Coaches ask many questions of the people they see yet each one needs to know something about the coach, too!  People choose coaches just as coaches choose whom they coach.

Personal Background

I grew up in Wisconsin and have been married to Bob Klika for 36 years who is active as a Federal Milk Certification Program Leader for the State of Wisconsin. We have two daughters; one single and in college and one married with three children..

Faith Background

My church background was in the Lutheran church which I attended all though school age years with my parents and siblings. As an adult, I have been active in many roles from choir member to handbell choir director, VBS teacher and music leader, Sunday School teacher for children and later, as a Certified Bethel Bible Series Instructor for adults.

As is true for so many people, graduate school in Social Work led to a questioning and deeper examination of my faith. An intersection of life, concerns as a parent for the well being of our daughter as she grew up in such a challenging world of peer pressure, and professional work with those who had been severely traumatized through various occult backgrounds, led to a more serious focus on drawing near to God for the wisdom and understanding.

In the mid 80's this focus drew me into a study and practice of prayer and personal spiritual disciplines.  When people who came for therapy also began to bring in concerns about toxic faith, spiritual concerns, and demonic harrassment, I increased my awareness of such matters through regular attendance at International Center for Biblical Counseling (Now known as Deeper Walk, Int.) International Seminars and a wide range of study, both secular and faith based.  In the early 90's as I opened my own outpatient mental health clinic, Still Waters, I understood the need to integrate faith into my services. This led to 2 1/2 years of intense study and preparation to teach through the Bethel Bible Series and the decision to declare Still Waters as a Christian Counseling agency.   

The overview of Scripture and the understanding of the wider scope of covenant promises throughout all of it from Genesis to Revelation led to a desire to know more which led to three years of study with Precepts Ministries and finally to study the Hebraic roots of our faith since 2001. 

By this time, it was clear that it is not integrating faith INTO secular mental health practice that was most important, but faith in the person and work of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus of Nazareth that is beyond the scope of the mind, will and emotional considerations alone. While mental health services can help people to cope more effectively, they cannot offer the spiritual grounding and strength and restoration in which our Messiah specializes. 

I  founded Set Apart Ministries in 2000 with Bob Klika and Janell Schroeder as a ministry dedicated to coming alongside those in need of prayerful support and help. In 2002, Set Apart Ministries scope and mission statement grew wider and became a faith based Messianic community in which I serve as the undershepherd, together with Janell Schroeder, B.B.A.