LEADERSHIP & STAFF
Our National Team
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With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Maridel has devoted her career to family preservation, adoption advocacy, and strengthening community-based responses to family crisis. She is a founding member of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), a national coalition committed to inspiring and equipping the Church to care for orphans and vulnerable children. Maridel has been instrumental in advancing faith-based solutions to child welfare challenges on both local and national levels. Maridel attended Northwestern University and has continued her education through decades of hands-on leadership, organizational development, and training in trauma-informed care and community mobilization. Her personal journey as a mother of eight – three biological and five adopted through the loving decisions of birth mothers – fuels her passion for standing alongside parents who choose to raise their children but lack the support systems they need to succeed. Under Maridel’s leadership, TFG has become a trusted partner in reducing child welfare involvement and promoting family stability. She leads with humility, vision, and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to work together – for the good of children, the good of families, and the good of our communities.
Vice President
Jill brings more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit space, focused on serving vulnerable children and families. Her background includes work in adoption, international child shelter care, and family preservation. She earned her bachelor's degree in social work from Cedarville University in Ohio and her master's degree in social work from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in nonprofit leadership. Jill and her family became a host family with Together for Good in 2020, giving her firsthand experience with the mission before joining the staff team in 2024. She now serves as Vice President, overseeing all sites, supporting site leaders, strengthening partnerships, and guiding organizational growth and expansion. Outside of work, Jill enjoys road trips and exploring new places with her family and has, over time, visited all 50 states.
Dir. of Communications & Design
Natasha graduated from the University of Northwestern - St. Paul, where she earned her B.A. in Communications and minored in Marketing, Spanish, and Bible. Natasha initially began her career working in politics at the state and federal levels. While she enjoyed her time in public policy, Natasha's heart was drawn towards helping vulnerable families. Having personally experienced the impact of the local church coming alongside her family during a time of crisis, TFG's mission deeply resonated with Natasha. It has been her joy and honor to bring her expertise to TFG's communications, connecting those who need help with those who can help. In her free time, Natasha enjoys reading, playing board games with her husband, Justin, taking long walks with her dog, and traveling around the U.S. and abroad.
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Amber Schmitz
Systems & Process Coordinator
Amber brings over 11 years of professional experience as a hospital pharmacy technician, where she developed a strong attention to detail, compassion for others, and a commitment to serving people during vulnerable moments in their lives. She attended Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, where both her education and faith were shaped. She has been married to her husband, Jon, for 20 years, and together they are raising three children. In 2015, after experiencing significant loss and grief when her family had to step away from their adoption, God led her and her family to start volunteering with TFG. Through that season, God brought healing and redemption, ultimately leading her to Together for Good in a new and unexpected way. Rather than welcoming one child through adoption, God had different plans—expanding her family by allowing her to love and walk alongside many families instead. That calling became clear, and she officially joined the TFG staff in 2019. Working at Together for Good is deeply personal for her and represents the way God can transform grief into purpose and community.
National Office Manager
Gabriella Schumacher graduated from the University of Northwestern - St. Paul with her B.A. in Theatre (also completing minors in Music, English, and Bible). She began her career working at the Crystal Women's Clinic (formerly Robbinsdale Women's Center) as an administrative assistant and later as the executive assistant to the Executive Director. After a brief hiatus, in which, amongst many things, she was an au pair in London, England, Gabriella began working at Together for Good, initially as an administrative assistant and now as the National Office Manager. She is grateful to have worked for over 5 years at TFG, helping the Church share the love of Christ with their local community by meeting tangible and relational needs. She is married to James Schumacher, owner of Coat of Many Colours Painting Service. She enjoys playing board games, being creative with friends, and reading long books.
Our Iowa Team
Iowa Site Director
Lindsey brings over nine years of non-profit experience. Much of that time has been spent working in the foster care system and social services; however, she has also worked in medical and ministry fields. Lindsey is deeply passionate about serving biological parents and was drawn to Together for Good’s mission of keeping families together. Her heart is to see parents and children navigate adversity with the committed support of the local church. Lindsey has been married to her husband, Justin, for 14 years, and they have five children, two of whom have been adopted. Additionally, Lindsey and Justin have fostered countless children in their home, which has brought them such joy over the years.
