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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Lauren Lutz

House Director

Lauren is a follower of Jesus, whose greatest passion is living out His love in everyday life. As a single mom to an amazing 16-year-old son, she understands firsthand the strength, faith, and perseverance it takes to raise a child on your own. That’s why she has a deep heart for helping other single moms—offering encouragement, practical support, and hope as they walk their own journeys. She also brings with her 10 years of experience in the printing industry, where she developed a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. Whether she's working, serving, or spending time with friends, her desire is to reflect the grace and truth of Christ in all she does.

"I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born,” says the Lord. Isaiah 66:9

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Devin Jacob

Advancement Director

Devin is a father of 4, husband to his amazing wife Lindsay and a committed Christ-follower. He was previously part of the Refuge Host Homes board of directors for 3 years and now serves as Advancement Director, where he assists with donor development and church partnerships. With 8 years in the multifamily housing space, he saw first hand how Refuge's unique and gospel-centered approach can solve the affordable housing crisis... but most importantly bring more souls to know Jesus. When he's not helping churches and missional-minded individuals support their local community, he's changing diapers, playing monopoly junior with his kids or attempting to be a speculative fiction author.

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Sarah Motich

Community Collaboration Coordinator

Sarah has always carried a deep empathy for the vulnerable and a steadfast belief in the Church’s calling to love and uplift those who are under-served. Her passion for helping the Church recognize and respond to the needs of their neighbors with compassion and grace fits in perfectly at Refuge. As a mother to a sweet little girl, she knows firsthand the profound love and bond between a mother and her child. Advocating for her daughter with special needs has been both a privilege and one of her greatest joys. Sarah feels honored to partner with the Church in caring for and extending Christ’s love to moms and babies in need. She is profoundly grateful to be part of what God is doing through Refuge and is committed to walking faithfully in the Spirit as the ministry continues to grow.