about US

We take God’s Word into some of the hardest places, reaching many of those caught in the cycle of addiction, sexual exploitation, and trauma. Our mission is to make disciples of Christ, seeing those who were once outcasts transformed into witnesses.

WHO WE ARE

  • NorthEast of the Well began because a few people heard and obeyed God’s call to GO. They stepped into an unfamiliar place and brought God’s Word to residents in a county recovery program. The result was newfound relationships with God and each other– as well as dramatically changed lives. This group longed to remain connected; they needed a place to stay encouraged in Christ and accountable in sobriety. A group of men, women, and children began to meet regularly to enjoy fellowship, worship, and Biblical teaching. In addition, people continued to GO out into dark and desperate places to share a message of hope with those still in need. As the mission continued, NorthEast of the Well was born.

    Over the past few years, our ministry has expanded to cover new territory and reach many more lives seeking change. We reach out locally, gather in community, and raise up new leaders. Through all we do, the vision of NorthEast of the Well remains the same: We take God’s Word into some of the hardest places, reaching those caught in addiction, sexual exploitation, and trauma. Our mission is to make disciples of Christ and see those who were once outcasts transformed into witnesses.

  • “Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see about a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?’” John 4:28-29. The name NorthEast of the Well comes from the scripture passage in which an outcast woman has a life-changing encounter with Christ. She was living a life she was ashamed of, marked by sin and failure. This woman came to a well to draw water at midday, in hopes of avoiding those who would judge and look down upon her.

    Christ met her there with intention. He validated her worth; he spoke truth into her situation. Despite her attempt to remain unseen, the Savior saw her. He called her to higher living and freedom from sin. Forever, this woman was changed by the Man she met at the well. With excitement and passion, she returned to her hometown, which was located “northeast of the well.” She told others what she had seen and heard, spreading the message of grace. In this beautiful transformation, the outcast became the witness.

    We believe Christ always makes the first move: Christ sought her–Christ saw her–Christ spoke with her. We at NorthEast of the Well aim to find people where they’re at; in their current state, space, and situation. We step outside, we seek them out, and we give them the hope of Jesus. We believe that an encounter with Christ results in a life changed for the better, and we continue to beckon others with this call: “Come, see about a Man …”

  • While no claim is made that the corporation’s Statement of Faith contains all Biblical truth, the Board asserts that it encompasses the corporation’s fundamental beliefs as further described and supported in the following scriptures:

    - We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is the final authority for all we believe and how we are to live (Matthew 5:18; John 10:35, 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

    - We believe that the one true God exists eternally in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that these, being one God, are equal in deity, power, and glory. We believe that God not only created the world but also now upholds, sustains, governs, and providentially directs all that exists and that He will bring all things to their proper consummation in Christ Jesus to the glory of His name (Psalms 104, 139; Matthew 10:29-31, 28:19; Acts 17:24-28; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 1:9-12, 4:4-6; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 1:4-6).

    - We believe that Satan, originally a great and good angel, rebelled against God, taking a multitude of angels with him. He was cast out of God’s presence and is at work with his demonic hosts to establish his counter-kingdom of darkness and evil on the earth. Satan was judged and defeated at the cross of Christ and will, at the end of the age, be cast forever into the lake of fire which has been prepared for him and his angels (Matthew 12:25-29, 25:41; John 12:31, 16:11; Ephesians 6:10-20, Colossians 2:15; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7-9, 20:10).

    - We believe that Adam was originally created in the image of God, righteous and without sin. Asserting his free will, Adam chose to disobey God and sin entered the world and death through sin, which was spread to all of mankind. All are therefore sinners by nature and by choice, separated from God and subject to His wrath unto judgment and death, wholly unable to save themselves or to contribute in any way to their acceptance with God. (Genesis 1-3; Psalm 51:5; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 3:9-18, 5:12-21; Ephesians 2:1-3).