Program Director
Sara serves as the Iowa Program Director, bringing more than 20 years of clinical leadership and direct service experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. She earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University and previously served as Chief Behavioral Health Officer for Hope Hall Services at Youth Emergency Services and Shelter (YESS), where she led multidisciplinary clinical teams and oversaw outpatient, community-based, and shelter-based counseling programs. Her earlier work included therapy, assessment, and consultation for youth experiencing behavioral, developmental, mood, and trauma-related concerns. Throughout her career, Sara has been committed to strengthening families, developing clinical teams, and expanding access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care. Sara was drawn to her work with TFG through her belief in the power of early intervention to help prevent or lessen the impact of trauma in a child’s life. Grounded in her faith, she is passionate about equipping churches to walk alongside vulnerable children and families with meaningful support and hope. Outside of her professional role, Sara enjoys traveling to warm places with her family, and she never passes up the opportunity to connect with friends at local coffee shops.
Karen Verdoon
Program Coordinator
Karen earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Dordt College and has spent her professional career serving adults with disabilities and vulnerable children. Karen was drawn to Together for Good after reading the story of Moses in Exodus. Despite feelings of inadequacy, Moses’s words of obedience: “Here am I, send me,” resonated with her. She realized she wanted to have the same obedient posture in the work God has called her to do. Karen appreciates the “Together” element of Together for Good. She has experienced so many stories of volunteers and churches working together to honor God and love families well. Karen’s Fun Fact: “I have slept in 39/50 states in the U.S.”
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Case Manager
Cayleen serves as a Case Manager for Story, Boone, and Marshall counties in Iowa. She is deeply passionate about advocating for children, drawing from over 15 years as a foster parent and her current role as a CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate). Cayleen also serves on the CASA Advisory Council and volunteers with Anchored Hope, a local nonprofit ministry supporting girls who have aged out of foster care. She has seen firsthand the trauma that occurs when children are removed from their family of origin. She loves how TFG surrounds the participants and volunteers with the church in providing respite care and advocates so they can feel supported. Her commitment to youth advocacy is rooted in her own experience growing up in an unstable home. Prior to joining Together for Good, Cayleen spent 15 years as a Senior Project Manager at Wells Fargo and served as a leader in a nonprofit ministry for trafficking survivors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Cayleen and her husband live in Story County with their two mini-goldendoodles. They have three adult children and twin grandsons.
Our Minnesota Team
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Minnesota Site Director
Aaron brings a deep conviction that God calls his people to serve vulnerable children and a rich background in family ministry. With years of leadership experience in church, camp, international settings, and board leadership, Aaron is passionate about building trusted relationships and creating supportive environments where families thrive. Aaron shared, "Together for Good’s mission to keep families together through strategic partnership with local churches is vital for our churches and our communities. I’m thrilled to answer the Lord’s calling to step into this role and eager to see his work in the years ahead." Aaron has been married to his wife, Liz, for over a decade, and they’re raising four children. He holds a Master of Divinity and enjoys the outdoors, coffee, and a good book. Aaron is eager to leverage his gifts for equipping and empowering others for greater kingdom impact through the expansion of Together for Good in Minnesota.
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Case Manager
Bria grew up in Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota with her bachelor's in Developmental Psychology. She then moved to England and attended the University of Greenwich, where she received her Master's in Psychology. She recently moved back to the Twin Cities and spent time working as a case manager with adults with severe mental illness. Bria is so excited to be here at Together for Good and to serve those in her community alongside so many Jesus followers! Bria shared, "I felt called to work at TFG because this organization serves the local community in such a beautiful and tangible way! I am so blessed that I can be a part of connecting people together so we can all serve the Lord and others around us." In her free time, she loves to run, read, and spend time with friends and family.
Program Director
Heather received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, supported by a strong interdisciplinary foundation in counseling psychology and early childhood education. Heather is trained in mental health counseling across the lifespan, with academic preparation emphasizing relational systems, family dynamics, and therapeutic practice. Heather is also a long-term foster mom with personal experience and a love for building gospel-centered relationships with the families that Together for Good serves. Heather previously worked with TFG as a case manager and then as the Director of Volunteer Engagement in Minnesota. She brings both expertise and passion to this role, and we are so grateful for her!
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Case Manager
Kelsie graduated from Bethel University with a degree in Social Work. After completing her degree, she worked in in-home health care as a social worker, serving families of all ages who were navigating life with disabilities. Through this experience, she developed a deep appreciation for walking alongside families and providing meaningful, practical support. She also gained valuable experience learning and helping families access community resources. She felt drawn to Together for Good because of the opportunity to integrate true hope of the Gospel with tangible support for families. She considers it an absolute joy to build relationships and come alongside participant families, volunteer families, churches, and other local partners in ways that strengthen and encourage them. When she is not working, she is an avid outdoors lover and instructs adaptive sports year-round.
