Meet the Team!

Leadership

Steve Imperato

President

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Steve Imperato

President

Steve and his family served in Zambia as long-term missionaries ministering to orphaned and vulnerable children following multiple short-term mission trips to Central and South America.

He and his wife, Jill, have two biological children, Noah and Hollie, and have adopted two daughters, Grace and Izzy.

Some of their favorite interests include spending time with family, traveling, and all outdoor activities.

We were blessed to have them join the MTI family in 2022.

Andy Douglas

Director of Operations

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Andy Douglas

Director of Operations

Andy began sensing God’s calling to be a part of seeing Jesus known, trusted, loved, and treasured around the globe in 2011.

He brings years of experience in various leadership roles within mission-focused organizations, including three years of outreach, discipleship, and church planting in Japan.

Andy now serves as MTI’s Operations Leader, working to ensure operational effectiveness and alignment across all departments supporting MTI’s mission to develop and equip long-term cross-cultural messengers of the Gospel.

In his free time, Andy enjoys exploring the mountains of Colorado and soaking in the beauty of creation with Jesus, family, and friends.

Andy and Katie have two boys, Zion and Jett, and consider it their greatest privilege to follow Jesus together through the adventure of this life.

Deb Heefner

Director of Compass & MTI Mobile

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Deb Heefner

Director of Compass & MTI Mobile

Deb serves MTI as the Director of Compass, Partner Connect, and MTI Mobile.

She served with Cru for 28.5 years before coming to MTI. Twenty-one of those years were spent overseas in Leningrad, USSR; Lithuania; Kandern, Germany; and the UK.

Deb loves Jesus and loves people, so watching the two connect in the context of a safe community is her favorite part of her job.

Deb is single. On a free day, she can be found somewhere in nature with her camera in tow taking pictures of landscapes and critters.

A day spent with a friend laughing wholeheartedly, then talking deeply about the Lord and life, is a day well spent.

Eric Ford

Director of Debriefing & Renewal

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Eric Ford

Director of Debriefing & Renewal

Eric served for 20 years in Asia with his wife, Jen. He was initially involved in campus ministry.

Most recently, the Fords lived in Thailand and helped lead a pre-field training program for East Asian missionaries based on MTI's Compass program.

Jen also worked and taught at Grace International School in Chiang Mai for six years.

In 2022, the Fords transitioned back to the USA and joined the staff of MTI.

Eric and Jen have three children in college.

Vern Salter

Director of Care & Special Projects

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Vern Salter

Director of Care & Special Projects

Vern and Janell Salter have been in vocational ministry for over 30 years, with 25 of those years serving with the Navigators. They were involved in military ministry with the Navigators for 23 years.

Since 2016, Vern has served on the Pastoral Care Team of the Navigators, offering trauma therapy, individually biblically informed therapy, and marriage therapy. He coordinated a nationwide network of counselors serving Navigator staff around the world.

Vern has a passion for restoration and healthy rhythms in vocational ministry. With an MA in Clinical Counseling from Colorado Christian University, he blends pastoral and professional care in his approach to serving cross-cultural workers.

Trained in EMDR, Gottman Marriage Therapy, and Soul Care, he brings a broad scope to member care work.

Currently, Vern serves as the Director of Care & Special Projects at MTI, addressing the holistic care needs of cross-cultural workers across the life arc of their careers.

He is also directing the creation of the John Powell Institute @ MTI, a policy institute focused on member care and collaboration among caregiving agencies.

Administrative & Care Staff

Jill Imperato

Donations

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Jill Imperato

Donations

Jill and her family served in Zambia as long-term missionaries ministering to orphaned and vulnerable children following multiple short-term mission trips to Central and South America.

She and her husband, Steve, have two biological children, Noah and Hollie, and have adopted two daughters, Grace and Izzy.

Some of their favorite interests include spending time with family, traveling, and all outdoor activities.

We were blessed to have them join the MTI family in 2022.

Laura Trimble

HR Specialist

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Laura Trimble

HR Specialist

Laura first developed a heart for international missions as a teenager when she spent a summer living with her aunt and uncle, who were missionaries in Italy, and experienced their ministry firsthand.

She served as an engineer in international missions before transitioning into Human Resources. Laura sees how God uses HR as an avenue to care for and support missionaries and is grateful to serve with MTI in this capacity.

Laura is married to Wes, and they have a young daughter, Camille.

They enjoy fostering community in their neighborhood and local church by hosting meals and creating space for people to spend time together.

They also enjoy the outdoors through activities such as hiking and camping.

Mary Means

Communications Manager

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Mary Means

Communications Manager

Mary was born and raised in Monument, Colorado.

