THE TEAM
Richard Wenschlag
CEO & CO-FOUNDER
Richard Wenschlag is the CEO of Encounter Ministry and co-founder of Men of Purpose, where he leads and focuses his gifts through guiding Men’s Encounters, Marriage Encounters, and the ministry’s Biblical Counseling School.
With a broad background in business—including casino operations and ownership of several Yogurt Beach frozen yogurt stores—Richard oversees store management while maintaining a strategic vision.
His life was transformed after attending a Men’s Encounter, which inspired him to dedicate his leadership to helping men and families experience restoration through Christ.
He also serves as Men’s Ministry Director at his church, is an ordained minister, and is recognized as a trusted community leader.
Richard and his wife, Shelli, have lived in several states, following the opportunities presented. The family moved to Nevada in 2008 and they have lived here since.
He is passionate about his community and integrating ministry, family, and business, with a focus on serving others and facilitating life-changing transformation through the love of Jesus.
Shelli Wenschlag
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Shelli Wenschlag is the Executive Director of Encounter Ministry, a ministry she and her husband, Richard, have nurtured from a mobile, event-driven outreach into a thriving Biblical Counseling School and Christian health & wellbeing center.
She has led Women’s Encounters, taught, and spoken at retreats and women’s events for over 15 years and has been featured on podcasts and radio programs sharing her insights on faith, healing, and transformation.
Shelli’s passion is helping individuals deepen their relationship with Jesus and experience lasting change through His Word. She is an established community leader and sought for by many women as a biblical counselor.
Alongside her ministry work, she brings creativity and intentionality to every environment she touches.
Richard and Shelli are proud parents of two married children and grandparents to a granddaughter. Around the office, you’ll also meet Dakota, their sweet (and slightly spoiled) dog, who faithfully joins many counseling sessions and has become the ministry’s unofficial “comfort specialist.”
Shelli delights in creating spaces where women and families can encounter God in meaningful and transformative ways—with a touch of warmth and fun.
Robert Rodriguez
BIBLICAL COUNSELING DIRECTOR
Rob is Encounter Ministry’s Biblical Counseling Director. He has nearly two decades of experience leading individuals and couples in their walk with Christ.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in counseling psychology from William Jessup University, an M.A. in pastoral counseling, and a Master of Divinity degree from Liberty University.
He has a doctorate of ministry in biblical counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Rob is passionate about marriages and discipling couples to seek God’s grace, truth, and love, putting Jesus at the center of their relationship.
THE BOARD
Troy Dillard, Chairman
Troy Dillard is a native Nevadan and loves the beauty and diversity of the Silver State. Troy was one of the five founders of Men of Purpose, the parent organization of Encounter Ministry.
Troy continues to be engaged in the organization and serves on the Board of Directors. Troy has a passion for helping others understand their calling and enjoys facilitating Men’s Encounters to fulfill that passion.
Howard McElroy, Vice-Chairman
Howard McElroy has lived in Reno for over 60 years and owned a tile company from 1992 until his retirement in 2013. He and his wife, Janice, are active in their community and attend RCF church. They love the Northern Nevada area and everything it has to offer.
Howard has been attending Encounter for 5 years. He is one of the key people in serving the Men’s Encounters. Together, he and Janice have participated in Men’s, Women’s, and Marriage Encounters, and Howard currently serves as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors.
Al Cartlidge, Treasurer
Al started working for CPA firms in 1988, he started his first firm in 1992 and merged with his father’s old firm in 1996. In 1999 he added Investment Services through HD Vest. Al is a Registered Investment Advisor and acting Chapter Director for Nevada.
Al and his wife, Sandy, have been actively involved in Encounter Ministry and are both graduates of the EM Biblical Counseling Level 1 class, receiving their certifications as an ABC certified Level 1 counselor. Al is proud to say that his entire family have attended Encounters and renewed their connections with Christ.
Dave Haskins, Secretary
Dave is a US Marine Vietnam combat vet. He is married 34 years to wife, Judy, her two married kids and two granddaughters with two great grandsons. Dave and Judy shepherded single couples for five years while Dave was an elder for 25 years at a church in Reno.
Dave is also a Nevada real estate broker/owner of a property management company for 30 years. Dave has served as a Director and Secretary on the Board and is the leader of the Prayer Team for the ministry. He is compassionate, kind and always willing to serve others.
Tim (TK) Kawelmacher, Director
Tim Kawelmacher (aka “TK”) lives in Reno, Nevada with his wife Vicki of nearly 30 years. They have lived in Reno since 2006. They have six grown adult children, and six grandchildren.
Tim recently received his Master’s of Theology degree in Chaplaincy to extend his impact after “retiring” from 50 years of corporate management. Tim currently is a full-time staff member at Calvary Chapel Reno Sparks as the Executive Director of Communication. He also oversees the marriage and counseling ministry and serves as an Elder.
Carl Baker, Director
Carl has been married to the love of his life for 23 years and they have four God-fearing, wonderful kids. He owns his own business. He loves golfing, vacationing with family and Motocross.
Carl found Christ in 2017. He had a heart transplant in 2018 at a Men’s Encounter. “I am an “ever-growing” and maturing Christian. I struggle daily, but my faith is strong. My hope falls on Jesus, and I hope to have a reckless love like Jesus one day. I love shouting the Good News and am not afraid to jump in front of people and give God Glory. My heart wants to help bring water to the world and let them know Jesus loves them. Right now I am fully engaged in being a father and business owner. I try to use every platform I encounter to spread the Good news.”
Roxanne DeCarlo, Director
Roxanne DeCarlo is the Executive Director of The Empowerment Center located in Reno, NV. She has served in this role for nine years and sat on the Board of Directors for five years prior.
She has ample experience in nonprofit management through her work with Hot August Nights and Nevada Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology. The Empowerment Center expanded to provide long-term supportive housing for individuals who complete treatment programs.
Soren Mortensen, Director
Soren Mortensen serves on the board at Encounter and is actively involved in their men’s ministry. In his day to day life he utilizes his job as a dermatologist to share the hope of Jesus, the healing power of prayer, and the love of our Heavenly Father with his patients and staff.
When he is not working you can find him spending time with his wife, Jolie, and their two little girls. Soren is passionate about discipleship, as well as teaching and studying God’s word. He is on mission to share the Gospel and help others to find healing and freedom in Christ.
Joy Raburu, Director
Joy Raburu believes there is nothing more powerful than seeing lives transformed through prayer, worship, and the Word of God. She began serving with Encounter Ministry in 2017 at the Women’s Encounter, drawn to its vision of creating a place where people can come as they are, experience God’s love, and find healing through worship, prayer, and community.
She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Policy and became certified in Biblical Counseling in 2024. Her career in government, administration, and human services has allowed her to serve children, youth, families, and seniors both locally and internationally.
