One-to-One Mentoring

Dale was born in Forest Grove Oregon and raised in the Willamette Valley for most of his childhood. Dale and his wife of 26 years have 3 adult daughters and 1 son. He was a youth pastor in McMinnville for 13 years. He believes, “Our students have many negative voices that speak very loudly in their lives. We have a mission to speak life into them, bring them hope, and help them find their purpose.” 

Geanell McDonald was born and raised in Hawaii on the island of Maui. In 2013, she moved to Oregon to pursue a degree in Education. After college, she began her teaching career and became a respite care provider for children in foster care. These experiences inspired her passion for mentoring and walking along those who have a need for encouragement and guidance. Sharing the hope and love of Christ has become her purpose. In her free time, Geanell enjoys hanging out with friends & family, exploring the outdoors, fishing with her husband, music, and eating sushi.

Ali, a current student at Western Oregon University majoring in Psychology with a minor in writing. She enjoys running, baking, and outdoors. Her passions include spreading joy and God's love with peers, kids, and of course the teens within The Gate community.

Casey recently got certified as a biblical counselor and is passionate about working with youth, Casey loves to play DND and videogames and aspires to be like a big brother to those around him.

Shilah is 22 years old, recently married, and is passionate about reaching the youth of this generation with hope and community. She is a local photographer and a youth leader, who loves adventure, art, deep conversations, and Jesus.

Mykaela is 22 years old, recently married, and is super passionate about reaching the hearts of the youth today! She is from Dallas Texas and loves reading, encouraging the people around her, showing the love of Jesus, and spending time working at The Gate. 

Scott is a soon to be Western Oregon graduate, with a degree in social science. With over a year spent at The Gate, he engages in many circles at The Gate, from video games to basketball. Hoping to connect with teens and be a big brother and a positive role-model.

Mia has been an integral part of The Gate since it first opened. She attended as a student, later serving on Student Leadership team and working as Student Staff. She has now been working as a staff member for over a year now. Mia is also a volunteer firefighter at Polk 1 Fire and very involved there.
A quote she lives by is: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
She has a heart to reach the youth in this community by developing relationships with them, and helping them when they are going through hard times. She loves to play sports and music, chat and have fun with the youth as this opens their hearts to engage more deeply. She wants to show these kids that they are cared for and seen!