ABOUT US

We are deep believers in the power of therapy to change lives, and we know marriage retreats and intensives can be enormously helpful, but as we contemplated what we felt could be most transformative for a marriage we envisioned something different.

As what often happens when you can’t find what you are looking for, you eventually realize it is up to you to create the new thing you are seeking.

that said, we are launching this in humble trepidation, not pretending to have all the answers. we are more like player-coaches than strictly coaches. we have skin in the game and are eager to learn alongside and from you. our job is to facilitate through introducing you to a myriad of the best thinkers on marriage, modeling and inviting vulnerability, practicing new patterns, and drawing out the collective experiences and wisdom of the group.

A bit more about us. since 2019 we have owned and operated a wedding venue. we love design and creating a beautiful setting for couples to tie the knot has been a joy. but we came to the realization that much more than curating a romantic garden; our hearts are drawn to the work of strengthening marriages. so that is why we are launching the marriage gym.

Melissa currently works as a social work manager at rest Haven in holland. She is a LMSW (licensed master of social work), receiving her msw from gvsu. in the past she has worked at hospice and community action house and was the Executive director for Reciprocal language partnership for 2 years. jeff currently manages black sheep shelter. after he received a bachelors of science from gvsu in history and sociology, he graduated from western theological seminary with a mdiv in 2007. he worked for a few years at walden green montessori before founding and directing the non-profit eighth day farm from 2010-2017.

Presently they co-parent their three precious teenagers- Tsepo, naomi and mckenna- and enjoy reading, reflecting on god’s grace, walking, exercising, music, dance, traveling, kayaking, gardening and gathering around the dining room table with good friends and good food.