    - We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, that he was conceived and born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and offered himself as a penal, substitutionary sacrifice for sinners. By the blood of his cross he obtained for us eternal redemption, the forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting. He was raised bodily on the third day and ascended to the right hand of the Father, there to make intercession for the saints (Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-18; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15: 1-28; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:10-14; Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:15-23; Hebrews 7:25, 9:13-15, 10:19; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 1 John 2:1-2).

    - We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. No ordinance, ritual, work, or any other activity on the part of man is required in order to be saved. This saving grace of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, also sanctifies us by enabling us to do what is pleasing in God’s sight in order that we might be progressively conformed to the image of Christ (John 1:12-13, 6:37-44, 10:25-30; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 3-4, 8:1-17, 8:31-39, 10:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12-13; Titus 3:3-7; 1 John 1:7, 9).

    - We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ baptized believers in the Holy Spirit, in whom we are also sealed for the day of redemption. The Holy Spirit regenerates, forever indwells, and graciously equips the Christian for godly living and service. Following conversion, the Spirit desires to continuously fill, empower, and anoint believers for ministry and witness. We also believe that signs and wonders, as well as all the gifts of the Spirit described in the New Testament, are operative today and are designed to testify to the presence of the Kingdom and to empower and edify the Church to fulfill its calling and mission (Matthew 3:11, John 1:12-13, 3:1-15; Acts 4:29-30; Romans 8:9, 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Galatians 3:1-5; Ephesians 1:13-14, 5:18).

    - We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two sacraments of the Church to be observed until the time of Christ’s return. They are not a means of salvation but are a means of God’s sanctifying grace and blessings to the faithful in Christ Jesus (Matthew 26:26-29, 28:19; Romans 6:3-11; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34; 1 Peter 3:21).

    - We believe that the Church is God’s primary instrument through which He is fulfilling His redemptive purposes on the earth. To equip the saints for the work of the ministry, God has given the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. We also affirm the priesthood of all believers and the importance of every Christian being joined with and actively involved in a local community of the saints. We believe that women and men are called and gifted to proclaim the gospel and do all the works of the kingdom and that the method ordained by God for the support of His ministry is through the giving of tithes and freewill offerings (Malachi 3:10; Matthew 16:17-19; Acts 2:17-18, 2:42; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Ephesians 3:14-21, 4:11-16; 1 Timothy 2:11-15; Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10).

    - We believe in the equality and essential dignity of men and women of all races and classes. We recognize that all persons are made in the image of God and are to reflect that image in the community of believers, in the home, and in society. We believe in the family, celibate singleness, and faithful monogamous heterosexual marriage between a man and a woman as the patterns God designed for us (Genesis 1:26-28; Galatians 3:26-29).

    - We believe that God has called the Church to proclaim the gospel to all nations. Part of that proclamation must include remembering the poor, widows, and orphans, and ministering to their needs through sacrificial giving and practical service. This ministry is an expression of the heart of the Lord Jesus Christ and is an essential part of the Kingdom of God (Isaiah 58:6-12, 61:1; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 4:18, 21:1-4; Galatians 2:10; 1 Timothy 6:8; John 4:28-31).

    - We believe in the literal second coming of Christ at the end of the age when he will return to the earth personally and visibly to consummate his Kingdom. We also believe in and are praying for a great end-time harvest of souls (Psalms 2:7-9, 22:27-28; John 14:12, 17:20-26; Romans 11:25-32; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, 15:50-58; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12; Revelation 7:9-14).

    - We believe that when the Christian dies he/she passes immediately into the blessed presence of Christ, there to enjoy conscious fellowship with the Savior until the day of the resurrection and glorious transformation of the body. The saved will then forever dwell in fellowship with their great Triune God. We also believe that when the unbeliever dies he/she is consigned to Hades, there to await the Day of Judgment when he/she shall be punished with eternal separation from the presence of God (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:19-31; John 5:25-29; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Philippians 1:19-26, 3:20-21; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 20:11-15, 21:1-22:15).

