Staff

  • John Bosco

    Department Head of Finances

  • Ronnie

    Department Head of Field Ministry

  • Rose

    Field Staff

  • Francesca

    Department Head of Team Development

  • Josephine

    Department Head of Education

  • Mikayla

    Director of Marketing & Donor Relations

Board Members

  • Emily

    Founder & Chair

    Emily Rusch is the Founder and Executive Director of Mary’s Refuge. She began her journey working in Uganda on a mission trip in 2016. She has since worked with the people of Uganda to support the vulnerable in their communities. St. Irenaeus once said, “The glory of God is a human fully alive.” It is Emily’s hope and mission to help all the vulnerable and impoverished - spiritually or materially - to fully live. Emily lives in South Lyon, Michigan, with her husband, Abraham, and son, Joseph. She is currently earning a Masters in Nonprofit Administration at the University of Notre Dame. Emily enjoys traveling the world, singing and making music, and being on stage when she gets the chance.

  • Rachel

    Vice Chair & Director of Development

    Rachel Miller is the Vice Chair and Director of Development for Mary's Refuge. For nine years, she served as an on-campus missionary, Team Director, Regional Director and then Program Manager of Formation for FOCUS (The Fellowship of Catholic University Students). After the birth of her second child, she chose to stay at home and serve her family. Rachel now lives in Plymouth, MI with her husband, Dan, and her two children, Isaac and Monica, and she loves being a stay-at-home-mom. The desire to bring the truth and love of Christ to all still burns in her heart, and she feels humbled to help bring this love to the teenage mothers in Uganda. When she isn't wrangling toddlers, she enjoys a good cup of coffee with a friend, dancing and spending time with friends and family.

  • Stephanie

    Secretary

    Stephanie Wayman is our Secretary. She has many years of experience on non-profit boards and brings her expertise on writing the Articles of Organization. She is a retired mechanical engineer, retired Director of Music and a retired music teacher. She is currently loving all of her retirements, and enjoys herbs, camping and volunteering at church.