EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Chris joined the Ruth Harbor staff as the third executive director in 2022. Chris is a lifelong Iowa and Ankeny native with a 30-year history of serving on the pastoral staff of Grace Church in Des Moines and First Family Church in Ankeny. Before joining Ruth Harbor, Chris served as associate executive director of the Baptist Convention of Iowa. Chris is married to Chris (yes, Chris & Chris), and together they have three adult children and one grandchild. Chris enjoys reading history and apologetics, writing, and teaching.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Aimee joined Ruth Harbor as the Office Manager in January 2018 and now serves as Administrative Director. In this role she oversees the front-office operations, supports the Executive Director and staff team, manages fundraising events and develops/oversees Ruth Harbor's volunteer program. Aimee and her husband, Derek, have three children that keep them busy with their athletic, musical and academic pursuits. Although there isn't a lot of time for hobbies during this busy season of life, when possible, she enjoys baking, reading and crafting.

HOUSING DIRECTORS

Matthew and Casey joined the Ruth Harbor team in 2019 as House Parents in Carlisle, IA. As the "house dad and mom," they live in the home and are responsible for modeling a Christian family, serving as a father- and mother-figure to the residents, and overseeing all of the day-to-day operations and "life" that happens in the house and in the lives of the residents. Together they serve as the leaders of the Ruth Harbor home. Matthew and Casey have two young daughters and are blessed by the opportunity to do full-time mission work together as a family. In their free time as a family, they enjoy going on walks and visiting the park and zoo. Matthew loves just about anything outdoors, and Casey enjoys playing sports and sewing.

FAMILY CARE DIRECTOR

Sara joined the Ruth Harbor team as Assistant Program Director in October 2022 and now serves as Family Care Director. She has an M.A. in Human Services and a B.A. in Criminal Justice. In her role, Sara oversees our Family Care Program. Specifically, seeking to engage the local church in offering group events for former residents of RHM. Nurturing community opportunities is powerful and a key component to the success of our moms. Sara is committed to advocating and supporting each one's unique and individual needs. Sara delights in empowering women to discover their value, voice, and worth. Her hobbies include training her dog Saylor, competing in various canine sports, reading, and gardening.

RESOURCE CENTER DIRCTOR

Brooke has enjoyed watching Ruth Harbor grow and serve over the years and was overjoyed to join the team in 2024. Brooke has her bachelor’s in Psychology and is an ACBC certified Biblical Counselor. She has over 10 years of local and global experience walking alongside survivors of trauma, sexual abuse and exploitation. She is an experienced program and curriculum developer with the aim of giving women and their children the opportunity to pursue healing. Brooke is delighted with any opportunity to comfort others with the comfort she has received from the Lord. Brooke and her husband (Cody) love spending time with their daughter and fur baby, real estate investing, anything competitive, and time with their loved ones - especially when food and coffee is included!

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Mark served as Ruth Harbor’s second Executive Director from 2002-2022. In April 2023, he started as Development Director. Prior to Ruth Harbor, Mark managed the non-profit GuideOne Foundation. His varied background also includes athletic director, instructor, and marketing communications. Mark’s BA is from Cedarville University. Mark and his wife, Deb, have three grown children and five grandchildren. He loves to invest in others in order to see them grow and enjoys his role on a recreational soccer team.

Adam and Julia became part of the Ruth Harbor team in 2024, taking on the role of House Parents in Des Moines, IA. Together, they lead the Mother-Child home. Adam and Julia have two young children, Mariah and Micah, and are thrilled to serve the Lord and support the women at Ruth Harbor as a family. They cherish spending time with loved ones, taking walks (especially to the park), riding bikes, exploring new restaurants and recipes, and enjoying peaceful days at home. Adam has a passion for the outdoors, hunting, smoking meats, and playing guitar, while Julia enjoys having one-on-one conversations with a latte in hand, going on new adventures with the kids, and creating cozy, inviting spaces through interior design. Adam and Julia are eager for what God has planned for them at Ruth Harbor and feel that He has been intentionally preparing them for this role in recent years.

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Jessica started as Ruth Harbor’s Office Assistant in January 2023. Her responsibilities are varied, relating to account receivables, database management, volunteer oversight, as well as event and administrative support. Jessica is from Mesa, AZ, and moved to Iowa after attending Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny. She graduated with her B.A. in Biblical Studies and Counseling. Her favorite hobby is longboarding at skateparks. Jessica said, “I am blessed to be a part of this incredible team and my favorite part is working with volunteer groups who come to serve our moms. I have been blessed in my role to see donors and volunteers who give their time and energy to show these mothers and their children what Christ's love looks like.”

FAMILY CARE ADVOCATE

Amanda joined the Ruth Harbor team as Life Coach in 2019 and now serves as Family Care Advocate. In her new role she works with former RHM residents in collaboration with Sara to offer ongoing support for our alumnae. Together they organize community gatherings with other moms as well as provide assistance with problems that arise. They are committed to reassuring our moms that they are not alone! Amanda and her husband have been married for 30 years. They have five children, two of whom are adopted, and they are former foster parents. Amanda enjoys listening to podcasts, and reading and listening to classic books.

ASSISTANT HOUSE PARENT

Faith joined Ruth Harbor in July 2024 as our Assistant House Parent. In this role, she assists the house parents and supports our moms and their children in the home. She is excited to build relationships and share the love of Christ with everyone at Ruth Harbor. Growing up as a missionary kid in a remote village in Southwest Alaska—accessible only by airplane—helped her develop a passion for ministry. This led her to Faith Baptist Bible College, where she pursued Office Administration and discovered her calling for full-time ministry work. Recently she married James Busenitz. Faith enjoys running, reading, and playing basketball in her free time.