  • - Biblical: Everything we do is based on a passion to share the Word of God with those who are thirsty. Not only do we rely on the Bible as the sole guiding Truth for how we live, but we trust in the Holy Spirit to transform us from broken individuals into the likeness of Jesus.

    - Relational: NorthEast nurtures individuals by teaching and modeling the Christian life, and building disciples one by one through intentional relationships and the sharing of our lives.

    - Empowering: NorthEast empowers people to grow from passive receivers to active agents of their own transformation by offering hope and helping them discover their purpose through a new identity in Christ.

    - Generational impact: We strengthen the next generation by assisting parents to become healthy role models, and by nurturing children to know they are valued and loved by God.

    - Collaborative: NorthEast partners with other organizations that extend the reach and provide a network of resources that serve our community holistically.

  • "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes." —Isaiah 54:2

    As we wrap up over a decade of ministry, my prayer is that as Kingdom workers, we never remain complacent with where we are, but continue to be open and obedient to God’s calling. We will “enlarge the place of our tent” by taking God’s Word into some of the hardest places, reaching those caught in addiction, trauma, and sexual exploitation. Our mission at NorthEast of the Well is to make disciples of Christ and see those who were once outcasts transformed into witnesses. Our ministry is expanding, and we are now in 21 different recovery programs, we host three weekly large gatherings, and we minister to those being trafficked in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We continue to be obedient to His will to go and vote with our feet.

    Our name, NorthEast of the Well, was inspired by the story of an outcast woman who had a life-changing encounter with Jesus and returned to her village, located northeast of the well, to share her testimony. The outcast became the witness. NorthEast’s highly relational ministry model reaches the unchurched and the lost by bringing the gospel to them, whether they are in a recovery program, safe house, or jail. This is how the gospel spreads: one changed life at a time. Please consider supporting NorthEast of the Well through a financial contribution or volunteering with our ministry (Give, Pray, Volunteer). Thank you for partnering with us in faith.

    - Laura Johnson-Suk

Our Team

LAURA JOHNSON-SUK

OUR FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Laura is the Founder and Executive Director of NorthEast of the Well. Her ministry career is marked by a burden for the gospel and a passion for reaching the marginalized. She uses her own story of addiction, recovery, and faith to identify with others struggling with generational patterns of brokenness and sin. She has spent the past 25 years in mission work, including local community development, global evangelism, disaster relief, motel ministry, and jail ministry. Laura founded NorthEast of the Well as a way for new mothers graduating from a county rehab program to stay connected and grow in their faith. The ministry started with a couple of people, a keyboard, and a Bible in her living room. Above all else, Laura has a deep and undeniable calling to teach the Word of God. She stands firm on Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

  • Shaneen Coston

    Donor Relations & Volunteer Engagement

    God restored Shaneen from a six-year battle with her heroin addiction by bringing her through the doors of Teen Challenge. During her studies at their Bible college, Shaneen interned with NorthEast and found her heart was drawn to the community. After a mission trip to Romania, she joined the team in 2018. After five years of serving as Director of Outreach, she has stepped into the role of Donor Relations & Volunteer Engagement, still using her gifts for God’s Kingdom. She has been able to oversee and help lead the Jail to Jerusalem trips and leads the human trafficking trauma training. Shaneen stands on the scripture that “Jesus came to seek and save the lost.” Luke 19:10.

  • SARAH COVARRUBIAS

    Operations Manager & Executive Assistant

    Sarah struggled with drugs for 14 years, lost custody of two children, and was in and out of jail/prison. While in a county recovery program, NorthEast brought a Bible study and introduced her to Jesus Christ. She began a relationship with Him, and built a foundation she is still standing on 12 years later. Sarah has been on the Jail to Jerusalem trip twice and has been equipped to teach the Word of God. Sarah is Laura Suk’s executive assistant, and she handles ministry operations and oversees the Newport area. She quotes Isaiah 43:18-19: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

