Our Team
Our team comprises dedicated staff and volunteers who are committed to seeing and guiding LIFT students to become bright, active, and compassionate members of our community. Each team member brings unique talents, strengths, and gifts to share with the program and is encouraged to grow both personally and professionally within the inherently nurturing and empowering environment of our organization.
REBEKAH TENBRINK
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER
Rebekah TenBrink is the Founder and Director of LIFT Teen Center. Raised in Holland, MI and transplanted to Leelanau County in 2012 after a series of travel and social service jobs. Setting roots in Northern Michigan, Rebekah found a great need for youth services. She attended Spring Arbor University and received her Bachelors of Arts in Family Life Education; a model which builds a stronger community by fostering partnerships that engage families in a participatory process leading to self-efficacy. As a vibrant and passionate soul Rebekah is always striving to “be the change”.
AUDREY LUKSCH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Audrey grew up in Suttons Bay and graduated from Suttons Bay Schools in 2011. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and International Studies from the University of Michigan in 2015. After graduating, Audrey lived abroad in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua for three years, teaching English to children living in underserved communities. She now lives in Cedar with her fiance, Alex, and their dog, Sage. She is the Associate Director of LIFT and The Friendship Community Center.
MADISON THOMPSON
LIFT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Madison is a social worker with a passion for connecting with teens and young adults. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work from Ferris State University and has worked in a variety of roles, including homeless services, community organizing, teaching at the local community college, and providing therapy. Madison moved to the area in 2015, fell in love with northern Michigan’s natural beauty, and has called it home ever since. When she’s not working, you can find her at the beach, hiking, or soaking up the sun with her dogs. Madison values community, connection, and creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported.
COURTNEY GORMAN
VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR
Courtney made her home in Northern Michigan in 2016 by way of Indiana. Her passion for investing in community began while working for non-profits, leading cultural immersion trips to developing countries. Courtney’s desire to support adolescents especially heightened with the raising of her own children and founding The Kindness Kids Club, a group centered on providing monthly community service volunteer opportunities for Traverse City's youngest citizens. She is passionate about helping individuals see and value their unique gifts, potential, and impact on the world. Courtney joined the LIFT Team in June 2024 as LIFT’s Volunteer Director.
MEG JEAN
NORTHPORT PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Meg was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and her passion for serving others started early. She was the lifeguard for the Special Education class in high school, which led her to volunteer with the Special Olympics and eventually create a program at Ferris State University for Special Olympics athletes. Her professional career started in 2018 when she worked for Special Olympics International in Washington, D.C.. Meg moved back to Michigan in 2020, where her love for serving others continues to flourish. She is our Northport Schools Program Coordinator and is so happy to be a part of the LIFT team.
CODA MIX
SUTTONS BAY MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Coda was raised in Benzie County and graduated from Frankfort High School in 2017. She received her Associate Degree from Northwest Michigan College before transferring to Ferris State University to continue her education in Social Work. With a desire to serve others, Coda has worked in social services and mental health for the past five years. She has always wanted to work with youth and is excited to be a part of the LIFT team.
STEFANIE MURPHY
GLEN LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Stefanie grew up in Leelanau County and her journey working with teens began when her own children came of age. She applied for a special educational paraprofessional job at Glen Lake Community Schools for a second-grade student. Working as a paraprofessional and becoming a Family, Student, and Support Specialist ignited her interest and dedication to helping young minds thrive. Working with kids and teens is not just a job, its a calling. Stefanie joined the LIFT team in Fall 2023 as LIFT's first-ever Middle School Program Coordinator at Glen Lake Community Schools.
ANNIE BIELACZYC
GLEN LAKE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Annie grew up on Michigan's west coast, where she developed a passion for the arts and creative expression. She earned a BFA from the University of Michigan and later an MA in Art Therapy at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. Annie worked as an activity therapist in hospital settings for nearly a decade, and in 2021, she moved to a Christmas tree farm in Cedar. Annie enjoys working with (and advocating for) kids and teens and is excited to join the LIFT team!
JESUS LEDESMA
LELAND MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Jesus grew up in Leelanau County and graduated from Leland Public Schools in 2020. He received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan in 2024. Jesus has always felt drawn to serving and supporting others and credits his development to mentors and educators in his own life. Jesus joined the LIFT team in 2025 as LIFT’s first Middle School Program Coordinator at Leland Public Schools. He is excited to give back to youth and families in his community.