Board of Directors
GABE BERGHUIS [he/him/his]
Director [2025]
Gabe is a tall friendly face that loves community. From close friends and family, to Moped Army (yes that's a real thing) and most recently starting a community bike team, he has gravitated to and helped foster and grow bonds between people. He works as a software consultant/delivery lead at Atomic Object, connecting with people and building relationships.
At home, Gabe loves hanging out and adventuring with his kids Fletcher (8) and Clementine (7) and wife Ali. They enjoy hiking, camping and biking together. Gabe also enjoys tackling "big dumb" mountain bike rides and races with friends.
ABBY BLACK [she/her/hers]
Director [2026]
Abby has been a professional librarian for over a decade specializing in early literacy and youth services for the Kent District Library. She is currently working as an early literacy specialist for The Makers Creative. More recently, she has received training in Restorative Practices through the International Institute of Restorative Practices Facilitators, and is passionate about creating inclusive spaces for people to be seen and heard.
Abby is a mother of four smart and fiery daughters in Grand Rapids with her life-long adventure partner. They spend most of their free time mountain biking and soaking in creation. Abby is currently obsessed with Post Malone and Rocket Raccoon - both of whom inspire her to embrace her feistiness and awful tattoos.
ALEX BLANSKI [he/him/his]
Director [2026]
Alex loves big questions, deep conversations, and connecting with people - especially when good food is involved. He is eager to learn from unlikely sources and try to see things from a different perspective. He has pursued these passions through his career in cancer research, his love of photography, his studies in the art of pizza making, and his involvement in communities like Open Circle. But he has learned the most from his wife and their four children; all of whom inspire him, challenge him, and eat his pizza.
MOLLS SCHUTTER [they/them]
Director [2024]
Molls is a freelance artist and graphic designer who works with a variety of mediums and clients. Their years of experience working in camp settings has given them the ability to create experiences of all kinds, but particularly experiences for spiritual formation. They are passionate about creating inclusive spiritual spaces and in particular care about creating healing and affirming spiritual spaces for the queer community.
Molls is passionate about all things creative and you can usually find them on some kind of off-the-wall art adventure, from making embroidery art to putting silly sayings on pies, creating an at home 18 hole mini golf experience or dreaming up whimsical photo shoots. They are also a top tier celebrator and believe in celebrating everything, including (and maybe especially) the things that seem most mundane.
JANET STARK [she/her/hers]
Director, President + Secretary [2025]
Janet Stark has been part of Open Circle from the beginning, excited about the chance to be part of re-imagining and fostering authentic, inclusive community. Janet spent several years as a leader for a non-profit organization that facilitated story groups, which created a strong belief in the healing power of sitting in a circle and allowing yourself to be fully known in the context of safe relationships.
Janet recently completed her MSW degree, and currently works with individuals and couples in a small counseling collective practice. She dreams of future opportunities based on the intersection of her training with Open Circle’s mission beyond Sunday gatherings. Janet and her husband, Chris are parents to three adult children, who live around the country, offering consistent travel opportunities. A lover of story in any form, she is most happy curled up under a soft blanket with a good novel; but she also loves creating space around the table for cultivating meaningful connection with her family and friends.
JASON STOUB [he/him/his]
Director, Treasurer [2025]
Jason has spent twenty years as a small business owner in Grand Rapids before becoming a professional personal and business coach. While working as a business owner, he spent much of his free time serving with others in leading small groups for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Now with more free time, he enjoys cycling in many forms and the community around it. Jason is married to an incredibly talented artist and has three children.
J Tower [he/him/his]
Director, Vice-President [2024]
J as he's known to friends, is a husband, a father, and the owner of Trailhead Technology Partners, a custom software consulting company with employees located around the world. His job often requires him to travel, mostly to speak at software conferences, but J doesn't mind too much. It gives him an excuse to visit more of the National Parks, a passion of his, proven by the fact that he's currently made it to 56 of the 63.
J also has a passion for building community, and has served on several non-profit boards over the years as a result. Currently, J sits on the SoftwareGR board, a non-profit trade organization dedicated to building the software industry in West Michigan. He also started Beer City Code, a software conference, and has served as president on that board for the last 9 years.
J lives with his wife Brooke and their two teenage children, Luke and Lauren. In his free time, J loves hiking, reading, photography, and trying to see all the best picture nominees before the Oscars ceremony.
If you think you or someone you know would be a fabulous addition to our team, contact us by emailing info@opencirclecommunity.org.