Staff

Executive Director – Arvin Moden (arvin.moden@yahoo.com)
Arvin felt the call to children’s home ministry before he ever entered college.  He attained degrees from Manhattan Christian College and Georgia State University.  Arvin served 15 years as Director of Social Services and Co-Executive Director at Illini Christian Ministries in St. Joseph IL before becoming Executive Director at Oblong Children’s Christian Home where he served 20 years before retiring.  He was called back into service in 2021 as Interim Executive Director.  Arvin and his wife, Nancy, have three children and two grandchildren.  Arvin enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, and raising tomatoes for his road-side stand.

Counselor/Caseworker:  Shana Puckett (spuckett@oblongchristianhome.org)  joined the Oblong Children’s Christian Home in March 2012.  She previously served children and families through her work with Southeastern Illinois Counseling.  In 2002, Shana received a B.A. from Eastern Illinois University with an emphasis in psychology. She loves working with children and with horses.  Shana has also previously owned a gymnastics center, The Tumble Zone, where she motivated young people to reach their potential.  She and her husband, Terry, reside in Olney, Illinois with their three children. Shana is a member of the Elm Street Christian Church in Olney.

Financial Manager: Lori Keeler

Lori began working with Oblong Children’s Christian Home in April 2011.  She is the proud mom of one son, Tanner and proud grandma of three beautiful children. She is a graduate of Lincoln Trail College with a degree in Executive Secretary.   She is a member of South Union Church in rural Flat Rock, Illinois.

Promotions Director: Brady Hall

Teacher at New Life Academy: Taylr Hall

Brady and Taylr Hall came aboard Oblong Children’s Christian Home in 2021. They have been happily married since 2019 and have always had a heart for serving in youth ministry. They have previously ran both youth and college campus fellowships, and now serve as evangelists. They are both members of the Crawford County Christian Center.

Houseparents

Dave & Kris McCarter:  Talitha Koum (girls home)

Dave and Kris McCarter began house parenting in 1985 and came to the Oblong Children’s Christian Home to continue this ministry in 1999. Dave has also served churches as a youth minister and preaching minister; and he and Kris together have served as youth group sponsors and Sunday School teachers. Kris is the principle organizer of the local Ashes to Beauty/Men’s Encounter Post. Dave is a graduate of Lincoln Christian College and Kris of the Doreé School of Beauty Culture. Dave and Kris have two biological children (Nathan and Natasha) and four grandchildren (Ezra, Sela, Eli, and Madison).

Steve & Kim McCain: Zion Home (boys home)

Steve and Kim McCain come to the Oblong Children’s Christian Home in November 2002 with 10 years experience as houseparents in a previous environment.  In October 2006, Steve and Kim became houseparents in the Zion House, a boys’ home.  Steve and Kim have six grown children.

Chris and Amy Martin (relief home)

The tenure of the Martins as relief houseparents at Oblong Children’s Christian Home is outstanding, as relief houseparents tend to be difficult roles to fill.  Chris was a youth minister prior to becoming a houseparent.  Amy has three years of college work in early childhood education.  The Martins have three children: Cory, Emily, and Sarah.

Chris Martin is also our maintenance and construction supervisor. Chris has years of quality experience in the building trades.   He teaches these trade skills to interested young people at the home.

Dyball Home: Vacant

Relief Houseparents: Dyball Home (girls home) – Vacant

Bill and Missy Greenwood: Our Father’s House (boys home)

Bill and Missy were married in August of 1989. Both are graduates of St. Louis Christian College and have dedicated their married lives to Christian service through preaching, ministering, and teaching. They currently minister with the Hebron Road Church of Christ south of Robinson, IL. The Greenwood’s children are all grown – Rachel, Joel, and Rebekah, who is married to Jimitry Pierre. They are all involved in ministry and/or mission work.  Bill and Missy also have the privilege of being grandparents to “the most beautiful granddaughter in the world,” Selah Joy!  The Greenwoods are excited to serve with the Oblong Children’s Christian Home team, leading and loving more young people into the Family of God.