Meet the Team
Pastor Drew and Allison met when Drew and his family moved to Oostburg, WI in 2014. Pastor Drew pastors at the church that Allison grew up in and although Allison has been in and out of that church with school and moving around the country, they are excited to be back in the same area and working together! God laid it on both of their hearts to start this collaborative coaching approach to serve Pastors and Christian Leaders as they often have struggles that many do not see as they are serving others and not always receiving the support that they need.
Therapist, Clinical Director
Allison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is passionate about people obtaining optimal holistic health. Allison takes the therapeutic approach of looking at all areas of a person (spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, relational, financial, etc) and digging into how one can work towards their goals.
Allison’s communication style is positive, encouraging, and open. When you attend a session with her, you will see someone who will not judge you and is there to support you. She will often gently push you to step outside of your comfort zone and expand your goals to an area that you may not have thought possible before.
Allison will individualize each therapy session to the specific client and meet them where they are. Although this is a practice based on Christian values, Allison is happy to work with anyone of any faith or those who are questioning their beliefs.
Allison obtained her Bachelors in Social Work from Trinity Christian College and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has experience working with individuals, couples, and families, often focusing on these groups: teens and 18-40 year olds navigating life transitions, adults questioning their worldview/religious and political beliefs, and couples and families who desire to grow in their communication with one another.
Allison Gartman, LCSW
Pastor at First CRC Oostburg, Pastoral Coach
Drew serves as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church. The most rewarding aspect of his work in ministry is walking with people who are striving to reach their potential in every area of life for the glory of God. Drew sees mental and spiritual health as intertwined and believes that the Bible, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, lays out clearly how God wants us to understand everything about ourselves – from our identity, calling and purpose to our struggles, trials and temptations.
Drew’s communication style is supportive, honest, and reassuring. There are very few areas of brokenness that he has not encountered and there are absolutely no areas of brokenness that God cannot redeem. Drew has experienced this Gospel reality in his own life as well as the lives of people he has counseled.
Drew will cater therapy sessions to client needs and goals. Although his primary focus and expertise is Christian ministry and business leadership, he is willing to work with anyone who desires a comprehensive perspective on counseling – Mind, Body, and Soul.
Drew obtained his Bachelors in Business Management from Cornerstone University and his Masters in Divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary. He is currently working toward his Doctorate of Education with an emphasis on Applied Leadership. He has experience in business leadership (18 years), ministry leadership & counseling (12 years), and educational leadership serving in numerous teaching and coaching positions (10 years). These various life experiences have equipped him well to connect with a wide diversity of people, professions, and personalities.