Regional Connectors

Regional Connectors are available to support your congregation and ministry leaders by connecting them with denominational resources so you can thrive in the ministry God has given you.

Each of our connectors serves a region of the CRCNA. Check out the list below to locate the regional connector who serves your congregation. In addition, we also have an affinity group who focuses on specific populations: Spanish, Korean, SEAPI, youth and young adults. We will be happy to connect with you and your congregation via phone, videoconference, or in person.

Liz Tolkamp

Region 1 - Canada West

Liz is our Regional Connector for Canada West. Liz lives in Langley, BC with her husband, Tim, and attends Willoughby CRC. She’s passionate about nurturing and supporting healthy relationships within congregations.

Schedule a Chat
See Liz's Playlist

800-272-5125 x5111

[email protected]

Becky Jones

Region 2 - Canada East

Becky is our regional connector for Canada East. Becky lives in Stratford, Ontario with her dog, husband and occasionally 4 children as they return from university. She is passionate about exploring faith creatively through art.

Schedule a Chat
See Becky's Playlist

800-272-5125 x4978

[email protected]

Sandra Gonzalez

Region 3 - US East

Sandra, our regional connector for US East and administrative support person for Resonate Eastern USA, resides in New Jersey, calling Hudson County home. Fluent in Spanish, Sandra provides additional support to strengthen connections. Engaged with Madison Avenue CRC, Sandra finds joy in supporting the congregation's mission. She cherishes moments with loved ones and enjoys swimming.

Schedule a Chat
See Sandra's Playlist

800-272-5125 x7018

[email protected]

Diane Averill

Region 3 - US East

Diane works as a Regional Network Connector for the Connections Project in Region 3: US East. She also works with Coffee Break and Resonate. You can usually find Diane and her husband, Brent who also works with Resonate, traveling up and down the coast mentoring, training, supporting and encouraging church leaders in established congregations and the many emerging ethnic congregations. Diane and Brent live in Bar Harbor, Maine.

800-272-5125 x7022

[email protected]

Idella Winfield

Region 4 - Great Lakes

Idella is a Regional Connector in the Great Lakes Region (Michigan). She lives in Grand Rapids and attends Madison Church: North. Idella is passionate about justice and reconciliation and enjoys storytelling.

Schedule a Chat
See Idella's Playlist

800-272-5125 x2791

[email protected]

Trudy Ash

Region 5 - Midwest

Trudy is our regional connector in the Midwest Region. She lives in Milaca, Minnesota with her husband and 4 kids who all attend Pease CRC. Trudy has a deep passion for the local church and loves to hear stories over a cup of coffee!

Schedule a Chat
See Trudy's Playlist

800-272-5125 x5118

[email protected]

T.B. Dee

Region 6 - US West

This role is currently vacant for the US West.
Lesli van Milligen oversees all the connection work and will be happy to support you until we fill the Regional Connector role for this region.

800-272-5125 x5112

[email protected]

Lesli van Milligen

Team Lead

Lesli is the Codirector of Thrive and oversees all the connection work across North America. Lesli lives with her husband in Georgetown, Ontario and has two adult children who are very creative.

800-272-5125 x5112

[email protected]

Affinity Group Connectors

The following Thrive team members specifically support CRC congregations in their commitment to youth ministry and our ethnic congregations and church leaders

Ron DeVries

Youth and Young Adult Connector

Ron is our youth and emerging adult ministry consultant. Living with his wife Monique in Alberta, Ron is passionate about supporting congregations and their leaders in navigating the exciting world of ministry with our younger members.

800-272-5125 x5117

[email protected]

Woman with dark hair wearing green and black striped shirt

Aura Guerra-Artola

Hispanic Connector

Aura works as a connector with Hispanic churches within the CRCNA. She also provides assistance and support to Spanish-speaking pastors. In addition to her work with Hispanic churches, Aura is a customer service representative with Faith Alive and Libros Desafio. She is also working with CRC communications by assisting with English-Spanish translations.

Aura trabaja como conectora con iglesias hispanas dentro de la CRCNA. También brinda asistencia y apoyo a pastores de habla hispana. Además de su trabajo con iglesias hispanas, Aura es representante de servicio al cliente en Faith Alive y Libros Desafio. También está trabajando con el departamento de comunicaciones de la ICRN ayudando con las traducciones inglés-español.

800-272-5125 x4532

[email protected]

Deibi Kapojos

SEAPI Connector

Deibi Kapojos Lapian works from home in New Hampshire for CRCNA as Connector for SEAPI (Southeast Asian & Pacific Islanders)churches. Also a local mission leader (Eastcoast) and recently joined Resonate Global Mission team as Global Coffee Break Coordinator working with international partners. Loves music, making simple art and enjoys connecting with young adults.

800-272-5125 x7023

[email protected]

Woman with long black hair and white shirt smiling

Catheryn Jo Kim

Korean Connector

Catheryn works with Korean-speaking networks to promote healthy, positive, and strategic relationships with CRCNA ministries and agencies. She engages in meaningful contact with Korean classes and congregational leaders. Catheryn is also working for CRC Communications overseeing Korean communications.

View Korean CRC Website

캐서린 조 전도사는 한국어권 네트워크와 협력하여 CRC 교단 사역부 및 여러 기관들과 건강하고 긍정적이며 전략적인 관계를 증진하고 있습니다. 현재 그는 교단 노회 서기 모임, KC 총회, 한인 노회 등 다양한 한인 교회 리더들과 연결되어 의미있는 대화를

800-272-5125 x2584

[email protected]