Meet the Team

Emilie Oxley

Executive Director

Emilie has spent the last 15 years working with vulnerable and impoverished children and families in her roles as Head Start Teacher, Foster Caregiver, and Children's Ministry Leader. Now in her role as Founder and Executive Director of Refuge Host Homes she is following her God-given passion to see the Greater Akron community providing more holistic support for pregnant moms. Refuge Host Homes was birthed out of the desire to connect vulnerable pregnant women with Host families and wrap circles of support around them so they are no longer alone in their motherhood journey. Emilie and her husband, Michael and three children live in Cuyahoga Falls and are eager to continue what work God has for them in Greater Akron, supporting Moms and Babies.

Kristen Adams

Client Care Director

Kristen has served in pregnancy center ministry for several years where she has had the opportunity to hear the hearts of women while assessing their needs. During that time, she developed a desire to offer ongoing support and relationship, as well as a passion for the long-term care of women and children. In her role as Client Care Director, Kristen is living out her life’s purpose of serving vulnerable women and helping them experience the full and meaningful life they can have in Christ. She considers it a joy to see women connected to the support that’s available to them in their community. Kristen has three grown children and lives in Wadsworth with her husband, Clint. Clint and Kristen love hiking, good conversation, and serving together. They’re excited to see where God is moving in the Akron area with moms and babies and join Him in that work.

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Jennifer Chiarello

Host Home Coordinator

Jennifer dedicates herself to God’s mission by serving women and children adversely affected by trauma, homelessness, addiction, and sexual exploitation. For the past 10+ years, she has worked in both the criminal arena and the recovery, field in hopes of decreasing recidivism and relapse while promoting healing and individual agency. She is a passionate advocate for women’s and children’s provision, care, and healing through the gospel and relationship with Jesus Christ. 

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