Suzanne Anderson
Home Assessment Specialist
Suzanne earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Calvin University. Prior to working at TFG, she worked as a Volunteer Coordinator for Kinship of Greater Minneapolis, a faith-based mentoring program for children, as well as a Dossier Specialist for the Russian Adoption Program at Children's Home Society and Family Services. Suzanne has always had a passion for supporting families and children and believes strongly in the power of relationships, prevention, and keeping faith in Jesus at the center, so she is thrilled to be part of the team at TFG, where all of these things are valued. As a child, Suzanne spent four years living in Tokyo, Japan, where she learned to love other cultures and foods as well as how to ride a unicycle!
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Heidi Rockwell
Rochester Site Lead
Heidi earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Counseling from Crown College, where I developed a deeper compassion for the marginalized and a desire to walk alongside them with the hope and love of Jesus. Since then, she has worked at a boarding school supporting teenage girls facing behavioral and mental health challenges as well as at a refugee resettlement agency walking alongside vulnerable families as they built new lives and navigated the healing process from trauma. Heidi is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the beautiful work God is doing through Together for Good. She is passionate about seeing the Church live out its calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus and loves that Together for Good is a bridge to connect those who need help with those who can help. In her free time, Heidi loves camping, reading, running, and spending time outdoors, experiencing the beauty of God’s creation!
Jen Kaemingk, M. Ed.
Case Manager
Jennifer Kaemingk earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education with endorsements in special education and reading from Northwestern College in Iowa. Jen first became connected with Together for Good in 2018 when her family began volunteering as a host family. They hosted a young boy for 17 months while his mother was incarcerated. Jen remains closely connected with that boy and his mom today. Deeply moved by the organization’s mission, she continued to become a parent advocate and supported fundraising efforts, including the silent auction for the annual gala. In 2022, Jen joined Together for Good as a case manager, where she works closely with host families and participant mothers. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, particularly her two grandchildren, and stays active through golf, pickleball, and hiking.
Kelly Donohue, LGSW
Home Assessment Specialist
Kelly has her MSW degree from the University of Minnesota. During her social work career, she has worked primarily with local ministries in the Twin Cities. Her experience includes roles as an adoption social worker and, most importantly, her many years as a stay-at-home mom. Kelly has been part of the Together For Good team from its beginnings. Her current role involves the onboarding of host families as a Home Assessment Specialist. She considers it a privilege to meet with new volunteers as they begin serving with TFG. Kelly and her husband, Jim, enjoy traveling to warm places during the winter. They incorporate pet and house sitting into their travel adventures.
Volunteer & Program Coordinator
Sophie is graduated from Moody Bible Institute, where she studied Ministry to Women. During her time at Moody, Sophie worked at a crisis pregnancy center and served the unhoused of Chicago through Frontlines Ministry. Sophie is a member of her local church and enjoys serving there alongside her husband. When asked what drew her to working at Together for Good, Sophie shared, "Seeing that TFG was unashamedly Christian and boldly seeking to be the hands and feet of Jesus by serving those most vulnerable, made it clear to me that this was something I had to be a part of."
Our Texas Team
Texas Co-Site Director - Development & Strategic Growth
Kellie graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and began her career in the nonprofit sector, leading and overseeing a program in Bryan/College Station and then across the state of Texas.Her work eventually brought her to Waco, where she met her husband, Derek, and they were married in 2017. Kellie earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Houston in 2020. During that season, she and Derek felt called by God to become foster parents and were licensed in Texas in 2019. In the spring of 2020, they welcomed four children into their home who later became their adopted children. Kellie and Derek are grateful to be raising their four children in Waco, surrounded by a strong and supportive community. As a family, they love spending time outdoors and traveling together. Kellie has visited 20 countries and looks forward to future international adventures in the future!
Zaira San Martin
Case Manager
Zaira serves as a Bilingual Case Manager for Together for Good, where she is passionate about supporting families in crisis and helping connect them with the care of the local church. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Communications with concentrations in Journalism and Spanish, along with a minor in English from the University of Texas–Pan American, and has also completed graduate coursework in Family Ministry. Before joining Together for Good, Zaira worked as a reporter, editor, translator, and administrative assistant while serving in youth and worship ministry for more than a decade alongside her husband. Her passion for foster care and family preservation is deeply personal, inspired by her grandmother’s foster home in Mexico, where children found temporary refuge while their mothers worked to rebuild stability. She sees Together for Good as a beautiful expression of that same ministry, with the local church surrounding families with practical support and hope. Zaira and her husband, Frankie, are raising three children and love serving their community together. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and kayaking with her family.
