Grand Haven Pride

Jaime (she/her) is a local queer community member that is passionate about ensuring that our queer youth feels that they have the space to grow, explore, educate and live as their authentic selves as they develop into adulthood. Mental health is so important these days and young people have access to so much more information that it can be difficult to manage in a healthy way. She is a parent to two teenagers and also loves to help other parents to navigate through life with their kids that may be exploring their identities and expression. You can contact her at jaime.quinn.ghp@gmail.com with questions.

Father Jared (he/him) is the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Grand Haven, the first Christian church in Grand Haven to take a public stance for affirming all LGBTQIA+ people over a decade ago. If you or your church would be interested in working with him on the Pride Community Worship service Saturday morning prior to the official start of the Pride Festival you can contact him at rector@sjegh.com.

Kara (they/she) is a local, queer community member excited for Grand Haven to demonstrate a commitment to safety and inclusion for *all* of its community members. They own SiteWorks Collaborative, a web design agency focusing on creating intuitive, accessible websites, including this one! Reach out to kara@siteworkscollab.com with questions or improvements to this website.

Jenn (she/they) strives to be who they needed as a young queer person, knowing how important representation is. With 20+ years of working in the mental health/wellness field, Jenn is committed to creating connection and community in the name of wellbeing. Jenn is a Connection Coach and Recreation therapist at The RAD RT, offering 1:1 and group coaching to folx looking to (re)connect with themselves, connect in relationship to another person, and/or to connect to their community. They are excited to be a part of this movement creating safe and affirming spaces where folx can BE.

Karen owns Burzurk Brewing Company on the east side of Grand Haven. She believes that all humans deserve to be their unique authentic self. Burzurk provides a welcoming and safe environment for all humans to thrive. You can reach Karen with any questions at karen@burzurkbrewing.com. Stay tuned for the link to sign up to be one of our Food Vendors!

Melanie is a local writer, designer, and marketing professional who believes people shouldn’t have to diminish parts of themselves to be equal members of society. As a young adult author, she cares deeply about teens and making sure they always have a safe and welcoming space in our community. She’s passionate about mental health advocacy and has volunteered in spaces that address those needs, and she’s determined to open minds in west Michigan.

Greetings! I am a dedicated advocate for and member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, with a rich and diverse background in strategic consulting, public policy, coalition building, and community engagement. I believe in the power of collective strength and unity. I stand by the truth that love is not passive—it is fierce, unwavering, and revolutionary. Together, we will thrive.

Thomas Johnstone, based in Muskegon, MI, brings extensive experience in leadership, event coordination, and community engagement. Currently pursuing dual bachelor’s degrees in Social Work and Legal Studies at Grand Valley State University, he maintains a 3.4 GPA and has earned recognition through multiple honor societies. His leadership roles include serving as Co-Chair for the Grand Haven Pride Festival Committee, a Student Ambassador for the National Association of Social Workers – Michigan Chapter, and a Student Senator at GVSU. With a strong background in case management, public service, and nonprofit involvement, Thomas is passionate about fostering inclusive communities and driving meaningful social change.

Amy (she/her) is a proud member of the queer community and is dedicated to activism and advocacy. She is thrilled to be able to work with an amazing group of people to expand upon the work done in the tri-cities area to help the 2-SLGBTQ+ community feel supported and celebrated.

Amy is a licensed psychotherapist. She co-owns and serves as Vice President for River City Psychological Services. Amy has dedicated her career to working with the queer community and has worked with hundreds of youth and their families. She is a WPATH Certified Transgender Health Provider and Mentor, serves on the Advisory Council for the organization Stand with Trans and is a member of multiple coalitions across the country advocating for and protecting gender diverse youth and their families. Amy finds joy in exploring new destinations, being creative, tending to plants and getting lost in a good video game. Her happiest moments are spent with her wife and their two dogs, making each day an adventure.

Brooke (she/her) is a passionate advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights dedicated to expanding outreach and encouraging belonging in our local community. As a queer woman who grew up in the area, she brings a lived experience and a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment, recognizing the progress made so far and the significant work that still lies ahead. Her career focus is in data systems, but in her spare time, she enjoys metalsmithing, skating and spending time with her wife and dogs outdoors.

My name is Patti Krieg (she/her). I am currently employed with Ottawa County and have been there for more than 29 years. I enjoy reading and hanging out with my dogs. I have one son who is non-binary. With learning about the LGBTQ community from him, I find I would like to participate in any way I can. I look forward to helping with the Grand Haven Pride festival.

I’m a local Graphic Designer at a library just looking to create a safe space in our community. I’ve been a part of the last two Pride Festivals and wanted to get more involved this year. I enjoy spending quality time with my fiance and my dog Coco watching movies, and baking treats for family. I hope to someday use my illustrations to make a more inclusive literary community through representation in children’s books.

Nikki DeCou (she/her) has been a member of the Grand Haven community for over twenty years. With eighteen years of experience as an IT Manager at a prominent West Michigan furniture company, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead successful projects, manage budgets, and negotiate contracts effectively.

She is committed to being a trusted ally and is passionate about raising awareness and support for the LGBTQIA+ community in West Michigan.  In her free time, she enjoys hiking and traveling, embracing the beauty of nature and exploring new destinations.

A lifelong Michigander, Layne is a wife, mom, and mimi to a rowdy and joyful circus. Over the past two decades, she’s built a digital publishing company, as well as contributing to local organizations. Recognizing her position of privilege, she believes in elevating others so that everyone can thrive and be celebrated. She loves time with her family, delicious food, good books, and laughing at every opportunity.

Alyssa works in public health and loves to support her community however she can!

I decided to join the Grand Haven Pride Events Committee because I believe that it is not just about celebrating LGBTQ+ individuals, but also about educating others, fostering empathy, and encouraging open-mindedness. Grand Haven Pride is a vital opportunity to stand together and to show that we are stronger when we embrace our differences. I would love to be a part of that movement, to help make this celebration a moment of pride and empowerment for every person, regardless of who they are or who they love.