  • MARCO BARRIENTOS

    Lead Teaching & Creative Director

    Marco grew up in the church but had a radical encounter with Jesus as he was studying marketing and playing college football at SMU. He was pursuing his dream of playing pro, but God had another plan. Marco went on to attend Hillsong International Leadership College, training in pastoral leadership as he knew he was being called to a life of ministry. He then moved to Argentina and stepped in as the creative pastor for Hillsong Latin America. After spending two years in Argentina, he was called back to the USA where he has been passionately pursuing God’s calling in his life through working with the marginalized, evangelizing, and discipling those around him. Marco has a deep passion and desire to bring the gospel to places where it is rarely made available, to see the Church united and come alive by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. He lives by this scripture, “God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory” 1 Timothy 3:16.

  • IRMA DRUMMOND

    Director of Outreach & Human Trafficking

    Irma came to know NorthEast through a ministry partner where she has been attending for over 20 years. After hearing the team share about the ministry, she had a serious desire to be bold in God's prompting to go serve and teach others about the power of Christ's love. Despite a painful childhood upbringing involving addiction in the home, God has sustained Irma through her life. The goodness of God has continuously reminded her that she is His child and she has a desire to share that with others. She is a former Pre-K teacher, has been married to her husband, Thomas, for 25 years, and has two adult children. She stands on Isaiah 41:10 and Jeremiah 29:11.

  • Tim Suk

    Staff Care Pastor & Teaching

    Tim came to the Lord in 1995 while in jail. The following year, he entered the doors of Teen Challenge. Tim graduated from Bible college at the Teen Challenge Ministry Institute. This equipped him for 21 years on staff at Teen Challenge, three of which were in Hawaii. Tim was the Director of Orange County Teen Challenge until he suffered a stroke in 2019. Despite this, he continues to serve as the Chaplain of Southern California Teen Challenge. Tim is the Chaplain for NorthEast of the Well where he provides mentoring and discipling for the staff and community. Tim’s mission work includes a trip to help rebuild communities after Hurricane Katrina and training Bible study leaders in Romania, Ukraine, and Russia. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and is married to Laura Suk, Founder and Executive Director of NorthEast of the Well.

  • GAIL BURKS-STANSELL

    Pastor of Teaching & Discipleship

    Gail’s passion is to actively engage in ministry outside of the four walls of the local church as a way to intentionally carry out The Great Commission (Matt. 28). She has a heart to serve the marginalized and share the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. For 30 years, Gail has spent her life teaching, preaching, and serving women from all walks of life. Gail holds a Masters in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, is married with one son, and has two grandsons. Her life scripture is Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who have been called according to his purpose.”

  • NICK NEAG

    Men’s Teaching Associate & Outreach Coordinator

    Nick was lost addicted to heroin, meth, cocaine, xanax, and alcohol. He was a trash can for drugs and did what he wanted when he wanted with no regard for anyone around him. This lifestyle of sin led him to the doors of Teen Challenge. After graduating Teen Challenge and continuing to Bible College, he had the opportunity to intern at NorthEast of the Well. Upon graduating, he joined the team and is part of the men’s teaching team and outreach. Nick stands on the scripture, “Let your roots grow down into him and let your lives be built on Him, then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” Colossians 2:7.

  • LORENA PADILLA

    Outreach & Human Trafficking Coordinator

    Lorena is a survivor of human trafficking and suffered sexual abuse from family members for most of her young life. At 13 years old, she became addicted to meth, cocaine, and heroin, and was in and out of the system for 14 years with her addiction. As her life was spiraling, she lost custody of her two sons and was being pursued by a church who wanted to help. Lorena didn’t want anything to do with them or God. In 2007, she found herself pregnant again and at rock bottom; she didn’t want to do it anymore. She reached out to that church and was given the resources to stay clean, get off the streets, and had someone walking through the process with her. Lorena came to know the Lord and today she celebrates 15 years of sobriety. She is raising her son and daughter and has restored relationships with her two oldest boys. In 2022, Lorena was introduced to NorthEast of the Well and her heart aligned with the mission. She serves as the Outreach and Human Trafficking Coordinator where she ministers to women who are in the same situation as she once was. Lorena stands on Jeremiah 29:11-14.

