Leadership Team

STAFF

Executive Director

Teresa McBean serves as pastor of NorthStar Community (“NSC”), a position she has held since 1999. NSC is a recovery church founded on the principle that people can be restored to health in every dimension of their lives through Christ. NSC seeks to serve the addicted and their families as they pursue restoration by finding their way back to God. NSC provides resources that equip families with the necessary skills and tools for their journey, encouraging them along the way. Teresa is also the Executive Director for the National Association for Christian Recovery, an organization providing training, resources and hope to those interested in serving addicts and their families through Christian recovery ministries. Teresa has written several books including Bridges to Grace (co-authored with Liz Swanson) on innovative recovery ministry strategies in the local church and Forgiving in a World that Loves to Hate (co-authored with her son, Scott McBean). She has also written Transformational Steps for Ordinary People, a thoughtful and practical exploration of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Teresa is a graduate of the University of Virginia and a certified biblical counselor. She and her husband, Peter, have three children, two children-by-marriage and one completely adorable grandson.
Creative Arts Director

Andy Gullihorn (www.andygullahorn.com) is a gifted singer, songwriter, guitarist and humorist. He is a regular and much-loved presenter at NACR sponsored events. He has released four albums: “Room to Breathe”(2004), “Reinventing The Wheel” (2007), “The Law of Gravity” (2009) and “Christmas” (2010). As he says so eloquently on his web site: “He now spends his time playing concerts and house shows across the country, accompanying other artists on the road, and providing his three kids with plenty of stories to tell their counselors in 20 years.” Definitely a good fit for the NACR

Director of Development
Jean Estes (see below for photo and bio)

Managing Coordinator
Linda Strawderman

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Owen Vice President of the Board Joe began practicing law in 1976 after receiving his J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School. He received a B.S. degree from the University of Richmond, where he was a scholarship football player. Joe’s early athletic experience continues to impact his life. For over 35 years, he volunteered his time with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), serving as State Chairman and a member of the National Board of Trustees and on the local FCA at Armstrong High School. Having served on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys and as a member and past president of the Midlothian, VA Rotary Club, Joe stays active in local and national activities. He is currently the Chairman of the Drug Court Foundation of Chesterfield County. The Drug Court offers people with drug addictions that have been charged with a drug or larceny offense an opportunity to get intensive addiction recovery treatment and stay out of jail. Joe is passionate about his work in addiction recovery and equally passionate about helping his clients restore and recover their lives during often difficult situations that have put them in the legal system. His leadership experience and personal passions uniquely qualify Joe to serve as Vice President on the Board of the NACR.

Jean Estes Treasurer Jean has served as a trustee for the William and Mary Foundation, an organization charged with maintaining and growing the assets of the Foundation which are currently over five million dollars. She is also working on William and Mary’s Campaign Cabinet, planning their next capital campaign. Jean believes that there is no greater opportunity in life than the privilege of giving to others. Jean and her husband Rob lead by example, giving generously of both their time and resources to further the mission of the NACR, as well as working in their local community through their church, NorthStar Community. Jean and Rob have two joyfully married adult children and two grandchildren.

Tom Kragt Tom is presently serving as the Interim Senior Pastor & Minister of Recovery at EverGreen Ministries in Hudsonville, Michigan. He is responsible for Interim Leadership, Teaching, and Recovery.  Tom holds a BA from Spring Arbor University and a Masters of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. Tom has 27 years of pastoral experience serving churches in Indiana and Michigan.  He also served as a Substance Abuse Therapist for Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, MI. With the help of many people, he has developed Bridge to Life Recovery Ministries, a 12 step ministry that reaches out to hurting people in church and the larger recovering community. EverGreen is host to 14 different 12 Step Meetings each week. He is a frequent speaker at area colleges and seminaries.  Tom has been married to Carolyn Bush Kragt for 33 years. Tom and Carolyn have been blessed with 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

Dale Ryan Dale has been on the faculty of the School of Theology of Fuller Seminary since 1993. He is Associate Professor of Recovery Ministry and Director of the Fuller Institute for Recovery Ministry. He gained ministry experience as pastor of care and fellowship at Whittier Area Baptist Fellowship in Whittier, California. Dale also serves as the CEO of Christian Recovery International, an organization helping the Christian community become a safer and more helpful place for people recovering from addiction, abuse, or trauma. Dale has written several books, among which are Soul Repair: Rebuilding a Spiritual Life (co-authored, 2008), Letting God Be God (2001), The Twelve Steps: A Spiritual Kindergarten (1999), and Life Recovery Guides (1994). Dale’s experience, strength and hope for recovery both personally and organizationally is simply invaluable.