Mike and Debbie West

Mike and Debbie have worked with over 60 children for 25+ years, first as foster parents for Bethany Christian Services, then as therapeutic, crisis respite parents for children with behavioral problems.  Most recently they began Changing Hearts in September of 2006.  They have 10 children of their own, both birth and adopted.  They understand the heart of the parent and the needs of the child because they have lived it themselves.  Debbie is also a counselor with Freedom in Christ Ministries.

Natalie West

Daughter of Mike and Debbie, Natalie has also worked with children for the last five years but has grown up with the children that her parents have worked with.  Natalie runs the horse program at Changing Hearts.  She was trained through the NARHA program and before becoming full time with Changing Hearts was a teacher at a private school.  She also helps with the teaching at Changing Hearts. 

Josh Mimken

Josh currently works part time with Changing Hearts and is a student at Montreat College.  He will be receiving a degree in Worship Arts.  He spent his summers working at the Billy Graham Cove Center with the children’s camps. He is in charge of the outdoor activities at Changing Hearts.

Melanie Wilson, RN

Melanie has been a pediatric nurse in hospital and home health settings for 14 years with extensive training in childhood development.  She has worked in multiple areas of children’s ministry over the past 25 years.  She began working with Changing Hearts in the spring of 2007.  She is simultaneously preparing for full-time missionary service in Chile where she’ll be training nationals in children’s ministry, puppetry, drama and other creative arts.