She joined MTI in 2021, beginning in the kitchen before moving into her current role as Communications Manager.

Outside of work, Mary looks for any excuse to be outside and spends much of her free time in the mountains.

David Wilson

Care Associate

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David Wilson

Care Associate

David serves in MTI’s Care department as a Care Associate. He has been with MTI since 2007, working in both the Debriefing And Renewal (DAR) and pre-field (Compass) programs. In recent years, he has focused on marriages and families within the Compass program.

Both he and his wife, Janna, grew up as missionary kids—David in France and Janna in Taiwan—which gives them a deep passion for healthy families in missions. They have eight children and enjoy the full life that brings. Their family also maintains a small hobby farm with goats and chickens.

Through his role, David supports MTI staff and helps develop ways to care for missionaries. His heart is to walk with people wherever they are in life and point them to Father God.

Kimberly Drage

Deputy Director of JPI

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Kimberly Drage

Deputy Director of JPI

Bio coming soon.

Aly Savant

Executive Administrator

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Aly Savant

Executive Administrator

Aly Savant grew up in Olive Branch, Mississippi, and attended the University of Memphis.

She met her husband, Wade, while working together at a local Presbyterian church. They were married in 2013 in Memphis, Tennessee, then moved to La Paz, Bolivia to teach at an international school.

After Bolivia, they returned to the United States where Wade attended seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Aly worked at a large accounting firm.

They have two children and have served in Prague, Czech Republic, and Edinburgh, Scotland.

The Savant family has been in Colorado Springs for over a year, serving at a local church plant, Waypoint Church.

Hospitality Staff

Julie Austin

Housekeeping Lead

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Julie Austin

Housekeeping Lead

Bio coming soon.

Nathan Rader

Housekeeping

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Nathan Rader

Housekeeping

Bio coming soon.

Kevin Clayton

Food Service Co-Manager

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Kevin Clayton

Food Service Co-Manager

Bio coming soon.

Philip Greene

Food Service Co-Manager

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Philip Greene

Food Service Co-Manager

Philip has been in the service industry in some capacity for over 15 years and has served at MTI as a Co-Manager since September of 2024. He brings creativity and care to the culinary world, especially in the meals prepared for participants and staff.

Originally from the Appalachia region of Western North Carolina, Philip spent a year living in the Houston, Texas area before making Colorado his home in 2022.

When he is not out in nature on a drive or a hike, he is caring for his multiple guinea pigs, some of which are rescues. His warmth, steady presence, and passion for helping others create a welcoming environment for anyone who comes through the doors of MTI.

Michael Mirchandani

Housekeeping

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Michael Mirchandani

Housekeeping

Michael is currently in college.

He is a musician who plays bass guitar, guitar, and keyboard, and he also sings.

He enjoys playing tennis and spending time making music.

Alan Chadick

Food Service

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Alan Chadick

Food Service

Bio coming soon.

Nathan Hood

Hospitality Manager

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Nathan Hood

Hospitality Manager

Nathan joined MTI in the fall of 2024 as our Hospitality Manager.

Nathan came to us with a background in facility management, maintenance and law enforcement.

Outside of work, Nathan enjoys spending quality time with his son Eli. They enjoy time together hiking, skiing, biking, and spending quality time together.

Eric Cassida

Food Service

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Eric Cassida

Food Service

Bio coming soon.

Nate Pierce

Food Service

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Nate Pierce

Food Service

Bio coming soon.

Joseph Garlick

Food Service

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Joseph Garlick

Food Service

Bio coming soon.

Rick Greenway

Facilities

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Rick Greenway

Facilities

Bio coming soon.

Debriefing & Renewal (DAR) Staff

Dennis & Jeannie Martin

Adult Debriefers

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Dennis & Jeannie Martin

Adult Debriefers

Dennis and Jeannie served in church-planting in France for 20 years. Since returning to the United States, Dennis has been serving at One Challenge International and is currently the Director of Sexual Wholeness Initiatives, coming alongside organizations in combating a culture of shame and creating cultures that pursue healing and restoration.

Jeannie serves with PastorServe as National Director for Women in Ministry. By coming alongside pastors, their spouses, and church staff through coaching, consulting, and care, she joins Jesus in strengthening the souls of those who strengthen souls.

Dennis and Jeannie live in Colorado Springs and have three adult TCK daughters.

Madi Dortch

CHIPs Debriefer

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Madi Dortch

CHIPs Debriefer

Madi is an adult Third-Culture Kid who was born in Texas and grew up in East Asia. She graduated from Gordon College in 2024, studying Christian Ministries and Social Justice.

