The Refuge Staff

Missy Bowman, Executive Director

Before becoming Executive Director, Missy attended a residential program in 2015. Struggling with identity and self-worth issues, Missy turned to drugs, alcohol, and relationships to fill the void that only Jesus could fill. Missy met Jesus on Dec 18th, 2015, and her life has never been the same. She worked on the Direct Care staff for 2 years with The Refuge before becoming the Program Director. She has served as the Executive Director since April 2020.

Missy says, “My heart is to see all young women set free by the power of Jesus Christ. My prayer is that The Refuge provides hope and healing to our young women students seeking freedom from their life-controlling issues.”

Andy Bowman, Campus Pastor, Director

Andy says, “Fourteen years ago, I came through the doors of Teen Challenge with heroin addiction and got radically saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit on my second day there. Since then, my life has never been the same. I have had the awesome privilege of working with multiple Teen Challenges over the last 13 years and watching God do incredible miracles daily. Last May 2021, I married my wife, Maddie, and I came to work at The Refuge Girl’s Academy as the campus Pastor. I am excited to see God give our teens a purpose and vision for their future.”

Amanda Fisher, Executive Assistant

Amanda says, “In January 2013, I moved to Indiana to work for Teen Challenge–my dream job! Someone suggested that I consider Teen Challenge and read The Cross and the Switchblade when they heard about my degree in college. After struggling much of my first year of college with drinking, thoughts of suicide, and being so lost, I ended up getting saved and started my relationship with Christ. One thing I learned while doing an internship was, I never wanted to work at a place where I could not share hope with those I worked with. It is a blessing to be able to restore hope, and joy and share Christ’s love, just as someone did for me during my first year of college.”

Makhi O’Neil, Program Manager, Re-Entry Coordinator

Makhi shares, “My story starts in small-town Porterville, California. I struggled with wanting acceptance from my peers as most young girls do. I was raised to work hard, be respectful, and strive toward success in a Christian household. Even though these excellent morals were instilled in me, I learned how to get my family to trust me and find the acceptance from society that I craved. I began to live a double life that eventually merged into one, messy, disoriented delusion and I fell into an addiction that cost me my career and my sanity. In 2018, I walked through the doors of Teen Challenge, and that is when Jesus reclaimed my heart. When I finished the discipleship program, I decided to grow roots in the ministry. I served as an apprentice and then went on to Teen Challenge Ministry Institute where I studied biblical principles, evangelism, worship, and how to help others who have struggled with life-controlling issues. Now I am planted as a staff member at The Refuge, serving teenage girls. I am honored to be in a place where LOVE changes lives!”

Latoya Fleming, Direct Care Staff

Latoya shares, “I came out of a lifestyle of abuse, drugs, and prostitution, as well as homelessness, and the Lord used Teen Challenge to restore my life. I completed the Teen Challenge program and graduated from Teen Challenge Ministry Institute. Since September of 2020, I have had the privilege to work with women and adolescent girls struggling with addiction and other life-controlling issues and have helped lead them to the freedom that is found only in Jesus Christ.”

Gina McGill, Direct Care Volunteer

Jesus, my husband, my family and serving others = my life. I am Gina McGill. I have enjoyed serving at Central Indiana Teen Challenge since February 2016. I love working with the young ladies and walking alongside the staff. My favorite thing about being here is working with the girls and building lasting relationships. David and I have been married for 27 years. We have four amazing children and two wonderful daughter-in-laws. Christian and his wife Kara, Carter and his wife Samara, Kennedy and Kaitlyn.

Amanda Nahkla, Direct Care Staff

Nicole Guardiola, Coffee Truck Manager

Tiffany Gonzales, Intake Coordinator

Emma Jesse, Case Manager