Meet our Team

Ryan has served in pastoral ministry for more than 30 years, shepherding church families in Hawaii, Texas, and most recently, shepherding missionaries serving in 50 countries around the world. Ryan is passionate about serving leaders and their families — walking alongside them and helping them to thrive as they live out God’s call on their lives. Married to his college sweetheart, Dinah, together they have three adult children.

With 20+ years of ministry and business experience, Aaron is honored to serve as the Director of Operations and Finance. Aaron and Shelli have been married 25 years, have three kids, and love to see lives transformed through an encounter with the Holy Spirit. Aaron’s ministry experience has cultivated a deep passion for providing refreshing R.E.S.T. for pastors, global workers, and Christian leaders.

With over 25 years of pastoral and business experience, Nathan is honored to serve as the Executive Director of ORI. Nathan and Tricia have been married over 25 years, have 4 children and one grand baby. In the midst of everything Nathan and Tricia have experienced, they remain in awe of the transformative and refreshing presence of the Lord. They have a deep passion for Jesus, love for our amazing hosts and a desire to see every leader "refreshed through R.E.S.T."

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Celeste has been involved in international Christian work for over thirty years, serving in Asia, the United Kingdom, and Italy--where she hosted an Oasis for twelve years. She returned to the US in late 2023 to join ORI’s Staff Care Team. Celeste is also a writer, retreat leader, and mentor. Her passion is to help people connect with God.

Don studied Electrical Engineering at Oregon State and Neuroscience at the UCLA Brain Research Institute. He worked for over 35 years at the University of Washington as a Professor in the Ob/Gyn department conducting research in reproductive neuroendocrinology. He is now retired and enjoying his five grandchildren. Don loves the Lord, enjoys computer programming, and is delighted to help at Oasis Rest International.

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Preston Byrd works as a CPA for a firm in downtown Portland, Oregon. Preston is a friend and supporter of Oasis Rest International and is also involved with Joni and Friends. He is married with two children. Preston came to faith in Jesus in his early twenties. His experience was one of being pursued by God and is thankful for grace!

Jason Curtis has served as a pastor, a director of a Christian nonprofit, a businessman, and as a coach/consultant. He has served churches in South Carolina and Oregon, and also spent ten years in Edinburgh, Scotland. His passion for ORI stems from his own experiences of needing rest. Jason and Marya (pronounced, “Maria”) have been married for almost 30 years and have three sons.

Matt Gillette is the Founder and CEO of Gillette Wealth Management, a firm specializing in comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services for high-net-worth individuals and families. Matt is also a passionate advocate for education and economic development, actively supporting various nonprofit organizations serving under-resourced communities. He is also a Partner and Board Member of Adobe Road Winery.

Shannon spent the first 12 years of her career in full-time ministry, then practiced counseling, and is now a fundraising professional for Christian higher education. She has found it compelling to have so many passions and life experiences come together as an Oasis Rest International board member. She and her husband, Michael, are raising 3 children; together they love sports and family adventures, and live in Vancouver, Washington.

With over 25 years of pastoral and business experience, Nathan is honored to serve as the Executive Director of ORI. Nathan and Tricia have been married over 25 years, have 4 children and one grand baby. In the midst of everything Nathan and Tricia have experienced, they remain in awe of the transformative and refreshing presence of the Lord. They have a deep passion for Jesus, love for our amazing hosts and a desire to see every leader "refreshed through R.E.S.T."

James Madison is CEO (Chief Energy Officer), Speaker, Trainer and Coach at On Purpose Life, LLC. He helps successful and purpose driven senior leaders leave burnout and overwhelm behind to lead winning teams in the achievement of extraordinary results. James' passion for inspiring and igniting growth in others is what makes him excited to be on the board of Oasis Rest International.

Alan Starr has worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators for the past 34 years. For eighteen years, he worked in Cameroon, Africa and raised his family there. Since June 2019, he is the Field Coordinator for the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo, serving as a liaison between donors in the US and nationals translating in these countries. Alan and DeEtte have been married 28 years, and have 3 children.

Ron has a passion to encourage leaders of all kinds from his corporate experience and pastoral leadership. Today, he serves as an executive coach, consultant, an elder in his local church, and now on the board with ORI. Ron and his bride Sharon have been married 34 years and raised three adult children. They enjoy exploring new places and getting outdoors. They live in Indianapolis, IN.

Married and father of two children, Brian Sunderland (JD, George Mason) lives near Portland, Oregon. He is the founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit that helps thousands of individuals each year struggling with financial adversity. In addition, he has launched two companies that are meant to advance God's kingdom. His passion to glorify the Lord forms the basis for serving on the board of Oasis Rest International.

John Um’s own journey of faith has made him eager to help Oasis Rest International provide restorative experiences for pastors, global workers, and Christian leaders.