_edited.png)
Our Story
Beginning in 2008, Dr. Nena Hunt, OB/GYN started to recognize that many of the women visiting her office in Fairhope AL were still suffering from past trauma. Encountering hundreds of women over her years of practice, she saw how many were still affected by the challenges they faced as young teens. Abuse, neglect, and other adversities made it difficult for them to see their worth, often manifesting into bad choices as they became adults.
Though there were, and still are, well-intentioned networks of school counselors, church support groups, mental health agencies and court programs, she realized there were too many gaps. And these gaps were allowing precious lives to slip through and spiral out of control. She also realized that families were a critical part of healing. Therefore, Under His Wings knew that partnering with the parents or guardians of these young girls was key to helping these hurt girls on their journey to healing.
Feeling that she was being called to action after reading Philippians 2:21–For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's, she sought godly wisdom. How exactly was she to look after these girls before they became woman living with years of hurt? Under His Wings – a name taken from Psalm 91:4 – opened its doors in June 2013 as a place for girls to find refuge, renewal and a restored relationship with God.
Programs
For nearly 20 years, Under His Wings has been dedicated to serving families. Through the Lord’s faithfulness and the generosity of the donors He has brought to this ministry, we have been blessed to successfully establish three impactful programs.
Courage Home
Our inaugural program continues to serve teen girls, ages 13-17, since the first residents in 2013. Dedicated houseparents model honesty, integrity, and hard work. A private educational director creates a personal education plan according to their learning needs. With guidance from these and other trusted adults, these courageous girls discover a structured, nurturing environment where they are encouraged, through personal responsibility and resilience, to discover their self-worth.
Spending an average of 10 months in our home, some residents experience a healthy family dynamic for the first time. Others have the opportunity to develop their own values and beliefs without external pressures. With virtually no access to the online world during their time with Under His Wings, each girl is able to focus on her gifts and discover her identity free from distractions and unhealthy influences through a structured plan for wholeness.
Because participation in Under His Wings is voluntary, each girl arrives understanding that success comes through commitment to their mind, body, and spiritual well-being. While we follow the example of Jesus Christ, we welcome every girl as she is. Faith is a personal journey, and we do not require participants to convert to Christianity, recognizing that their values and beliefs must be their own.
We also believe families play a crucial role in a girl’s long-term success. Trauma affects the entire family, and parents or guardians can feel helpless, unsure of how to guide their daughters, granddaughters, or nieces through the situation they find themselves in. Because Under His Wings’ ultimate goal is to bring healing not just to the girls but to their families, parents and guardians commit to family counseling and trauma education. By equipping themselves, they are able to provide lasting support, playing an important role in the future success once the girls return home.
G.L.E.A.N.
As the Courage Home provides a place for young ladies in need of residential rest, the G.L.E.A.N program was born out of a need to meet families and their daughters where they are. An acronym which stands for: Grit, Leadership, Excellence, Anchored, Noble these are the qualities we aim to instill in the young women with this program. GLEAN was born from the obstacles caused by the pandemic. Realizing we could reach out beyond our doors, the Lord provided the opportunity to provide healing for girls in our community struggling with hard things, even if they didn’t need residential respite. Thus our off-campus program was born.
With this program we’re able to assist girls a wider range of ages,11-23, with the tools they need to succeed. That can be counseling and coaching but even workforce and leadership development. Our desire is to help them move past those hard places so they can become healthy contributing members of the community.
We also plan to offer workshops, for both youth and adults, to teach the community the invaluable lessons we have gained through our experiences at Under His Wings. Our goal is to bring lasting value to the community, and these workshops serve as a meaningful way to extend our impact beyond our walls.
