OUR
TEAM
pASTOR DAVID
mRS. eMILY
Principal Yeni
Mrs. Belinda
mRS. gABRIELA
Mrs. Nohely
MS. eMILY b.
Pastor Saul
Mrs. cindy
mR. Alexander
ms. Thare
Ms. Bessy
mrs. kathia
Mrs. norma
mrs. nancy
mrs. claudia
ms. lysbeth
Mrs. Gabriela
Mrs. yorleny
ms. keyla
Mrs. Wendy
mr. harvy
mr. Fredys
ms. paola
ms. guadalupe
mR. Emil
mrs. JANETH
mrs. jeanette r.
mr. rudis
ms. karol
mr. josé
mr. edson
mr. angel
ms. esther
mrs. aida
mrs. eduvijes
ms. gladys
ms. karen
ms. vannesa
mrs. heydi
ms. gabriela
mrs. evelyn
Mr. marvin
mr. benigno
u.s. staff
mrs. yvonne johnson
With more than 36 years of experience in marketing, Yvonne Johnson retired from corporate life in December 2025—but wasn’t ready to stop working! She wanted to use her professional skills to support a faith-based organization, and Jubilee Centers International was a wonderful fit.
Yvonne and her husband, Jim, are parents of twins, Andrew and Vanessa, who have each blessed them with a grandchild. Outside of work, she enjoys Lake Michigan beaches, summer sunsets, reading, crafting and playing with her grandchildren, and RV adventures.
A favorite Bible passage, Ephesians 3:18–19, reminds her of the immeasurable depth of God’s incredible love.
u.s. Board
Judy Plaggemars – chair
My name is Judy Plaggemars and I have been serving on the Jubilee Board since February, 2020. My husband, Paul, and I and our family have heard about the Romero’s ministry in Honduras through their missionary visits to our church, Graafschap CRC in Holland, MI for the past five years or so.
I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit Jubilee on two different occasions. My first visit was with a mission team in July, 2019. During that trip, we had the privilege of working directly with the students each day doing fun craft activities. We also spent recess time with the kids and we were able to go with them on an all-school field trip to an area museum. The joy of the staff and students abounded and the hugs we received from so many was heartwarming and a daily treat. My second visit to Jubilee was in January 2020. The purpose of this trip was for Teacher Training before the school year began in February. This trip really allowed me to see Pastor David’s and Emily’s calling to and passion for their work in La Era given to them by God.
I was able to get to know the staff better and see their love for the children and families of Jubilee. They also teach and share Jesus’ love with the students as well as model how to live as Christ followers. It is truly a privilege to serve on this board as we serve to make an eternal difference in the lives of the students and families that God brings to Jubilee.
Kathy DeJong – vice Chair
In January of 2014, I was blessed to participate in Jubilee’s teacher training at the beginning of their school year. That trip was just the beginning of a 7-year relationship with this beautiful ministry in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. After a couple of initial trips, my husband Jeff and I continued to make summer visits with mission teams and also personal trips to work with teachers and support the Romero family.
I have taught at The Potter’s House for 22 years. Jeff and I have enjoyed teaching in the Dominican Republic and Grand Rapids. However, we have a special love for Jubilee school and church in La Era. We have been welcomed, encouraged and blessed by the body of believers and teaching staff of Jubilee. This ministry is significant to us because we are teachers and have served as missionaries in Latin America. We understand some of the challenges that this ministry faces as well as the blessings that come from sharing the Good News with children and their families through a Christian Education. Immediately we felt comfortable and at home with the Jubilee Community.
The Jubilee community is active in prayer and expecting that God will work in powerful ways. We have heard the testimony of members who have experienced miracles. Many lives transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit. Answers to prayers are expected and celebrated. We are humbled by the faith of this community who have very little of what this world has to offer, yet celebrate their richness in Jesus and in His Kingdom.
Sara Veenstra – Secretary
In January of 2014, I was blessed to participate in Jubilee’s teacher training at the beginning of their school year. That trip was just the beginning of a 7-year relationship with this beautiful ministry in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. After a couple of initial trips, my husband Jeff and I continued to make summer visits with mission teams and also personal trips to work with teachers and support the Romero family.
I have taught at The Potter’s House for 22 years. Jeff and I have enjoyed teaching in the Dominican Republic and Grand Rapids. However, we have a special love for Jubilee school and church in La Era. We have been welcomed, encouraged and blessed by the body of believers and teaching staff of Jubilee. This ministry is significant to us because we are teachers and have served as missionaries in Latin America. We understand some of the challenges that this ministry faces as well as the blessings that come from sharing the Good News with children and their families through a Christian Education. Immediately we felt comfortable and at home with the Jubilee Community.
The Jubilee community is active in prayer and expecting that God will work in powerful ways. We have heard the testimony of members who have experienced miracles. Many lives transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit. Answers to prayers are expected and celebrated. We are humbled by the faith of this community who have very little of what this world has to offer, yet celebrate their richness in Jesus and in His Kingdom.
Amy Haroff – Member
I was first asked to join the US Board of Directors in 2016 after I moved back to Michigan from my 1.5 years of living and serving with JCI in Honduras. I feel my in-country experiences and personal knowledge of the ministry provide helpful ways in which I can contribute and advocate for the ministry’s growth and vision.
I stay connected to what’s happening in Honduras by leading a mission team each year. There’s such joy in the community and bonding that occurs with each mission team, and each visit I get to see old familiar faces and learn to love new ones! Building and growing relationships is at the very heart of why I keep going!
I work full time as an occupational therapist at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. My specialty is in working with people who have had spinal cord injuries, strokes, brain injuries, and other neurological conditions. It’s challenging, but rewarding work! I am blessed to be able to make a difference in the lives of so many people!
Besides work and volunteering for Jubilee, I stay busy visiting family and friends, being part of my church, gardening, traveling to our national parks, cooking, and reading.
