OUR FOUNDERS
We believe that marriages can be rebuilt, brokenness can be mended, and hope can be restored.
–Joel & Naomi Mitchell
REV. DR. JOEL MITCHELL is an ordained and licensed minister who has worked in social service for over 25 years. During this time, he’s worked with youth-in-care, at-risk teens, and individuals impacted by mental illness and HIV/ AIDS.
In addition, Dr. Mitchell served for over 15 years as Deputy Commissioner with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, Human Services, and Workforce Service Divisions.
Dr. Mitchell also serves as the Executive Director for EMMAUS, one of the few organizations in the nation that provides services for boys and young men who are victims of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Reverend Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Human Relations from Western Illinois University and a Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary. In 2018 he earned his Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Chicago Theological Seminary.
REV. DR. NAOMI MITCHELL is a licensed minister with a heart for wholeness, wellness, and well-being. In addition to a broad range of counseling expertise, she has extensive experience in preaching, pastoral care, bereavement, marriage, eating disorders, self-esteem, social adjustment, job loss, depression, trauma-informed care, & anxiety.
Dr. Naomi earned a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Divinity & Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. In May 2021, she earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Homiletics from the Association of Chicago Theological Schools.
In addition, Dr. Mitchell is a Certified Prepare & Enrich Counselor, an Approved Gottman Institute Couple’s Check-up Advisor, and holds an advanced Self Psychology and Religion certificate from the Center for Religion and Psychotherapy of Chicago.
REVS. DRS. JOEL & NAOMI have shared 21 years of marriage. Together they have three children, 20-year-old twin boys Jasper Caleb & Jacobi Israel, one 18-year-old daughter, Sidni Joi, and a very rambunctious 9-year-old golden retriever, Maximillion Nicholas Mitchell.