Debbie Durrell 

Debbie was hired as the Executive Director of Lois' Lodge in 2002. She has a Bachelors degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University and a Masters degree in Counseling through Liberty University. Her past experience includes over ten years of working with the Child Welfare system as a caseworker and as the administrator of a group home for teen-aged girls; coordinating a prevention program for a crisis pregnancy ministry; and serving as the community organizer for a school district. Debbie and her husband, Dwight have been married for 27 years. They have two children, Jessica, who is a graduate of Gardner Webb University and Justin, who attends Wingate University where he will be a Junior. Dwight sells personal line insurance through Amica Mutual Insurance Company. The family attends Hickory Grove Baptist Church.

Houseparent Couple

Gerry and Eileen Potoka

Eileen was involved in at church at age 19 that taught that "every believer is a minister".  She took that to heart and started one on one discipleship of women when she was in her early 20's.  In her mid thirties she and her husband Gerry felt the call to full time ministry so they quit their jobs and moved to Columbia, South Carolina. At that time, Gerry began attending school to become a pastor.  Eileen has taught Sunday School, women's Bible studies, and discipled women all of her adult life. She has been a Pastor's wife for 14 years.  Gerry and Eileen were foster parents for emotionally handicapped children for five years and adopted a daughter.  They have three grown children, Gerry Jr., age 30, April, age 31 and Joel, age 27.  Eileen sees her role at Lois' Lodge as a natural transition into a ministry that she has already participated in for many years- coming alongside women who are hurting.  Her desire is to help raise up a Godly generation of young women who will in turn minister to the next generation.

Development Coordinator/Volunteer Coordinator

Dawn Guptill

Dawn joined our team in February, 2006.  Dawn has served as a volunteer missionary in Nicaragua, as well as leading prayer and outreach teams along side her husband Steve. Her desire is to live an authentic life and encourage all Christians to "be real" with each other and be peacemakers, following the biblical command to help carry one another's burdens. Dawn and Steve have been married for 18 years and are blessed with two children; Andrew, 17 and Elisabeth, 10. She attended Indiana State University and brings several years of experience in marketing and administration, both in corporate and non-profit arenas.The Guptills have lived in Charlotte for 18 years and attend Steele Creek Church of Charlotte.

Independent Living Coordinator &

Administrative Assistant

Nancy King 

After working for a year as a Resident Coordinator at Lois' Lodge, Nancy has moved into the role of Independent Living Coordinator. She is uniquely qualified for this position because in the past, Nancy was employed as the Transitional Housing Director at Jackson Park Ministries for five years.  While there she established and developed a program for single women, with children, which taught budgeting and general life skills.  This program taught clients to become better parents, better employees and stronger in their faith.  She has also worked as a Certified Housing Counselor for Community Link.  Nancy has her bachelor's degree in counseling through New Life Theological Seminary. She is married to Charles and has three grown children. The following scriptures guide Nancy in her work at Lois' Lodge:

Titus 2:3  The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teaching of good things.

Titus 2:7  In all thing showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine, showing integrity, reverence, uncorruptability.

Resident Coordintor

Shirley Hunter

Shirley is the second shift Resident Coordinator at Lois' Lodge. Shirley joined our team in February of 2006.  Prior to coming to Lois' Lodge, she worked in the uniform business for 18 years in several different positions. Her desire has been to work in ministry and she feels very strongly that God has opened this door to her.  Shirley believes that what she brings most to this job is personal experience.  She was pregnant at 17 and again at 19 and feels that she can be a support to other women experiencing this challenge. She believes that her life would have been much different if she has an opportunity to receive guidance and encouragement through a ministry such as Lois' Lodge. Shirley volunteers at Jackson Park ministry.  Her greatest desire is to "make a difference in the life of some else by directing them to the true source of change and renewal, Jesus Christ".   Shirley has been married to Jerry for 22 years. She has two adult children- Mike and Tara.  The family attends Steele Creek Church of Charlotte.  One of her favorite scriptures is Psalms 34:8. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.