Staff

David Day, Interim Executive Director

Having served on the Board of Directors of this Teen Challenge for the past six years, Mr. Day is very familiar with this ministry and will be serving as the Interim Executive Director during this time of transition. He has been an encouragement to the staff and students and we are blessed to have him on our team.

Troy Clawson, Program Director

I am a 2001 graduate of Teen Challenge/Life Challenge of Dallas, TX. God has blessed me with two wonderful sons--Dylan, 16, and Cory, 20. I have had some bumps along the way, most of which were alcohol-related, but drinking was merely a byproduct of my own arrogance and pride, and of not letting God work fully in my life. I worked for Dallas Teen Life Challenge from March 2006 until Sept. 2007, at which time I returned to my hometown of Austin. At that point, I was still not allowing God to do His work in me, and in May 2008 I came to Teen Challenge of the Permian Basin for restoration. I became a staff member here in October of 2008, and it has been the best decision and opportunity of my life. Instead of continuing to run from God, I have finally decided to join Him.

Brad Liles, Men's Director

My name is Brad Liles and I am a 1998 graduate from Teen Challenge/Life Challenge of Dallas. I was called to Teen Challenge shortly after my graduation but chose to run from that call untill 2006. I believe in what this ministry offers and I am blessed to be involved in it.

Robert Ricks, Education Director

My name is Robert Ricks. I am from Washington, DC and I am a 1991 Muskegon Teen Challenge graduate. My life had become unmanageable and hopeless because of my choices and addiction. Today, however, I am proud to say that I'm a man after God's own heart, and seek to do His will.

Ben Kuznicki, Education Department

My name is Ben Kuznicki. I work in the education department and oversee the landscaping crews. I am a 2003 graduate of a Teen Challenge in Lansing, Michigan. Before going through the Teen Challenge program, my life was on a one way course to jail and death. I was court-ordered to Teen Challenge and that's where Christ showed me I not only had problems, but that He was the only way to true freedom. Since graduating, I have been blessed with a wife and five children and a great opportunity working here at the center. I praise God for the grace and mercy God has shown me in my walk so far.

Donny Leathers, Rally Coordinator and Music Director

When I came to Teen Challenge I was completely broken and I had lost everything. But because of God's love and mercy He turned my life around and now has given me everything back that I had lost and so much more! Now I am helping other by showing them the love of God and I am using the musical gifts God have given me to bring the lost back to the heart of the Father.

Kelly Clark, Men's Center Staff

After realizing that I couldn't fix the problems controlling my life through Army enlistments, secular rehab and jail I reached out to God for help. God heard and assured my prayer for help. Now I am able to use my experience to lead others to the cross.

Pastor Darrell Trout, Men's Pastoral Counselor

Shelly Ousley, Women's Director

After years of searching for fulfillment in all the wrong things—relationships, alcohol, drugs—I finally experienced the weight of the poor choices I had made in my life. After three years in prison and total alienation from my family, including my children, I was sleeping on the sidewalk because I couldn’t stay sober long enough to hold a job or go to a shelter. I was homeless, hopeless, helpless, and useless. I remember walking the streets feeling so absolutely lost, not knowing how or if I would eat that day or where I might lay my head for the night. It was then that I gave up. But God. God had not given up on me. Not long after that night, God miraculously intervened in my life. I remember sitting in the back of a police car, knowing that God had saved me. I remembered the simple prayer of my youth and the joy I felt—the weight that had been lifted through sweet surrender. A 2004 graduate of Mission Messiah, I came to work for Teen Challenge in 2005 as the overnight staff for the Women’s Center. Then, in 2006, I came on staff full-time at the Women’s Center, and have served as the Assistant Women's Director, Intake department and Accounting Department.

Craig Seekins, Men's Center Staff Member

Craig has been an enormous blessing to our Teen Challenge ministry. From teaching to administration, his experience and mentoring abilities are priceless to our program and students. His servanthood and stewardship go far beyond the call that has been placed on his life. As our ministry grows, so does Craig's passion and heart for seeing the lives of drug addicts and hurting people transformed by Jesus' love.