Perseverance Place
One vision for 2025 is to expand our ministry to serve young women, aged 18-23, by offering them the same love, support, and guidance that we provide to our younger residents. These are women who are ready to step into the next phase of life but find themselves without access to support or guidance because of family dynamics, and most commonly aging out of foster care. Not considered an adult until 19 years old in Alabama, the need to support young women to become self-sufficient adults, helping them with continued education, career assistance, or simply a roof over their heads is prevalent in our community. By building a new home on the same property, we will be able to support up to 8 young ladies with the hopes of catching them before they find themselves in harmful and even dangerous situations.
Arcelia Miller
Executive Director
Arcelia Miller was appointed the Executive Director in 2019. As the director, Arcelia is responsible for the leadership, strategic planning, and implementation for Under His Wings. Previously, Arcelia served as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force before transitioning into the corporate world as a business consultant and leadership/executive coach. She served as a homeschool director in Classical Conversations for six years and was the Younger Children’s Director at Faith Family Fellowship for two years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the George Washington University, in Washington D.C. and a Master’s in Quality Systems Management from The National Graduate School. She is a certified Biblical Counselor and Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner.
Arcelia is invested in the mission field in Baldwin County and is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Baldwin. She serves on the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce board, the Advisory Council for Prodisee Pantry and is active with Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. Arcelia and her husband Billy Miller, have been married since 1999 raising two children. Her son is currently enlisted in the US Army and her daughter graduates spring 2025. She is passionate about her faith, family and helping to build leaders for the next generation.
.png)
Holly Logan
Chief of Staff
Holly Logan joined Under His Wings after successfully homeschooling her two daughters and working in a leading role with her homeschool coopeartive. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and uses these abilities in addition to her organization and proficiency as Chief of Staff. Acting as a strategic partner to the Executive Director, her primary responsibility is to ensure the executive’s vision is implemented effectively throughout the organization. Holly also acts as a gatekeeper, managing the executive’s schedule, filtering information, and prioritizing tasks. Additionally, she handles sensitive and confidential matters, providing counsel and support to the Executive Director in decision-making processes.
.png)
Danielle Pyron
Director of Education
Danielle Pryon serves as our Director of Education and Lead Tutor specializing in guiding the young ladies in their virtual or homeschooling. Danielle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. With almost a decade of teaching experience she strives to implement A, B, C, into the academics at Under His Wings. She and her husband Will live in the city of Loxley with her bonus daughter and four fur babies: Elton the Maltipoo, Ellie the Australian Shepherd Mix, and Elliot the Hedgehog!
Kimberly Charest
Creative Director
Kimberly is the creative arm of Under His Wings, helping to share the stories and impact of the families who come under the care of this ministry. As the youngest on our team she leverages her fresh cultural insight working to keep Under His Wings in the flow of the current generation. She works alongside the Executive Director to deliver content, engage supporters, and cultivate community. Kimberly manages the social media, podcast production, broadcast marketing, and brand strategy at Under His Wings. She graduated from Regent University in the Fall of 2024 with a degree in English and concentration in writing. Kimberly considers it an honor to be part of a ministry that is yielded to Christ and is able to serve our community in such an impactful way.
Micah and Katie Kemp
Houseparents
Katie and Micah serve as houseparents where they consider it a joy to get to know each girl's unique personality and watch her grow into the woman God has called her to be. Katie was deeply shaped by her family's experience fostering children and spent five years as a student ministry director during college. Micah brings a background in middle and high school education, along with years of service in student ministry. Together, they hope to love each girl in a way that reflects Jesus and creates a safe, nurturing home. In their free time, Katie and Micah enjoy waterskiing, hiking, and reading.
Team Members
Counseling Team
.png)
Sara Parker, M.C., LPC
Residential Care Coordinator
Sara serves as the Residential Care Coordinator for Under His Wings. Originally from Texas, Sara holds degrees from Texas A&M University, and the University of Mobile. She brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role, having served children and teens in various settings throughout Baldwin County. She has been a school counselor and most recently served as the Mental Health Services Coordinator for Gulf Shores City Schools. Sara has her own counseling practice and is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Since 2019 Sara has served in several capacities at Under His Wings including the Residential Counselor and Houseparent.
