About Us

The Stephan Center was originally incorporated in 1973 under the name The Children’s Preschool. The agency provided direct service as an Early Childhood Education facility for children 2 through 7 years old, offering an alternative approach to the traditional education of the public school system.

In 2004 the Corporate Board chose to redefine the mission of the agency and to change its name to The Stephan Center. The mission of the agency is to provide training, information, and resources to professionals supporting children, adults, and families and to laypersons in need.

Training Programs at The Stephan Center

We have developed training programs which have seen great success in school districts, faith communities, and local and city government.

This website like our training programs, is a constantly evolving resource in the area of bereavement ministry and social services support.

Professional Life Loss Workshop series currently consists of twelve training workshops for professionals on aspects of life losses.
Consolation Ministry development programs for church and faith-based leaders and lay ministers, cover the areas of Ministry to the Sick, Bereavement, and After Care.
“Fathers Speaking Out” is a video and discussion series for men in fathering roles.
Training Opportunities: Trauma-Informed Certification program; A 12 module series addressing trauma through research, theory and best practices. Designed for professionals working with children, families and adults.

MissionOur

The Stephan Center is an educational services organization dedicated to those journeying through life transitions.

We are committed to providing educational programs, information, and resources to professionals and lay persons as they offer support and understanding to those seeking peace and acceptance in their lives.

In Memoriam

Charles and Jeanette Stephan
Mary Ann and Charles “Butch” Stephan
John P. Stephan
Timothy J. Stephan and James M. Stephan
Patricia C Howard-Adams
Emily Wollard

We also wish to remember the following loved ones honored by their families and friends with a donation to The Stephan Center.

Molly Bernard
Ross Carlton
Virginia Curry
Ed Glass
Ed Hatton
Dr. Emil T Hoffman
Debbie Lione
Margery Lione
Ellen Malone
Marian Manuele
Nancy Pierce
Erma Kiss Portman
Robert Sallee
Patricia C Howard-Adams
Tom Stuger
Barbara Szeczyk
Barbara Franco Urey
Louis Viviani

May we all find peace and comfort in the special memories we hold in our hearts and the knowledge that love never ends.

Strategic Initiatives

In 2020-21 the Board of Directors adopted a Strategic Plan for 2021-23 consisting of four initiatives:

Program Development: Become a certified Education Institute , provide CEUs and offer programs electronically through webinars / on line classes
Marketing Plan: Develop a marketing plan that parallels program expansion, targets specific populations and increases website usage
Financial Growth Plan: Increase revenue streams to sustain agency financial needs
Administrative/agency infrastructure: To increase national/international visibilityand service use through social media and electronic program options

Our Board of Directors

We are blessed with a dedicated Board committed to the agency mission and ideals. As defined in the bylaws, all board members are direct descendants or spouses of descendants of Jeannette and Charles M. Stephan.

Those serving on the 2020-2023 Board of Directors included:

Board Chair: William Stephan

Vice Chair: Chuck Stephan
Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Wells

Members At Large:

Jordawn Howard
Cherri Coe-Stephan
Matthew Stephan
Matthias J Stephan Ph.d
Morgan Stephan
Nicholas Stephan
Kate Wells

Training TeamOur

Our trainers are direct, to the point, and easy to understand. They share the information that helps anyone dealing with life losses, or working with others who are going through transition. The feedback from our previous training sessions gives us the confidence to move forward with this important program, with the goal of making the knowledge and techniques available to anyone active in the fields of bereavement ministry, social work, counseling, and education.

We are honored to have the following professionals serve on our training team as Life Loss Educators:

Administrative Support Team

Training Team

Graphic Digital Team

Charlotte Elting

Charlotte Elting works for The Stephan Center as a graphic designer helping to communicate the goals of the agency and creates all of the event fliers and other design assets for the non-profit. As a designer, Charlotte enjoys designing visuals to help The Stephan Center and other agencies communicate and serve the people in their community well.

Elizabeth Hernandez

Elizabeth Hernandez is a creative and passionate leader with ten years of experience in web and UX design and development. She is driven by her constant desire to push digital technology boundaries to create more efficient, engaging, and story-driven experiences through the digital space. As the Creative Director of Pulse Marketing, her goals include creating powerful web experiences that support and exceed client goals and pushing the team's creativity and developmental growth. In addition to her passion for her career, she can often be found by the coast enjoying the waves, playing her ukulele, or volunteering at a local non-profit.

Elizabeth began working with The Stephan Center while in High School and has continued during college and as she has pursued her professional career. The agency online presence has grown with Elizabeth’s education and career expertise.

Kerry Kline