Jilleen Simons is co-founder, director and lead coach/counselor of to be light ministries , a non-denominational, Christ-centered ministry dedicated to strengthening the lives of Christians and non-Christians. As a leader, speaker, coach and teacher, she is extremely passionate about the relationship between the individual and Jesus Christ. She especially desires to help Christians go from merely being 'hearers' of God's Word to 'doers'. To be 'caught up with Christ' and lead this world into a transforming relationship with God the Father through Christ Jesus.
The birth of to be light ministries : Her calling into ministry began in 2003, while working as a counselor in community mental health. It was there that more and more referrals were redirected to her from peers and supervisors to address requests from clients for 'spiritual counseling'. By 2006, she was asked to serve full time for one of the largest church body's in Northwest, Indiana. As CARE and Recovery Pastor, Jilleen was over a number of ministries including Celebrate Recovery, Grandparents As Parents, The Men's Overnight Homeless Shelter, The Food Pantry, Benevolent Ministry and provided Christian Counseling. She also taught discipleship classes and was a visiting speaker to local churches on issues concerning Christian Care and Recovery. By 2008, she was called to increase Christian Counseling and the birth of to be light ministries was born. In 2009, she began full time Christian Life Coach Counseling for to be light ministries in its permanent location in northwest Porter County. Under her directorship, to be light continues to experience continued growth and expansion and now works alongside numerous churches in Northwest, Indiana to provide Christian Counseling for its members. In addition, she works with several local Christian schools and regularly consults on a variety of Christian Care and Recovery issues.
Jilleen is a graduate of Portage Christian Schools and an alumnus of Olivet Nazarene University where she studied medicine and religious studies. She holds a Bachelor's degree with honors from Purdue University Calumet in Clinical Psychology. And further holds a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from The University of Chicago and did her internship work at The University of Chicago Hospitals Department of Psychiatry where she had the honor of working with some of the nations leading counseling experts. Following graduate school, she worked full time in community mental health with children, adolescents and adults for many years before accepting a full time pastoral position. She has been actively working with Christians and non-Christians for more than 12 years. She resides in Porter County and enjoys time with her family and being active in her local church. Additionally, she enjoys reading, music, traveling, gardening, riding her motorcycle and she is an avid fisherwoman.
Of course, she has her own boat!
