Experience

“The only source of knowledge is experience.”
– Albert Einstein

12 years

Creating safe spaces for people to be real and engage in authentic conversations.

15 years

Coaching, equipping, and mentoring marketplace and ministry leaders.

25 years

of professional work experience in Sales, IT, Design, Ministry, and Non-Profit fields.

Loss & Grief

At age 30, I lost my father to cancer and my mother almost succumbed to the same fate. It was a dark day on August 6, 2009 when my three brothers and I left Hoffman Estates where my dad passed away and drove to the city to share the news with my mom who was recovering from cancer surgery. My mom is still alive today but I’ll continue to process the significant void left in my life after the death of my father.

After years of trying to conceive naturally, Serena and I eventually underwent IUI and IVF procedures. Despite a glimmer of hope at six weeks, we were devastated to hear silence at week seven. The pain and grief associated with infertility continue to shape our lives today.

Three…that’s how many instances I was laid off from an organization. Once due to my department’s contract expiring, the second after most of my team left voluntarily resulting in releasing the rest of us, and the last occurrence being all sorts of complicated. All to say, there have been bouts of unemployment and invitations to go on amazing adventures.

Relationships

Following our season of infertility, foster care was our next opportunity. Because we volunteered at a foster kids summer camp for many years, this demographic was very close to our hearts. We eventually invited two girls (siblings) into our home in 2019 and eventually became their legal guardians in 2023. Managing bio-parent visits, parenting our girls, and doing our best to set them up for success has been a great honor.

Navigating infertility, fostering, parenting, pursuing others instead of each other, job loss, and our vastly different personalities hasn’t been easy but they’ve created opportunities to build long-lasting intimacy. We’re still very much a work in progress but we’re committed to our individual and collective development.

Yeah, I have no idea what I’m doing but if you need someone to talk to about some of the struggles you’re having with yours…I’m still your guy :).

Education

Degree in Biblical Studies at Moody Bible Institute.

Current Role

Member of the Pastoral Team at Willow Creek Community Church
Wheaton Campus

Testimonial

“Few people have the ability to shape others the way Gabe does. His mentorship—created organically, is rooted in authenticity and deep empathy, creating an environment where I felt both safe and challenged to grow. His impact has been in his openness, in the rare space he creates to explore the depths of my own mess and in the way he walks alongside you with humility and presence.”

Camille Codillo

Church Relationship Manager

Compassion International