Meet Our Team

Michael Sheaffer-Founder/President

I was born and grew up in Pennsylvania. In my early life I bounced around the foster care system and was adopted when I was 7. I moved to Indiana in 2008. I live with my wonderful wife Ruth, and our 3 kids. I have a degree in culinary arts and love to cook. I enjoy sports and playing video games. I started Welcome Home in hopes that it could help kids and families in the foster and adoptive community. My passion for wanting to help these families comes from my own experiences in life. I want to be able to grow awareness to the disparities and the struggles most of these children go through. I am excited to see where this journey takes me and the opportunities it brings to help these kids and families.

Denny Yoder-Secretary

I've been married to my wonderful wife Jeanne for 49 years. We have 3 married children and 10 of the most absolute “awesomest” grandchildren. I am on staff at Wakarusa Missionary Church as Director of Discipleship.

I spent over 30 years in the business world before leaving it behind. God led me into my role in the local church these past 16 years, with the last 7 focusing on intentional discipleship here at Wakarusa Missionary Church.

I love spending time outdoors enjoying God’s creation while riding our horses, hunting, camping, or most often fishing, taking literally Genesis 1:28 where God said when He created the fish and animals, “Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

I am excited about Welcome Home and the ministry opportunities to the Foster and Adoptive community. I truly believe God has called the local church to be His arm of love and encouragement, and to walk alongside them in the challenges, the ups, and the downs.

Brant Nine-Treasurer

I am the Executive Leader at Wakarusa Missionary Church in Wakarusa, Indiana. I previously held multiple positions within the Wa-Nee Community School district where I taught, coached, and served in many other capacities. Me and my wife, Francie, live in Nappanee where we enjoy raising our three boys (Hutch, Archer, and Logan) amongst family and friends.

Hilary Jarrell-Executive Officer

I am a blessed mom and wife. I have been married for 16 years to my husband Ryan. We have 3 amazing children (Mekenzie, Micah and Mia). We have been a foster family for over 5 years. We have had the privilege of being the hands and feet of Jesus to 15 children in our home at different times. Our journey has not been what we expected, but so much more as we have seen God work in big ways.

I work part-time at Wakarusa Elementary as a Para. I have had the privilege of connecting with local organizations who also have a heart for the foster care community with the NMC Foster and Adoptive Ministry Leadership Team as my home base. We have been able to connect with and provide assistance to many families.

I love spending time with my family and following the passion for hurting children God has given me.

I’m excited to work with Welcome Home to provide needed support to youth and families.

Brandie Yoder-Executive Officer

Brandie Yoder is a dedicated healthcare professional and community advocate with a passion for systems-level public health work. A registered nurse by training, Brandie has served in various capacities, including as an ICU and hospice nurse, before transitioning to the non-profit sector. She currently holds the position of Clinic Director at RETA in Elkhart, where she oversees medical programs that support families and individuals in need.