A life filled with transition and change has shaped her passion to walk with children in the midst of their own transitions. Madi has been blessed to come alongside TCKs across the globe, and those experiences have clarified God’s calling in her life.

Madi is excited to serve TCKs and their families with MTI.

Jen Ford

Adult Debriefer

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Jen Ford

Adult Debriefer

Eric and Jen Ford served for 20 years in Asia and were initially involved in campus ministry. Most recently, they lived in Thailand and helped lead a pre-field training program for East Asian missionaries based on MTI’s Compass program.

Jen worked and taught at Grace International School in Chiang Mai for six years.

In 2022, the Fords transitioned back to the United States and joined MTI staff as full-time debriefers. Eric and Jen have three young adult TCKs, and Eric serves as the Director of the DAR Program.

Mark Avers

Adult Debriefer

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Mark Avers

Adult Debriefer

Mark has been a Pastor to Missionaries since 2000, first with a sending church and then on staff with Barnabas International since 2010. For eight years, he also served as a Missionary Appointee Coach with a mission organization, helping prepare and send global servants.

Mark and his wife, Jennifer, travel overseas to encourage cross-cultural messengers. They provide personal debriefing while hosting missionaries in their home in Ohio.

Mark is an Adult Third Culture Kid. He appreciates the gift of growing up in Ethiopia from 1959 to 1972 during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Beth Morrison

CHIPs Debriefer

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Beth Morrison

CHIPs Debriefer

Beth was a teacher in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado and holds a Master of Science in Education. She is also Director Qualified in Colorado.

She served as a Nursery and Children’s Director for over 25 years in several churches in Tennessee and Colorado.

Beth has three adult children and seven grandchildren, all living nearby. In her free time, she enjoys watching her grandkids at their sports events, reading, hiking, and doing genealogy.

Rosalyn Otto

Adult Debriefer

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Rosalyn Otto

Adult Debriefer

Rosalyn was born in the Philippines and grew up there as a MK and TCK. Time living and serving as an adult in Uganda and Taiwan deepened her love of other cultures and her appreciation for the challenges and joys of cross-cultural life.

After losing her husband unexpectedly, Rosalyn is especially grateful for the friendships she enjoys with her daughter, two sons, and daughters-in-law. She relishes being “Nana Rose” to her grandchildren.

She completed a two-year journey with the Soul Care Institute and is passionate about spiritual direction, soul care, and debriefing.

Casey & Mandi

Adult Debriefers

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Casey & Mandi

Adult Debriefers

Casey and Mandi have served overseas for more than 20 years. They have led small frontier teams, given national leadership to a large global mission organization in East Asia, and helped build a ministry in Africa before co-founding Field Life, a ministry dedicated to helping global workers stay healthy and fruitful so they can fulfill their calling.

They have been privileged to raise a big, mixed family of six children while living in five countries.

Tarrah Grabler

CHIPs Debriefer

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Tarrah Grabler

CHIPs Debriefer

Tarrah has been at MTI since 2008. Before joining MTI, she spent three years teaching at Asunción Christian Academy in Asunción, Paraguay.

She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and Music from Evangel University and an M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Biola University.

Tarrah considers any beach “home.” Outside of spending time with TCKs, she enjoys hiking, camping, event planning, cheering for the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with her husband.

Pre-Field Training (Compass) Staff

Aly Houser

CHIPs Director

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Aly Houser

CHIPs Director

Miss Aly grew up near Buffalo, New York. She earned an education degree from SUNY Fredonia and has over 14 years of experience working with children.

She spent six years in Uganda as the Discipleship Coordinator at a primary school for local Ugandan children. Although she entered the field without cross-cultural training, she is now passionate about equipping others for success in cross-cultural ministry.

Aly loves theatre, painting, and spending time outdoors.

Jaci Grooters

CHIPs Trainer

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Jaci Grooters

CHIPs Trainer

After graduating college in 2015, Jaci began her missions journey. She spent five years in Costa Rica serving an international youth group for missionary kids and third culture kids. This experience gave her firsthand insight into life as a missionary kid and sparked a passion for caring for them.

Later, she joined the home office staff of Commission to Every Nation, where she developed a care program for their missionary kids. Jaci is excited to continue this work as a children’s trainer in the Compass program.

In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors—especially on a lake—knitting, and reading. She is a self-proclaimed coffee snob and loves watching the Minnesota Vikings and college basketball.

Andrea (Gradin) Tepley

Language Coordinator

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Andrea (Gradin) Tepley

Language Coordinator

Andrea grew up as a missionary kid at MTI. Her parents, Dwight and Barbara Gradin, began the PILAT language program when she was young, following their service with Wycliffe in Viet Nam. Growing up in the MTI environment, she developed a deep love for missionary kids and language.

