Meet the Oasis Board of Directors
Mark Drane
Vice President
Mark Drane comes originally from the UK, where he was a Pastor of 3 churches in the Highlands of Scotland.
He moved to Michigan in 2014 to take a Pastor role in Wyoming. Having switched roles and trained as a Life Coach and obtaining his accreditation, he now focuses on Business Coaching enabling him to return to a previous love of Business and Leadership.
Lynn Surdock
President
Lynn is a founding member of Oasis. Knowing that housing and supports are a struggle for adults with disabilities, Lynn is passionate about encouraging similarly minded people and groups to work together to create long-term safe and secure housing options for our loved ones. In this way, helping them develop friendships and a sense of community.
Terry Carrick
Treasurer
Terry's professional journey has been dedicated to serving and supporting the elderly community. Throughout her career, she has gained firsthand insights into the struggles faced by those with disabilities. Terry is thrilled to contribute her expertise to an organization that champions family support, fosters independence, and seeks innovative housing options.
Laura Kasperski
Secretary
Laura's sister was born with NOMID (Neonatal Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease). Laura became a nurse after her experiences during Alice's' healthcare journey. She has seen housing challenges impact the patients she serves as well as her sister and is excited to be a part of an organization that promotes housing alternatives that facilitate independence and quality of life.
Members at Large
Camille Lieffers
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Camille's daughter was born with NOMID (Neonatal Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease). This inspired her to create a nurturing environment for her daughter and peers. She is passionate about enabling young adults with disabilities to build meaningful connections, enjoy companionship, and reside in a joyful, secure, and supportive home.
Martha Chieply
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Martha’s adult son is disabled. She is passionate about providing him with long-term safe and secure housing options, opportunities to develop friendships, socialization and a sense of community. She assists with fundraising and the Oasis newsletter/announcements
Kayla Findley
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Kayla strives for independence and hopes every individual she meets is able to live their own lives happily. Kayla has lived her life with Epilepsy. Even though it's been a long road, she's overcome a lot and wants to see others do the same.
Chris Kleinjans
Chris has committed his life to service — service to country, service to family, and service to community. He is a US Navy veteran, a husband, father & grandfather,
nonprofit sector employee, and a volunteer to those in need.
Julia Rupert
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Julia Rupert is the Marketing Chair for Oasis Community of West Michigan. After interning with the organization in 2022. she developed a strong connection to its mission and impact.
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She now oversees marketing strategy and communications efforts, working to elevate community awareness and support organizational growth. Julia brings a detail-oriented, collaborative approach to advancing the Oasis mission.
Katherine Besaw
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Katherine Besaw brings over 30 years of experience supporting individuals and families with special needs and diverse abilities across family court, Community Mental Health, and supportive housing settings. In her current role with a nonprofit housing developer, she remains deeply committed to expanding access to safe, affordable housing. Katherine is driven by a strong belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their personal goals and live a fulfilling, self-directed life.
STAFF
Beth Durkee
Beth is driven by a deep commitment to creating robust opportunities for people with disabilities. She believes in a world where all individuals with disabilities can thrive with self-determination and full community inclusion. As an experienced advocate, she has developed and implemented person-centered planning and self-directed services that truly meet individual needs.