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History
Since 2009 The Ravines has been meeting the needs of couples who have been struggling in their marriages. When we began, we saw the need within our own church and community. From early on, God showed us the need to help marriages was even greater. Today couples have come to The Ravines from across the nation and beyond. The Ravines helps Christian couples overcome damaging dynamics in their relationship so their marriage can be healed and restored to the health and function in the way God intends.
We have a working relationship with the Quiet Waters Ministry in Colorado, a ministry that works with struggling married couples who are involved in church leadership and ministry.
Location
Mailing address: The Ravines | 100 East 81st Ave, Dyer, IN 46311
Retreat Center address: The Ravines | 12107 Belshaw Road, Lowell, IN 46356
The Ravines is a beautiful facility in Northwest Indiana. We provide guest suites for each couple, allowing the privacy necessary to focus on strengthening their relationship. The Ravines has been designed to be free of distractions, a place for couples to embark on a new direction for their marriage. We are located on nearly 10 acres of wooded property in a quiet, rural setting.
Ravines Administrative Staff
The Ravines is governed by a board of directors.
Julie Hanks, Executive Director
Julie earned her Bachelor of Science in Management from Purdue University, with minors in Organizational Behavior & Human Resources (OBHR) and Management Information Systems (MIS). She brings extensive experience in sales management, along with a strong background in marketing, fundraising, and ministry. Julie previously served two terms on the School Board at Crown Point Christian School and currently serves on the Illiana Christian School Board and the Shine.FM Advisory Board.
Now a seasoned leader of The Ravines team, Julie is grateful for the ministry’s strong foundation and remains passionate about its mission. She continues to trust God’s guidance as the organization grows and serves in new ways. Julie and her husband, Jesse, have been married for over 20 years and stay busy raising their three children.
Sue Crince, Counseling Liaison
Sue believes God has her right where He wants her at The Ravines. She is a graduate of Hope College. Her background in teaching, care, service, and mentoring has prepared her to compassionately work with our couples. She has four children.
Gary Meyer, Operations Manager
Gary retired in September of 2016 as a Director of Strategic Accounts for DecisionOne Corp. When Gary and his wife, Joy, began volunteering as hosts, the position of Operations Manager was a natural next step. Gary and Joy have been married for 40 years. They have two sons, two daughter-in-laws, and four grandchildren.
Grace Trovato, Administrative Assistance / Volunteer Coordinator
Grace has been part of The Ravines team since 2018. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She has over 20 years experience working in various positions in non-profit organizations, including a national healthcare accreditation organization, as well as an international Christian ministry.
Outside of her work at The Ravines, Grace enjoys walking her dog, playing tennis and pickleball, and spending time with her two adult sons.
Ravines Counseling Staff
The Ravines has six contracted counselors who do Christ-centered Couples Counseling Intensives. We vet our counselors carefully. They each are Christ-followers with 20-30 years of experience and have reputations for integrity in their professional and personal lives.
Hank Zwirkoski, NCC, LCPC, LMHC
Hank is an experienced Board Certified Clinician licensed in both Indiana (LMHC) and Illinois (LCPC). Prior to joining the Ravines Staff in 2009, Hank held counseling and training positions with the West Suburban YMCA Community Extension Program, the Chicago Christian Counseling Center, and the CR Youth Service Bureau.
In addition to his degrees in Psychology, Counseling, and Communications and Training, Hank has completed an Advanced Biblical Studies graduate program at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and he is an ordained minister.Hank has served the local church as a Teaching Elder, Men’s Ministry Coordinator and Pastor. Hank and his wife, Connie have been personally involved in Marriage Encounter, Retrouvaille, and ENRICH marriage ministries and have raised four children.
“I have been to many counselors and Hank is beyond knowledgeable.”
“I am amazed at the progress we made in these days. Hank is a fabulous counselor.”
“Hank’s help was invaluable. We have already seen the beginning of transformation. We are eternally grateful for this place and its impact.”
Kevin Huyser, MA, LCPC, CAMF
Kevin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Anger Management Facilitator. He is a senior member of Associates in Professional Counseling and Coaching located in suburban Chicago.
Kevin pursued Post Graduate studies in Child and Adolescent Therapy and served as Allied Professional Staff at Linden Oaks/Edwards Hospital in Naperville, Illinois.
Kevin has worked with couples, individuals, professionals and executives with difficulties in Emotional Regulation and Escalation. Trained as a Prepare and Enrich Facilitator, he has worked with many couples to identify strength and growth areas, conflict resolution, exercising emotional intelligence, and enhancing communication.
He is committed to the truth of Scripture as it applies to his life and to marriage, and believes God, as the author of relationship, is the source of all healing, nurturing, and grace.
Kevin and his wife, Lynne, have raised two children. They have two grandchildren.
“Kevin was direct and patient. He helped with all our areas of concern and gave us options for solutions. We were stuck spiritually and needed some nudging. ‘Truth, spoken in love.’”
“Kevin was very knowledgeable in his approach and did a great job of incorporating Scripture and biblical teachings in his counseling.”
John Deyo, M.A., LMFT, LPCC
John is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. He earned his Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology: Marriage & Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA. He holds an undergraduate degree in Christian Ministries from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, MN, and has worked in both clinical settings and private practice.
John’s focus areas include: Couple relationships using both Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy, affair recovery, trauma, sexual addictions, and ministry couples and adult children of ministry parents.
“I love this profession and believe that being a therapist is not only a vocation but a calling. I grew up in a dysfunctional, though Christian, home and subsequently embarked upon my own journey of recovery and healing. I have been the husband of one for 46 years and we have raised three children. These life experiences, combined with my education and training enable me to bring a depth of personal understanding to my work with couples. I am committed to providing a non-judgmental, hope-filled space for you to explore and better understand your experiences, gain insight into your relationship dynamics, and discover healing for the broken connection with your partner.”
Tabitha Yannuzzi, MA
Tabitha earned her graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Moody Theological Seminary and has advanced training in couples therapy, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method.
Tabitha is passionate about integrating faith into the therapeutic process and is dedicated to walking alongside couples with compassion and clarity, helping them build renewed trust, deepen their connection, and gain practical tools for restoration.
Tabitha and her husband, Anthony, have three children.
“The validation, honesty, wisdom, and gentleness of Tabitha was so needed.”
“Tabitha was observant, open, knowledgeable, accommodating and Godly.”
“Tabitha was absolutely amazing! She was wonderfully knowledgeable and we had so many eye-opening realizations. She was the perfect fit for us. She provided a space that was always inviting & nonjudgmental which I feel allowed us to open up so much. She knew how to navigate all situations and questions throughout our sessions. I am confident her guidance and tools will help our marriage be successful and rich with the Lord.”
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