B.E.A.R. Ministry, Inc.
Bringing Education & Awareness Responsibly
Juanita Lewis
Founder & CEO
Meet Juanita Lewis, a dedicated educator with more than 14 years of experience teaching students in public, private, virtual, and homeschool settings. She currently serves in the local public school system, where she is passionate about fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments that empower her students to thrive. Juanita holds dual Masters in Teaching degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education and is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) through the U.S. Department of Education.
As a devoted wife and mother, Juanita has a deep passion for encouraging and supporting children and families. Alongside her husband, Matt, she previously served as a foster and adoptive parent, an experience that strengthened her understanding of the diverse needs of children and caregivers. Together, they have faithfully served their community through youth ministry and the B.E.A.R. Ministry, helping to nurture the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of children, youth, and families.
Juanita and Matt, along with their two younger daughters, are committed to serving their community with faith, compassion, and the love of Christ, striving to make a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.
Board of Directors
Matt Lewis
President
Meet Matt Lewis, a devoted husband to his wife, Juanita, since 2008 and a proud father. Having previously served as a foster and adoptive parent, Matt understands firsthand both the rewards and the challenges of caring for children and supporting families through different seasons of life.
With more than 30 years of experience as a skilled carpenter, Matt is employed at a local Christian university, where he brings dedication, craftsmanship, and integrity to his work. He also served for more than four years as the Youth Director at a church in Madison Heights, faithfully investing in the lives of young people and their families while sharing the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Matt and Juanita, together with their two younger daughters, make their home in Lynchburg, where they are committed to cultivating a Christ-centered home and serving their community with faith, compassion, and love.
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
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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
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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
Distinguished Board Member
Meet Dr. Dan Reichard, a proud native of Lynchburg, Virginia, whose life has been devoted to faith, family, and service. He married his childhood sweetheart, Shelley, in 1972, and together they have enjoyed 54 years of marriage, raised three children, and are blessed with eight grandchildren. Dan honorably served in the United States Air Force until 1975. During his military service, he made the life changing decision to accept Christ as his personal Savior, setting the course for a lifetime of ministry and leadership. He later earned his Doctor of Theology degree from Trinity Seminary and devoted his career to Christian education, serving as both a teacher and principal before answering God's call to missions around the world. Following six years of faithful service as Executive Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Madison Heights, Dr. Reichard recently entered retirement from that role. Retirement, however, has only opened new doors for ministry. He continues to passionately serve through mission work, guest speaking, and encouraging families and churches with biblical truth, practical wisdom, and the love of Christ.
Sarah Wallace
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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.
