The Story Behind Rock Solid Families
Merrill and Linda Hutchinson were working full-time in their local school and church when they felt God’s call to dedicate themselves to individual, marriage, and family coaching. They even named their envisioned ministry "Rock Solid Families." But how would this one busy couple working for two non-profits be able to fund such a ministry? Little did they know they would be approached seven years later by someone who asked, “If you could do anything in ministry, what would it be?”
Thanks to the prayers and financial support of that faithful family and hundreds of other partners, Rock Solid Families was founded in January 2018 and opened its West Harrison, IN office in October 2018. After much prayer, Merrill and Linda stepped down from their full time positions in the church and public school to focus on strengthening families. Both believe that healthy schools, churches, and communities depend on strong and healthy homes and are committed in helping educate, equip, and empower families to be all God created them to be.
Rock Solid Families is now a 501c 3 faith-based coaching organization celebrating over five years and offering spiritual guidance and practical tools to individuals, couples, and families. Our coaches do not claim to have all the answers, but they trust in and lean on a mighty God who does. Their hearts’ desire is to see more families saved and strengthened through the Rock of Jesus Christ and the unshakable truth of His Word and for every client to truly understand their identity and purpose in Christ.
Their approach is built on three pillars: FAITH. FAMILY. FITNESS.
STAFF
Merrill Hutchinson- President/Coach
Merrill holds a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and Biology/Anatomy/Physiology from Northern Kentucky University and a master's degree in School Counseling from Xavier University. During his 32 years in the Indiana public schools, Merrill gained experience in a variety of areas including teaching, counseling, and coaching. Merrill's dedication to a holistic approach is evident through his certification as a personal trainer which further enhances his work.
Merrill and his wife Linda have been married for over 36 years and have 5 children including 2 grown sons, 3 more children through adoption, 2 beautiful daughter in laws, and 5 adorable grand babies. The Hutchinsons have led countless retreats, classes, and workshops in the area of marriage and parenting for over 30 years. Merrill loves spending his free time working out, riding his bike, and spending time with his family.
Linda Hutchinson- Executive Director/Coach
Linda has a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Northern Kentucky University and a master's degree in Pastoral Counseling from Cincinnati Christian University. Linda has been married to Merrill for over 36 years and together they are blessed with five children and five grandchildren.
After working full time in the local schools and churches for over 30 years, Linda understands the importance of a healthy work/life balance. Her work is deeply rooted in offering both practical HELP to those struggling and biblical HOPE to individuals, couples, and families.
In her free time, you will find Linda taking walks, reading a good book, or playing with her adorable grandbabies.
Meredith Scudder-Assistant Director/Coach
Meredith is a 2011 graduate of East Central High School and a Bright, Indiana native. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Indiana University East and master’s degree in Social Work from IUPUI.
Meredith brings extensive experience to the Rock Solid Families team as a school social worker, a licensed psychotherapist, and a wilderness therapist for teens. She is passionate about helping individuals and families heal, achieve their goals, and discover their identity and purpose in Christ.
As her knowledge in mental health increased, along with her personal experience with Jesus, Meredith couldn’t help but see mental health through a biblical, spiritual lens.
Meredith is excited to be a part of Rock Solid Families and help individuals and families heal and grow with Christ as the firm foundation. She feels blessed to be in a position where she can help and hold space for others, to receive His healing love for themselves.
Jenna Helton - Marketing & Administrative
Assistant
Jenna has a bachelor's degree in Communications and a certificate in Public Relations from the University of Cincinnati. Over the past 10 years, Jenna has gained dynamic marketing and administrative experience in various communication and event marketing roles.
After working in corporate America for several years, she has followed her heart to non-profit ministry work here at Rock Solid Families. Her work is rooted in her passion for helping others and her desire to spread God's word.
In her free time, you can find Jenna hanging out with her husband and son, hosting her neighborhood book club, or traveling to national parks!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kevin and April Haukebo
April and Kevin have been married for 43 years.
They have a son, daughter-in-law, and 3 grandsons that live in Maryland. Family time is a priority to Kevin and April, and they split time between Ohio and Maryland.
They were baptized together in 1994. April has served in children’s ministry, women’s ministry, finance, and administration. Kevin has served in finance, sports, personnel, small group leader, children & student ministry, strategic planning, and as an Elder.
Both are retired. April was an associate for Bankhardt’s Luggage & Gifts. Kevin was an IT executive with P&G. Both Kevin and April have been working out at Rock Solid Families since they opened their doors in 2018. April also volunteers as an Administrative Assistant for Linda.
April and Kevin spend their free time with family & friends, walking & working out, with an occasional round of golf.
Josh and Brittany Rademacher
Josh and Brittany have been married for 13 years. They have three children, Mason (12), Camden (10), and Ali (7). They met in 2009 at Bright Christian Church.
Brittany is a Registered Nurse but has recently stepped away from nursing to fill a role as an Instructional Assistant at North Dearborn Elementary. Brittany has a big heart and a passion for helping others. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Josh is a Director of Sales at Honeywell Intelligrated. Josh enjoys watching and playing sports with his children. He graduated from Purdue University and is a huge fan.
As a family the Rademacher’s enjoy attending sporting events, spending time outside and exploring new places together as a family.
Zac and Rachel Strobl
Zac and Rachel have been married for 9 years and are the proud parents of Lili (4) and Lincoln (2). They met through the Hutchinson’s young adult small group in 2011 and are active members of Bright Christian Church.
Rachel is a 2nd-grade elementary school teacher at Bright Elementary. She has been a Christ-follower since age 9, leads a women's small group, and is an avid runner.
Zac is an Entrepreneurship Professor and Assistant Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at NKU. He is a Christ-follower, certified Strong Dad, founder of the Man-Up Campout, and an avid outdoorsman.
The Strobls are an active family and enjoy competing with each other for top running times. Zac currently holds the best 5K and 10K times in the house. Rachel possesses the best Half-Marathon time (for now).