We currently have three paid staff members involved in administering the activities at Bella, one full-time and two part-time. The Executive Director is the key person guiding all the activities of the Center with the main focus on development and fundraising. The Center Director oversees the volunteer staff and client services and the Administrative Assistant is in charge of bookkeeping and assisting both the ED and CD with their many tasks.
Executive Director
Roxie Johnson is the Executive Director and is in charge of all the day-to-day activities at Bella. Roxie started at Bella in 1988 as a client advocate and became Executive Director in 1989. Roxie and her husband, John, have four grown children and seven grandchildren. Roxie’s spare time is spent with family activities, reading, sewing, and participating in Bible studies. Her commitment to Bella is evidenced in her hard work and determination to be an example of God’s love and wisdom to all she counsels and comes in contact with at Bella.
Center Director/Nurse
Jodie Baxendale works double-duty as Bella’s Center Director and primary nurse sonographer. Jodie has been working for Bella since February, 2008. She lives in Belle Fourche with her husband, Bill, and children, John (7), and Jacie (3). She also has a son, Jacob, who is 21. The Baxendale family attends St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Spearfish. In her spare time, Jodie enjoys time with family and friends, photography, creating “Pretties” and working on other creative projects.
Administrative Assistant
Kristen Harding began working in the ministry at Bella as the Administrative Assistant in June, 2009. She lives in Spearfish with her husband David and is working on a Biology degree at Black Hills State University. She believes that “the most important changes to be made in the world have to begin within individuals, and that is exactly what Bella facilitates.”
Donor Care & Development Assistant
Chris Jewett has a long history with Bella Pregnancy Resource Center. She joined the minisry as a volunteer client advocate fourteen years ago. Since then she has also served on the board of directors and the helpline. As of May 2010, Chris is serving as Bella’s primary contact person for supporting individuals and churches, and working to expand the donor base. She is married to Steve, and they have three children: Jamie (15), Drew (10), and Benjamin (5) whom Chris also homeschools. They live in Belle Fourche, are active in their church, and enjoy many outdoor activities.
