Board of Directors & Staff

Crystal Davy

Chair

My name is Crystal Davy and I am the board chair for Juniper Refuge and the Worship Director at Grace Chapel here in Lincoln. I am married to my best friend Ben and I have three children, Addison (2008), Nora (2010) and Solomon (2014). I grew up in Mexico as a missionary kid, feeling like the luckiest person on the planet to have the adventures and friendships I experienced. From an early age, I saw firsthand the beauty of diverse peoples and the challenges of living cross-culturally. And when we have been God’s celebrated guests, how can we not turn around and welcome others into that same hospitality.

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Grace Chapel PCA

Susan Meckel

Treasurer

During our 25 years in Lincoln, my husband Clyde and I have raised three children, now all adults. I enjoy meeting people from different cultures, and love eating and cooking a variety of international foods, especially Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Having been involved in various local and international ministries, I am happy to be able to serve refugees and immigrants in our community through Juniper Refuge.

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Zion Church PCA

Amy Fairchild

Secretary

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Lincoln Berean Church

Anand Titus

director

My name is Anand Titus, and I am the husband to an amazing woman, the father of two incredible children, and a faculty member at the University of Nebraska. I am a member of Grace Chapel, and I believe that the need for community is deeply woven into our inner fabric. I am also the son of immigrants, and hope that I can be a part of a community that extends the kind of hospitality my parents received when they arrived in this country.

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Grace Chapel PCA

Tim Branum

Co-founder, Interim Vice President

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Grace Chapel PCA

Nikki Long

Executive Director

I am a wife and mother from southeast Georgia, where I was born and raised. I married my husband Dave at a young age, and we have grown up together following Jesus wherever He leads. After college we moved to North Africa, and have moved every two years since with our two daughters in tow, living also in East Africa and northern Iraq. We landed in Lincoln in 2017, when my husband received an invitation to work at UNL. I was brought into ministry again in 2018 with Juniper Refuge, where it has been a privilege to work with refugee and immigrant families. If you’re interested in exploring how you can be a part of our mission, shoot me a text at 912-324-9742, and I would love the chance to connect!

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Grace Chapel PCA

Karina Elias

Refugee Program manager

I’m the proud wife of my husband, Nate, and momma to our four kids (aged 12-4yrs). I have a master’s degree in nursing and have spent almost 15 years caring for infants and children in both Omaha and Lincoln area hospitals. Having spent a portion of my childhood growing up in central Asia, I’ve been shaped by the beauty of God’s diverse creation and His love for every unique tribe, culture and community I’ve encountered along the way. I now joyfully work to support, advocate, and facilitate connection for Lincoln area refugee and immigrant families. My prayer is to foster a sense of belonging and a curiosity for God’s intention in their journey to a new land and home.

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Christ Lincoln Lutheran

Kris Eubanks

Finance manager

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North Pointe Community Church

Sommer Waite

Church Program Manager

My name is Sommer Anna Octavio Waite. I graduated from UNL with a degree in Communications and minors in theatre and dance. My mom’s love for people, all over the world, was contagious from a very young age; my impetus for decisions to teach English for two summers overseas and live in an international dorm in college. I have been married for 24 years to my husband Andy, aka “soccer mom”. I am a proud “girl mom” to four vivacious daughters: Gracia (21), Tula, (19), Scout (16), and Mosley (11). I am thankful to have many precious women at JR holding my hand and linking arms with me in this new position. In the always wise words of Tim Keller, “I have been scandalously saved and that turns me into an agent of social healing.” I sincerely declare that this is my dream role!

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Redeemer PCA

Trisha Waldron

English Coordinator

I’m originally from a small town in Indiana and now call Lincoln home. I’m married to my husband, David, who works for Lincoln Public Schools as a videographer/editor, and I’m a proud mom to my sweet daughter, Ellie, who is in middle school. In 2013, God placed a clear call on my heart to be a friend to the stranger and to reflect His heart for the nations. That calling led me to begin volunteering with Juniper Refuge in their English class, which grew into one on one English tutoring in families’ homes, and eventually into mentorship with a vulnerable refugee family. Through these relationships, I’ve witnessed the deep impact of unhurried, relational teaching in the lives of our students. I’m grateful and excited to step into my role as English Coordinator with Juniper Refuge, continuing to walk alongside vulnerable refugee families in meaningful and practical ways. My prayer is that every person we serve would experience healing, dignity, and a true sense of belonging, and that through community and connection they would encounter God’s faithfulness as they journey toward a new home.

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First Free Church