John Benton
Deputy Executive Director
John received his Bachelor’s in Counseling Psychology at Moody Bible Institute and his Master’s of Social Work at Indiana University. He later went on to receive his Master’s in Economics at Purdue University. With over 8 years of non-profit executive leadership, John brings a level of excellence and expertise to the Dream Center Evansville Team!
“I enjoy getting to support a team of deeply passionate staff, lift up generational strengths in our community, and work toward a future where our kids don’t have to leave Jacobsville to access opportunity – they can flourish right here.”
Tom Moore
chief advancement officer
Tom attended Purdue University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. With decades of experience in community development, Tom connects DCE with key community partners and resources. Along with connecting to the community, Tom leads our Neighborhood Revitalization team.
“I love getting to know people and seeing the unique gifts God has blessed them with.”
Tessa Harford
Director of people & Systems
Tessa has over seven years of experience in HR and Operations. Tessa strives to make DCE the best place to work all while implementing systems that keep our students, families, neighbors, and staff safe.
“I love that my role allows me to collaborate with passionate people, tackle new challenges, and develop creative ways to internally support our mission.”
Lori Madison
Director of pathways
Lori received her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Indiana University. Lori serves as our Director of Pathways, leading our Middle & High School, Elementary, and Early Learning program teams. Lori’s collaboration with our Pathway Coordinators and Student Success Coaches is vital to the academic success of our students!
“I believe our students have Promise, and it’s exciting to walk alongside them and their families from their earliest moments to and through college into a career.”
Bryce Moseby
Director of discipleship & christian mission
Bryce guides and nurtures spiritual growth among our staff, students, neighbors, and families. He has been serving in pastoral ministry for over five years. Whether through ministry lessons with students or leading our staff in prayer, Bryce ensures that Christ is continuously at the forefront of our work.
“The most rewarding part of my job is getting to pray with staff, families, and kids.”
Nate Denning
director of family development
As our Director of Family Development Nate leads our Wrap Around Care team in providing essential care and resources to our families. Nate graduated from Oakland City University with a Bachelor’s in Religious Studies. then went on to earn his Master’s in Pastoral Leadership along with his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
“The most rewarding part of my job is walking alongside individuals and families as they overcome life’s obstacles and move toward a thriving future.”
Meredith Hgaerty
AssiStant Director of Public Relations & marketing
Meredith received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Public Relations, and Advertising from the University of Southern Indiana. Meredith works to increase Dream Center Evansville’s reach regionally and effectively communicate the stories of our kids, families, and neighbors.
“My favorite part of my job is telling the story of Dream Center Evansville. I am honored to get to share the successes of our students, neighbors, and families.”
Andrew Clark
AsSISTANT director of Donor ENGAGEMENT
Andrew holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Sanford University and also earned his MBA at Ball State. With several years in the non-profit and communications field, Andrew is eager to use his experience to ensure our funders feel connected to our work.
“The thing that excites me most about my position is getting to tell the stories of our students to passionate supporters and building a community from all over the city that believes in our students’ abilities to do anything they put their mind to.”
Aly Cerne
SENIOR MANAGER OF DATA AND ANALYTICS
Aly holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Evansville. Aly works to effectively communicate the impact of our work through impactful data and analytics reports. Aly also collects critical data surrounding our work, allowing our team to most effectively plan to make real change in Jacobsville.
“The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that the data I work with contributes to real, positive change for the families and children we serve. It is exciting to see how data-driven decisions can lead to meaningful impact.”
Jamie Madigan
early childhood pathway coordinator
Jamie holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, along with thirty-plus years of experience in the field. Jamie engages with our early childhood students and their families to build a healthy foundation for educational success.
“I’m most excited about the opportunity to reach more young children and their families. To help them with life success by preparing their child for kindergarten and beyond. My position was created to increase our early childhood outreach, services and grow the early childhood pathway at Dream Center.”
Dalton Rausch
ELEMENTARY PATHWAY COORDINATOR
Dalton holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from USI and an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ivy Tech. Dalton has been with DCE for over seven years and has worked within our elementary Pathway to lead our Student Success Coaches and students.
“The most rewarding part of my job is getting to see the students deepen their relationship with Christ and each other.”
Sean Welcher
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL PATHWAY COORDINATOR
Sean is certified in Mental Health First Aid and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and is currently working on his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Sean leads our Middle and High School Pathway team.
“The most rewarding part of my job is watching the students come into their own and develop their passions and opinions. What excites me most about my job is working with my team and seeing them strengthen their relationships with students as they help them achieve their goals.”
Elijah Farmer
academic development coordinator
Elijah studied Elementary Education at the University of Southern Indiana and then went on to get his Master’s in Special Education. Elijah works with our Academic Specialist to evaluate and create educational pathways for each child! Elijah’s work largely contributes to the academic success of each of our programs!
“The most exciting thing about my position is that I get to work with students K-12 and help them grow academically, as well as expose them to different potential pathways for their future.”
Garrett Canimore
social & emotional Learning manager
Garrett holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana. He has been with Dream Center Evansville for over three years, starting as a Student Success Coach and now serving in the Social and Emotional pathway. In his current role, Garrett focuses on developing the social and emotional competencies of our students.
“My favorite part of my job is seeing the growth in students’ behaviors and seeing them overcome challenges that they couldn’t face before.”
Ashli Hale
People & systems coordinator
Ashli earned her Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Evansville. Ashli works within our People & Systems team to ensure our families, students, staff, and neighbors are well taken care of and feel supported by DCE!
“The most rewarding and exciting part of my job is seeing our students and neighbors excelling and breaking down barriers. I love seeing the joy in our students’ faces as they learn something new and embrace the Lord.”
Ashley Bradford
ECONOMIC MOBILITY SPECIALIST
Ashley has an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Bachelor’s in Business from Indiana University. Ashley is also certified in Financial Education Instruction and Organizational Change. Ashley leads our families through economic struggles and works within our Wrap Around Care team to help families reach their goals!
“My favorite part of my job is working closely with families. My passion has always been in self-development, and I am thankful to have a job that specializes in these areas that can help people improve their economic mobility.”
Natalie Powers
Family success advocate
Natalie earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana. Natalie works within our Family Development Team to provide support to our Middle & High school students, along with their families.
The most rewarding part of my job is spending time with kids at program and being able to build connections with them. I love watching our kids and parents strive towards their goals.”
Emily Rettig
Early Childhood program leader
Emily has an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education with over 25 years of teaching experience in the field. Emily works to execute programs and educational plans for our Eaglets, along with connecting to families through Toddle Time.
“Nothing excites me more than working with children in the early childhood age range. It gives me great joy to see a child’s face light up when they master a task for the first time or discover that tape is sticky!”
Marcy Weller
ELEMENTARY STUDENT SUCCESS COACH
Ms. Marcy works within Delaware Elementary to assist teachers, staff, and students. Marcy works with students day in and day out to set goals regarding academics and social and emotional learning. Along with this, Ms. Marcy leads our ministry efforts in our After-School Program.
“Sharing Jesus with the children and their families.”
Alyssa Ferguson
ELEMENTARY STUDENT SUCCESS COACH
Ms. Alyssa works within Delaware Elementary to assist teachers, staff, and students. Alyssa works one-on-one with students to set goals that help them achieve their dreams. Along with her work within Delaware, Alyssa leads our homework help classroom during After-School Program.
“The most rewarding part of my position is getting to see the kids we work with grow and achieve things they once didn’t think were possible.”
Lizzie Carpenter
ELEMENTARY STUDENT SUCCESS COACH
Mrs. Lizzie works in partnership with Delaware Elementary teachers and staff to create goals for students. Lizzie also leads our STEAM classroom during our after-school programming where students build their skills through engaging activities.
“The most rewarding part of my position is getting to bring the light and love of Jesus to the kids we serve as much as I can. It’s so exciting to see them grow over time, and it’s an honor to be a safe person that they can bring their bad days and their good days to!”
Bernard Cooper
FACILITIES manager
Bernard has an Associate degree in HVAC, Structural Welding, and Industrial Electric from Ivy Tech. His diverse portfolio and expertise make our campus the safest and best place for families, students, and neighbors.
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the kids grow up year after year. Since I live in Jacobsville, I would have to say all of Jacobsville is my favorite.”
Brenda Murphy
KITCHEN ASSISTANT
We are so grateful for the three years of service Brenda has dedicated to making sure our kids are full and loved with a warm meal.
Barbra Work
Kitchen ASSISTANT
Barb has been with Dream Center Evansville for nine years. Ensuring our kiddos always go home with full bellies! We are so grateful for the love that Barb has poured into our kids over the last nine years.
Krystal Bevels
event supervisor
Krystal assists with facilities and event supervision. Krystal works directly with our People and Systems team to ensure our building is in good shape and being well taken care of during after-hours events.
Bill Scruggs
Maintenance Specialist
Bill has been involved with Dream Center Evansville for over twenty-five years now. As a key partner to our founder, Gary Jossa, now spends his day-to-day ensuring our facilities are in the best shape for students, families, and neighbors.
Macey Heil
Academic SpeciALIST
Macey is a student at USI and is double majoring in early childhood and elementary education. Macey works with our students to further build their academic skills and increase positive educational outcomes. Macey primarily serves our Kindergarten through sixth graders.
Ashley Harrell
Academic specialist
Ashley teaches Social Studies at North Jr., Ashley works with our students to further build their academic skills and increase positive educational outcomes. Leslie primarily serves our seventh through twelfth graders.
Leslie Margelot
Academic specialist
Leslie is a special education teacher in the Henderson County school system. Leslie works with our students to further build their academic skills and increase positive educational outcomes. Leslie primarily serves our Kindergarten through sixth graders.
Karen Powell
Academic SpeciAList
Karen is a Geometry teacher at North High School. Karen works with our students to further build their academic skills and increase positive educational outcomes. Karen primarily serves our seventh to twelfth graders at North High School.