F. Scott Manke
Executive Director
scottm@familyempower.org
Meet Our Staff
Scott is the founder, President and Executive Director of Family Empowerment Centers and its daughter organization, Donate Your Boat, SMLLC. Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management with an emphasis in Psychology from Nyack College. Scott completed his Masters degree from Wheaton Graduate School in Mission and Intercultural Studies.
Scott had been part of a team of individuals who started a church in the Bronx, New York and held the position of Youth and Families Pastor. During that time Scott also operated in the role of general manager for a small business in New York City for a period of 4 years prior to beginning FECC.
Carlos Perez
Executive Pastor and Latino Pastor
carlosp@familyempower.org
Carlos and his family joined FEC in July of 2015 to lead the Spiritual Formation within the faith community of Latino families and through the S.A.Y. YES after school program. In 2017, Carlos was invited to bring his leadership experience to an executive role within the team as a Chief Operations Officer and Executive Pastor. He is passionate of equipping others and designing opportunities that lead families into gospel-centered communities. He holds a clergy worker’s license with the Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA). Carlos was born and raised in New Jersey, and his most recent home was Indianapolis, Indiana. Carlos and his wife now reside in the west side of Rogers Park, and have five young children.
Carlos graduated from LeTourneau University (Texas) with a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. He has over 10 years of experience with process improvement and project management within the life sciences pharmaceutical industry. Carlos and his family are currently self-supported missionaries within the C&MA as Envision-Associates.
Tony Silker
Associate Pastor
tonys@familyempower.org
Tony and his wife Rachel joined the FEC team in May of 2015. Tony holds a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Counseling and Bible from the Moody Bible Institute and a Masters in Bible from Moody Theological Seminary. He was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio where he learned to love the family of the church. Tony is passionate about community building and loves the story and color of the Bible. Rachel is a sixth grade teacher in a local Chicago Public school. They live in Rogers Park and enjoy music and neighborhood festivals.
Tony is passionate about men’s discipleship and has a heart for the homeless men in our community.
Phil Palmer
Associate Pastor
phil@familyempower.org
Phil Palmer, a Chicago area native, moved to the Rogers Park neighborhood in January 2019, after sensing a calling to be part of what God is doing at FEC. Phil holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Church Ministries from Northland International University and a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Exegesis from Wheaton College Graduate School. Prior to joining FEC, he helped other churches and ministries to better understand the Bible and foster deeper discipleship together. In addition to using his administrative gifts at the Center, he is excited about helping the members of our community grow into mature followers of Jesus as they invest themselves into deeper connection together. As a pastor, Phil loves hearing people’s stories, helping them to find rest in Jesus, and encouraging them to pursue friendship with God.
Outside of his position at Family Empowerment Centers, Phil also works for a local family business, where he loves to meet new people and create unique solutions. In his downtime, Phil enjoys exploring the city with his beloved Kristen, laughing at the antics of sitcom characters, and unwinding with a good book and a warm pastry. Phil is a very proud Uncle, a loyal Cubs fan, and a lover of Disney music.
Dylan Adams
Children’s Ministry Leader
dylana@familyempower.org
Dylan Adams, a graduate of Toccoa Falls College (TFC) with a degree in Family and Children’s Ministry. At TFC, he learned that had God gifted him with a passion to for children, especially those from broken families. This passion has become a burden for suffering children and children feeling hopeless. He fell in love with the children in Chicago while doing his college internship the summer of 2015 and as a Envision intern for a year in 2016. He is currently on staff as the Children’s Ministry Leader of our children’s programs. He directs the After School and oversees our Sunday School Ministry. In addition, he teaches and equips various Christ-centered curriculum, builds relationships with the children and their families, and disciple some teenagers who have gone through the After School Program.
Rachel Madella
Director of English as a Second Language & Digital Media
rachelm@familyempower.org
While pursuing her Master’s in Intercultural and Urban Studies at the Moody Theological Seminary, Rachel became a part of the Church community at FEC for 2 years. She joined the FEC staff team in January 2018.
Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, Rachel graduated with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in English Literature there. With a Post-graduate Diploma in Digital Media and Communication, Rachel worked in Television and Broadcasting as a producer with Christian Broadcasting Network in India for 7 years before moving to Chicago in 2015. Diverse cultures, ethnicities, people groups and food piqued Rachel’s interest early on. Having history as a 2nd major in her undergrad and having a heart for missions at the same time just augmented her passion for cross-cultural ministry. Rachel brings a vast experience from her ministry and leadership involvement with Youth for Christ and her Church (New Life Assembly of God) back home in Hyderabad. She’s awed to see how God would actually combine her multicultural interests, love for people, the desire for missions and discipleship and place her at FEC.
Anna Vetters
Ministry Resident
Annav@familyempower.org
Anna grew up on a small farm in Nicholasville, Kentucky. She moved to Chicago in 2015 to attend Moody Bible Institute and prepare for overseas ministry in the middle east. After graduation, she began pursuing accreditation and consecration with the C&MA. God has given Anna a deep love for the lost and a desire to serve Him and His church wherever He leads her. She lives in West Ridge/Little India and loves being a part of a multicultural community of refugees and immigrants from all over the middle east and southeast Asia. She is excited to be learning from those within FEC’s community and is thankful for the ways God is teaching her and growing her at FEC. Anna also works as a caretaker for adults with developmental disabilities and is filled with joy by the wonderful residents she serves there.
Jamie Fernández
Executive Administrative Assistant
office@familyempower.org
Jamie Fernández is an experienced administrative assistant and multi-disciplinary creative from Chicago, IL. Specializing in Photography and Graphic Design, she brings the best of both worlds into her artwork. When she is not working, you can often find her playing musical instruments, reading a good book, drawing in her sketchbook, or playing basketball. But you will always find her with an amazing cup of coffee at hand. Inspired by her late uncle and pastor, Jamie loves to volunteer her time and services to various nonprofit organizations in her community.
Matt Schrotenboer
Ministry Resident
matts@familyempower.org
Matt is a proud Dutchman from Holland, MI. Since moving to Chicago in 2017, Matt has been a part of various ministries. He currently serves as a youth leader in the Albany Park neighborhood, as well as growing from the leadership here at FEC. HE has a heart for seeing people of all walks come to love Jesus and grow in their understanding and walk with Him. He also serves as a friend and DSP to those with developmental disabilities at a nearby campus. When not at the Center, Matt is probably on a bus and enjoys random questions, reading and writing, listening to Britney Spears, drinking tea, fish aquariums, and looking for Bigfoot.