Executive Board of Directors

RUTH SHOVAN

DIRECTOR

Hi! I’m Ruth. I love Agape!!

I love having the opportunity to serve homeschooling moms and encourage them on this beautiful journey. Supporting moms through Agape is one of my greatest joys.

My husband, Jerod, and I have been married for over 20 years and have 5 amazing kids. I feel so blessed to homeschool them and will be graduating my oldest in 2026.

In my spare time I love to read, study theology and church history, take walks, and play games with my family.

CARRIE TOWNSEND

VICE DIRECTOR

Hi I’m Carrie.

I joined Agape during the opening of the Caledonia campus in the fall of 2022. I have two children and have been homeschooling for 8+ years. I love the opportunities Agape and homeschooling have opened up for my family. Being able to educate my children in a Christ centered environment along with like minded families has been a blessing. As a homeschool parent, being able to give my children a Christ centered worldview through education and preparing them not only for life but to be soldiers for the Lord.

Our family enjoys being active in our church and taking advantage of opportunities to learn and serve.

I love serving others and being a part of Agape helping other Mom’s see the opportunities and community here at Agape. I also serve on the leadership team at the Caledonia campus.

I love dogs, highland cows and genealogy/history. If you ask my kids they will tell you our dog, Vi, is my favorite child.

As a family we spend our end of winter/spring time carrying out a multigenerational tradition of making maple syrup. In the summer I enjoy camping, grilling and picnicking and adventures at lake Michigan with my children. I am an avid book reader/audiobooks listener and enjoy spending time with friends and family.

SARAH PARLER

TREASURER

Hi! I’m Sarah. I am a mom to six kids.

We’ve been learning at home from the beginning. We have been a part of Agape since 2023. We have loved all the friends we have made and things we have learned at Agape.

I love Jesus and love to serve Him by discipling my children, supporting my husband and serving in our church.

I love walking with my husband every day and also taking nature walks with my family. We enjoy camping together and adventures. I enjoy growing things and reading as well as flowers, birds and trees.

SANDY WILLIAMS

SECRETARY

Hi! I’m Sandy.

I live in Freeport on a small hobby farm, along with my husband of 22 years and our 14-year-old daughter. We’re so very thankful for our Agape family!

Prior to getting involved here, my daughter and I were both finding it hard to make meaningful friendships. Agape encourages both education and quality time together, which is a treasure! We’ve really felt love and encouragement here, and I want others to feel the same. This program is very much team oriented and everyone is needed and appreciated.

I’m privileged to serve on the Executive Board to play a role in making sure our program continues being exceptional and maintains its firm foundation on God’s Word, so that we can keep meeting together, learning, and encouraging one another in Christ.

HEIDI KAEB

ALTO CAMPUS DIRECTOR

Hi there! I’m Heidi, wife to Loren for 13 years, homeschool mom of 4, piano and violin instructor, and sourdough enthusiast.

Agape has been an amazing place for our family to find community and enrichment as we educate our children. I am excited to begin serving in the role of Alto Campus Director in Fall 2025. My passion at Agape is to continue fostering a Christ-honoring environment of support and encouragement to homeschool families as they raise their children in the Lord.

MANDY HOPKINS

CALEDONIA CAMPUS DIRECTOR

Hello, I’m Mandy! I am a homeschooling mom of 3.

Our homeschooling journey began in 2020 (during COVID), when we pulled our kids from the public school they had been attending. We decided to homeschool for many reasons surrounding what was going on in the world at that time. I had no idea when God called me on this journey of homeschooling that I would love it as much as I do! God told me that he doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called. I hold this close to my heart & find it so true!

We found Agape & joined in 2021. We love everything Agape stands for & the community that we now have through Agape!! I want to do whatever I can to give more families the same opportunity to experience the love/community/support that our family has experienced through Agape. I was 1 of 3 ladies who helped to open our Caledonia Campus in Fall 2022. We have seen the Lord move at our campus every year since then. I’m excited to see what He has in store for the future at Caledonia & Agape as a whole!

A few things about me & my family. I have been happily married to my husband & best friend, Nick, for 16 years. We have 2 daughters & 1 son. As a family, we love to go camping, play games, & spend time outside.

KAITLYN JONKMAN

NORTHEAST CAMPUS DIRECTOR

Hello, my name is Kaitlyn! I love Jesus, my husband David, and my two kids!

I love homeschooling. I love how it challenges me and sanctifies me. I love how I get to spend hours upon hours with my kids, teaching them about Jesus and His creation. My kids and I have been excited to be a part of Agape, to learn and grow beside other parents and kids.

I have the privilege of opening up a new Agape campus on the northeast side of Grand Rapids. Our goal is to provide a place where homeschool families can find community and long-lasting friendships that are Christ centered, loving and intentional.

Outside of homeschooling, I am a small scale flower farmer. I love camping, canoeing, reading, watching movies and playing games! In everything, I want to live my life in a way that brings pleasure to my Creator.