Dr. Valerie Geer brings 25 years of experience in Christian service to the Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties. Her ministry career includes:
- A variety of roles in Christian higher education, from chapel ministry to community service programs to curriculum development and instruction
- Intercultural training and teaching English to speakers of other languages
- Advocacy for those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking
- Advocacy for individuals (and their families) experiencing mental illness
- Leading Bible studies and small groups
Valerie finds joy and fulfillment in listening to and supporting people from a wide variety of backgrounds as they engage faith in their contexts.
Valerie is a Doctor of Intercultural Studies (Western Seminary, 2017), holds an MA in Intercultural Studies & TESOL (Wheaton College, 2004), and earned a BA in Church Ministries with a Concentration in Intercultural Studies (Northwest University, 1999).
Valerie has lived in Salem, Oregon for the past twelve years with her best friend and husband of 24 years, Nathan, and their four sons. She is an avid reader, loves watching her kids play sports and music, and finds refreshment spending time outside hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding.