Alysa Marx - Executive Director

As Founder and Executive Director of Refugee Resources, Alysa Marx has dedicated more than 20 years to serving refugee students and families in Dallas. Her leadership is rooted in a deep love for Christ and a passion for helping every child discover the hope, confidence, and opportunities that come through literacy, meaningful relationships, and the Gospel.

With a background spanning refugee resettlement, education, and community outreach, Alysa has devoted her career to building bridges between refugee families, churches, volunteers, and the broader community. She believes that every child is uniquely created in the image of God and deserves to be known, encouraged, and equipped to reach their God-given potential.

Alysa is passionate about developing innovative literacy programs, equipping and encouraging volunteers, cultivating partnerships with churches and community organizations, and sharing the love of Christ with refugee students and families. She is committed to fostering an environment where students not only grow academically but also experience the hope of the Gospel through caring, Christ-centered relationships.

As Refugee Resources celebrates 20 years of God's grace and faithfulness, Alysa remains deeply grateful for God's provision and continues to lead the ministry with prayer, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to seeing refugee students and families flourish academically, spiritually, and personally.

Julie Bovenkamp - Preschool Circle Coordinator

Julie has a long-standing passion for serving children and families, especially within the refugee community. She has volunteered in various capacities for many years and has faithfully served in Awana, a Bible-based program focused on Scripture memory and discipleship, for decades.

Julie brings a strong understanding of early childhood development and a gentle, nurturing presence that makes young children feel seen and loved. After volunteering with the Preschool Circle for a year, it became clear she had a unique gift for working with preschoolers. Shortly thereafter, she joined the staff as the Preschool Circle Coordinator.

Julie's heart for children extends beyond the classroom. As a mother of six—two of whom were welcomed into her family through foster care and adoption—she embodies a deep commitment to compassion, care, and Christ-centered service. She continues to invest in the lives of our youngest learners, laying a foundation of love, literacy, and faith.

Jordyn Rupprecht
Intermediate & Advanced Reading Coordinator | Social Media Manager

Driven by a love for learning and serving others, Jordyn brings a heart for ministry and education to the Refugee Resources team. As a former classroom teacher, she offers experience in educational leadership, curriculum development, and building meaningful relationships with students. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping students to reach their God-given potential through individualized support and Christ-centered mentorship.

Jordyn first became involved with Refugee Resources in 2021 after God placed a clear calling on her heart to serve refugee students and families. As a volunteer mentor, she witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of consistent, Christ-centered relationships. What began as helping a student grow in literacy soon became a meaningful friendship, strengthening her conviction that faithful presence and the love of Christ have the power to transform lives.

Today, Jordyn serves as Refugee Resources' Intermediate and Advanced Reading Coordinator, where she oversees curriculum development for our intermediate and advanced readers while teaching our Computer Literacy class. Drawing on her experience as an educator, she designs engaging lessons that strengthen reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, encourage critical thinking, and build students' confidence as lifelong learners. Her passion is to equip students with the literacy skills they need to succeed academically while fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Through the Computer Literacy class, Jordyn prepares students for success in school, college, and future careers by teaching practical technology skills, including keyboarding, professional email communication, essay writing, online research, and responsible digital citizenship. She enjoys helping students gain the confidence and knowledge they need to navigate an increasingly digital world with wisdom and integrity.

In addition to her educational responsibilities, Jordyn serves as Refugee Resources' Social Media Manager, helping share the stories of God's work through literacy, mentoring, and the Gospel. Through photography, videography, and creative storytelling, she captures the moments that reflect God's grace and faithfulness in the lives of our students, volunteers, and families. Her desire is that every story glorifies Christ, encourages supporters, and inspires others to join the mission of serving refugee students and families in Dallas. Whether she is documenting a student's milestone, highlighting a mentor relationship, or sharing a glimpse of everyday ministry, Jordyn considers it a privilege to tell the story of God's grace and faithfulness through Refugee Resources.

Whether she is developing curriculum, teaching in the classroom, mentoring students, or sharing stories through social media, Jordyn is grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside the Refugee Resources team as we seek to empower refugee students and families through literacy, Christ-centered mentorship, and the hope of the Gospel.

Julianne Elson - Emerging/Beginning Reading Coordinator & Office Manager

Julianne serves on staff with Refugee Resources, where she brings a deep passion for literacy, relational ministry, and cross-cultural connection. As a trained educator with a degree in Elementary Education, she is especially committed to helping students build a strong foundation in reading—knowing it impacts every area of their lives and future opportunities.

In addition to supporting programming and working with students and volunteers, Julianne contributes to the development of curriculum and learning environments that foster both academic growth and a sense of belonging. Her background in the classroom and love for teaching shape the way she engages with students, meeting them with patience, creativity, and encouragement.

Julianne’s journey with Refugee Resources began in 2017 as a volunteer. Having spent years involved in mission work, including bi-yearly trips to Tanzania, she developed a heart for serving those who may go unreached or unheard. Through her experience with Refugee Resources, she quickly realized that this same calling could be lived out within her own community. Her work continues to reflect a desire to see students and families known, supported, and transformed through both education and the love of Christ.