Our Team
Lauren McIntyre - President
She/HerI joined the GIFT board in 2020 after my wife and I found immense healing and community from the Wednesday night support group. As a former fundamentalist and graduate from Hillsdale College, I have experienced religious trauma firsthand and am able to use those experiences to fuel and inform my work here at GIFT. My passion projects at GIFT include event planning and making interdenominational connections, and my personal hobbies include hiking, solving escape rooms, practicing aerial gymnastics, and living life with my wife, dogs and chickens.
Sue Caps - Treasurer
She/HerI joined the board in 2022 because I wanted to be supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. My primary role at GIFT is as the organization’s treasurer. Outside of work, I enjoy quality time with family and creating with cross-stitch.
Jonathan Gladding
He/TheyI am a psychotherapist focused on helping folks more fully integrate themselves, especially in supporting people with potentially conflicting parts of their identities. Being able to build bridges within and between people is what brought me to work with GIFT. My efforts at GIFT are largely focused on growing and nurturing our community connections: building partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and churches. I love all things art and music, especially crafting that perfectly crumbly scone.
Ross Beyer
He/HimI am a dedicated ally who joined GIFT to better my community and help everyone find a faith community where they feel belonging, acceptance, and love. I have experience speaking with church leadership and promoting full inclusion in the church. It is my belief that God’s love is for all and we are created just as we are to server God and serve others. My role on the GIFT board involves event planning, building relationships, and supporting our information technology needs. My hobbies involve disc golf, cooking, and camping with my wife and kids.
Ava case
She/HerI’ve been a part of GIFT since 2021. As a bisexual woman I joined gift to help people who have felt hurt by a church and help them feel connected to the lord again. In my free time, I like going to comic cons and concerts.
Destiny Cavacece
She/TheyI am a mixed-media artist born & raised in the Grand Rapids area. I joined the GIFT board in December of 2024 in hopes to contribute creative ideas and positive insights. My goal is to help build a safe & affirming community where all are welcomed, supported and loved. Beyond the GIFT board, I enjoy making colorful, 60s hippie-era inspired art.
Anthony Cavacece
He/HimI Joined the GIFT board alongside my spouse, Destiny, in the winter of 2024. As a person of faith and a ally of the LGBTQ+ community, I am always looking to help create safe spaces for others. God's love is fully inclusive and everyone deserves to know they are loved and valued. I enjoy gardening and creating in my free time.