About Us

Our Story. Our Team.

The Inspire Idaho Story — John Mitchell, Founder

After pastoring for 25 years, God opened my eyes to the plight of foster kids through my daughter, Melissa. Her devotion to this under-served population helped me to see how vulnerable they can be. Over time, it became clear to me and my wife, Debbie, that modern-day foster children are the orphans God calls us to care for (James 1:27).

Our daughter, Jenna, and her husband, David were doing just that by fostering kids in their home. As we entered the foster care world with them, we began to grasp how challenging life can be like for foster kids — especially foster teens; how trauma and broken promises make many of these young people wonder if they are worthy of love, or anything at all. Is it any wonder that so many of these beautiful, image-bearers of God struggle mightily as adults?

This fact broke our hearts and compelled us to act. Inspire Idaho allows us to engage young people experiencing foster care to affirm their value, offer them hope, and equip them to flourish; to meet them where they are, discover who they want to be, and help them to build a roadmap to get there. We are honored to serve alongside our adult children and all who share our vision to change lives and transform generations, one life, one relationship at a time.

Meet the team

John Mitchell, Executive Director, Board Member

I am a follower of Jesus who has been happily married to my wife, Debbie, for 41 years. I love hanging out with her, our five daughters, one son, and ten grandkids. I enjoy skiing, Audible books, and Grimaldi’s pepperoni pizza. I am an extrovert, people lover, and rabid Boise State football fan. I find great joy in pointing people to the One in whom we live, move, and have our being.

Annie Higgins, Managing Director, Board Member

I believe that God created all of mankind in His image so we might fill the earth with His glory by flourishing under His lordship. However, because we live in a broken world, many of us do not experience this flourishing as a reality. As a licensed professional counselor, I am passionate about pointing people to the source of all hope and healing in Christ. I’ve been married to my sweet husband, Anthony, for 20 years and in our free time we enjoy leading marriage enrichment retreats, camping, hiking, skiing, and enjoying all of the outdoor adventures Idaho has to offer! 

Andrew Seidlitz, Director of Program Operations

I grew up in Boise, and after college in New Mexico, working in hotel management in Texas for two years, and spending two years doing missions, I was able to return to Idaho in 2021. I enjoy working on administrative tasks, creating systems to enable organizations work more efficiently and to help more people encounter the love of Jesus. I have been married to Anna since 2017 and we have two children. I am very adventurous and love to travel–I have visited 43 states and eight countries so far! I also enjoy spending time in the great outdoors camping, hiking, and backpacking.

Renea Prindle, Director of Intake and Mentoring

My family moved around the Pacific Northwest before settling in Idaho when I was eight, and though life took me away twice—for college in Minnesota and later to Nebraska—Idaho has always been home. In Nebraska, my husband and I served as a family teaching couple at Boys Town, supporting and living alongside 32 boys aged 12 to 19, and upon returning to Idaho, I continued that advocacy with JEMfriends. These experiences cemented my deep passion for helping youth overcome adversity and transition into adulthood. As Inspire Idaho’s Director of Intake and Mentoring, I bring a heart for service, a love for Jesus, and a steadfast dedication to empowering the next generation. Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor adventures with my family, reading, writing, baking, and photography.

Natalie Harrison, Mentor Support Specialist

I am a lifelong Idahoan and nature lover, married to Ian, my amazing husband of two years. I enjoy exploring almost any art form, baking, reading, and getting outside for a walk or a run. I am fascinated by all things psychology and neurobiology! My desire for life is to display the love of my Savior to everyone around me, even if that’s just for a few minutes or a few years.

Jeremy Burnstein, Board Member

Guided by the charge in Colossians 3:23 to work with all my heart for the Lord, I aim to be a faithful ambassador of Jesus Christ and to add value to those around me. Professionally, I’ve spent nearly 25 years as a business valuation specialist, a path that led me to establish my own practice where I can serve clients with purpose. My family and I were drawn to Idaho in 2019 by its natural beauty and a “neighborly” culture that reminds us that life is a shared journey and we are called to support one another. I have been married to my beautiful bride, Rebecca, for 25 years, and we are the proud parents of three amazing daughters: Hannah, Mikayla, and Kelsey. In my free time, I enjoy getting out on the golf course, where I am constantly reminded that there’s always room for improvement.

Steve Collard, Board Member, Treasurer

I have been a follower of Jesus for over five decades and married to the love of my life, Sharon, for over four decades.  We have four children and five grandkids.  
For the last 25 years of my career, I have been a CFO of SaaS companies.
I enjoy skiing, travel, hiking, camping, fishing and most outdoor things in the amazing creation of our God and King. I love the mission of Inspire Idaho which offers true hope and life skills to vulnerable teens. I am grateful to serve alongside this amazing team with the expectation that many lives in our community will be eternally changed.

Katlyn Cornelius, Board Member

My husband and I moved to Idaho in 2022 and were surprised to hear that this state, like many others, also struggles with their foster care system. I have a special place in my heart for these kids who need help transitioning to adult life and believe that our Lord and Savior led us here to help. I am retired now, but worked over 25 years in the environment, safety and health field. I traveled to many states and countries during my career and also lived in California, Nevada, Hawaii and Dubai. I love people, music, nature and trying new recipes. In our spare time, we enjoy hiking, entertaining, driving and traveling.

Harrison Funk, Board Member

I am an enthusiastic people-person who loves to “think outside of the box.” I love spending time with my wife and kids and our family and friends. You will often find me teeing off on the golf course or enjoying the outdoors. My love of life and commitment to serve others are rooted in my faith, which drives me to make a difference in the lives of those around me. My passion for the next generation compels me to serve as a member of the inspire Idaho Board. 

Jeff Jessee, Board Member

Disclaimer: This is Jeff’s wife, René, writing for Jeff because he abhors talking about himself. That should tell you a lot already about his humble character. Jeff enjoys reading the Bible and non-fiction books — sometimes two or three at any given time. He loves spending time with his family and also loves tacos! We have 5 kids and 1 grand baby. Jeff has a servant’s heart and is grateful to be part of Inspire Idaho.