JAVIER MONDRAGON

Founder & Chief Executive Officer 

It started with a dream. During his childhood, Bridge of Grace’s founder, Javier Mondragon, felt that church doors were closed to him. This message was conveyed not only by the physical position of front doors and gates of church buildings, but also by the disposition of worshippers who would stroll silently past him and his friends to and from worship services. These silent congregants are the reason why, years later, Mondragon aspired to create a ministry whose participants would “open their doors” to community members and actively pursue opportunities to build up their neighbors with the gospel.

Pastor Javier holds a master of ministry degree from Olivet Nazarene University, is a professor of Community Development and Urban Ministries at Indiana Wesleyan University, and serves on various local and regional boards.

PATRICIA CORDERO

Executive Assistant

“I grew up in the Mount Vernon Park neighborhood until I was about 20 years old. I have moved out of the neighborhood although I am a lifelong Fort Wayne resident and have had the opportunity to see the positive changes initiated by Bridge of Grace. I am excited to be a part of the team that is making my childhood neighborhood a better place for everyone.” 

Patricia has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Purdue Fort Wayne.

DAVID DE LEON

Property Construction Manager

“As a young adult I lived in the Southeast side of Fort Wayne. I used to attend to Many Nations Church. In fact, this is the church where I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I have moved from the area, but the southeast side of town will always feel like home. I had the opportunity to be part of the first rehab houses when Bridge of Grace was just starting. I am excited to be part of Bridge of Grace. It gives me such a great joy to be part of a positive change in our community.” 

David has an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Ivy Tech and has worked in construction for approximately 20 years.

JULIE KISTLER

Programs Coordinator

“My prayer is that our community will be strengthened together in the love of Christ.  It is a wonderful privilege to work as a team with families, teachers, volunteers, and community workers to lay a solid foundation for our youth.  We all want our youth to fulfill their God-given potential and live out the purposes God has for them.” 

Julie has over 18 years of experience educating youth both in and out of school.  She has led nature education programs, Vacation Bible School, and childcare programs.  She was previously employed as an educational assistant at Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School and most recently, Homestead High School.  Julie earned a BA degree in Physiology and a MSEd degree in Community Health Education from Southern Illinois University.

CHRIS MINIER

Operations Manager

 “God placed a strong desire on my heart to move out of secular industry and into a ministry and/or not-for-profit organization. I am thrilled for the opportunity to work at Bridge of Grace.  The work that the team has been doing at Bridge of Grace in the last ten years is so impressive. I am looking forward to being part of the team. As someone that has only lived in Fort Wayne for a few years, I am also really excited to fully immerse myself in the local community and be a part of an organization making a difference.”

Chris graduated from Goshen College with a BS degree in Management Information Systems and is working on his Masters in Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University. Chris has spent much of his previous career in Engineering and Leadership roles in the Recreational Vehicle Industry and other manufacturing organizations.

KELLI PACKNETT

Early Childhood Development Director

“I taught across the street from Bridge of Grace at Levan Scott Academy for five years and I love the people of this community. I am excited to be a part of the Bridge of Grace team and bring research-based early learning programs to the community.”

Kelli has over 15 years of experience in education as a teacher and instructional coach in Title I schools.  She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and a M.A. in Elementary Education from Ball State University.

ALLIE SUTHERLAND

Child Development Specialist 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be at Bridge of Grace to serve children and families. The first five years of a child’s life are the most critical years.  Giving children the best start is the key to strong communities and a brighter future for everyone. Working with children and families at this stage is a privilege and I am excited to support our youngest community members and their families.”

Allie graduated with a BA in Mathematics from Denison University after which she discovered her true passion was Early Childhood. Allie holds a Master of Science in Child Development from San Diego State University as well as a certificate in Early Childhood Social and Emotional Behavioral Intervention and is endorsed as an Infant Mental Health Mentor by the Alliance of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Allie has over 16 years’ experience in Early Childhood working as a preschool teacher, child development specialist, program manager of  First Five First Steps, Early Childhood Coalition Coordinator and Community Engagement Specialist.

JACQUELYN K. WALKUP

Chief Financial Officer

“I am passionate about empowering children and providing them with the tools they need to thrive and make a difference, they are our future. To join an organization who holds the same passion while supporting me in the utilization of my talents in my area of expertise is a gift, blessing, and privilege.”

