Meet Our Staff
CAROLYN BAER
State Director
Carolyn has been part of School Ministries Ohio since its founding, serving in nearly every role—teacher, director, board member, van driver, and trustee. She now serves as Northeast Ohio regional consultant, developing programs in the Cleveland area, and has also contributed to SMI’s national standards and convention planning committees. A lifelong educator, she studied at Akron University and Ashland University and has been active in curriculum development.
Baer and her husband, Elmer, work with their sons and families on the Baer Family Dairy Farm. They are active in Wayne County government and worship at Wooster Nazarene Church.
Rooted in John 17:3, Carolyn is passionate about reaching public school students with the good news of Jesus Christ.
LYSA MORRIS
Associate Director
Lysa joined our staff in the spring of 2023, equipped already with experience in helping communities successfully start, operate, and grow released time programs. With a background in communications, video production, and process management, she brings unique abilities and talents that help faith leaders build bridges that lead children to Jesus. Together with her husband, John, for over 27 years, they have four daughters, three sons-in-law, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A verse that inspires Lysa’s work is Matthew 19:14 - Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
KILEY HARRIS
Communications Assistant
Kiley brings a passion for storytelling, connection, and clarity. With a background in communications and leadership, she has spent years investing in the next generation through her work with Young Life—where she led students, planned events, and shared the Gospel in creative, relational ways.
Her experience in ministry, media, and training helps her communicate in ways that are both meaningful and mission-driven. Harris is energized by opportunities to build community, encourage others, and remind people of who they are in Christ.
Meet Our Board
DAVE WOLFE
Chairman
Serving as Chairman of the Board since 2007, Dave has a Master's in Youth and Family Pastoring. He has a passion for Released Time Programs because of “God the impact it has on children. Dave believes that RT Programs help children who are in dire need of learning the truth, which is
Jesus Christ.
BRENDA DELONG
Member
A member of the Crestview Bible Board since 1990, when classes were held in the school, Brenda played a key role over 20 years ago in relocating and building a Bible House off school property, where students still attend released time classes today.
Proverbs 3:5-6 became a favorite verse to guide the Crestivew board and personally.
PAM JOHNSTON
Member
Pam and her husband, Bill, founded RESET, a Columbus area Released Time program in 2016, before his death at the end of that same year.
They believed their legacy was to share the Word of God with as many of the future leaders of this country as possible! Called to the inner city of Columbus, RESET seeks to teach the Bible's truth to the next generation.
CHIP DEVER
Treasurer
Chip earned a Biology Education degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene College (now University). He taught for three years while working at Buehler’s grocery store before beginning a 24-year career at Honda of America Manufacturing. In 2006, he became the church’s Office Administrator. In his free time, he enjoys reading, puzzles, playing piano, and watching Reds baseball.
JEFF MCCLAIN
Member
Recently retired after 40 years in government, including service as Auditor, State Representative, and Tax Commissioner. Jeff and his wife, Barb, have faithfully served at Trinity Evangelical Church in Upper Sandusky.
A Steven Curtis Chapman lyric especially moves Jeff: "It happened one night. With a tiny baby’s birth. God heard creation crying. And He sent heaven to earth."
JIM STAUFFER
Member
Jim serves as Lead Pastor at Trinity Evangelical in Upper Sandusky. He holds a B.S. in Education from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Divinity from Asbury Seminary.
Jim and his wife, Karen, have been active in Released Time (RT) Bible Education — as a volunteer chaperone (Karen) and as a teacher (Jim) of one of the first high school for credit RT classes.
