Meet The Team
Emily Schab
VP Regional Operations- Grand Rapids and East Lansing - Grand Rapids
Emily (Emma) joined Bethany Christian Services in 2009 as a case manager in our Unaccompanied Children’s programs. She is currently the Vice President of Regional Operations for the Grand Rapids and East Lansing region. During her time at Bethany, Emily held various positions in the Refugee and Immigrant Services branch and was an integral part of growing the programming for Unaccompanied Children in Grand Rapids and expanding services to other branches across Michigan. Additionally, Emily spent 4 years as the Branch Director for Child Welfare Services in Grand Rapids prior to her current role. Emily received her Bachelors in Spanish and Social Work from Calvin University and her Masters in Social Work from Western Michigan University. Emily serves on the Board of Directors for the West Michigan Partnership for Children and the Michigan Federation for Children and Families. She is also on the Advisory Board for Calvin University’s Social Work Department and is on the Parent Board for her children’s school. Emily is passionate about serving children and families in the community by ensuring access to meaningful and quality services that will set them up for a successful future.
Beth Caldwell
Associate Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services - Grand Rapids
Beth returned to Bethany in 2019 as the Associate Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services in Grand Rapids. Previously Beth served as the program supervisor in Bethany’s Transitional Programs working with Unaccompanied Children for nearly five years. Beth received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 2012. Beth is responsible for directing quality services throughout the extensive program continuum that Bethany operates with refugees and immigrants in Grand Rapids. She is passionate about creating a climate of welcome for newcomers in West Michigan that connects our community with those arriving and illuminates the dignity present in all of us.
Crystal S. Houston
Executive Branch Director of Youth Services - Grand Rapids
Crystal joined Bethany in 2021 as the director of operations for youth services and now serves as the executive branch director of youth services. Previously, she’s held positions leading and developing communities and directing operations in non-profit organizations for over 20 years. Crystal is responsible for overseeing the programs and services for youth in disparate communities in Grand Rapids and serves as a leadership member of the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation. Crystal has earned a bachelor’s degree in community development and a master’s in acquisitions administration from Central Michigan University.
Eric Desantis
Clinical Program Director - Grand Rapids
Eric joined Bethany Christian Services in 2012. He currently serves as the Clinical Program Director for the Grand Rapids branch. Previously, he held positions providing clinical supervision for both residential services and outpatient therapy and also led the development of Bethany’s trans-disciplinary trauma assessment team. Eric earned a Bachelor’s degree in Family Ministry from Moody Bible Institute and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Cornerstone University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a certification in Trauma-Focused CBT.
Shantheis Moody
Branch Director of Child Welfare Services - Grand Rapids
Shantheis has over 15 years’ experience in child welfare in various roles including program manager of a residential treatment center, quality improvement specialist, case manager, and direct care staff. Before coming to Bethany in 2021, he was director of permanency in Texas where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of a licensed child welfare agency. Shantheis relocated to his hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he attained his bachelor’s in social work from Grand Valley State University and his master’s in business administration from Cornerstone University. He has a passion for community-based care and the successful reunification of families.
Susan Kragt
Branch Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services - Grand Rapids
Susan joined Bethany Christian Services in Spring 2020 as Branch Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services in Grand Rapids, MI. She has worked in refugee services in the Grand Rapids area for over ten years, including time as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Bethany’s Adult and Family Refugee program. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Refugee Education Center. Susan has a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Non-Profit Management from Grand Valley State University.
Jennifer Klein
Pregnancy Counselor, LBSW - Grand Rapids
Jenny Klein has been working at Bethany Christian Services for over 20 years. She is dedicated and compassionate to those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and serves her clients well. She is gifted in ministering to marginalized populations and has a special passion for meeting the needs of expectant parents.
