Board of Directors

Alex Burkhalter

Board President

A graduate of Missoula Big Sky High School and the University of Montana, Alex loves Missoula and the people who make it special. His wife of 15 years, Erica and their three middle and elementary aged children are the Missoulians he loves the most. As a family they spend weekends camping and playing at lakes in the summer and downhill skiing in the winter. In between all that fun, Alex specializes in the development of affordable rental housing using federal programs all across Montana and surrounding states. When not playing with family or working, Alex loves to ride mountain bikes; always looking for one more climb followed by an adrenaline filled race back to the bottom. First in his life, adding joy and color to all other areas, is his love and gratitude for Jesus Christ and the incredible act of redemption and love shown by Him made available to all who place their faith in Him. or all who respond to the grace of Jesus Christ.

Meet the Board of Directors

JAKE MISCHKE

BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

Profile

Jake Mischke is Clinical Faculty and the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Director at the University of Montana School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science. Jake holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Creighton University, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Montana.

Jake and Mary Mischke were married in 2015 and have two young children, Emma and Mason. They enjoy playing in Montana’s outdoors, cheering for the Grizzlies, and spending time with family. Jake grew up in a Christian household and was saved at a young age. He enjoys seeing God’s glory and mercy daily and relishes watching God work wonders through Hope Rescue Mission (HRM). He has been involved with HRM since 2016 and is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the HRM team to serve, rescue, and transform those in need by the grace of Jesus Christ.

JONATHAN HOWIE

Board Memeber

Profile

Jonathan is grateful to be a part of the Board of Directors for Hope Rescue Mission. Indeed, my life was “saved” by grace back in 2000 and I have been a faithful follower of Jesus since then.

Jonathan is an entrepreneur and business owner here in Missoula. He has nearly 25 years in business experience and feel called that he can make an impact for God’s kingdom through business. Jonathan’s hobbies include running, cycling, and exercise. He loves to play golf, ride motorcycles, and generally just have a good time with our closest friends. He also has a passion for music and has been a worship leader, playing guitar and singing for local churches.

Jonathan and Amy have been married for 15 years and he is the father of 3 amazing daughters.

Amy Howie

Board Memeber

Profile

Amy and her family are relatively new to the beautiful town of Missoula. Her and her family packed up their lives and moved here in 2014 from Colorado when her and her husband, Jonathan, felt God calling them to start a life in Montana. Amy is passionate about many things including traveling around our country and worldwide, building relationships with people and making them smile, mountain biking and pretty much any activity that involves mountains and lakes. On any given day, Amy, Jonathan and their girls are out exploring new and beautiful sights around Montana. Amy is a former middle school and high school teacher of 13 years but has recently quit teaching to help her husband grow his e-commerce business. Amy is thrilled to be a part of Hope Rescue Mission and looks forward to how God will continue to move in this community!

Mark Bradford

Board member

Profile

Mark Bradford was born and raised in the picturesque landscapes of Missoula, Montana. Mark’s life journey has been marked by a deep sense of purpose and an unwavering dedication to helping others.

Mark’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, with a focus on mathematics and health, which he earned from Whitworth College in 1999. His passion for education led him to teach junior high and high school math at Valley Christian in Missoula from 1999 to 2003. During this time, he played a pivotal role in shaping young minds and instilling a love for learning.

In 2001, Mark embarked on another life-changing journey when he married his beloved Cristy, who shares his roots in Missoula and his commitment to community betterment. In 2003, driven by a desire to broaden his horizons, Mark returned to academia to earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a specialization in structural engineering from Montana State University.

Since 2007, Mark has been practicing his expertise as a structural engineer with DCI Engineers, consistently delivering exceptional solutions in his field. His professional achievements and dedication to excellence have made him a respected figure in the engineering community.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mark is a devoted family man, cherishing the moments spent exploring the natural beauty of Missoula and the outdoors with his wife and three children. His love for his community and the environment is evident in everything he does.

Mark’s passion for community service extends far and wide. He actively volunteers in various initiatives, working tirelessly to combat hunger, promote affordable housing, and provide support to refugees settling in Missoula. His commitment to giving back doesn’t stop at the city limits; Mark has also volunteered his engineering skills in Haiti, where he contributed to building homes and schools for orphans and street children.

Central to Mark’s values is the belief that every individual is valued, loved, and possesses a unique purpose in God’s eyes. This belief drives his dedication to serving those in need and making a positive impact in his community.

Chris Davis

Board Memeber

Profile

Chris Davis is husband to Chrissy and a proud father of 3 kind boys. Family time for this group often looks like playing video games like ‘The Legend of Zelda’, or board games like ‘Settlers of Catan’. If you’re brave enough to play games with the Davis’ you’re sure to walk away with new best friends, but possibly also a bruised ego. They are quite a competitive group! In 2012 Chris graduated from a plumbing apprenticeship in Portland Oregon. He now spends most of his working hours helping teams get aligned around Scope, Schedule and strategy as they kick-off large construction projects. Teaching core construction competencies and creating alignment and connection (trust) between team members are things that bring Chris great fulfillment in his work. Proximity to those stuck in addiction and the compassion that it has created is a driving force behind Chris’ service at HRM. The Lord has always led the Davis family to places and positions they never expected, and Chris’ role at HRM is no exception to this.

JEANNE PARKER

Board Memeber

Profile

Jeanne Parker is a fifth generation Montanan and proud Montana State University Bobcat graduate in Chemical Engineering. A mother of 2 sons and grandmother of 2 girls enjoys sharing her many interests with them. Teaching the girls all about Jesus, baking, fishing, skiing, biking, hiking, pickleball plus sewing and painting is a full-time job. After working in many industries as a Process Engineer in 5 different States, she decided to return home in 2015. Soon after arriving, she started volunteering at Hope Rescue Mission at the Women’s Center cooking dinners once a week. One thing led to another and soon she was involved as a mentor/babysitter then transitioned to a board member. As a board member, she was aware of the need for a Director of Operations and stepped into that role for several years. As of May of 2025, Jeanne retired from HRM but is still passionate about the success of this mission and returned to the board in November of 2025.

SHELLY WEAR

Board member

Profile

Shelly grew up in a non-Christian family with deep Montana roots who had struggles with alcoholism and emotional instability. Years later, she came to faith through her marriage almost ending in divorce. Because of the tremendous healing she has experienced spiritually, physically, emotionally, and relationally she wants the same for others.

Having a strong background in business, she worked the bulk of her career for non-profit conservation organizations including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and The Vital Ground Foundation. Later in life, God called her to ministry. As a result, she served at Church at the Gates and Hope Rescue Mission.

Shelly and her family have been involved with HRM since around 2008 where she has served as a volunteer and staff member. She now feels honored and privileged to serve on the board of directors.

Spending time outdoors or by a warm fire with her husband, family, friends and English Labrador are some of Shelly’s favorite ways to spend her downtime. She particularly loves connecting to women deeply over studying God’s word, in tandem with hiking, walking or over a great cup of coffee. Her healing journey has deepened her commitment to help others find hope and healing through Christ.