Meet Our Team

Jennelle Esquivel

Executive Director

After eight years of serving as the Arizona Regional Director, Jennelle was named Executive Director of Compassion Connect in spring of 2024. With her extensive experience as the co-developer of the Arizona ministries, Jennelle has played a pivotal role in the growth and expansion of Compassion Connect. Under her inspiring leadership, the region has witnessed remarkable progress, transitioning from one annual clinic to multiple clinics across the metro Phoenix area. Additionally, Jennelle’s dedication helped establish Compassion Care Center and several anti-exploitation initiatives in the region. As the daughter of co-founder Gary Tribbett and Adorned in Grace founder, Linda Tribbett, she brings a deep-rooted passion for the organization’s mission. Her visionary approach and unwavering commitment to making a difference make her an invaluable asset to the organization.

Linda Tribbett

Anti-Exploitation Director

Linda, a co-founder and visionary, witnessed Compassion Connect’s growth across states and continents since its inception in 2005. Transitioning from a career as a Systems Analyst, she now directs our Anti-Exploitation ministries, embodying the organization’s commitment to combat human trafficking. Linda’s journey, from embracing a young woman trapped in exploitation to connecting wedding dresses with anti-trafficking efforts, showcases her creativity and unique dedication to empowering marginalized women. Her passion lies in empowering mentors that guide teenage girls to become advocates against trafficking, reflecting the ministry’s holistic approach to creating lasting change.

Rachel Murfitt

COMPASSION YOUTH MENTORING COORDINATOR

A dedicated staff member since 2017, Rachel holds a BS in Sociology from Wheaton College and Portland State University. Rachel is married to Eric and they have two children; the family attends St. Matthew’s Anglican Church. Rachel enjoys the outdoors, reading, quality time with friends and family, and playing with her dog. She finds fulfillment in supporting CYM mentors and mentoring teen girls. She is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Kingdom service and has witnessed the transformative impact of God’s work in the lives of both youth and volunteers.

Shinji Mae

CLINIC OPERATIONS MANAGER

Shinji, a Portland Metro resident, holds degrees in Behavioral Sciences and Missions from Concordia University, along with a Master of Divinity from Multnomah University. His heart lies in bringing Christ’s message and compassion to people and he is able to do that through his work with Compassion Connect. When not immersed in serving the community with Compassion Connect, Shinji, his wife Vanessa, and their three sons embrace a music-filled lifestyle, teaching and training young worship leaders using historical music methods from classical to rock.

Elise Petrovich

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPER, ADORNED IN GRACE BRIDAL SHOP

Raegan Duke

Communications & Admin Specialist

Alicia Barela

Community Relations Director

Alicia, our dedicated Community Relations Director, embodies a heart devoted to reaching those who need it most. Her favorite part of the position is the opportunity to serve shoulder to shoulder with our volunteers, uniting to serve our community. Drawing from her background in children and family ministries, Alicia’s passion lies in nurturing families, guiding them from surviving to thriving, all driven by her deep love for Jesus.

We would also like to recognize the thousands of volunteers who give their time and talent to make unity and compassion a reality in their neighborhoods!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Chair

Jennifer, a dedicated Senior Vice-President at Bank of America, has called San Tan Valley home for 18 years. Starting as a volunteer in 2012, she’s been an integral part of the Queen Creek Compassion Clinic, as well as serving as a Compassion Youth Mentor. Jennifer’s passion lies in witnessing the transformative impact of these programs on Clinic guests and CYM youth. In addition to serving with Compassion Connect, she volunteers as a CASA, working with children in foster care. Jennifer is enthusiastic about contributing to Compassion Connect’s mission and is thrilled to be part of its flourishing journey.

