Chelsea is a local ceramic artist with a passion for practicing sustainability at the community level. Chelsea believes that we all belong here and is excited to help make sure Grand Haven Pride is a celebration where all feel welcome and honored. You can reach Chelsea with any questions at [email protected]. Stay tuned for the link to sign up for space in the Inclusive Market.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] with questions or improvements to this website.

Addy Knoth-Miller (she/her), is a local business owner and graphic designer who grew up in Grand Haven. Guided by a strong commitment to equality and inclusivity, Addy actively supports the LGBTQIA+ community through her work and advocacy efforts. With a keen eye for design and a strategic approach to social media, she channels her skills to amplify messages of diversity and acceptance. She is excited to be a part of GH Pride and hopes to help create a lasting impact on the community she proudly calls home.

Shyra (She/her) is a local social worker passionate about helping people be the most themselves. When Shyra isn’t working, you’ll likely find her walking in the woods or connecting with others around nature, healing, the arts and storytelling. She also enjoys being with her family, friends and community.

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.

Jessica (she/her) is a local social worker, educator, and minister who is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the powerful and beneficial impacts made on communities when embraced. She is excited to celebrate our local diversity and help create a space where all are welcome. Jessica can be reached at [email protected].

Jacob is an Interior Designer from Lansing who moved to Grand Haven in 2022. Relocating to start a new business venture, Jacob is a very outgoing spirit who loves to be involved and wants to help make Grand Haven a place where everyone can enjoy what it has to offer. Jacob is involved with a couple nonprofit groups and is hoping to be a common name in the community. 

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 [email protected]. Stay tuned for the link to sign up to be one of our Food Vendors!

Shawn has dedicated her life to serving others, born and raised in Holland Michigan. At an incredibly young age she was intrigued by learning and has been a lifelong learner ever since.
As a teen she began working at a nursing home. The gratification of time spent with seniors and her thirst for knowledge triggered her to return to school so she could become certified in the area of senior health care.
For over 30 years Shawn continued to guide seniors and their families working hand in hand with West Michigan Hospice as well as local Community Mental Health social workers. Because of her constant desire to learn and to stay up to date with current health care practices she obtained multiple certifications—including a Physical Trainer Certificate, and M.A.A. Certificate, Death Doula Certificate and a Reiki Masters. Not only did Shawn assist with the activities of daily living for her clients she also assisted her clients and her families in their journey of transitioning at end of life. After over 30 years of helping seniors and their families deal with death and Shawn’s own multiple health crisis, lead her to take a break from this chapter of her life to focus on family and her creative instincts.
She is currently working with her wife at Reliant and as a cake decorators for Meijer and providing support to her children and grandchildren. To paraphrase Langston Hughes…Shawn continues to climax and life for her ain’t been no crystal stair.

Retired federal government employee. Last position director of Contract Integrity Division, Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs. Prior positions included Acquisition, Asset Management, Enhanced Use Leasing, Green Energy Program, Congressional and Legislative Affairs, Presidential Transformation Task Force, Strategic Planning, Operations, and Executive Correspondence.

Hi! My name is Shyle Lyons, and I live in Grand Haven. I work as a Social Media Marketer, and I also started and run a local market called Merchants and Makers. I am a former social worker and small business owner and I love supporting local businesses by allowing them to sell their items all over West Michigan at markets. I have been supporting Pride organizations for years through donations, and I wanted to do something to get involved more hands-on – when I saw that help was needed organizing the market – I knew this was my chance! I am excited to help support Queer owned businesses locally through Grand Haven Pride!