Staff

Shirley Ryan

President & CEO

Shirley Ryan

Shirley Ryan, MS Ed, LMFT, LMHC, was named President & CEO in 2024. Shirley is the 14th Administrator since Crossroad's founding in 1883 and is responsible for the overall administration of the treatment programs and services delivered by Crossroad. Prior to serving as the President & CEO, Shirley served as the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Clinical Services, and a Therapist. Shirley earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Ball State University and her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Indiana University – Purdue University, Fort Wayne.

Deborah Howard

Chief Compliance Officer

Meet Deborah

Deborah Howard

Deborah Howard joined Crossroad’s team in 2021 as the Chief Compliance Officer. In this role, she is responsible for working with accreditation agencies, leading organizational audits, and actively ensuring Crossroad continues to provide quality services. Before coming to Crossroad, she gained valuable experience working with adults and youth as Director of Adolescent Residential Services at Park Center in Fort Wayne. Deborah earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University, a Master of Business Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership through the University of Phoenix. She has also been certified as a Credentialed Sexually Abusive Youth Professional (CSAYP) through IN-AJSOP since 2012.

Liz Bergren

Chief Development Officer

Meet Liz

Liz Bergren

Liz Bergren was named the Chief Development Officer in June 2023 after starting her Crossroad career as the Development Director in 2019. Liz is responsible for the administration and supervision of the Development Department which includes communicating the mission, values, and purpose of Crossroad with individuals, families, corporations, service organizations, churches, and conferences in the region. In her role, she leads the overall charitable financial development program and enjoys working closely with community donors. Liz has extensive experience in non-profit fundraising and public relations for child welfare and human service agencies.

Liz graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality and Food Management and received a certificate in Non-Profit Management from the Center for Non-Profit Management in Dallas, Texas. Liz is also a Diakonal Minister in the United Church of Christ.

Bruce Shepherd

Chief Support Officer

Meet Bruce

Mackinzie Sharpe

Bruce Shepherd joined the Crossroad Facilities Team in August of 2002 and has served as the Chief Support Officer since January 2025, after having served as the Director of Facilities since November of 2005. In his role, he is responsible for the administration and supervision of the Facilities Department which includes the maintenance, improvement, emergency preparedness, landscaping, and cleanliness of the entirety of Crossroad’s 28 acre campus. Bruce collaborates with Crossroad team members to ensure compliance with regulatory standards set forth by licensing and accrediting agencies, often hosting inspectors and auditors for tours of campus. In addition to leading emergency drills and trainings, Bruce is a key staff member on the emergency response team at Crossroad.

Beth McNeal

Director of Human Resources

Meet Beth

Beth McNeal

As Director of Human Resources, Beth McNeal manages the recruitment, orientation, and retention of Crossroad personnel. She also designs, implements, evaluates, and maintains our compensation and benefits programs and ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal labor regulations. Beth earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Indiana University – Purdue University, Fort Wayne and joined Crossroad in 1994.

Diane Kaehr

Director of Clinical Services

Meet Diane

Diane Kaehr

Diane Kaehr, MS, LMFT, LMHCA joined Crossroad in 2006 and served in various roles before being promoted to Director of Clinical Services in 2022. In her current position, she is responsible for all aspects of treatment services to clients and their families to ensure that clinical treatment is delivered in a comprehensive manner and meets the organizational goals and treatment philosophy. As a supervisor, she is responsible for orientation and training, staff oversight, team building, performance evaluations, handling routine disciplinary actions, and ensuring the implementation of treatment strategies and positive outcomes for clients and their families.

Mackinzie Sharpe

Development Director

Meet Mackinzie

Mackinzie Sharpe

Mackinzie Sharpe joined Crossroad’s team in 2019 as our Resource Development Director and was promoted to Development Director in 2023. She is responsible for donor engagement and grant writing. In her role, she communicates Crossroad’s vision, mission, and programs to individuals, groups, businesses, churches, and foundations.

Mackinzie graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration.

Amy Kohler

Crossroad Academy Principal

Meet Amy

Amy Kohler

Amy Kohler began her career at Crossroad in December 2008 as the Aquatics Director, assisting the Recreation Director. Amy eventually transitioned to a teaching position within the Crossroad Academy, sharing her love of learning with students in grades 4-6. In January of 2024, Amy became Principal of Crossroad Academy. Amy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Leadership through Indiana Wesleyan University.

Shilane Davis

Professional Development Coordinator

Meet Shilane

Shilane Davis

Shilane Davis joined Crossroad’s team in 2024 as the Professional Development Coordinator. In this role, she is responsible for assisting with recruiting talented, mission-driven direct care staff as well as facilitating training requirements for all staff. Before coming to Crossroad, she gained valuable experience working in Residential Services. Shilane earned an Associate Degree in K-12 Education from Indiana Department of Education.

Shilane is licensed minister and has been in Ministry since 2011. When Shilane is not reading, meditating or traveling she loves spending time with her family. Shilane is an Inspirational Speaker who participates in women conferences to continue her personal professional development. She is passionate about learning and teaching others. She is dedicated to the spiritual and professional growth of others.

Larry L. Geans, Jr.

Residential Manager

Meet Larry

Larry Geans

Larry L. Geans, Jr. serves as Residential Manager at Crossroad Child & Family Services, managing daily operations, staff supervision, and program execution. A Taylor University graduate with a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, Larry brings extensive human services leadership from past roles as Program Director at AID of Indiana, Cottage Coordinator at Starr Commonwealth, and Facilitator with the Center for Nonviolence. He previously served as a Crossroad Unit Supervisor (2007–2009) and is proud to bring his experience back to the organization.