William Walker, Office Manager

I come from a strong Christian home. I was always in church and I found a relationship with God at an early age. Through my teenage years, I began to rebel and soon found myself in a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, and meaningless relationships. I knew that God had a calling on my life, but I was not willing to submit to Him and give Him control of my entire life. Finally, I came to a breaking point and found myself faced with time in prison. I cried out to God and told Him that I could not live my way any longer. I was so miserable and felt so alone. I came to Teen Challenge and turned my everything over to God. God reached down and pulled me out of the pit, and I came to realize that He never forgot about me, He never gave up on me, and His plan for my life never changed. The changes in my life have been incredible and I couldn't imagine going back to my old life.

Molly Walker, Intake Coordinator

Growing up in a Christian home, I always felt like I was saved. I went to church regularly and tried to "do the right thing." My parents were each wonderful examples, practicing at home what we learned in church that week. But when I left home for college, I was drawn away by so-called "friends" and began experimenting with drugs and alcohol. This led to a series of compromises, which left me so devastated I felt I could never recover or face my family and friends back home again. I got in and stayed in garbage relationships, I sabotaged one job after another, and my drug use escalated to the point that I totaled my car, lost my job, and was confronted with a family intervention within days. They told me about a place called Teen Challenge in the middle of nowhere. I came . . . practically kicking and screaming. It was the best decision I have ever made. I realize now that what I was missing is the spiritual discipline of praying and reading God's Word on a daily basis and allowing Him to be my guide. I realized that my parents' faith would not get me into heaven. I realized I had to make Him my personal Savior and Lord.

Norene Gion, Women's Center Staff Member

Norene accepted Christ at the age of 12, but it was not until a considerable time later that, as she states, "I was filled with the Spirit, had my spiritual gifts recognized, and was released into ministry." She has extensive experience working in the ministry, which has included singles ministry, small group leadership, healing ministry for those struggling with relational and sexual addiction, and soaking ministries. Norene shares, "my spiritual growth really began in earnest when I found myself single with two little kids. As I thought about what was really true, I knew that God was real, that the Word of God was true, and that God couldn't lie." She adds, "I learned that I could claim the promises in the Word for my own." All of us at Teen Challenge are excited and blessed to welcome Norene as the newest addition to the Women's Center and we look forward to witnessing His healing power at work through her.

Brittany Mitchusson, Women's Center Staff Member

Before coming to Teen Challenge my life was a mess and a roller coaster of ups and downs. I lived in complete bondage to drugs. I lived my entire life being the “All American” girl and wearing a mask to hide it all. God broke me and led me to TC where I finally found the answer that I had been longing for. . . Jesus! Since then I can honestly say that my life has been transformed and my mind renewed!

Teresa Freda, Women's Center Staff Member

Wow! It is nothing short of amazing grace how my life has completely transformed after saying "yes" to Jesus. I spent a year with Teen Challenge and during that time God began to reveal His plans for me, a future I could not have imagined, and a purpose filled with adventure living for the King of kings and the Lord of lords! I am excited to serve in this ministry as I continue seeking God through Bible College, yet being still and waiting on Him to show me my next step as my life unfolds to bring forth my destiny in Christ.

Hannah Martin, Women's Center Staff Member

Man, God is AMAZING!!! He continues to astound me every day! The Lord has brought me out of a fiery pit (literally) and lifted me up to take a stand for HIS truth and use it in this ministry. For the last ten years, I have lived in lies. I spent close to two years in a federal prison for the life I allowed the enemy to lead me in. When I was released in October 2010, the Lord opened up the door to Teen Challenge. I was brought onto this team of God players as a part of my plan and purpose. God has placed me here to witness to these women the wonderful things He can do for us when we choose to do His will and live in TRUTH! The road has been rocky, and the enemy never stops whispering in you ear . . . but he can be conquered! Speaking and living the Word of God is the way to go! You will prosper and be blessed! Thank you, Lord, for Teen Challenge and for YOUR love that you have poured upon my life. And, thank you for TRUTH!

Carol Turner, Volunteer Staff

Mrs. Carol Turner has been volunteering at the Women's Center since it opened in 2005. She continues to help and encourage the lost and hurting women who enter the Teen Challenge program, and serves as an inspiring example to them as a godly woman. In a world in which values and morals are diminishing, Ms. Carol sets a higher standard for how Christian women must lead their lives.