LaDawn Knicely, LPC received her Master of Arts in Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University in April 2013. In the spring of 2015, she completed a dual degree with a Master of Divinity. LaDawn is compassionate about the well-being of others and advocates for social change in the community, where she serves as secretary for Valley Justice Coalition. Previously she volunteered her counseling services once a week at The Mercy House in Harrisonburg which is a shelter for abused women and their kids who may be experiencing trauma and/or crisis situations. As part of her internship work at EMU, she was a counselor in training at Family Life Resource Center in Harrisonburg. LaDawn organized and implemented an On Earth Peace, Agape-Satyagraha Program, that she oversaw at the Boys & Girls Club Teen Center. The program engaged the teens in group discussions and role play while learning a 5 tier program on conflict resolution skills. LaDawn has served as Chaplain and Counselor at the Gemeinschaft Home which is a home for male convicted felons preparing them for re-entry back into society. She has also served as a Chaplain at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. LaDawn’s first love and passion is her family. She enjoys farming, raising sheep, gardening, traveling, reading and constantly learning by immersing herself in diverse cultural experiences.
Harvey Yoder is a semi-retired pastor and a licensed professional counselor with many years of experience in individual, pastoral and family counseling. He is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University and Seminary and has a master’s degree in counseling from James Madison University. He served as pastor of the Zion Mennonite Church near Broadway from 1965-1988, while also teaching Bible and social studies courses part time at Eastern Mennonite High School. Since 1988 he has served as a counselor at Family Life Resource Center, and provided leadership in Family of Hope, a house church congregation. He is married to Alma Jean (Wert) and they are the parents of three children and six grandchildren.
Kara is a native of Rockingham County. Kara graduated from Turner Ashby High School. Upon graduation, she attended Bridgewater College where she earned a BS degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. Kara’s background had been in the medical field, but sensed God closing that door asking her to walk into a new venture where her creativity and gifts could be more fully utilized. Kara’s passion for life is raising her daughter, McKenzie. Kara feels the most fulfillment and happiness in spending as much time as possible with her daughter, and family. She enjoys raising chickens, goats, pigs, gardening, hunting, and camping.