  • LISA COLLENBAUGH

    Outreach Coordinator

    Lisa is living, walking proof of the Lord working in her life. Prior to receiving Jesus, Lisa's life was plagued by a 20-year meth and alcohol addiction that led to homelessness, crime, and time in jail and prison. Lisa met NorthEast when they brought a Bible study to the sober living home where she was staying. Later, while working at a drug rehab in Costa Mesa, she found herself at the gas station across from their office. Recognizing their sign, Lisa invited them to bring a Bible study to the rehab where she was working, already an advocate for the ministry! Lisa joined the NorthEast staff in 2022 and wants to help those who are in the shoes she once walked in; to those who want it. The scripture she stands on is John 15:16-17: "This is my command: Love each other.”

  • PACHI WATHEN

    Children’s Ministry Lead

    Pachi came to NorthEast of the Well in 2010 when it was still a grassroots ministry holding Bible studies in living rooms. Born in Brazil to a poor, broken family with an abusive alcoholic father, Pachi was five years old when her mom escaped the relationship and worked hard to provide for her. A few years later, her father took his own life. Struggling with the weight of trauma, Pachi met the wrong crowd and started using drugs from acid and pot to cocaine. In desperation, she planned to take her own life when Jesus intervened through a man who shared God’s love for her. She accepted Christ in 1993. Pachi soon attended Bible college and began her work with street kids and prostitutes in Sao Paolo. Today, Pachi works in children’s ministry and has a passion to raise up children who know the intimate name of Jesus. Her life verse is Job 42: 5-6: “My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.”

  • ALFREDO HERNANDEZ

    Worship, Technology & Communications Associate

    After six years of fighting a meth and heroin addiction, Freddy was ready to give everything to God and was led to the doors of Teen Challenge Orange County. Once he finished his time at TCOC, he wanted to dive deeper into his walk and continued to the TC Ministry Institute where he was introduced to NorthEast of the Well. He was pulled into what the ministry was about and all He could think was, “How can I be a part of this?” The mission of NorthEast aligned with his desire to go to the places that no one else was even thinking about. He started by engaging with our community and leading worship as a volunteer at our gatherings. Today, Freddy celebrates over two years of sobriety and joined the staff as a Worship Associate and Tech Support.

  • Gardner Shearouse

    Staff Accountant

    I accepted Christ as a young kid, as I aged I became the center of my own life. But while at Georgia State, God convicted me of selfishness and invited me to live a life of purpose. In his kindness, he invited me to make himself the center of my life. Part of what that looked like was working hard to receive an accounting degree without knowing how God would use it. Upon my surrender, through a friend I heard about the ministry of NorthEast of the Well and I felt God call me to love others more than myself and use my gifts to serve the kingdom. Psalm 23:3 is important to me: “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” I believe that God is most glorified when I live my life for him and others, rather than for myself.

  • CHELSEA LEI RABANAL

    Worship Associate

    Chelsea was raised in Hawaii until she came to California in 2010 to attend Loyola Marymount University. With her MS in Psychology, background as an ABA therapist for children with autism, and experience as a preschool teacher, Chelsea has always had a servant’s heart. But what truly brings her joy, is worshiping the Lord. NorthEast is God’s answer to Chelsea’s prayer to minister to the hearts of those seeking freedom and the healing love of Christ. She delights in worship to intimately encounter the Lord, receive revelation about the Word, and intercede for others. Chelsea is passionate about raising up worshippers in spirit and truth, and feels blessed to be part of an authentic ministry that brings light to the darkness.

  • Joshua wathen

    Worship Associate

    Joshua spent his life in the Church, finding a connection with the Lord and His presence through music and worship. Joshua studied worship arts at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ, while also serving as the worship intern at a local church. These connections eventually launched him into full-time ministry in Southern California where he has been the worship pastor at Calvary Church of Santa Ana since 2017. In addition to church ministry, Joshua has a passion for seeing people embrace the freedom found in walking in dependence upon the Lord. With music as the vehicle, Joshua loves the opportunity to usher people into spaces where they can palpably experience God's presence and movement in their lives. Joshua stands on Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides still waters.”

