OUR MISSIONARIES

John & RAchel Reaser

Founders & Executive Directors

John and Rachel graduated from Moody Bible Institute and were married in 1988. For ten years, they served in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they were deeply involved in inner-city ministry and helped plant a cross-cultural church, Steele Creek Church of Charlotte. During those years, they lovingly cared for their firstborn son, Johnathan, who faced a terminal condition and numerous medical challenges. They also opened their home as foster parents to five incredible children.

In 2000, John and Rachel, along with their sons Daniel and Joshua, answered God’s call to serve as missionaries in Mexico. As Shoulder to Shoulder has grown and expanded, the Reasers have transitioned to serving as the Executive Directors of Shoulder to Shoulder.

JAVIER & JEANETTE LEYVA

Directors of STS Tepic

Javier and Jeanette were married in 2004 and have faithfully served the Lord together ever since. Their journey with Shoulder to Shoulder began in 2012 when they met John and Rachel Reaser while serving alongside a short-term missions team in the Mazatlán area. Inspired by the Reasers’ vision for ministry, they became volunteers in 2014 and gradually grew into key members of the team. Today, they continue serving alongside their three children as the Leyva García family.

In 2016, the Reasers and the Leyvas began laying both the practical and spiritual foundations of what is now known as Shoulder to Shoulder Mexico. Since then, Javier and Jeanette have considered it a privilege to serve as part of this ministry, and have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that

occurs when pastors and churches are equipped, encouraged, and empowered to fulfill God’s calling in their communities.

In 2026, the Leyvas took a significant step of faith to further expand the mission of Shoulder to Shoulder. Leaving their ministry team in Mazatlán, they relocated to Tepic—approximately three hours away—to establish and lead a new pastoral center. Today, they serve as Directors of STS Tepic, partnering with pastors and churches throughout the region to provide encouragement, training, and support as they advance the work of the Gospel.

Ben and Tonya Falkenberg

Directors of STS Mazatlán

Ben and Tonya Falkenberg were married in 2008 and graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 2009. They settled in Wadsworth, Ohio, where they began raising their three daughters, Nola, Lena, and Shay.

Ben practiced anesthesia at Mercy Medical Center while Tonya worked as a hairstylist. During this season, their family attended Grace Church in Bath, Ohio, where Ben first met John Reaser. Through that relationship and the ministry of Shoulder to Shoulder, God began calling the Falkenbergs to serve in Mexico.

After completing a year of Spanish language study at the Spanish Language Institute in Costa Rica, they officially joined the STS team in January 2023.

Since then, they have been committed to serving, equipping, and encouraging pastors and churches throughout Mexico.

In 2026, the Falkenbergs were appointed Directors of STS Mazatlán, where they now provide leadership for the ministry’s work in Mazatlán.

Directors of Hospitality and Generous Hands Program, Audio and Media Support

DANIEL & HANNAH PEREZ

Daniel, originally from Mazatlán, and Hannah, from Pittsburgh, PA, joined their lives in marriage in 2015. Now, Daniel and Hannah are the proud parents of their niece, America, and their son, Nathaniel. Hannah has studies in Human Development and Family Studies, and she's currently in the final stages of completing her master's degree in Pastoral Biblical Counseling. Daniel's passions and studies are in graphic design, music, and audio. Before coming to STS both worked for several years with an orphan ministry.

In 2021, Daniel and Hannah felt God's call to the mission and vision of Shoulder to Shoulder. Growing up as pastor's children, they intimately understand the intricate blend of joys and challenges that come with being part of a ministerial household.

As members of the STS team, they are passionate and dedicated to serving and uplifting local pastors through the programs entrusted to them.

Edgar and Carmen Meraz

Pastoral Center Directors

Since their youth, Edgar and Carmen have served in different areas of short-term missions, both with local churches in Mexico and churches from the USA. In 2003, they were married and they now have 2 children, Michell and Edgar Jr. The Meraz del Angel family has helped to plant 2 local churches in Tampico, most recently Iglesia Qadosh in which they have served for 14 years in different ministries: children, youth, worship, and women's ministry.

For the past 8 years, Edgar has served as senior pastor and Carmen as part of the women's and youth ministry board. Edgar holds a degree in Audio Engineering and is currently completing a master’s degree in Theological Studies with a missions

focus. Carmen earned her medical degree, specializing in Family Medicine. She has been practicing Family Medicine for 19 years. As a family, they have obeyed God's call to serve in missions with Shoulder to Shoulder

Naomi Bogue

Director of Safe Zone and Director of Children’s Resources

Naomi is originally from Akron, Ohio, and has felt called to ministry from a young age, particularly in serving children. She began volunteering in her church’s children’s ministry while in middle school and later joined the church staff as she continued her studies.

During college, God began to clearly direct her toward cross-cultural missions. Taking a step of faith, Naomi moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she studied Spanish and the Bible at Word of Life Bible Institute.

Naomi has been connected to Shoulder to Shoulder since childhood, participating in numerous mission trips and serving as an intern during the summer of 2024. After a season of prayer and discernment, it became clear that God was calling her to join STS as a full-time missionary.

Today, Naomi serves as the Director of Safe Zone and Children's Resources, equipping and supporting local churches as they strengthen and grow their ministries to children and families.

Bryan and Erin Joseph

Directors of Mission Teams and Mission Team Care

Bryan and Erin Joseph have been married since 2012 and spent many years raising their four children—Elia, Sophia, Ezra, and Summer—in Northeast Ohio. In 2022, God began leading their family toward missions through relationships and partnerships with local churches. As they learned more about the ministry of Shoulder to Shoulder, it became clear that God was calling them to serve with STS. Before joining the mission field, Bryan worked as a mechanical engineer, while Erin devoted herself to homeschooling and raising their children.

The Joseph family has a deep desire to make Christ known among the nations and to strengthen His Church. After completing a year of Spanish language study at Rio Grande Seminary, they officially joined the STS team in 2026.

Today, Bryan serves as the Director of Mission Teams, leading and coordinating teams that come alongside local pastors and churches throughout Mexico. Erin plays a vital role in mission team care, helping teams feel welcomed, supported, and equipped for meaningful ministry. Together, they help foster lasting partnerships that strengthen both visiting teams and the local church.