B.E.A.R Ministry, Inc.
Bringing Education & Awareness Responsibly
Juanita Lewis
Founder & CEO
Meet Juanita Lewis, an experienced educator with over 14 years in public, private, virtual and homeschool settings. Currently teaching in the local public school system, she holds dual Master of Science degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education, along with a certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) from the U.S. Department of Education. Juanita is a dedicated mother and advocate for children, having served as both a foster and adoptive parent alongside her husband, Matt. Together, they have positively impacted their community through youth programs and the B.E.A.R ministry, aimed at nurturing the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of our youth.
Board of Directors
Matt Lewis
President
Meet Matt Lewis, a dedicated husband to Juanita since 2008 and a proud father. With experience as a foster and adoptive parent, he understands both the joys and challenges of parenting. A skilled carpenter with over 30 years of expertise, Matt is employed at a local Christian university. Most recently, he served as the Youth Director at a church in Madison Heights for over four years, where he passionately shared the message of hope found in Jesus Christ with families within the community. Alongside his wife and their two younger daughters, Matt lives in Lynchburg, fostering faith and love within their family and beyond.
Pastor Seth Campbell
Treasurer
​Meet Seth Campbell, a devoted husband to Kate and proud dad to Weston who lives his life as an unashamed follower of Christ. With a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Old Dominion University and a Master's in Ministry from Carolina University, Seth combines his technical expertise with a passion for service. His professional journey includes roles as a site plan designer and project engineer at Hurt & Proffitt, construction manager for downtown renewal projects in Lynchburg, and Assistant Director of Public Works for Bedford. Outside of work, Seth enjoys coffee, hunting, camping, and cherishing moments spent with his family and church. Currently, since January 2023, Seth serves as the Associate Pastor at Faith Baptist Church, where he is dedicated to ministering to families and sharing the Gospel. His passion for reaching local communities is evident in his commitment to making a positive impact through faith and service.
Det. Stephen Gauthier
Treasurer
Meet Stephen Gauthier, a dedicated community advocate and Detective with the Lynchburg Police Department, actively serving on the Crisis Intervention Team. Before his impactful work in Virginia, Stephen developed skills as an officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD). His diverse background in customer service, sales, and the commercial airline industry enriches his approach to law enforcement. Additionally, Stephen has devoted over a decade to mentoring youth through coaching wrestling and volunteering with programs like USA Wrestling and Beat the Streets in New York City and Providence, Rhode Island.
Det. Liary Gauthier
​Secretary
​
Meet Liary Gauthier, a dedicated professional from the vibrant Dominican Republic, enriched by the diverse culture of New York City. With six years of experience in the nonprofit sector and the NYPD, Liary has worked tirelessly to ensure public safety. After relocating to Lynchburg, Virginia, she served as a Police Officer and School Resource Officer, mentoring students from elementary through high school. Currently, as a Detective in the Lynchburg Police Department, Liary is passionate about guiding youth in the community, providing them with valuable resources and support.
Bif Johnson
​
​
Meet Bif Johnson, a devoted believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Since accepting Jesus as his personal Savior in his teenage years, Bif has been passionate about serving Him and guiding others to a relationship with Christ. He is a dedicated husband to Jill and a proud father to Britton, Casey, Abby, Caleb, and Sarah, as well as a loving stepfather to Alyssa and Ayden. Professionally, Bif serves as President and CEO of Hurt & Proffitt, where he has dedicated 38 years of service. He is a proud graduate of Central Virginia Community College and Virginia Tech, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering. He has been actively involved in various ministries since his early 20s, including serving in children and youth ministries. In his professional and civic life, Bif has contributed to his community by serving on multiple boards, including three Chamber of Commerce boards and two local foundation boards. Bif has also been appointed to several state boards by four Virginia governors: Professional Engineers State Board by Governors Warner and Kaine, State Board for Contractors by Governor McAuliffe, and State Board for Community Colleges by Governor Youngkin. He combines his professional expertise with a commitment to volunteerism, finding joy in giving back to others through both professional and personal service. In his free time, he enjoys walking, hiking, biking, and playing golf.
Dr. Dan Reichard
Honorary Board Member
Meet Dr. Dan Reichard, a proud native of Lynchburg, Virginia, whose life has been marked by faith, family, and service. A graduate of Holy Cross Catholic School’s Class of 1969, Dan married his childhood sweetheart, Shelley, in 1972. Together, they have shared 53 wonderful years of marriage, raised three children (all now happily married), and are blessed with eight grandchildren.
Dan served honorably in the United States Air Force until 1975, during which time he accepted Christ as his personal Savior—a decision that would shape the rest of his life. With a Th.D. from Trinity Seminary, he has devoted his career to Christian education as both an educator and principal, while also spending many years on the mission field sharing the gospel across the world.
Today, Dr. Reichard serves as the Executive Pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Madison Heights, where he continues his lifelong calling to minister to families and strengthen the community through the love of Christ.
Sarah Wallace
​
Meet Sarah Wallace, a devoted school counselor with a strong passion for building meaningful connections with her students. Sarah's experience includes teaching public speaking, tutoring elementary students, establishing an after-school ballet program, and volunteering with groups such as VBS, Girls on the Run, Special Olympics and Divorce Care Kids. She has also spent multiple years as a therapeutic mentor and life skills coach to young adults who aged out of foster care and were part of an independent living program. With her certifications in trauma training, Youth Mental Health First Aid and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills, Sarah is dedicated to advocating for young people and empowering them to succeed. Sarah champions for best practices to enhance therapeutic journeys and outcomes. When she's not working, you can find her enjoying an iced coffee and spending time with her husband, daughter, and pup. Her passion for her work is matched only by her love for family time.
