About Us

Meet the Team

Hendrik (Henk) Wapstra

Founder and Chaplain

After moving to Marysville (in Snohomish County, WA), Rev. Henk Wapstra (Retired) began to research the needs of adults with disAbilities in our community. He discovered that the number one need for this population was caring and on-going relationships. Henk then came out of retirement and founded Eagle Wings disAbility Ministries and established its non-profit status in September of 2000. Although Henk is fully retired, he volunteers a great deal of his time on behalf of the people we serve. A passion he will carry with him forever. Soon after, Henk trained and passed his vision on to Kinder Smoots, mentored her and continues to help shape the ministry to this day. Thanks to Henk's vision and dreams of serving the "least of these", Eagle Wings disAbility Ministries continues to remain true to its original vision and ministry..."building relationships for persons with special needs, their families and caregivers." EWdM serves as a relational bridge between faith communities and the community at large.

Kinder Smoots

Executive Director

Kinder was called to serve those with disAbilities one month after the passing of her daughter Kayla. Being the parent of a child with special needs taught advocacy, training, understanding and passion for those who are marginalized in our community. Working with Eagle Wings has brought great healing and continues to…

Sarah Dudder

Volunteer and Fundraising Coordinator

Sarah serves the community of people we serve on various levels. She is not only on staff but also serves as a caregiver in our community. She is passionate about educating our community of volunteers and giving them an opportunity to get to know our population and have their lives changed by their compassion, love, and way of living. If you're interested in volunteering, Sarah will work to find you the perfect fit, along with the right level of commitment for the time you have to serve. She brings fun and laughter to our office and is a bundle of loving energy. volunteer.eaglewings@gmail.com

Megan Harrell

Life Group Leader (Zoom)

Megan came to us during the pandemic while many shut-ins were struggling and missing community. Megan shared that it was her dream to lead a small group of her peers. She never imagined that someone would believe in her enough that they could envision her being paid to do what she dreamed. Megan is capable of handling all the responsibilities we give her, and is also a good writer. She brings a unique gift to our team by reminding us why we are there, she changes our conversations and draws us into patience, compassion, and cheer. megan.eaglewings@gmail.com

Christiana Johnston

Paraclete Coordinator

Paraclete is the umbrella which oversees our Life Groups, Bible Studies, Mom's Brunches and any other program developed to mentor, lead a small group/individual into relationship with others, their community, and to deepen their faith. Christiana (left in photo) is fluent in ASL and is exploring ideas and programs needed to include the population of those who are Deaf/hard of hearing, as well as intellectually impaired. She does a monthly ASL Coffee Hour with friends who have a developmental disAbility and who are Deaf/hard of hearing.

Darla Huxsahl

Life Group Leader/Staff Support

Darla is a long time Eagle Wings volunteer who loves to be in relationship with the people we serve. She works with them on an (almost) daily basis, helping them navigate their friendships, calendars, boundaries and is our master handcrafted card maker. She creates the best designs! Darla and her husband Scott enjoy the many facets of various people we serve, not just within the Eagle Wings community. Many times you can find them at the Voices of the Village concerts! darla.eaglewings@gmail.com

Lori Hein

Life Group South Leader

Lori has been in relationship with people we serve for the past several years working with Young Life Capernaum. Lori comes to us with extensive relational leadership skills and excitement and enthusiasm for this population. She is the parent of two amazing young adults and in her spare time she is a life coach and travel agent. For more information about our Life Group South (meets in Mill Creek) lori.eaglewings@gmail.com

Terri Ainsworth

Fundraising Volunteer

Terri is passionate about the people we serve and would hate to see our programs without funding, so each fundraiser she volunteers a significant amount of her time. Formerly on staff as our Fundraising Coordinator, she is efficient, generous, has many community relationships, and is organized. She continues to serve wholeheartedly. She has 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren.