Board of Directors

PLRM is governed by a board of directors. We invite you to get to know them by reading their bios below.

We would like to build our board to 10 members. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in more information about joining our team, please contact Linda Nickel.

Rod Nickel

Education/Degrees/Certifications: BS Electrical Engineering, Wichita State University

Career: Rod is a team leader at Garmin and leads a group of engineers in their aviation department.

Volunteer Experience: Administrative and technical support. Rod has been involved in the Gideon’s International and served locally and at the statewide level serving as the Kansas State Chaplain.

Strengths: Rod brings his administrative, technical support, and handyman skills to PLRM. Additionally he provides prayer support to the leadership team.

"I gave my heart to Jesus at a young age and regularly attended church w/ my family. After leaving home to attend Wichita State University I realized it was more than just something my family did; I personally had made the decision to live my life for Christ and was living out that decision in my daily life. While there have been hills and valleys in my Christian walk, I’ve always believed in God and that He had a plan and purpose for my life."

Linda Nickel

Linda Nickel. Is the founder of PLRM, and has been doing ministry directly with you since 1999. She is the mother of two , and grandmother of three. Linda is passionate for Christ's mission for the healing and restoration of youth and their families for the glory of God.

Past Experience:

Founder and Director of Body Mechanics in Wayzata MN -- President West Winds Toast Masters Group -- Flight Attendant for Northwest Airlines -- One of the founders of Crystal E. Free Church's "Power House" for teens -- Equestrian for 45 years --Horse Breeder/Ranch Manager since 1992 -- Riding Instructor 5 years -- Public Speaking -- Bible Study Facilitator -- Divotional Author -- Poet -- Mentor

Education:

2 years North Hennepin Community College -- 2 years Moody Bible College

Certification:

Certified Massage Therapist and Sports Practioner -- Toast Master -- Certified Theraputic Foster Care Provider -- Equine Assited Growth & Learning Association Certified Equine Specialist -- First Aid Certified

Barbara Keicher Treasurer

Education:

State University College at Fredonia New York

BS Business Administration - Accounting

Related Experience:

· Various parental involvements in River Falls High School activities.

· Awana Director for seven years at First Baptist Church of Attica, NY.

· Sunday school Teacher

· Awana Olympics Game Director and Awana Camp Counselor.

Work History:

Sub Board I, Inc., Buffalo, NY., Assistant Accountant, Accounts Receivable Clerk, Over ten years of broad accounting experience in every department for this not-for-profit student services, student owned corporation.

Personal:

Barbara has been married to Dennis for 28 years; they live in River Falls WI and they have three children: Bryant, Ruth, and Patrick. “I’ve been blessed to see the growth in an adolescent’s faith in God through the exercise of spiritual disciplines and the encouragement of positive, faith based relationships. I am proud to serve PLRM as they minister God’s hope and healing to adolescents and their families.”

Lois Rausch Co-Treasurer

Personal: Lois Rausch has lived in the Paola, Kansas community her whole life. She spent her grade school years attending the First Lutheran School in Paola and graduated from Paola High. After graduation, she attended the St. Johns Junior College in Winfield, Kansas for one year. “The members of my family in Christ are those who believe in salvation by grace through faith in the Triune God. I am new to PLRM, and I feel privileged to be allowed to assist in their ministry and have the reward of gaining new spiritual growth for myself at the same time.”

Lois and her husband, Vernon, live in the rural area of Paola. They are blessed to have their five children and grandkids living close by and enjoy spending time with them. They enjoy Southern Gospel Music and often travel to attend Southern Gospel Music Sings.

Profession: Lois has spent her adult years working for financial institutions in Paola. Ten of those years included serving as the corporate secretary for a financial holding company along with assisting with their financial accounting. She also served as an Investment Officer for 22 years. “I have not had experience working for not-for-profit organizations but I look forward to this opportunity.”

Jennifer McDowell Secretary

Personal: Jennifer McDowell and her Husband Dan live in Hudson Wisconsin and attend Faith Community Church where they are very active in taking photos of most events. They both have a very artistic touch with their avid hobby of photography and have volunteered many hours at the ranch taking most of the beautiful photos you see in newsletters and on the web site. They are both professing believers in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Eph. 2:8-9 Christa, their horse, is their pride and joy...one of the family. Jennifer is a devoted horse woman and dressage rider, Dan her loving supporter.

Professional: Jennifer has her Masters of Business Administration from the UofM and a Bachelor's of Arts degree from the University of Virginia. She currently works as an instructor at The Art Institutes International in Minneapolis Minnesota and brings to PLRM a wealth of business experience in marketing, advertising, and leadership development. An interesting tid bit...from 1993-2001 Jennifer was a member, Air Force/Air National Guard-PV!