  • JASMINE O'HEA

    Communications Associate

    Jasmine is passionate about the stories of life-change that God is writing through NorthEast of the Well and hopes to share those stories with as many people as possible. She received a BA in Communication and Theater from Wheaton College and serves as a teaching artist at South Coast Repertory. Jasmine has volunteered at over a dozen correctional facilities across the country where she witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit to bring hope and light. It is her prayer that all heartbroken people in need of healing will surrender to Christ, the Word made flesh.

  • BRIONNA BENNETT

    Intern

    At a young age, Briona was exposed to drug use, crime, and prostitution. Most of her teen years were spent in and out of juvenile detention centers and drug and alcohol treatment programs. She started working the streets of Los Angeles, and eventually lost custody of her three children. In 2020, Briona felt lost and broken. She was in and out of extremely toxic, abusive relationships, and tormented by guilt and shame. When she became pregnant a fourth time, Briona knew something had to change. At a church service in 2021, Briona accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. This led her to seek treatment at Vera’s Sanctuary where she met team members from NorthEast of the Well at a Bible study. She moved to Prototypes, a reunification program for women getting their children back, and NorthEast continued to pour into her. Since then, Briona has been putting one foot in front of the other on the path God set before her. She has been clean for over 18 months, has full custody of her baby, and God has restored her relationships with her other children. She stands on Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

  • A.J. Polangco

    Intern

    A.J. was born to teen parents in the San Diego area. He grew up going to church, but by his early teens he was an atheist and addicted to drugs and alcohol. A.J. lived a life of partying and heavy substance use. When his mother was diagnosed with cancer, he did all he could to support her, but she passed away in 2015 and he spiraled even deeper into his addiction. A.J. used meth for two years until he had a stroke. As he was being wheeled into the operating room for heart surgery, he prayed, “Lord, please forgive me!” When he woke up, A.J. knew God had given him a second chance at life. A.J. graduated from Teen Challenge, completed their 4-month apprenticeship, then enrolled at the Teen Challenge Ministry Institute in 2023. Today, he stands on the verse James 1:22 “But be doers of God’s Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” God has shown him that having all the Bible knowledge means nothing if it is not followed up with a genuine, heartfelt obedience to His Word.

  • LAUREN BENJAMIN

    Worship Associate

    Lauren is all about knowing Jesus and making Him known to the world. She grew up serving God, but felt a radical shift during college when she discovered that her true identity is not based on her ministry performance, talents, culture, or status, but that it is found in knowing Jesus intimately. Lauren finds passion in utilizing the vehicle of musical worship to help others grow in the knowledge of God, experience His presence, and break free from bondage. It is no wonder that she is drawn to NorthEast.

board of directors

  • Marty is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bixby Land Company, a privately owned commercial real estate company based in Newport Beach, California. He has been with Bixby since 2010 and directs all of the capital markets, financial planning and budgeting, risk management, tax, and accounting for the company. Marty’s real estate finance career spans over 37 years and started in public accounting after graduating from Boston College. Marty and his wife Gail live in Newport Beach and have three grown children. Marty’s commitment to his faith led him to serve at NorthEast and oversee the financial sustainability of the organization.

  • John Marcheschi retired as International President of Guess Watches in 2013. He was a board member for one of the largest faith-based senior-living nonprofits, ACTS Retirement Life, for 23 years and saw it grow from 14 communities to over 28. He has served and chaired numerous committees, contributing in the areas of executive spiritual life and technology and innovation. Upon his retirement, John moved west with his wife, Marian, to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He currently mentors young businessmen and leads bible studies for couples and men. It was at one of these bible studies that he met Laura Suk, the Executive Director of NorthEast of the Well. After learning more about NorthEast’s work in the community, John wanted to get involved. “I see this ministry as an opportunity to join Christ in reclaiming lives by loving the unlovable. I enjoy supporting this team of dedicated Christians to achieve their vision of a world where all trauma and addiction are eradicated by the transformative, healing power of Jesus Christ.”

