Meet Our Team
The Hartville Migrant Ministry is run by a small team that makes a big impact. Learn more about our staff and board members below!
Staff
Jennifer Davis
Medical Coordinator
Jennifer is a dedicated Medical Coordinator with a degree in psychology from Malone University. With a commitment to patient care and healthcare management, she plays a supportive role in coordinating medical services and assisting both patients and medical staff. Her background in psychology allows her to approach healthcare with a compassionate, patient-focused mindset. Jennifer manages medical workflows, scheduling, and patient follow-ups, contributing to the organization’s commitment to high standards of care. Her strong organizational skills and effective communication with multidisciplinary teams enhance the overall efficiency of the medical department.
Ed Laubacher
Director
Ed stepped into the role of Director at Hartville Migrant Ministries in August 2024, following his retirement from Lake Local Schools in May after 38 years of teaching high school science. For over a decade, Ed has also served on the Board of Directors at Refuge of Hope in Canton. In his current role, he oversees the center's operations, ensuring that its programs and services effectively meet the evolving needs of the migrant community. Driven by a deep passion for supporting under-served populations, Ed feels honored to contribute to a team dedicated to addressing the health-care needs of local migrant and immigrant communities.
Leigh Ann De La Cruz
Volunteer Coordinator
Leigh Ann De La Cruz became the Volunteer Coordinator in the summer of 2021 after 25 years of being a bilingual (Spanish) and ESL Elementary School teacher in Arizona and Massachusetts, where she primarily worked with Hispanic children. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University in Spanish Literature, spent a semester as an exchange student living in Hermosillo, Mexico, and then obtained a Master’s Degree from Northern Arizona University in Early Childhood Education. She is very pleased to have this position upon returning to the area after many years of living out of state and looks forward to working with everyone involved with the ministry.
Board Members
Lora Wyss
President, Nursing Director
Lora Wyss currently serves as a Professor of Nursing at Malone University and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from George Mason University in Fairfax VA, a school nurse license from Ashland University as well as a PhD from the University of Akron. She has previously held a variety of clinical, managerial, and teaching positions in Akron, Canton, and Washington DC. In addition, Lora is an adjunct faculty member at the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and a casual employee at Aultman Hospital. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Lora has volunteered as the nursing director of the medical clinic at the Hartville Migrant Ministries Center for over 25 years. Currently Lora serves as Board President.
Jennifer Morrow
Vice President, Medical
Jennifer Morrow is an educator at Aultman Hospital and is an adjunct nursing faculty. Jennifer has a BA in Food and Nutrition/Dietetics from Bluffton University in 1999. She earned her nursing degree from Kent State University in 2006, and her Masters of Science in Nursing-Education in 2010. She has spent the majority of her nursing career in acute care/critical care, and is a Progressive Care Certified Nurse. Jennifer attends Evermore Community Church.
Harvey Wagner
Treasurer, Financial
Harvey Wagner has been Treasurer of the Hartville Migrant Ministry since May 2013. He served as Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of FirstEnergy Corp. at the time of his retirement in 2013. He is a member of Advent Lutheran Church in Uniontown, where he has served as President, Treasurer, Council Member, and member of the Stewardship and Worship committees. He is a former member of the Northeastern Ohio Synod Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and formerly chaired its Finance committee. He is also an Honorary Trustee, member of the Finance committee and former Chairman of the Akron Area YMCA Board of Trustees, and a Trustee and former Chairman of the YMCA’s Endowment Foundation.
Nathanael Hofstetter Ressler
Pastor
Nathanael Hofstetter Ressler is the pastor at Maple Grove Mennonite Church in Hartville. He seeks to holistically pursue Jesus' command to love all people and to be an advocate for the vulnerable and marginalized; he believes the work of the Migrant Center aligns with this command.
He has degrees from Hesston College, Eastern Mennonite University, and earned a Masters of Divinity from Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He is an intermediate level Spanish speaker and is slowly trying to grow his proficiency.
He loves his wife, Savanah, his two dogs, watching and playing soccer, playing cooperative board games and being joyful!
Terry Smith
Board Member, Building & Grounds
Terry Smith has been a board member at the Hartville Migrant Center since January, 2020. He is in charge of the building and grounds at the center. Terry, his wife and 2 sons have lived in the area for 20 plus years. They are active members at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Uniontown. He is a local business owner who loves to serve the needs of others.