Jennifer Guzmán
Executive Director
About Jennifer
It was at Wheaton College that Jennifer was first led into work with internationals when she had an opportunity to tutor internationals studying at Wheaton. It was also at Wheaton that she was first introduced to an organization sending English teachers to China. She ended up teaching with that organization in China for 10 years. She continued to work with internationals when she returned to the States and has continued in that work until the present in one way or another. Remembering the incredible hospitality and support she has been showered with over the years from people from many different countries, both abroad and in the States, it is her great desire to return that hospitality and support to internationals living in her region, her city, her church, her classes, and those who visit her home. Jennifer is married to a Mexican man who makes her a better person every day through his faith in God, his love, values, discipline, hard work, and integrity. Jennifer is also in debt to the many close friends from China and Mexico and to her students from all over the world for the perspectives they have given her and the sharing of who they are culturally and personally.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” - Mark Twain
Kathleen Greiwe
Program Director
About Kathleen
Kathleen started her journey with Compass as a college student, and throughout her many years volunteering with the program she has found herself singing songs with preschoolers, reading stories to elementary students, and most recently, teaching Adult English classes. Kathleen earned her BA in Spanish and Secondary Education and added a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages because of her experiences at Compass. She has taught Spanish here in Valparaiso and has taught English in the U.S. and abroad. She is passionate about quality educational programming and equipping teachers to serve their students well. As someone who has lived abroad and knows what a challenge it can be to learn a new language and make your home in a new place, Kathleen can empathize with our participants and seeks to serve them well in her new role as Program Director.
“I’ve always told people that coming to Compass is the highlight of my week. It is such a joy to use my skills and talents to help people feel at home here. Compass is a special place for all of our volunteers and participants, and I speak from experience when I say it can truly be life-changing.”
Tonia Frederick
Family Outreach Coordinator
About Tonia
Tonia has served in international missions work since she was a teenager, sparking her love of travel and learning about different cultures. In college, she went on to receive her BA in Spanish and MA in Teaching English as a Second Language. Her love of cross cultural fellowship made her a natural fit within our Compass community. Tonia began her involvement with Compass in 2014 as a volunteer, and has fulfilled a variety of roles on staff over the years. She currently thrives as our Family Outreach Coordinator, as it allows her to be on the front lines of welcoming newcomers and their families across Northwest Indiana and within our Compass doors.
"After many years of traveling to serve on the international mission field, I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to work with the international community right here in Northwest Indiana. Compass is an amazing and welcoming place where people from different cultures gather, share experiences and learn together. My family is fortunate to have the opportunity to develop these special relationships."
Compass International Family Center Board
Compass Board Members (pictured above left to right) Charles Nathan, Sue Martz, Enrique Guzman, Becky Shelton (Board President) and Peter Von Tobel.
“Life brings people everywhere, and everywhere is better when people are welcome. Compass is an educational family center for international people, and everyone is welcome. It is a calling to be part of Compass.”
Enrique Guzman, Compass Board Member
“Compass welcomes and creates a warm, hospitable community for internationals who are new to Northwest Indiana. As a person of faith, it's important for me to serve others and Compass provides a practical, hands-on opportunity to transform theory into practice, creed into deed, and intentions into actions.”
Charles R. Nathan, Compass Board Member
“Volunteering with Compass has given me some meaningful friendships and opportunities to serve our families by offering food, new clothing, and transportation. It has been encouraging to watch other nonprofits, like First Fruits Gives and Dressed for School, come along side us to help our families.”
Sue Martz, Compass Board Member & Volunteer
