Julie, Kari and Christy. The Scott family resides in Byron Center.
While not with his family or serving in the community, Mark is the Director of Finance at Autocam Corporation. Mark graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting.
Mark’s favorite movie as a kid was It’s a Wonderful Life and the first album he knew by heart was Elton John’s Greatest Hits. His fondest childhood memory is weekend trips to his grandparent’s cottage.
Pat Waring
Vice Chair
Pat Waring has been involved with the Children’s Healing Center since 2012. For years, she advised Amanda and the organization before taking the position of Board Chair. Pat serves on the Executive and Nominating Committees. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Bill, her children, Chris and Natalie, and her grandchildren, Billy, David and George. She is a resident of Grand Rapids.
Pat is the Community Relations Director at Grand Valley State University. A graduate of Western Michigan University, Pat holds a Bachelor of Science.
Pat’s fondest childhood memories are summer vacations, family car trips and time spent at the family cottage on Lake George. Her favorite movie as a kid was The Sound of Music and the first album she knew by heart was Elvis Presley’s Rock ‘n Roll.
Matt Sikma
Treasurer
Matt Sikma has served on the Children’s Healing Center Board, Executive, and Finance Committees since 2016, where he brings his financial expertise and experience as Treasurer. Matt is the Project Manager at Property Resources, Inc. A graduate of Calvin College, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Matt lives in Ada with his wife, Janna, and their many farm animals.
Matt’s fondest childhood memory is vacationing in Florida with his family. His favorite movie as a kid was Home Alone and the first album he knew by heart was Alan Jackson’s Drive.
Beth Kurt, MD
Medical Advisor
Beth Kurt has been involved with the Children’s Healing Center since 2011 when Amanda shared her “big idea” with her. She is currently our Medical Advisor and serves on our Board and Executive Committee. Beth enjoys spending time with her husband, Jon, and their children, Libby and Reagan. Beth is a resident of Grand Rapids.
While not with her family or serving in the community, Beth is a Pediatric Oncologist at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. She graduated from Kalamazoo College with a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Medicine and Michigan State University of College of Human Medicine with a Professional Doctorate in Medicine.
Beth’s favorite movie as a kid was Annie and the first album she knew by heart was Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Her fondest childhood memories are picking blackberries, collecting Petoskey stones and swimming in Crystal Lake at her family cabin in Northern Michigan.
Dawn Burgess
Dawn Burgess has serves on the Children’s Healing Center Board and Membership Committee since our inception. A fun fact: Dawn was the first member family Amanda told the Children’s Healing Center idea to. Dawn is the Director of SuperBub’s Superheroes. A graduate of Western Michigan University, Dawn holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Law.
Dawn and her husband, Kevin, have four children: Ian, Eliana, Braeden, and Owen.
Dawn’s fondest childhood memory is going to Beaver Island with her parents and grandparents. Her favorite movie as a kid was Robin Hood and the first album she knew by heart was Rio by Duran Duran.
Afton DeVos
Afton DeVos uses her nonprofit expertise and personal experience as a cancer patient while serving on our Board since 2016 and now serves on the Finance and Nominating Committees. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Aaron, and their children, Zachary and Colton. Afton is a resident of Grand Rapids. While not spending time with her family or serving in the community, Afton is the Associate Director of Kids Food Basket. Afton graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Communications and also obtained a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Grand Valley State University.
Afton’s favorite movie as a kid was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the first album she knew by heart was Heart in Motion by Amy Grant. Her fondest childhood memory was family vacations to Mexico.
Janet Conzelmann
Janet has been involved with the Children’s Healing Center since July 2016 when her daughter Kate was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Kate and her friends, Marci and David, helped launch the AYA program at the Center, targeting those 18-26 who desired to connect with others in similar situations. The relationships Kate formed through the CHC and AYA were life-giving and positively impacted her life. Janet is involved with CHC, as a board member and AYA volunteer, as an extension of something that was dear to Kate.
