At Roseland Christian Ministries, we see church as more than a congregation or a community—we see it as a calling. We feel deeply the greatest commandment to love God, and to act on that love of God by loving our neighbor. Every member of the Roseland community is our neighbor, and we love them.
About Us
We love the
people of Roseland
How do we do that? One person at a time. By providing places and programs that care for their emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, and giving them the support they need to face their challenges while learning from one another and growing together.
Meet Our
Staff
Ava Holcomb
Care Center Coordinator
Ava Holcomb joined RCM’s staff in 2023. She has worked in an administrative role in the Human Services sector for over 25 years, including at different homeless shelters.
Mary Houtsma
Chief Financial Officer
Mary Houtsma, RCM’s CFO, has been on staff since 2002. Mary holds a BA in Business Administration from Dordt University (Sioux Center, IA). Prior to joining the staff at RCM, Mary held accounting roles for several mid-sized companies, as well as coordinating T.R.I.P. (Tuition Reduction Incentive Program) at two private schools. Mary is an active member at her church, serving on the church’s finance and other committees.
Joe Huizenga
Pastor/Executive Director
Rev. Joe Huizenga is RCM’s Executive Director and Pastor. Joe has a BA in History and Communications from Trinity Christian College (Palos Heights, IL) and earned his M.Div. from Western Theological Seminary (Holland, MI). Joe has been involved with RCM for 25 years--first as an intern, then as staff (roles included Volunteer Coordinator and Development Director), becoming the lead pastor in 2009 and Executive Director in 2018. Joe serves in a variety of volunteer leadership roles including on the local school council of Lavizzo Elementary School (Chicago), the Chicago Police 5th District Pastor Police sub-committee, as well as a representative to Classis Chicago South (a region of churches in the Christian Reformed Church in North America-CRCNA). Joe is a published author, most recently for a series of devotionals using stories from the community of Roseland and RCM for the TODAY Devotional, a resource from ReFrame Ministries.
Ty Love
Youth Coordinator
Kisha Pleasant
Ministry Director
Kisha Pleasant is RCM’s Ministry Director, a role she has held since 2018. Prior to this role, Kisha completed several leader-in-trainings with RCM--first as a volunteer and then as staff--since 1999. Kisha holds an associate degree in health administration from University of Phoenix. She has been an active member in RCM’s church, Roseland Christian Reformed Church, since 1994.
Lisa Thomson
Development Director
Lisa Thomson is the Development Director at RCM since August, 2023. Prior to stepping into her role, she served on the board of directors for four years. Lisa has a BA in Journalism from Columbia College (Chicago) and a Master’s in Organization Development and Change Management from Penn State. Her career has largely been focused in the non-profit sector in development and communications. Lisa is also active in her church and her children’s school community, serving in a variety of roles.
Kadie Verstrate
Shelter Director
Kadie Verstrate is the shelter director at RCM, joining the staff in 2020. Kadie volunteered at RCM’s food pantry for three years prior, as well as the ministry committee. Kadie holds an Education degree from Trinity Christian College having student-taught at Roseland Christian School (closed in 2013; founded in 1884) and a Chicago Public School (CPS) teacher for seven years.
David Walker
Minister of Music