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Texas Co-Site Director -
Program & Operations
Janay has been married to her husband, Brad, for 15 years. Together they’re raising six incredible children (ages 13 to 2) and view it as the greatest privilege to shepherd and lead them as they develop the unique gifts the Lord has given them. They have also been a licensed foster family for the past nine years, considering it an honor to support families through tough seasons by caring for their children. With a background in education, Janay has always loved partnering with parents to invest in the lives of children. Most recently, she served in the nonprofit foster care community in Waco, advocating for vulnerable children and supporting the dedicated caseworkers who care for them. Janay says, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the families in Waco through Together for Good. My hope and prayer is that every family feels supported and never has to navigate life’s challenges alone.”
Jennifer Washington, MSW
Case Manager
Jennifer Washington came to Together for Good with nearly 20 years of federal service in direct support, customer service, and team oversight. Jennifer attended Baylor University, where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. She was a part of the inaugural class of Baylor University's Master of Social Work program. She is married to Ahmad Washington, a Youth Pastor, and together they have two children, Jade and Jace. She is thrilled to begin a new chapter with Together for Good. Jennifer said, "It is my hope that God would use my passion for helping others to spread His love. I am looking forward to transferring my skills in working with vulnerable populations to advance His kingdom."
Kayleigh Cunningham, LMSW
Program Director
Kayleigh was raised in Waco, Texas, and graduated with her master's in social work from Baylor University in 2009. She's spent half of her career working with older adults in healthcare and half with children and families. She loves working for an organization that allows her to live out her life verse of James 1:27, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." It's Kayleigh's joy to connect people in the church with parents and precious children in the Waco community! Kayleigh loves spending time with her husband and two daughters, trying new restaurants around town, exploring all the great state of Texas has to offer, as well as good home organizing projects!
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Chic Mellon,
LMSW
Case Manager
Chic is overjoyed to be on the TFG Waco team! She has a passion for the local church rising up and being the hands and feet of Jesus in the local community. Chic has been married to Scott Mellon for 27 years. They have raised four children in Waco, and now have a son-in-law and granddaughter in Waco as well. They have served in their church for over 25 years, facilitating life groups and pastoring leaders. Chic comes alive, helping people in crisis and rallying people for worthwhile causes. With a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Social Work from Baylor and experience in case management, she is thrilled to help local families stay together for good. One of Chic’s favorite pastimes is attending the events of her friends’ kids all over town—baseball, dance, soccer, choir, football—you name it and she will be there!
Our Wisconsin Team
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Wisconsin Site Lead
Angie began her career in Human Resources and holds a master’s degree from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. For years, she has served as a member and volunteer coordinator at Hillcity Church in Hudson and has played an active role on TFG’s Western Wisconsin advisory committee. Angie’s background as a nanny, a mother of three, and her experience in the corporate world make her well-equipped to lead this effort with both compassion and professionalism. In her free time, Angie enjoys reading, hiking in beautiful places (especially Minnesota’s North Shore), and cheering for the Green Bay Packers!
Rachel Schrader, CSW
Home Assessment Specialist
Rachel graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire in 2015 with a Bachelor of Social Work. Since then, Rachel has worked as a social worker and has always found joy in helping people discover the life that God has called them to. Rachel has had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, primarily in fields related to mental health and addiction. She has learned that relationships are what form us, and they are what can help change us. Rachel is a single mom of an amazing nine-year-old girl. She has experienced firsthand how isolation impacts parenting abilities and the significant impact of a supportive community around a mom and her child. Rachel is grateful to answer God's calling to help open doors for other single moms to feel loved and supported so that they and their children can thrive.
Board of Directors
Maridel Sandberg
President & Founder
With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Maridel has devoted her career to family preservation, adoption advocacy, and strengthening community-based responses to family crisis. She is a founding member of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), a national coalition committed to inspiring and equipping the Church to care for orphans and vulnerable children. Maridel has been instrumental in advancing faith-based solutions to child welfare challenges on both local and national levels. Maridel attended Northwestern University and has continued her education through decades of hands-on leadership, organizational development, and training in trauma-informed care and community mobilization. Her personal journey as a mother of eight – three biological and five adopted through the loving decisions of birth mothers – fuels her passion for standing alongside parents who choose to raise their children but lack the support systems they need to succeed. Under Maridel’s leadership, TFG has become a trusted partner in reducing child welfare involvement and promoting family stability. She leads with humility, vision, and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to work together – for the good of children, the good of families, and the good of our communities.