As a teen and young adult, Andrea served on the CHIPs team and as a phonetics instructor. Her work as a teacher in a Christian elementary school opened the door for several summers abroad teaching English in Siberia and serving alongside mission workers in the region.

Andrea loves helping people grow in confidence as they approach language learning. She and her husband, Ryan, have three children who love being MTI “staff kids,” just as she did. Their family enjoys sporting events, game nights, and time with friends and extended family.

Jeff Brake

Trainer

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Jeff Brake

Trainer

Jeff served in Russia as a single missionary and later married Amy, a fellow missionary. He worked as a professor in order to remain in the country while also serving a local church plant. Over eight years, his primary work included church planting, teaching English, and community development.

Jeff has served at Mission Training International since 2015 as a pre-field trainer, coach, and debriefer.

His hobbies include parenting two children, studying neuroscience, and engaging in spiritual formation.

Andy Bowen

Trainer

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Andy Bowen

Trainer

Andy was born and raised in Kenya, where his parents served as missionaries. As a child, he loved hearing the many languages around him and quickly developed a passion for language learning. He discovered a natural ear for language sounds and a fascination with the structure and unpredictability of human language.

For 30 years, he lived and worked in Paraguay, helping missionaries from diverse backgrounds learn Guarani, the national language. He has loved MTI for many years and is excited to help new cross-cultural ministers of the Gospel become joyful, enthusiastic, and successful language learners.

Andy is married to Lizet, who is Bolivian, and they have three boys, all born in Paraguay. They currently live in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Sally Strnad

Trainer

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Sally Strnad

Trainer

Sally served with The Navigators for twelve years, focusing primarily on campus ministry. Eight of those years were spent in Shizuoka, Japan. Before moving to Japan, she completed the Compass program in fall 2014, which shaped her conviction in quality training that helps people thrive overseas.

Sally returned to the United States in 2023 and joined the MTI Compass adult team in June of that year.

She loves drinking green tea, cheering for the Kansas Jayhawks, playing the piano, and anything Disney-related.

Dwight Gradin

Trainer

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Dwight Gradin

Trainer

In the 1960s, Dwight and his wife Barbara (now with Jesus) served in Viet Nam with Wycliffe Bible Translators during the Viet Nam War. They worked among the Jeh, a minority language group in the Central Highlands near the Laos border. Dwight played a key role in helping the Jeh develop a written language.

The Gospel reached the Jeh through Vietnamese missionaries, sparking a people movement as entire villages turned to the Lord. The full Bible has since been translated by the Jeh themselves.

The Gradins joined MTI in 1971 when it was based in the Detroit area of Michigan and moved with the organization to Colorado Springs in 1992. Dwight has served in many roles, including Acting President (1987–89), though his primary focus has been language acquisition. He has specialized in developing learner-directed language learning techniques and resources for missionaries. From 1993 to 2016, Dwight also launched and coordinated the International Congress on Language Learning (ICLL).

Tracy Henderson

CHIPs Trainer

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Tracy Henderson

CHIPs Trainer

Tracy grew up as a third culture kid, born in Germany and raised in Spain, Japan, and America. After hearing and believing the Gospel in college, she married and served in Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and Colorado.

Along the way, she had five boys who have grown to love the Lord. She now has TCK grandchildren in Japan, where her son’s family serves, and a grandson nearby in Colorado.

Serving children and women for over 30 years has been a blessing, as pointing people to God makes her heart sing.

Emily Skinner

CHIPs Trainer

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Emily Skinner

CHIPs Trainer

Emily started at MTI in 2015 and serves as the primary trainer for the toddler class in the Compass program. A preacher’s kid from North Carolina, she holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in teaching.

She brings over two decades of experience working with children of all ages, including interning in a Montessori preschool, directing an elementary summer camp, and teaching junior high and high school history and Bible. As a ministry kid herself, she is deeply grateful for the opportunity to invest in other ministry kids at MTI.

When not teaching, Emily enjoys cheering for her favorite sports teams, watching movies, hiking, exploring new foods, and being “Auntie Em” to her niece and nephews.

Emma Huber

CHIPs Trainer

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Emma Huber

CHIPs Trainer

Emma spent four years of her childhood in a deaf village in Jamaica, where her parents served as missionaries. After returning to the United States and completing college at Moody Bible Institute, she developed a passion for working with TCKs.

Emma started at MTI in 2023 and has enjoyed learning how to support and equip the whole family as they prepare for life overseas.