Our Team

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."

Karen Johnson

Executive Director

Karen Johnson is a graduate of Appalachian State.  She grew up in the Hickory area.  She has three married children and two grandchildren.  Karen is one of the founders of Hickory Christian Academy in Hickory.  She was a stay-at-home mom for many years until 2010 when she started working for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Lenoir-Rhyne University.  This is when she got the vision for a ministry house on LR’s campus.  She currently lives in the Gathering House.

Jake Snyder

Board Member

with wife, Jesse

Melanie Bell

Board Member

Melanie Bell is a graduate of Appalachian State University.  She lives in Wake Forest, NC and has two sons and two daughters.  She lived in Hickory during her teen years and made life-long friends there.  She is an amazing prayer warrior and cares deeply about people, especially this generation of young people.  She has been a faithful friend to the ministry since its inception.  We are grateful she is part of the team!

Debbie Bolch

Board Member

with husband, Jeff

Debbie Bolch is a graduate of East Carolina University.  She and her husband, Jeff, live in Hickory and have 3 grown children and one daughter-in-law. Debbie is one of the founders of Hickory Christian Academy and currently works there as the K-4 preschool teacher.  She is also in the process of becoming a trained parent coach.  She loves the Lord and is passionate about His word and prayer!  We are grateful she is on our team!

Galen Grant

Board Member

with wife, Dawn

Galen Grant is a graduate of NC State.  He is married to Dawn Grant.  They live in Sherrills Ford, NC and have 4 grown children with spouses and 12 grandchildren.  Galen is retired but formerly worked for Purina for 32 years.  Galen has a passion for campus ministry as that was how he came to Christ while in college.  He and Dawn are faithful servants that we are blessed to have on the GH team!