Meet The Team
Luecendia M. Reed
Executive Branch Director - Chicago
Luecendia joined Bethany Christian Services of Illinois in September 2021. In her role, she provides strategic vison and oversees the performance optimization and future success of the Illinois branch. Luecendia brings over 18 years of experience working with vulnerable women and children and came to Bethany after serving in leadership roles within program management and development. Luecendia received her B.A. from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, and her MSW from Erikson Institute in Chicago, Illinois.
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Dennis E. Harms
Regional Director of Philanthropy – Lower Midwest - Chicago
Dennis joined Bethany in February 2022 after 21 years as a fundraiser and gift officer at his alma mater Trinity Christian College in the Chicago IL area. Born and raised in Iowa and now a long-time Chicago area resident, Dennis is very familiar with the territory he serves. He holds a BA in History and Secondary Education from Trinity. Dennis has a passion for connecting donors to programs and ministries where they can use their resources to make Kingdom impact. In his free time, Dennis enjoys spending time with family, golfing, hiking and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Melissa Dykema
Intact Family Services Case Manager, Family Strengthening - Chicago
Melissa Dykema has been employed at Bethany Christian Services since January, 2011 first as Program Manager for Bethany Safe Families for Children in the Chicago Southland and now as a Case Worker with the Intact Family Services Team. She graduated from Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Melissa and her husband Chip felt God’s call to open their home to vulnerable children in 2009 with Safe Families Chicago before she came on staff to begin the Bethany SFFC Chapter of Safe Families in 2011. In 2021 a decision was made to close the Safe Family Chapter of Bethany in Chicago and she joined the Intact Team. She has a passion for helping families create a safe and healthy environment to raise their kids. Melissa is very proud of the ministry and the volunteers that have served in various roles within Safe Families for Children in the Southland of Chicago. She is now happy to be working with Families in Dupage and Kane Counties in Illinois with Intact.
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Meredith VanDenBerg
Adoption Specialist and Pregnancy Counselor - Chicago
Meredith joined Bethany in June of 2021 as an Adoption Specialist and Pregnancy Counselor. She earned her Bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Illinois State University. Meredith previously worked as a Foster Care Case Manager with Children’s Home and Aid. Her passion for child welfare stems from years of global missions experience working with disadvantaged youth.
