Having lived in Germany and Turkey during our years in the military and changing schools 5 times by our son’s 6th grade, I know how difficult it can be to live overseas. The stresses of learning a new language, locating foods that taste like home, and missing family far away can be overwhelming while fulfilling the purpose to which you have been called. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to who understands! It is such a joy to serve with the Olive Tree staff, where you are invited to “come away to a quiet place and rest awhile”.
Grace grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and completed her nursing degree at Biola University where she developed cross-cultural skills she hoped to use overseas. She married Steve, a psychologist with Olive Tree, and moved around the world with the military while raising 3 sons. During those years overseas, her firstborn son was born in Germany, and while in Turkey, her youngest child required medical evacuation back to the United States for assessment and testing.
Before joining Olive Tree, Grace lived in Oklahoma City for 20 years. During that time, she taught Bible studies for women in her church. She also continued working as a nurse and volunteering with medical clinics in Mexico. She provided both nursing care as well as taught groups how to study the Bible inductively. Once her children completed high school, she went back to school and completed her master’s degree in Nursing Education and taught in the Oklahoma City University Nursing Program. She now serves as one of the intake coordinators, connecting workers who contact Olive Tree with their counselors, and providing details related to visiting the area. She enjoys watercolor painting and exploring the history of this country, especially as it relates to the Scriptures. What a beautiful place to come and rest!
Intake Coordinator
RN, MSN Nursing Education
Level 2 Gottman Clinical Training Gottman Method Couples Therapy