Education is a journey, and every student deserves the right support to reach their full potential. At the heart of academic success, Lancaster Bible College’s all-women team at the Ally Center is dedicated to guiding learners from all backgrounds, learning styles and needs toward achievement. From first-generation college students to working adults and students with diverse learning needs, the Ally Center team provides personalized, compassionate support that fosters growth and confidence.

Education is more than just coursework — it’s a pathway to opportunity, growth and achievement. At the Ally Center, the four-services team is dedicated to supporting learners, ensuring that no student walks their academic journey alone. The work goes beyond academics to create an inclusive, supportive and empowering space where all learners feel seen, heard and valued.

Now let’s hear from the Ally Center team!

Meet the women of LBC’s Ally Center! From left, Christie Werkheiser, Gracey Lum, Madison Wilson (Ally Center Department Assistant), Shanika Churchville and Chantelle Patschke.

What does being part of an all-female team mean to you?

“We understand each other in ways that are unique, especially as it relates to being women who may be married, with children and working. Having these layered roles can certainly be very challenging, and I feel there’s an empathy and kinship that is shared among us – a deeper understanding of how all these roles impact us day to day. Literally being able to laugh hard, or cry a little when necessary, pray with or simply listen, is supportive in ways that we all benefit from. It’s these intangibles that really make our team feel connected.”

Christie Werkheiser, Accessibility Coordinator

“I love being a part of an all-women team! We get the opportunity to model collaboration, holistic care and intentional excellence for students. From working together to support students academically to planning popular events in the Ally Center, being a part of this strong and capable team has taught me much about how to creatively and tangibly serve the LBC community.”

Shanika Churchville, Ally Center Director

Diversity in Support, Unity in Purpose

“Our work at the Ally Center is fueled by our collective expertise and the understanding that representation in education matters. We understand that no two students are alike. Our team works to ensure that each learner, whether they need tutoring, mentorship, accessibility services or language development, receives the tailored support they deserve. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and being surrounded by a network of supportive colleagues has allowed us to expand our expertise, take on leadership roles, and continuously improve the way we serve students.”

Chantelle Patschke, ESL Student Support Specialist

Women Lifting Students and Each Other Up

“I love seeing our different gifts work together to serve students and make the Ally Center run smoothly. Whether that is through planning our events, giving students a safe place to come to, mentoring students, guiding student leaders or supporting our colleagues when they’re holding a lot, this team is truly unique in the way it operates!”

Gracey Lum, Academic Mentoring Coordinator

Shaping the Future of Learning

“Every interaction with a student is an opportunity to instill Christ-like values, foster critical thinking and encourage problem-solving. We take pride in supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including those who are navigating the college experience as ESL learners, students with disabilities who require individualized accommodations and students from underrepresented communities who may face additional barriers to academic success. I believe that we are shaping the future of learning by breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity and empowering students from diverse backgrounds.”

Chantelle Patschke, ESL Student Support Specialist

The Best Part of an All-Women Team

“I think we really get each other. Women are a tribe of their own, and the Ally Center is unique among tribes. We have all our professional talk and lingo that we indeed focus on, but let’s be honest, you can’t really tell a guy you love his shoes!”

Christie Werkheiser, Accessibility Coordinator

“The team makes me proud to be a woman. It is a reminder that women can be strong leaders, and they can also be behind the scenes compassionate servers. All are necessary, and all are valued. I have witnessed every aspect through the Ally Center. Plus, there isn’t a day that goes by where my outfit is not complimented.”

Gracey Lum, Academic Mentoring Coordinator

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

“Women’s History Month reminds me of the women in my life and in history who have gone before me and shown me how to serve God and people, balance work and family, and live life with an open heart, a courageous spirit and a curious mind.”

Shanika Churchville, Ally Center Director

“My family history is one that most informs my attitude of Women’s History Month. Since my childhood, there have been many losses of the males in our family, so therefore the women learned to ‘step up.’ From the age of 9 to 12 years old, I observed my mother go to college and earn her bachelor’s in education at a Bible college. During this time, she worked numerous jobs, studied hard and raised me lovingly as a single mother. I learned that if you want to achieve something, you must seek the Lord’s direction, trust His leading, obediently step forward through the open doors He provides and work hard at whatever He gives you to do. The final part is really where the rubber meets the road – without the effort behind all of the other critical preliminary pieces, nothing will be accomplished. This is really what the historical and current contributions of women is about.”

Christie Werkheiser, Accessibility Coordinator

“For me, Women’s History Month has been a time of acknowledging the many roles women can play and the unique giftings we have been given to bring honor to Christ. We all have been shaped in some way or another through women, and it makes me proud to be in a role that can influence and support other younger women and men to be who God has made them.”

Gracey Lum, Academic Mentoring Coordinator

“Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the contributions, resilience and achievements of women throughout history while recognizing the ongoing work needed to achieve true equity. For me, it is a celebration of the women who have paved the way in education, advocacy and leadership — those who have fought for opportunities that I, and many others, now have. As an educator, I strive to ensure that learning spaces are inclusive and representative. My goal is to contribute to a future where every woman’s voice is heard, every learner has the tools to succeed and to ensure that opportunities are not just available but accessible to all.”

Chantelle Patschke, ESL Student Support Specialist

To commemorate Women’s History Month, meet the other all-female teams on LBC’s Lancaster campus!