DVULI New Staff: Stephanie Donovan

By Eileen Schuring, Intern

In January 2024, Stephanie Donovan (Grand Rapids 2000) joined the DVULI team as the Liaison and Alumni Support Coordinator.  

While Stephanie is a new addition to the DVULI team, she is closely familiar with the program as she is a graduate. A Grand Rapids native, Stephanie comes to our team from her previous role at Wedgewood Christian Services as a compliance coordinator/rights advisor and residential program director.  

In her former role, Stephanie became knowledgeable in mental health practices and resources. She believes it is necessary in leadership for mental health and spirituality to coexist. “There is this thought that because we are in ministry leadership, mental health is already in line by proxy- which is not always true. To do ministry well is to be proactive about taking care of both our spiritual and mental health.” 

There is this thought that because we are in ministry leadership, mental health is already in line by proxy- which is not always true. To do ministry well is to be proactive about taking care of both our spiritual and mental health.

 Stephanie also has a long ministry history, and we are excited to bring her expertise to our team. Stephanie has served in various sectors at her local church, including education, outreach, leadership, and interim preaching teams.  

Stephanie is passionate about supporting those who have gone through the initiative and their growth in their ministry. “Ministry experience is something unique. I have worked in two churches with limited resources. Knowing what it is like to be in a community like that adds a different layer to being a part of the initiative and understanding the situations people in urban ministry experience.” 

When Stephanie is not at work or serving, you can find her in a wide variety of activities, including traveling, tending to her garden, reading), biking, snowshoeing, practicing yoga, and running (she has been a faithful participant in reunion “jog with Gerald” morning runs).  

Please join our team in warmly welcoming Stephanie by dropping her a note.