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
Hannah Swanson
Program Lead + Respite Staff
Hannah’s commitment to life-on-life community began while serving refugee populations in Turkey, where she supported efforts to build bridges across cultures through practical care and spiritual connection. After graduating with a degree in Public Relations from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, she joined a church planting team with a vision to see lives transformed through faith, hope and community. While in Turkey, Hannah volunteered with a program that delivered essential resources to women and children from diverse backgrounds. This hands-on experience sparked a lasting passion to walk alongside women, affirm their identity and offer intentional guidance toward healing and personal growth.
At ESTHER Homes, Hannah serves as Program Lead and live-in support staff, offering consistent, compassionate presence to women in crisis as they move toward stability. She also works with New Life Family Services at their First Care office, advocating for women in need of pregnancy-related support.
Connect: hannah@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:
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.
josh Schrock: Member
Josh Schrock is an entrepreneur and executive coach who works with leaders and organizations committed to redemptive impact. With experience as both a founder and operator, Josh helps organizations clarify their purpose, strengthen leadership, and grow with integrity. His work is grounded in a deep belief in the dignity and infinite worth of every person.
Josh is honored to serve on the board of ESTHER Homes and is deeply passionate about supporting its mission, walking alongside courageous mothers, and helping the organization steward its impact.
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.
Elise Holmes: member
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.
Alison Johnson: Member
Alison brings a wealth of experience in the fields of clinical social work and healthcare and has a genuine passion for driving impact on a system level. Alison thrives on breaking down barriers to connect individuals and groups to resources in their local communities and beyond. In her current role with M Health Fairview, she has led initiatives around assessing Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) and developed processes for connecting patients to community resources.
Alison is drawn to the ESTHER Homes mission of supporting women during a crucial time in their lives to provide stability, and as Amber says ‘life on life - do live together’. Alison has witnessed the impact caused by lack of housing support for pregnant women, and ESTHER Homes helps to fill that void.
Outside of her professional life, Alison and her husband are busy parents to two children with active sports and extra-curricular schedules. Alison enjoys travel, yoga, lake life and being outdoors.
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 and camping. 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.