Donna Johnson M.S., ALC
Courage Home Counselor
Donna provides tailored counseling for individuals and families. She specializes in helping clients navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, while also working to improve communication and restore relationships within families. She also provides group counseling options that include DBT skills training, Grief counseling groups, and groups that are tailored for those experiencing depression and/or anxiety.
Ashleigh Strickland
G.L.E.A.N. Counselor
Ashleigh Strickland, an Associate Licensed Counselor and owner of In/Sight Counseling, LLC. is currently under the supervision of Dr. Greg Williams. She firmly advocates for creating a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to navigate life’s challenges. With over 10 years in the health and fitness fields, she emphasizes the importance of considering both mental and physical well-being in the journey towards wellness. Integrating goals with a holistic approach and taking into account brain and body function forms the foundation of her counseling approach.
She served as a clinical intern at Healthy Minds Counseling in Atmore, Alabama, while pursuing a Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s degree at Liberty University.
Coaching Team
Tracey Farnell
G.L.E.A.N. Coach
Tracy holds a BS in Religion & Christian Counseling with a minor in psychology from Liberty University. Tracy's dedication to supporting others led her to become a certified mental health coach through the American Association of Christian Counselors, specializing in Addiction and Life coaching. Tracy's commitment to serving others fuels the mission and values of our ministry.
.png)
Cile Byrd
G.L.E.A.N. Coach
Cile joins the Under His Wings team after being a prayer partner and supporter for the past eight years. She has held various roles in the corporate world but always makes time for listening, good conversations and her passion- people! Cile and her husband Chris have four children- three in college and one in high school. She is certified in Leadership Coaching, Biblical Counseling, and D.I.S.C. assessments. She enjoys the process of helping people move forward when they feel stuck.
Relief Team
Beverly Kreuger
Annah Freeman
Velma Franco
Anna Glass
Nitza Bedsole
Mary Marbery
Kari and Carmen
Enrichment Team
Tutors
Crystal Dorsey
Board President
Dr. Lorena E. Hunt, M.D.
Eastern Shore OB/GYN
Board Member
Dr. Dana Watson,
Licensed Clinical Counselor
Under His Wings is a 501c3 non-profit created in 2012, managed by a Board of Directors committed to the vision and calling of our mission.
The Board receives legal and financial counsel from an Alabama board-certified attorney and accountant.
Since 2013 Under His Wings has been licensed by the State of Alabama to provide residential care to girls less than 18 years of age. All requirements have been met as required by the Minimum Standards for Residential Group Homes in Alabama. Shanna Wester, the Program Manager for Residential Licensing for the State of Alabama, renewed the two year license September 2019.
Board Member
Summer Williams,
Youth Reach Gulf Coast House Parent
Finance Chair
Steve Dorsey,
Terry Thompson Chevrolet
Advisory Board
Dennis Stastka,
Stastka Insurance
Becky Harris,
Vacation Rental Business Owner
Statement of Faith
Under God’s guidance, all of our counseling is Biblically based from a Christian perspective because Jesus Christ is the source of all healing.
We believe in God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and the Author of love.
We believe in God, the Son, and Jesus Christ, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a human life as we do but without sin and died on the cross for us as the all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. He arose from the dead, ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God as our High Priest and Advocate. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for our salvation. All those who believe in Jesus Christ receive salvation and are born of the Holy Spirit.
We believe in God, the Holy Spirit, who is our Counselor and teaches us truth. He indwells, guides, instructs, equips and empowers the believer for Christ-like living and service. His ministry is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, convict people of their sin, and regenerate the believing sinner.
We believe in the Bible as the Inspired Word of God without error in the original writing. All humanity was created in the image of God, but has fallen into sin and is, therefore, separated from God. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can salvation and spiritual life be obtained. The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the complete revelation of God’s will for the salvation of men, and it is the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life.
We believe in The Church which is the Body of Christ of which Jesus is the Head. It is composed of all people who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been given the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and are united together in the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ in the world.