Staff & Volunteers

Denni Rae Lecus:
Executive director & Parenting Class Teacher

Denni Rae has been a faithful volunteer and friend since Agape first opened its doors. She aids in the overall care of the facility. Denni has been married to her husband, Scott for 22 years ; she is a mother and adoptive mother. She was the Children’s Ministry Admin at Faith Community Church for 5 years and still volunteers in the Children’s and Worship areas there. She is also a group leader for American Heritage Girls.

As someone who was pregnant at 18, her heart is filled with empathy and joy for young expecting mothers. “I know how scary it can be to be pregnant so young, but also how wonderful the gift of a child is. We may make poor choices and mistakes, but God does not.”

Erica Hughes
Executive Assistant & parenting class teacher

Erica has a big heart for what what Agape stands for and has been an asset since she started in August. She connects well with our clients and lends an empathetic ear to those in difficulties. She’s the new smiling face that greats our guests, at least when she’s not with a client or working in the Caring Closet.

Ronda Gustke:
Cooking Class Teacher

Ronda has worked faithfully at Waupaca High School for 36 years as a Consumer Science teacher. She has her BS in home economics and her Masters in Community and Family Resources and Nutrition from UW Steven’s Point. She is passionate about sharing knowledge of food nutrition and culinary arts. She is very talented in coming up with recipes that stick to a budget and are healthy for the whole family.

Kelly &
Dr. Gina Koch
Chairman &
Co-Chair of the board of Directors

Kelly is a Waupaca native and has been married to his wife, Gina for 19 Years. He is a trained EMT and certified recovery coach and has served as a firefighter for many years, through which he has obtained specialized training in many areas of emergency management. Kelly has a passion for coming along side of people in life damaging circumstances and providing support and guidance, with the goal of helping the person he is coaching to obtain a more stable and fulfilling life.

Jeff Hoks: Secretary, Board of Directors

Jeff worships at Scandinavia Lutheran Church where he serves as the vice president of the church council and the Youth coordinator. He has a certificate of Lay ministry from Summit College.

It's a pleasure to serve our great God and the community of Waupaca. - Jeff

Deb Aberg:
Parenting class teacher

Deb is a kindhearted Pastor’s wife who is understanding and shows great empathy and love for others. She is from Fond du Lac but has been serving Waupaca for nearly twelve years. She graduated with a Bachelor’s at Ministry Purpose Institute in Appleton WI and has been married to her husband Steve for thirty-four years. She has six children and has homeschooled them all, as well as fostering teenagers. Deb has faithfully worked side by side with Agape since we opened in 2018 and aids in teaching our parenting classes.