Deanna has been faithfully involved in Native American ministry since 1985, when she and her husband, Jerry, moved to Arizona to serve as dorm parents and teachers at a mission school. Together, they dedicated their lives to serving Indigenous communities with compassion and the love of Christ.

Jerry served as the Administrator of Native American Youth Ministries (NAYM) from its founding in 1997 until 2019. He faithfully led the ministry until the Lord called him home and he entered the presence of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Deanna continues to serve NAYM in the role of Support Missionary while also teaching at an inner-city elementary charter school in Phoenix. Her passion for education and ministry remains strong as she continues to impact lives both inside and outside the classroom.

She is the proud mother of four children and grandmother to eight.

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.” — 1 Timothy 1:12