MEET THE TEAM
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Deb is the founder and Executive Director for The Homestead. Deb has had a couple of close relatives in the sex industry which prompted her to seek training and expertise on this topic originally. She has received training through FAST curriculum (Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking) at Wesleyan Headquarters, the Not for Sale Campaign, Polaris Project, I.C.T.SOS in Wichita, and StripChurch Ministry in addition to the personal reading and research she has done on her own. Deb is currently the Executive Pastor at Westview Community Church and has been on the leadership team at WCC since 1996. She graduated from Manhattan Christian College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible and Family ministry, and a minor in Christian Education. Deb was ordained in the Wesleyan Church in July of 2004 and in 2013 graduated with a Master of Science degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. |
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Lauren Ruhlmann is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Kansas who specializes in treating psychological trauma and trauma-related disorders. Lauren earned her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Oklahoma State University and is now a doctoral student in the Couple and Family Therapy program at Kansas State University. Lauren's clinical practice and research programs focus on promoting resilience among marginalized populations coping with traumatic stress. She has worked with Human Trafficking survivors domestically and abroad since 2014 and currently serves as the Director of Trauma Services for The Homestead. Based on her clinical experience and research efforts in the field of Human Trafficking, Lauren received the distinguished AAMFT Minority Fellowship in 2016. Lauren is a member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy, and the National Council on Family Relations. Lauren has worked with most of our Homestead ladies the last couple of years. |
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Diane is a clinical social worker with years and years of experience working in the schools. She also sees clients in the summers in private practice at CourserLapo Clinical and Family Services. She started volunteering at Homestead at almost the very start! She does the weekly support group with the girls, consults with the Director, and is on the team that screens applications. She also fills in for Deb when she is out of town. |
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Lindsay Clark is a domestic missionary with Homestead Ministries, working as the coordinator of Volunteers and Job Apprenticeships. She feels called to and passionate about working with women who have been sexually exploited. Lindsay believes the Lord has given her this passion, as well as opportunities at an early age to become aware and educated on the issue of sex trafficking. She recently got married in March 2017 and has lived in Manhattan since 2013. In May 2015, she graduated from Manhattan Christian College with an associate’s degree in Bible/Leadership. She then completed the requirements for a minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma Studies and earned a certificate in Conflict Resolution, both from Kansas State University. Lindsay began volunteering in 2013 and began working full-time with Homestead Ministries in June 2017. |
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Sherri Thompson is a registered nurse and self-proclaimed outdoor enthusiast! She has recently moved to Manhattan, Kansas after spending the last year traveling with her son and daughter-in-law. Currently, she serves as the Self-Care Coordinator with the Homestead and works part time as a hospice nurse in her community. Sherri knows that balance is key! "Self care is an important aspect of life for all people but especially those who are in transition." Her role is to assist the women at the Homestead to create a practical plan that will help them maintain consistency in regards to diet/nutrition, exercise and other health promoting activities. Currently, Sherri holds a weekly yoga class that meets to enhance this concept of self care. |
Ashley Harlan
House Manager |
Ashley Harlan is a December 2014 graduate from The Homestead. She came to the program from the Kansas City area at 18 years of age, completed an apprenticeship in property management while at The Homestead, has continued to live and work in the Manhattan area since her graduation, and has consistently volunteered with the program after her graduation! In addition to currently filling the House Manager role at The Homestead house, she is fundraising to also fill the Homestead role of Social Activities & Aftercare Coordinator and get paid as a domestic missionary with Homestead Ministries, Inc. Ashley has a heart for survivors of sex trafficking like none other! |