Jacquelyn leads the Finance Team as their Financial Controller; she has over 21 years of experience in providing professional services across a broad range of finance areas including serving private companies in the accounting, legal, and finance sectors. Jacquelyn received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Legal Studies from Trine University and continually furthers her education in her continued leadership studies. Jacquelyn’s education and experience in the accounting, legal, and finance industries has prepared her to serve Bridge of Grace Compassionate Ministries Center and to support their ongoing dedication, passion, and commitment to their communities.

SIERRA DU BOSE

Youth Programs Director

"I moved to the neighborhood 7 years ago and quickly began seeing the improvements that Bridge of Grace was making. It did not take long to know that this was something that I wanted to be involved in! A couple of years later I started working at Levan Scott Academy and got to see firsthand the ways that Bridge of Grace was improving the lives of the families there. Having the opportunity to step into this new role at Bridge of Grace is something about which I am excited. Helping to provide safe spaces after school and in the summer, where not only the students can make connections, but also the parents is something that I take pride in. The work at Bridge of Grace has just begun!"

Sierra graduated from Brown Mackie College and has an Associate’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. Sierra has over 10 years of working with children with special needs and behavioral issues.

DENNIS SALAZAR

Videographer & Grant Specialist

"I knew Javier and the work of Bridge of Grace in 2016 when the dream was just beginning for Mount Vernon Park. When I ran into Javier later in 2023, I was immediately 'Wowed!' with all that was happening. I have worked in some non-profits in the past, but not at this level of hope and impact. My background is in writing, videography, and just thinking and inventing.  I’m so glad I’m going to be able to use my skill sets to help achieve Bridge of Grace's mission."

Dennis has a B.A. from Taylor University. He has studied philosophy and has an ardent interest in foreign films and in understanding how stories are told for entertainment and impact. 

ZURI WILLIAMS

Financial Assistant

"I am a Fort Wayne native that returned home after leaving for 8 years. I worked in the school system where I got the vision to teach students about financial literacy through my own non-profit. I have always committed myself to giving back to the community through various functions, and being a part of Bridge of Grace community aligns with my goals of assisting with bettering everyone with their financial journey."

Zuri earned her bachelor’s degree at Tennessee State University in Nashville followed by her doctorate degree from Howard University located in Washington, DC. She continued her education by obtaining her license as a tax professional and starting her own business preparing taxes.  Zuri has over 5 years of experience working in finance and educating students on financial literacy.

JENNIFER PLATT

Fund Development Administrator

“Working for Bridge of Grace and being able to witness firsthand the multiple ways the organization is the love of Christ in this community is amazing! I am so excited to be part of this organization and utilize my skills behind the scenes to assist in ministry being brought to the people in this neighborhood.”

Jennifer graduated from Huntington University with a B.A. in Communications. She has worked in the Not-for-Profit sector for over twenty years.

JERRY WESTFALL

Housing Maintenance Coordinator

“Jesus miraculously changed my entire life 12 years ago. Since then, I have been growing closer to him and doing what I can to serve, love, and be salt and light to others who have struggled in ways that I have struggled. I got connected to Bridge of Grace through my job at Redemption House. I now am working part time for Bridge of Grace. I love their mission! I pray that I can be a blessing to them as they are a blessing to southeast Fort Wayne.”

GENTEL MCGHEE

General Manager 

"In my 33 years of life I have learned a great deal of valuable lessons! One of the most valuable being the lesson of why we as humans fall! “We fall so that we can learn how to pick ourselves back up!” This is something that I instill into my 4 beautiful daughters, and every young person I have an opportunity to touch. That, along with the fact that through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, anything is possible! All those years watching my Mother, Sandra, struggle to provide for my sister and I, as a single parent  is what drives me! It’s what makes me wake up everyday and despite the situation, pushes me to be great. Pushes me to be the best “ME” today. Pushes me to want to learn something new, and love someone everyday just so the day isn’t wasted. Observing her demeanor during pressure situations taught me that my children are everything, and that I need to be there for them no matter the terms or sacrifices! It also is what gave me a work ethic that is unmatched! I never downed Mom for working too much or for always being at work. Instead I admired it! Her grind, her hustle, her determination, her faith... It made me the man that I am today!!!"

Gentel graduated in 2012 with an Associates Degree in Business Management, in 2015 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, and in 2017 with a Master’s Degree MBA in Management and Marketing. He has years of landscaping and leadership experience.