“Youth are the future of our community. They carry many of the responsibilities that adults do in our culture, and deserve a safe place where they can come and just be kids again. I am excited to see The Gate be that place, filled with laughter, joy and smiles, but also a place where youth can feel encouraged, and safe enough to share their burdens with caring, supportive, loving adults, and know that they are not alone.” Shiela grew up in Southern California and has been working with kids and youth since she was in highschool. She has worked as an AVID Tutor, YMCA childcare site director, administrative assistant for various organizations, and is currently the office administrator at First Baptist Church, Independence . She has also volunteered as a crisis counselor for community agencies in Southern California, and most recently is serving as a local PTA President, and on several community committees with Central School District. She is excited to be part of collaborative team at The Gate as they work to develop the programs that will have the most impact and opportunities for all youth in our community.

I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon where I grew up playing sports and finding new ways to give my foster parents a headache. As a Junior in High School, I gave my life to Jesus, and this set me on a new path for the rest of my life. I learned quickly that I had a passion for serving others, particularly in working with youth. Over the last decade or so this has taken forms of, coaching various sports, (Wrestling, Tennis and Track and Field), leading both YoungLife and WyldLife, working at the Gate and volunteering for countless summer camps. After high school, I attended Western Oregon University where I got a degree in Criminal Justice (I am currently a Police Officer at a midsize agency in Oregon) and met my lovely wife. One of the biggest reasons that I love working with youth is that I remember how pivotal that time in my life was and how many new things that I learned. As I was learning and becoming a young adult, I was blessed enough to have loving and caring adults that spoke into my life and helped me determine the kind of person that I was going to become. To get the chance to pay it forward by working with youth in our community brings me a ton of joy.

“I am invested whole heartedly in this community, I always want to be the lead cheerleader. Kids have purpose. I want to help them find it and pursue it.” Mike Ainsworth grew up in Polk County and graduated from Central High School in 1973. He married his wife DeAnn in 1975 at the First Baptist Church in Independence where they raised their family just outside of town. After spending 20 years working for Willamette Industries and Weyerhaeuser, he served the last 10 years as a Polk County Commissioner. Mike has spent the last 28 years announcing games for the CHS football team and is very involved with the Panther Booster Club. Recently retired, Mike can often be found mowing the lawns at The Gate or cleaning the floors inside.

"Few things excite me more than seeing kids reach their potential. Helping dreams come true will have a major impact on our community." Donn grew up in McMinnville, Oregon and has worked as an engineer, business manager and small business owner. He is now retired and an original board member and officer of The Gate Youth Association. He serves as a Financial Secretary for First Baptist Church and volunteers with the YMCA in addition to his service at The Gate. He has served on the Central School District Board since June of 2013.

“As long as Jesus is at the center, I’ll say yes. The Gate has been an incredible partner in ministry, and I’m excited to be part of what God is doing here.” Coby grew up in Hawaii in a Catholic family and moved to Monmouth to attend Western Oregon University, where he studied Art and played football. During college, through a challenging season in sports, Coby’s faith became fortified as he encountered Jesus through conversations with a pastor at Resonate Church. After college, Coby began attending Monmouth Christian Church, where a spontaneous invitation to help launch a new youth group quickly became a calling. For the past three years, he has served faithfully in youth ministry, spoken at Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Church Lunch events, and developed a deep passion for helping teens grow in their relationship with Jesus. Coby works in the marketing department at MAPS Credit Union, where he uses his creativity and communication skills to support the community. He and his wife, Ellie, a teacher at Riviera Christian School, are raising their daughter Olivia and are committed to putting down roots in the Monmouth community. He is excited to serve on The Gate’s board, bringing a heart for youth, a love for this community, and a desire to see students lead with faith and purpose.

Freddy has been serving in the Monmouth-Independence community as a chaplain since 2013, and is currently the Senior Chaplain for our local First Responder Program since 2017. He has a passion for this community and values our youth. During a time in his young adult years living in Los Angeles he was heading down the wrong path and an older Christian man poured into him, helping him to not become just another statistic. Freddy knows how crucial the relationships the youth make with the staff and volunteers at The Gate can be! He hopes to support this ministry by serving on the board, and by promoting The Gate wherever he has influence.

“The Gate gives hope to our community and adds necessary light in this dark time” Kari is a lifelong part of this community and has spent most of that time in the Independence First Baptist church and in the Central school district. Through the years, her role has shifted from student, to educator, to parent (and educator). She has been excited about The Gate since the initial dream was shared, and joyfully serves on the board to connect to the schools and students of our community.

Stan Bang brings decades of experience, heart, and hands-on wisdom to the youth he serves. Born and raised in Clackamas County, Stan and his wife, Judy, have been married for 53 years after meeting in Portland. They moved to Monmouth nearly 19 years ago to be closer to family, and quickly became deeply rooted in the community. A mechanic for over 50 years, Stan has spent his life using his skills to serve others, whether restoring cars, volunteering as a property manager at First Baptist, or working in the church’s care center for several years. He and Judy also invested 35 years serving in Awana, pouring into the next generation with consistency and love. They have been part of First Baptist for 19 years. Stan has a passion for restoring more than just cars, he loves helping young people discover direction, confidence, and purpose. He believes today’s youth deeply need positive Christian influence, practical life skills, and exposure to the trades. “There’s such a great need for kids to learn trades,” he shares. “It’s wonderful to introduce them to something that can carry them beyond high school.” At The Gate, Stan finds joy in the smiles, the relationships, and the sense of belonging created for every student. He loves seeing youth get involved, learn new skills, and experience genuine fellowship that helps shape their future. His heart is summed up in a simple but powerful belief: “If one child comes to know the Lord, it’s worth it all.”

“My hope is to have a safe place like The Gate for youth to enjoy enriching activities, hear the good news of Christ, and grow in maturity and wholeness with Him.” Mike and his wife have lived in the Monmouth/Independence area since 1999 and raised three children who each graduated from Central High School.He has been in fulltime ministry for over 25 years serving as a Youth Pastor, Education Director and is currently the lead Pastor at First Baptist of Independence.He can be seen most Thursday’s at The Gate, has spoken at Tuesday Lunch and volunteers with AWANA clubs.