Billie (Erisman) Kramme is Registered Nurse and has worked and volunteered in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1970. Billie was instrumental in starting the Friends of Emmaus auxiliary organization in 1971, now known as The Friends Foundation, which raised over $1 million to improve the lives of people with disabilities. She and her husband Dennis share a passion to see that every person has a choice of where to live and work, making available an integrated, intentional community as an option.

Dane R. Buschling was raised in Washington, Missouri and graduated from Washington High School in 2007.  He attended undergraduate at Drake University.  He then received his law degree and MBA from St. Louis University in 2014.  He worked in real estate contracts before suffering a severe, traumatic brain injury in 2016 at the age of 26.  He was not expected to survive, but through miracles, medicine and hard work, he has made a remarkable recovery. 

He works at Four Rivers YMCA and co-founded Brain Buddies, a social and awareness group for young adults recovering from brain injuries.  With his injury, Dane has an inherent understanding of the needs of the Bethel Hills residents.

Lynne is the mother John, who in 1996 at the of 18, suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was hit by a drunk driver. Lynne became involved with the Missouri Brain Injury Association (BIA-MO), serving on the State Board of Directors for 10 years. Following her term on the BI-MO she served as chair of several of Emmaus Homes’ major fundraisers over a six year period. Advocating for the needs of the developmentally disabled has become her primary focus whether through fundraising or in discussions educating the general public and State and Federal officials on the needs of the disabled. Lynne currently serves on the Missouri Commission on Mental Health.

Jennifer was born and raised in the St. Louis Metro area. She has an older brother, Andy with autism and cerebral palsy, who has required specialized support services all of his life. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology at St. Louis University and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling at Lindenwood University. She is all but dissertation (ABD) for a Doctorate degree in Educational Psychology from Capella University. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health and healthcare services, currently employed at UnitedHealthcare as a Clinical Transformation Consultant.

Don is a life long resident of St. Louis County, attended graduate school at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and military service in Texas, England and South Carolina. He worked for the St. Louis County Library for 50 years and was the Director for 30 years. He is a member of the St. John’s UCC in Manchester, served on the Emmaus Homes Board of Directors 12 years, as well as 8 years on the Cape Albeon Board. Don brings a wealth of knowledge in finance board governance and business to our board. Don and his wife Darlene had 2 children, Karen and Keith.

Lee worked for Boeing 47 years, first as a Tool and Die Maker and then as a Group Manager in tooling. He has been a part of the governing body of his condo association. Both of these experiences lend to skills and experience beneficial for our board to build Bethel Hills community. His brothers, Terry and Cary, both lived at the Emmaus Homes campus for 50+ years enjoying the beautiful campus life. Lee came to appreciate this intentional community and sees many benefits to this living choice for his brothers and others with developmental disabilities. Lee was an active volunteer for the campus in maintenance and lawn care, volunteers at Temco sheltered workshop, works tirelessly helping the Friends Foundation with the many events to raise money for people with developmental disabilities.

John is a minister with the First Christian Church in Union, MO and has been a part of the disability ministries over the past 20 years striving to find ways in which the church and the community at large can recognize and utilize the segment of people with special and unique needs to better our communities. John is also currently serving on the board of Ability Ministries, a non-profit organization that is dedicated enhancing the lives of persons affected with disabilities.

Michael is a St. Louis native with 12 years of experience working at Rainbow Village (DBA Promise Community Home). He started out at the Director of Development and Community Relations, followed by becoming the Executive Director. Michael is a visionary, and highly committed professional with a broad-based background in providing exceptional leadership and services within nonprofit and corporate organizations. Michael brings a tremendous amount of experience with fundraising and community housing development for individuals with developmental disabilities.