  • Mary brings over 30 years of experience through various community, international, and church-related volunteer/board positions. She also serves with Powerhouse Ministries in Watts LA, reaching out to inner city children and families. Mary has personally witnessed the transforming power of Christ in the lives of many. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Nursing, specializing in education and management. In addition to healthcare consulting, Mary has held various management positions at Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, Illinois, as well as at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. Mary is blessed to have a husband, John, of 35 years, and two grown sons and a daughter-in-law. She remains committed to the Lord, and passionate about His commandment to love and serve one another in His name. “To whom much has been given, much is expected.”

  • Laura is the Founder and Executive Director of NorthEast of the Well. Her ministry career is marked by a burden for the gospel and a passion for reaching the marginalized. Laura uses her own story of addiction, recovery, and faith to identify with others struggling with generational patterns of brokenness and sin. She has spent the past 25 years in mission work, including local community development, global evangelism, disaster relief, motel ministry, and jail ministry. Laura founded NorthEast of the Well as a way for women graduating from a county rehab program, who were pregnant or had small children, to stay connected and grow in their faith. This ministry started with a couple of people, a keyboard, and a Bible in her living room. Above all else, Laura has a deep and undeniable calling to teach the Word of God. Her key verses are 1st Peter 1:3-9.

  • Charlie became a part of the community of NorthEast of the Well through his wife, Marji, who is a longtime volunteer and supporter. He served for many years as General Counsel and Board Member for Quiksilver and the Quiksilver Foundation and continues to be active in the surf industry. Charlie and Marji have been blessed with six children and 11 grandchildren. They are inspired by the scriptural and family-based vision of NorthEast of the Well.

  • Jennifer was first introduced to NorthEast at a luncheon hosted by our Women of the Well auxiliary. She immediately connected to the bold message of redemption and the real stories of changed lives. Jennifer brings her experience as a mother of three and her service to numerous OC non-profit organizations and ministries, most recently as the Deacon of Women's Ministries at Voyagers Bible Church. With a background in marketing, she and her husband of 40 years, Dave, grew a pet products company from the back of a pick-up truck to one that provided careers for 40 people. Now retired, the couple has sought God's direction as they share their passion for Him and the gifts He has given them. Jennifer is open and excited to see how God will use her to continue the NorthEast vision of reaching the lost for His glory!

  • Joel is the lead pastor of Radiant Church in Huntington Beach, CA. As a pastor’s kid and a ministry veteran of almost 30 years, Joel has been involved in the church his whole life and has seen it at its best and its worst. He’s a believer and practitioner of church collaboration for the good of the city and the Kingdom of God. Joel is an active supporter of NorthEast of the Well through small group leadership and teaching, and he fully aligns with its mission to reach the outcast and marginalized with the truth of the gospel. Joel is married to his wife, Heather, and they have two adult children together.

  • Lantz Bell has been in the investment business taking care of clients for over 40 years and is a Founder at Bell & Brown Wealth Advisors. He has been married to his wife, Nancy, for over 30 years and raised their four children in Newport Beach, CA. Lantz and Nancy have been longtime members of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and are both heavily involved in the ministries of NorthEast of the Well and Teen Challenge. Lantz has been a member of Big Canyon Country Club for over 20 years and enjoys golfing, playing pickleball, and loves serving his community.

  • Michael graduated from Boston University Law School and founded Borchard & Willougby in 1991. In 2000, he changed careers and founded M & N Foods, eventually acquiring 55 restaurants in Southern California. He then founded the Restaurant Franchise Captive Insurance company, where he served as president for 19 years. Michael is actively involved in the Newport Beach community where he lives with his wife of 33 years, Karin. They have two grown children and enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities.