Meet Our Team

Cara DeHaan

Cara DeHaan

cara@gathering-well.org

Co-Founder, Executive Director, and Board Member
M Ed Curriculum & Instruction, TBRI® Practitioner, Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator

As an educator, children’s ministry director, and life-long learner, I’ve dedicated my career to nurturing young minds and hearts. My personal journey as an adoptive parent has deepened my understanding of trauma and resilience. I’m passionate about empowering families and communities to create supportive environments where every child can thrive.

Shannon Ehli

Shannon Behrend

shannon@gathering-well.org

Co-Founder and Board Chair
BS Marketing Mgmt, MS Leadership, TBRI® Practitioner, Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator

I live in Sioux Falls, SD with my three children. I believe that our greatest human need is to be seen, heard, and valued. I’ve been deeply impacted by the awareness and application of connected parenting concepts and the belief in the power of caring more about connecting with people than controlling them, and it’s spilled over into all of who I am. Walking with families is a humbling and beautiful journey that I’m so honored to get to be a part of!

Jessi Copeland

jessi@gathering-well.org

Operations Coordinator, Kids Camp Coordinator
BA Elementary Education/TESL

I’m a teacher at heart with a passion for helping children and families thrive. Throughout my career I’ve been passionate about encouraging young hearts and reminding them they are deeply loved and valued.  With a background in education and years of ministry experience, I’m privileged to be a part of Gathering Well to walk alongside families in life-giving, intentional ways. My husband and I have three amazing kids who bring so much joy to our lives.

Eric DeHaan

Eric DeHaan

Board Member
BS Accounting & Business Administration

I am deeply grateful to be the father of five children (three biological and two adopted), the husband to Cara, and child of Christ. I have experienced firsthand both the joys and trials of adoption. I appreciate being a part of and learning from the broader adoption/foster community. In my spare time, I am a partner with the accounting firm Brady Martz.

Tony Trussell

Board Member

As a grandfather of five foster/adopted children, I see firsthand the unique challenges parents face. I also see the real and pressing need for people who will accept and love these kids. The Gathering Well provides community, support, and education for both parents and kids which gives everyone their best shot at success. That success impacts individuals, families, and communities in very positive ways.

Isaac Jorgensen

Board Member

The Gathering Well has been an absolute blessing to me, my wife Chelsea, and our 4 adopted children as we navigate the highs and lows of a family. Like most foster and adoptive parents, we started taking placements without a true understanding of the trauma our kids had already experienced in their lives and how that affects their development. The Gathering Well has and continues to give us the support system, education, and training we need to create a home that fosters healing, safety, growth, and connection with our kids. I’m excited to help The Gathering Well support and equip other foster and adoptive families as they are on their journey!

Steve Mix

Board Member

I am the founder and president of Limestone Inc. and bring over 25 years of experience helping organizations build clarity and stability through strong financial systems. I have led bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning, and cash-flow management for small and midsize organizations across the Midwest. My background as a controller across multiple industries allows me to build accurate, sustainable processes that support long-term growth. I believe deeply in service and stewardship, values that align closely with the mission of The Gathering Well. I’m honored to support The Gathering Well by strengthening financial systems that help the organization thrive.

Thadeus Giedd

Board Member

Being a parent to my adopted son is both my greatest joy and my deepest responsibility. My journey as a Dad has taught me that raising kiddos well requires both personal growth and intentional community. While I continue learning how to lead my son with humility and care, I’ve come to deeply value local organizations that equip parents and support healthy development in our youth. The Gathering Well reflects this mission in powerful ways, and I’m excited to serve and support its work as we walk alongside foster and adoptive families together.

Kaitlyn Adam

Board Member

Becoming a mom has only deepened my passion for children and the families who love and raise them. I believe parents thrive when they are encouraged and equipped with tools that bring strength to everyday life. The Gathering Well’s heart for building community and strengthening families is a mission I’m proud to support. I’m grateful to be part of the vital work of helping foster and adoptive families heal, grow, and flourish together.

Gina Nichols

Board Member

I am a proud mother of three kids. My husband and I have lived in Sioux Falls for the past 25 years. As an educator I am glad to be on the frontline helping shape the next generation.  I regularly work with students and families who are struggling due to past trauma, abandonment, and other identity-related issues.  I am grateful to be a part of an organization focused on these complex issues, and providing resources to an unmet need.

Meet the Trainers

Toni Hettich

Toni Hettich

toni@gathering-well.org

HALO Trainer

AA ECE, TBRI® Practitioner

My main background is working with young children using my AA ECE. Recently, I have become a TBRI® practitioner and have been so blessed to be connected with The Gathering Well team. My role is putting my background, education, and TBRI® knowledge together to create a fun, educational, enriching night for your kiddos! My husband and I have three beautiful boys and spend our days wrangling in the chaos, which we absolutely love. Caring for kids is my absolute passion and fills my heart with joy!

Jessie Bathke

HALO Trainer

I have been working alongside foster and adoptive families for seven years. Foster Care is where God has called my heart over and over again.  Ever since becoming a Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) practitioner, I have seen true relational repair and deep connections form that were once so fragile. I currently work as a Licensing and Intake specialist for Lutheran Social Services foster care program, ensuring families receive the training and self-exploration it takes to care for these precious children from hard places. My favorite quote is:”In my world, there are no bad kids, just impressionable, conflicted young people wrestling with emotions and impulses, trying to communicate their feelings and needs the only way they know how.” – Janet Lansbury. I am honored to be connected to The Gathering Well and their mission statement.

Shantrel De Jong

HALO Trainer

20 years ago the Lord called me into the field of counseling and gave me His heart to see broken people restored. Following Him there since, I have only grown in my love of this field and the people He gave me to serve. My home and heart apart from this consists of my husband, Dan, and the four gifts He gave us in our children.  We love reading on the back deck, paddleboarding, gardening, and most anything else we can do under the sun!

Matt Janacek

HALO Trainer

Husband and father to seven bio kids. I’m a trauma-informed educator and coach. My mission is to help organizations and families promote felt-safety, connection, and healing through the integration of TBRI and Biblical principles. With years of hands-on experience and a deep conviction that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and understood, I work alongside leaders and caregivers to implement practical strategies that restore connection and empower growth. Whether I’m training staff, leading workshops, or consulting one-on-one, my heart is to help others build environments where compassion, connection, and trust thrive.

Cara DeHaan

Cara DeHaan

Co-Founder, Executive Director, and Board Member
M Ed Curriculum & Instruction, TBRI® Practitioner, Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator, Parenting for Positive Self-Worth Facilitator

Cara serves as the Executive Director of The Gathering Well and is a passionate teacher committed to continually growing in her understanding of healing and hope. As a HALO Trainer and TBRI® Practitioner, she facilitates Making Sense of Your Worth and Parenting for Positive Self-Worth, equipping families, educators, and communities with trauma-informed tools that support connection and resilience in children.

Shannon Ehli

Shannon Behrend

Co-Founder and Board Chair
BS Marketing Mgmt, MS Leadership, TBRI® Practitioner, Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator,  Parenting for Positive Self-Worth Facilitator

Shannon is a HALO Trainer and TBRI® Practitioner who facilitates Making Sense of Your Worth and Parenting for Positive Self-Worth. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, she brings a deeply relational, connection-centered approach to walking alongside people, helping them create environments for themselves and those they care for where people feel seen, heard, and valued.