Following her successful recovery from 17 years of debilitating, suicidal depression, Julie then spent her forties and the better part of ten years serving and learning at local therapy farm Peace Ranch. Volunteering at the ranch offered further personal healing and growth and helped her develop a therapeutic mindset as well as a skill set of working with horses, working on the land, and serving and leading others. There she experienced for herself the profound healing impact a natural farm environment of working with animals and working the land in the context of safe community offers the hurting and broken. She had the opportunity to participate in the growth of the nonprofit therapy farm and was its first college intern. About the same time, she served for five years on the board of a local nonprofit ministry serving single moms and worked as a life coach for a year and a half there as well.

After a season pursuing an education, during a day of prayer she received an unusual and powerful vision. That vision would become reality with the establishment of Freedom Farm Ministries Grand Traverse in 2016. A friend purchased a 2 ½ acre property outside the village of Kingsley, Michigan, and invited Julie and her husband Dave to come live there and launch Freedom Farm. After 4 1/2 years at that site, we were offered the incredible opportunity to move operations to Maple Ridge Place, a beautiful 14-acre property centrally located between the communities of Traverse City, Kingsley, Grawn and Interlochen, owned by dear friends and ministry partners Susan and Dick Hoekstra. This new home base allows Freedom Farm to combine the HeartSkills Coaching, garden, and equine-assisted therapeutic programs in one place, and also shares space with Ms. Hoekstra’s Affirm Ministries.

Since he was a child, David knew there was something special about the completeness of God’s creation. Everything from the smallest bacterium to the tallest tree serves His purpose and impacts every other being. David has been involved in agriculture for over 2 decades, and still takes great pride in stewardship of the land and everything living on it. For all its merits, modern living deprives us of the natural healing that the Lord has provided. Freedom Farm aims to imbue modern problems with real healing through stewardship, and David is thrilled to be a part of it.

As physician, CEO, family member, volunteer, I am a facilitator at heart. My enduring roles in life have always involved summoning faith, love, and experience to facilitate healing, growth, and functional excellence for individuals and organizations. I believe every person and group has the power within themselves. I simply try to come alongside and support.

I'm a behind-the-scenes person, in my work as president of Table Health and in my personal life, where I enjoy quiet time in nature, reading, and loving on family, friends, and canine best friend. Faith is central in my life, the foundation from which I plan and do everything (on good days anyway). I'm passionate about Freedom Farm because it supports healing of individuals, families, and communities in a non-judgmental atmosphere that is supportive and loving.

Stephanie lives in Athens, TN with her husband Jay. She grew up in a loving, Christian home and has been a follower of Christ from a young age. After high school, Stephanie spent four years dancing professionally in both ballet and modern dance ministries, through which she got the opportunity to live in Mississippi, Michigan, and Texas. While living in Houston, she met Jay at a swing dance event and through the Lord’s leading they got married within the year. She has learned that the Lord always provides in the right way, at the right time, and she is thankful for the hope and security He gives. She is currently working at Table Health as the practice manager, and is blessed to be back in dance ministry with Enoch Contemporary Ballet. Stephanie’s favorite activities include spending time with Jay, reading novels, singing, swing dancing, and laughing with friends.

Jeff Leake was born in Deerfield, Illinois. He graduated high school in 1977 and joined the Navy for four years, followed by four years in college at Southern Illinois University where he received a degree in Agribusiness Economics, with emphasis on animal science, and plant and soil science. He came to faith in Christ while attending college. After graduating, Jeff immediately went to work for Tyson foods out of Springdale, Arkansas, where he worked for 39 years. During this time, Jeff met his wife Susan; they were married in 1995, and currently have three children spread out across the US.

After retiring in April 2025, Jeff was introduced to the Freedom Farm ministry at Maple Ridge Place. He immediately fell in love with this ministry and became a part of it. Jeff has helped the farm with a number of projects - from building our beautiful treehouse up on the hill and other building projects, to landscaping and general maintenance. Because of his energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and diligence, he was invited to become our Facilities Manager at Maple Ridge Place. Also, in the fall of 2025, he was honored to be asked to join the Freedom Farm Board of Directors.

Jeff and Susie have found their church home as active, serving members at the Church of the Living God in Traverse City, MI.

Susan spent most of her single years, age 20-40, managing and operating businesses for other people who quickly became her best friends. Her honesty, work ethic, and friendly personality helped her to quickly become part of and enjoy any team she joined.

On May 3rd of 1992, the Lord won her over and she became a loving daughter to His family.

Susan and her husband Jeff volunteered for many years at a local church, leading children’s church, greeting, working events, leading small group. Susan also helped lead in Awana, organized meals, prayer cards, and entertainment for their small group.

One of her strengths is noticing a hurting soul and loving on them to make life a little more comforting for them.

Susan and Jeff were honored when Julie asked them to join Freedom Farms board because they know firsthand how important this ministry is. Susan’s goal for Freedom Farms is to continue to help improve and work the property and help with events. Her hopes for Freedom Farms is to see many hurting souls being blessed by this beautiful property and the wonderful people that live on it. To see them learning life skills to have better relationships, and healing from past and current trauma, but mostly to see them develop a close personal relationship with Jesus.

Susan enjoys gardening, riding bikes, kayaking, walking the family dog, being outside, and hanging with her friends.

A professional musician for many years, David Eickenroth played in rock bands around the Midwest and lived the life of a rock musician. He graduated from eastern Michigan University with a bachelors degree in English literature and history. Dave was born into the kingdom of God in 1972.

When he became a Christian, the Lord called him to be a psalmist and worship leader, which he has done faithfully for years. He has written many worship songs that have been used in some of the local fellowships and churches. Dave was also involved in the music business, starting and maintaining local guitar shops for over forty years.

David is now a staff member at the Grand Traverse House of Prayer and spends many hours worshiping and praying for the city, America and Israel. His one desire is to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon His beauty. He is married to his beautiful wife Julie, founder and Executive Director of Freedom Farm and a gifted teacher with a dynamic ministry called HeartSkills™. Dave and Julie live in Traverse City, Michigan, at beautiful Maple Ridge PLACE, owned by dear friends Dick & Susan Hoekstra, where together they run Freedom Farm, enjoy their large extended family of children and grandchildren, and serve their community.