Darin Hunhoff
Director
Darin was drawn to joining the board of Together for Good (TFG) for several reasons. First is the difference TFG makes in families' lives, both those in crisis and those playing a role (host families and other volunteers), rooted in Christian values and connections with local churches. Second was the opportunity to be part of a growing organization. Darin has learned over the years that he enjoys being a part of – and playing some role in – an organization or team reaching new levels of growth and impact. Third is the people he has met, Maridel Sandberg, current board members, and some volunteers engaged with Together for Good. The more people he met and talked with, the more he was led to join the journey with Together for Good.
Nicky Brown
Board Chair
Nicky is the Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs at HealthEquity. She possesses over 20 years of experience in flexible benefits, compliance, consulting, and management. Ms. Brown is committed to aiding Americans in achieving health and financial security. Nicky holds several advanced certifications in flexible compensation, benefits, and compliance and attended the University of Tulsa. She routinely teaches and speaks on these subjects, sharing her extensive knowledge and expertise with others in the industry.
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Ericka Byer
Director
Ericka, along with her family, has been involved with Together for Good since its inception. As followers of Christ, she believes it is our call to participate in God’s mission in the world within the context of our local communities. It is her conviction that God calls us to serve vulnerable families and children and to walk alongside those so often forgotten in our society. Ericka holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance and a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Northern Iowa. She also holds a Certificate of Micro Master of Divinity from The Master’s Institute Seminary and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. Ericka is deeply committed to Christ-centered leadership, bringing integrity, vision, and strategic acumen to every role, serving to strengthen organizational impact and foster transformative ministry outcomes. In addition to her professional and academic experience, Ericka leads women’s ministries within her local multi-site church. She is passionate about equipping believers to take their next steps with Jesus and developing Christ-centered leaders. Ericka brings integrity, vision, and thoughtful discernment to board service, strengthening organizational effectiveness and advancing mission impact.
Linda Rukavina
Treasurer
Linda brings a unique blend of business expertise, coaching insight, and heartfelt compassion to the board. Linda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Economics from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a Master’s in Corporate Finance and Consulting from the Carlson School of Management. In recent years, Linda became a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach with a specialty in diabetes care, continuing her mission to support others in practical and life-changing ways.
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Tony Kroening
Director
Tony received his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Minnesota and his Master of Divinity from Bethel Seminary. He spent ten years in pastoral ministry at Christ Presbyterian Church, serving as the Pastor of Youth and Families. Additionally, he was the Managing Partner and Owner of SIMA Partners for 22 years and the Executive Vice President of Motivations AI for four years. Each of these aspects of his career shapes the expertise that Tony brings to his position as a board member. Tony's personal experiences also play a role in why he is passionate about serving Together for Good. For much of his own childhood, Tony experienced abuse and instability at every level. Although he and his siblings were never put into foster care, the fear of family separation was real. These lived experiences have made Tony deeply passionate about coming alongside families in crisis. Several years ago, Tony had the opportunity to do some professional work for Together for Good and immediately realized the impact and potential to expand, in his words, "this amazing ministry across the entire US." Tony is full of enthusiasm as he seeks to support Maridel, her team, and the board in the realization of this ministry and mission.
Stan Hamann
Secretary
Stan retired from the insurance industry after 46 years at the end of 2023. His career journey began as a sales consultant working with businesses of all sizes specializing in Employee Benefits. He was very fortunate to be offered leadership opportunities with a company that went through multiple mergers, resulting in a global company: Sedgwick. He moved to Minnesota in 1993 to lead the Minneapolis team. In addition to his leadership roles, he was very active in finding and acquiring independent insurance agencies and integrating them into the overall culture. Prior to joining TFG's board, he served on the Boards of Kenya Children’s Fund and the St. Paul Public School Foundation, Boise Chamber of Commerce, Idaho Chapter of the American Cancer Society and Idaho Health Underwriters Association. Additionally, he led membership and capital campaigns for the Boise Chamber, was the Campaign Chair for Boise United Way, and was a member of a capital campaign team for Hosanna church in Minnesota.