Janet earned an MBA from GVSU and has spent her career in human resource disciplines, spending 13 years in the non-profit sector. Janet currently works for Breeze, LLC, a software company that provides database systems and support, primarily for churches.
Janet and her husband Jeff moved to the lakeshore after raising their family in Grand Rapids. They currently reside in Spring Lake and are avid hikers, bikers, and beach walkers. Their son Joel is an environmental engineer who resides in Chicago and their daughter Kate gained her angel wings in January of 2018 after a nearly four-year battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma.
Mary Dixon
Mary Dixon has served on the Children’s Healing Center Board before the Center opened in 2015. Her design mind created the bright, colorful interiors that welcome our kids and families each day. Mary is the Owner of Dixon Interior Design, LLC. A graduate of Michigan State University, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design.
Mary lives in Ada with her husband, Jeff, and has two children, Max and Margo.
Mary’s fondest childhood memory is living in Switzerland during kindergarten. Her favorite movie as a kid was Wizard of Oz and the first album she knew by heart was Tapestry by Carol King.
Ron Grifka MD
Dr. Ron Grifka, Chief Medical Officer at Metro Health- University of Michigan Health.
has been on the Children’s Healing Center board for two years.
Dr. Grifka lives in Bryon Center and has four children: Natalie, Jackie, Nicole and Derek.
His favorite childhood memory is going “Up North” every summer. His favorite movie as a kid was Starwars and the first album he knew by heart was Night Moves by Bob Seger.
Kelly Jandernoa
Kelly Jandernoa has been on the Children’s Healing Center Board and Membership Committee since 2014. Kelly is a registered nurse at the Cancer & Hematology Centers of West Michigan. Prior to the Center’s opening, she helped develop the screening process and procedures to keep the Center germ-free. A graduate of Grand Valley State University, Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Kelly is mom to Tommy, Sam and Audrey and lives with her husband, Carl, in Grand Rapids.
Kelly’s fondest childhood memory is sledding in her back yard at night under the stars with her brother and sister. Her favorite movie as a kid was Annie and the first album she knew by heart was Control by Janet Jackson.
Cheryl Ora
While not spending time with her family or serving in the community, Cheryl is the Director of Indirect Procurement at Steelcase, Inc. Cheryl graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance).
Cheryl’s fondest childhood memory is winning a young author’s contest in 2nd grade from a book she wrote and illustrated about her mom’s career. Her favorite movie as a kid was E.T. and the first album she knew by heart was Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
Mark Periard
Scott Winn
Scott Winn has been involved with the Children’s Healing Center since daughter Amanda first dreamed about it. He currently serves on the Board as well as the Finance Committee. Beyond this, he plays an integral role in keeping our building functional and clean. Scott enjoys spending time with his wife, Deb, and their children, Amanda and Kristin. Scott is a resident of Grand Rapids.
While not spending time with his family or serving in the community, he is the owner of Scott R. Winn Builders. Scott graduated from Central Michigan where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business – Accounting and Computers.
Scott’s favorite films as a kid were any – and all – Clint Eastwood movies and the first album he knew by heart was Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven. His fondest childhood memory is a tie between time spent at the family cottage in Pentwater and Camp Michigania, a family summer camp.
Jian Yu
Jian Yu oversees actuary services, medical economics and advanced analytics functions at Priority Health. We are looking forward to having her lend her experience and creativity to our board to further the roots of the Center.
Jian and her husband, Yong, have two children: Julie and Kellie.
Jian’s favorite memory is preparing festival treats and dishes with her family for Chinese New Year. Her favorite movie is the Sound of Music and she loves Chinese folk songs.
Chris Koontz
Chris works in Business Development at Stryker Corporation. He graduated from Colgate University with a major in Political Science and a minor in Economics. His experience will help to guide our strategic growth initiatives.
Chris and his wife Erin live in Grand Rapids with their 3 children. His fondest childhood memories are jam-packed days traveling from venue to venue to participate in a variety of sporting events, which led to his eventual collegiate athletic career in soccer.