MEET THE TEAM
Joel Furrow
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
joel@therootcellar.org
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Before joining The Root Cellar's ministry in Lewiston in 2012, Joel implemented and directed the Bridging the Gap Juvenile Diversion program in Boston, MA serving nearly 100 juvenile offenders annually.
Early in this career, Joel was impacted greatly by work within refugee communities in Amman, Jordan and Clarkston, GA. He discovered God's great love for these vulnerable communities as well as the gift that refugees and immigrants offer to a welcoming city.
Joel is a graduate of Liberty University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Religion with a concentration in Intercultural Studies, Islam and Arabic. Joel and his lovely wife Hilary live in Wales, ME raising 3 beautiful, wicked smaht daughters and a baby boy.
Alyssa McKay
Director, LEWISTON
alyssa@therootcellar.org
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In 2011 after completing high school, Alyssa took a hop, skip and a jump from San Diego, where she was born and raised, to Lewiston to attend Bates College, majoring in Chemistry, Psychology, soccer and track. Jesus and the kiddos downtown tugged on her heart to stay after graduation. Calling Lewiston home has brought her much joy as she learns of God alongside His children by working, playing, growing and gathering together.
Alyssa and her husband Jared live in Auburn with their two boys.
In her words, “I just love the Lew!”
Dieudonne Karawanga
Director, PORTLAND
dieudonne@therootcellar.org
Damon Crouse
PROGRAM COORDINATOR, LEWISTON
Damon @therootcellar.org
Michael (Fitz) Fitzpatrick
IMMIGRANT FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST, LEWISTON
fitz@therootcellar.org
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Fitz came to Lewiston in March of 2024 after experiencing a few short glimpses of the ministry here in previous summers. After meeting the people and seeing the need, especially as a person with Brasilian roots he became very interested in working at The Root Cellar after getting the chance to connect with so many Portuguese speakers. Fitz is an Immigrant Family Support Specialist, assisting people in whatever trials or hurdles come their way. Fitz equips volunteers through Church Welcome Teams and is developing an Immigrant Orientation class for those newly arrived. Fitz loves living in this community and learning it more everyday. Fitz enjoys spending time with his family, running, and staying active in nature while not working.
Myra Ashley Woodard
PROGRAM MANAGER, PORTLAND myrashley@therootcellar.org
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In the summer of 2022, Myra Ashley and her husband, Levi, moved to Portland to support a church in the area. Soon after, Myra Ashley began volunteering with the English program at The Root Cellar and became passionate about The Root Cellar’s mission to love their neighbors by meeting real needs. She came on staff in 2023 as the English Program Coordinator, and enjoys learning alongside English students and their families from all over the world.
She graduated from Truett McConnell University with a degree in Music Education, and, in her free time, Myra Ashley enjoys hiking, singing, and settling down with a good book.
Kathleen Funderburk
Fruitful Sewing
Board of Trustees