Grand Haven Pride

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.

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 [email protected]. 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.

Fig has been a member of the Grand Haven community for four years and part of the LGBTQ+ community for fifteen. Fig works in manufacturing and is currently a student at MCC. Most of their time is spent with family, cooking, or crafting. Their passion in the community includes mentoring younger queer people, being a trusted adult, and access to resources for those and need and those looking to learn.

John brings a wealth of board experience to the Pride community, shaped by more than two decades of service at the local, county, and state levels of school board governance. During his final eight years as president of the local school board, he successfully led a pivotal bond proposal and played an instrumental role in selecting a new superintendent. A lifelong volunteer, John sought new ways to give back after retiring from school board service. With the encouragement of his dear friends Kara and Jenn, he found a meaningful place within Grand Haven Pride. While he humbly acknowledges his limited knowledge of Queer culture, he is dedicated to learning, growing, and fostering a more inclusive community.

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.

Since moving from Chicago to Grand Haven in 2011, Tori has become an active member of the community. She has been involved in school fundraising efforts, the PTA, Girl Scouts, and Girls on the Run. As a Relationship Manager at a local investment advisory firm, Tori enjoys educating clients and helping them achieve their financial goals. Previously, she owned a small studio in downtown Grand Haven where she offered sewing classes and summer camps, creating a safe and welcoming space for kids and teens to explore creative self-expression. She is excited to join the Grand Haven Pride Committee, continuing to advocate for diversity and for all members of our community to feel safe, valued and celebrated.

Hello all! Volunteering at Pride Festival was such a positive experience that when I heard about the Events Committee I knew I had to join. When I’m not working with the committee you can catch me gardening, reading, running, baking, or finding a new hobby. Who doesn’t need another hobby? I’m excited to meet new people and to help this community grow.

Murielle is a local environmental professional and member of the queer community. She is passionate about the intersection between social and environmental issues and believes that everyone deserves a healthy planet where they can live safely and authentically. She decided to join GH Pride Events Committee to contribute toward positive change and inclusivity in West Michigan.