About Linda Wiles Thornton

               FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR

              THIESSEN ROADHOUSE MINISTRIES

           Established 1984

Linda Wiles Thornton is the Executive Director of Thiessen Roadhouse Ministries (TRM) of Milwaukie, Oregon. Linda founded the ministry in 1984.  2009 celebrates the ministries 25^th Anniversary, now going into the 26th year, we are anticipating another year of wonderful and exciting happenings that will be taking place. Thiessen Roadhouse is a Christian non-profit organization housing  mothers in crisis, most homeless, from a domestic violence situation, drugs and alcohol rehabilitations, unexpected pregnacies, a mother with a newborn, or a mother who is transitioning her child who is a ward of the court in a foster home environment.  As a transitional home, participants enter into TRM Promise of Life Program, where mothers can focus on preparing for the birthing process along with life altering parenting skills.  Each mother is encouraged and given educational and spiritual counseling.  They also  are given supervision and receive specialized attention for emotional, physical, and medical needs.  Linda is a Certified Christian Counselor as well a Labor Doula, an assistant to a midwife.

Linda graduated from Good Samaritan Ministries counseling program in 1995 as a Professional Christian Counselor.  The Training consists of Bible based teachings in an extensive three year internship program.  Linda regularly conducts group, individual, and family sessions.  Known for her integrity and spiritual maturity, Linda specializes in counseling clients who have been victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence.  She also counsels clients for anger management, drug and alcohol, sudden death syndrome, grief, unexpected pregnancy and post abortion.  Linda’s heart lies with ministering counsel through art therapy with emotionally traumatized children.

In the past eleven years Linda has assisted in countless births.  In seeing an ever increasing trend in her counseling practice related to the needs of pregnant women, Linda completed and graduated from Portland's Birthingway College of Midwifery Labor Doula Program in 2003.  Catholic Charities has also become involved with TRM to give support and an alternative program for mothers who desire the choice of open adoption. Other partnerships that have been established to create a network focusing on this area of need include, DHS in all counties, Birth Right, local hospitals, several surrounding local area's of P.R.C., (Pregnancy Resource Centers), and several other centers in the surrounding metro areas of our communities.

Linda is a member of Toastmaster International, a public speaking and leadership program which has prepared her to speak to a variety of audiences.  Linda has been a guest speaker on the subject of drug & alcohol counseling and community outreach.  She has been guest speaker at Marylhurst University, local church groups, Channel 12 News Media and has been involved with Mothers of Drunk Drivers (MADD) of Oregon for several presentations. In 2006 Linda was honored and chosen out of 300 applicants and received the Hometown Hero's award at the Governor's Hotel in Portland, Oregon.  The Oregonian featured her on the front page of the Living section in 2007 of dedication and commitment to Thiessen Roadhouse.   She has also been a member of the Sacred Dance Guild International for the past 20 years.  Her dance company HeartSong, presents performances at weddings, baptisms, memorials, and worship for special scheduled events.  Linda is a member and spiritually supported by her church family at New Song Community Church in Portland, Oregon.

Linda makes her home at Thiessen Roadhouse.  She is a devoted Mother of three professional children, her sons, James of Maui, Hawaii, Timothy of Gladstone, OR, and her daughter, JillMarie of Canby, OR Her grandson James, her pride, and her grand daughters Lily and Ava, her joy! A spiritual mother and grandmother for many who have touched her life, not only brings the commitment of discipleship, but the vision of Thiessen Roadhouse that much closer. 

Linda enjoys writing, painting and designing, the arts, ballet and theatre, trips to the Oregon beach, event planning, home and family time, and for relaxation and quiet time, you will most likely find Linda at the river with her Chocolate Lab, Charlie!