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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.
2008 celebrates the ministries
24th anniversary. Thiessen Roadhouse has evolved into a
Christian non-profit organization housing expectant mothers and mothers in
crisis. 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.
Expectant mothers, and mothers with infants, are 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, midwife assistant.
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 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 adoption.
Other partnerships that have been established to create a network
focusing on this area of need include, DHS, BirthRight, Milwaukie
Pregnancy
Resource Center, Elizabeth House, Community House, Legacy of Life, My Sister's House, and Bethany House.
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 recieved 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 Milwaukie, 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.
As for relaxation and quiet time, you will most likely find
Linda at the river with her Chocolate Lab, Charlie!
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