THE TEAM:
Staff:
Amber Hornsby
Executive Director/Co-Founder
Amber Hornsby is the co-founder of ESTHER Homes, established in 2015 to support pregnant women in crisis. With a degree in Social Work and over 15 years of experience in human resources and service work—both locally and internationally—Amber brings deep insight and compassion to her leadership. Her background allows her to connect with individuals across a wide range of cultures and circumstances, both relationally and administratively.
Amber’s role at ESTHER Homes goes far beyond operations. From the very beginning, she moved into the home alongside the first two families and has continued to live in home ever since—walking closely with the women through their growth, healing and transformation. She actively researches and secures resources tailored to each woman’s unique needs and is passionate about seeing every mother flourish and become the best version of herself.
In addition to her work at ESTHER Homes, Amber served as a leader in the National Maternity Housing Coalition from 2017 to 2024. She is currently a member of the National Christian Housing Community and serves on the planning committee for the National Christian Housing Conference.
Connect: amber@estherhomesmn.org
Jess Swanson
Alumni and Community Relations Director
Jess brings a wealth of experience from 17 years as a teacher in public education, coupled with both undergraduate and master's degrees in education from Bethel University, Jess possesses a profound understanding of nurturing environments and the crucial role of strong family support. Her time in the classroom instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of guidance and the potential within each individual. Her passion lies in fostering connections, empowering individuals, and building a community where every family feels seen, valued, and equipped for success. Driven by a profound belief in the power of love, education, and the strength of families, Jess considers it a privilege to walk alongside alumni families and cultivate meaningful relationships within the wider community, all in service of the vital mission of ESTHER Homes.
Connect: jess@estherhomesmn.org
Natalie Kramer
Volunteer Coordinator
Natalie has worked with infants, young children, and their families for over 15 years and has dual bachelor’s degrees in education and Christian Studies. She led a moms’ group for many years, has worked at daycares, preschools, as a nanny, and more recently as a receptionist at a counseling center. She is passionate about women and children and about physical and mental health. Natalie is excited to use her experiences and passion to bless the moms who come to ESTHER Homes and to come alongside them.
Connect: volunteer@estherhomesmn.org
Board of Directors:
Elise Holmes: President
Elise is passionate about women and children's health and wellbeing in her personal and professional life. She currently works at the University of Minnesota in public health and infectious diseases. She has a background working at the state and global level ensuring that all new families have a healthy start. She and her husband (plus dog and cat) are transplants from Illinois, but are very happy to call Minnesota home.
LUke McClain: Vice President
Luke and his wife Cristal got their start in the maternity home world while helping a pregnant mom in a dire situation, and they said the simple prayer of “If we had one more room God...” Three months later a house was donated and they spent the next 6 years running a maternity home in partnership with YWAM Minneapolis.
After serving 16 years with the missions organization Youth With A Mission, Luke is currently the Adult Ministry Pastor at The Highlands Church in Delano. He spends most of his free time running after his 4 crazy kiddos and thanking God for his amazing wife.
Jill Hanus: Treasurer
Jill lives with her husband, Vern, in Cedar Falls, IA. She is a retired from her job with John Deere where she was a global engineering manager. Her knowledge in business and networking bring direction and structure as the Treasurer of ESTHER Homes.
Rachel Hanus: Secretary
As co-founder, Rachel is passionate about the programming, education and services offered within ESTHER Homes. Rachel is a midwife at the Minnesota Birth Center and is a volunteer within the organization.
Kim Peterson: Member
As the owner of KPT Mortgage Advisors, Kim understands the importance of providing safe and stable homes, and how challenging that can be in today’s environment. With her experience and dedication, she is excited to contribute to the growth and success of ESTHER Homes, creating even more opportunities for moms and babies in the program. Kim is thrilled to bring her expertise in spreadsheets and budgeting to the board—after all, who knew that balancing budgets could be so exhilarating?
Beyond her professional life, Kim finds joy in her family. She cherishes spending time with her teenage kids, her husband, and their beloved pets, Lucky and Tittles. When the weather is nice, you'll often find her playing pickleball, taking nature walks, and enjoying the outdoors.
Rebecca Olson: Member
Rebecca Olson is a passionate advocate for infant health and development. As a pediatric nurse practitioner specializing in the care of hospitalized newborns, particularly those facing prematurity or other medical complexities, she brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to optimizing newborn outcomes. Her dedication to this vulnerable population spans her entire career, from early experiences in childcare settings to her current practice. Becca is particularly enthusiastic about supporting mothers as they embark on the transformative journey of motherhood.
Eric Prosser: Chaplain
Eric Prosser was raised in Stillwater Minnesota and graduated from Stillwater High School. He attended Century College received a 2 year Automotive Technician certificate and was immediately hired by Audi of Maplewood and began working as an apprentice auto tech. After a year moved into the Parts Department working in this Department ever since (40 years). Eric is the proud father of three children, two sons and a daughter. He spends his free time reading, biking, camping and volunteering with the children’s ministry at Woodland Hills Church. Eric is also a co-leader of a Bible Study group. Eric brings the Father’s heart into his position as Chaplain as he leads us in devotions and monthly prayer meetings for ESTHER Homes.
Gina Wills:
Prayer Counsel
Gina is a wife, mother of two grown daughters and has been an elementary teacher for thirty years. Her path toward loving the women and children of ESTHER Homes began with saying yes to God’s invitation to help women and children out of poverty, through an organization called, Trades of Hope, empowering women globally. This opened her heart to see the individual He placed directly in front of her. She shares the belief that we are called to walk along side of each mother on her journey; encouraging her to be the best version of herself by providing opportunities for growth.