Board Secretary

Pat is a dedicated board member bringing three decades of healthcare and business acumen from Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and the V.A. Medical Center. Her small business ownership and deep engagement in volunteer work with organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs, Convoy of Hope, and pro-life ministries reflect her strong Christian values. With her instrumental role in establishing Compassion Connect’s initiatives, including the Compassion Care Center and Redeemed Threads Thrift store, Pat’s profound commitment to translating faith into action is evident as she continues to shape compassionate community service alongside her husband Walt since 2008.

Board Treasurer

Larry Briggs and his wife Anna have seven children together and live in the small town of Scholls, west of Portland. Larry is the President and founder of V2A Solutions, a training, consulting and leadership development company. He has coached and trained hundreds of high-performing CEOs, executive teams and entrepreneurs representing small to medium sized businesses throughout the U.S. Described as a highly innovative leadership expert well ahead of his time, Briggs has spent the last 25 years researching the fundamental forces that influence human behavior and business success. He is passionate about ways the body of Christ can work together to make a difference locally and internationally.

Co-Founder

In the fall of 2005, God put a vision of seeing churches working together to serve on the hearts of Gary and co-founder Milan Homola. Compassion Connect has since expanded across five states and into Africa and India.

Gary has been married to his best friend, Linda, for over 5 decades, over half of which was in full time pastoral and nonprofit ministry. When they aren’t serving together, Gary and Linda enjoy spending time with their 3 daughters, 3 son-in-laws, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Judi Blaszczyk brings to the Compassion Connect board a desire and commitment to serve others in the name of Jesus.  Throughout her life she has always been an active participant in and an advocate for churches to cooperate in aiding their community. In addition to these strongly held beliefs, she has 18 years of experience as a registered nurse working in diverse acute care hospital settings.  Her career also included 31 years as a medical compliance auditor. She worked with numerous physician practices to analyze their current processes and assist them into best practice compliance. This background will allow Judi to collaborate with others on the board to meet the Compassion Connect goal of serving with excellence.  With a passion for and experience in teaching and public speaking, Judi will be a vocal advocate for the organization. 

Kalani, a bondservant of Jesus Christ and a native of the Hawaiian Islands, has three God-fearing young adult children (Elisha 25) (Josias 22) and (Selah 18).  He is a seasoned executive in community engagement programs, strategies, stewarding land and developing real estate assets for large indigenous private and public entities.  Kalani brings twenty-five years of experience in board leadership ranging from community non-profits, churches, real estate and healthcare industry associations, etc..  He enjoys helping others and has a proven success in creating collaborations with strategic partners.

Sharon is the Outreach Director at Rock Point Church, Queen Creek, Arizona, where she passionately spreads the message of Jesus through intentional community outreach. Her extensive experience in planning community-based and nonprofit events aligns with her dedication to cultivating leaders and fostering partnerships. Beyond her commitment to ministry, Sharon finds joy in her role as a mother to six wonderful young adults and indulging her love for travel and adventure.

Ericka, a native of Portland, OR, brings over a decade of experience supporting vulnerable families in her state. As a dedicated Parent Mentor, she passionately guides parents toward nurturing and fostering positive environments for their children. With a background in competitive volleyball spanning from middle school to college, coupled with over 25 years of coaching, Ericka understands the importance of purpose and unique gifting, values she now carries into her role as a Care Coordinator at Out of the Box Solutions. Her commitment to making a difference is evident in her role on the Compassion Connect Board.

Voncelle Hunter is a dedicated international marketing and business consultant. As co-founder of Southwest Spa Alliance and AZ Aestheticians, she focuses on preparing professionals for success through education resources and partnerships. Voncelle directs a skin cancer foundation, spearheading worldwide partnerships for skin cancer awareness and organizing events that provide health information to underserved families. As a founding member of True Glory Ministries, she serves as an administrator, worship leader, and source of inspiration. With a heart for community, she is a huge advocate for Compassion Connect and fostering a profound connection between faith and service.

Special thanks also to Parker Knight and Ken Powell Photography for many of the wonderful photos displayed on our website!