The Staff of Mission Adelante

We believe that God’s call to love our neighbor is at the heart of all His commands and finds a special expression in the way we extend hospitality, compassion, and friendship to people from other places.

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Jarrett Meek, Pastor & Executive Director 

Jarrett is the founder of Mission Adelante. A graduate of Midwestern Baptist Seminary, Jarrett served for several years on the staff of Heartland Community Church in Overland Park before moving to Bolivia with his wife Kristen and two daughters to work as missionaries. When they returned they found their calling right here at home. Now the Meek family lives in Kansas City, Kansas and has grown to include four children; Caroline, Annie, Charlie, and Lucy.  

Michelle Simbaqueva, Operations Director

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Patrique Harris,  Ministry Director

Patrique grew up in Jamaica and moved to the U.S. in 2014 to pursue her undergraduate studies at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. She graduated in 2018 with a B.A. in Economics and International Relations and subsequently joined J.P. Morgan's Private Bank as an Analyst based in New York City. After 3 years, Patrique felt called to serve in a Christian Ministry focused on community impact and development. Mission Adelante's charge to intentionally serve the immigrant and refugee community aligned perfectly with Patrique’s passion. She relocated to Kansas City to join the Mission Adelante staff in May 2021.

Rachel Yeargin, Office Manager 

Elaine Reimers, Adult Ministry Director

Elaine was born in Kansas City, KS, but moved with her mother and older sister to Olathe, KS when she was around 3 years old. During her adolescence, she became curious about the Spanish language and the Latino culture. Eventually, as she visited her dad and other family members in KCK, she realized that it was where she felt most comfortable and welcome. At 17, she decided to move there and start a family.

Elaine is passionate about her work at Mission Adelante and seeks to build community, show compassion and empathy for all, and empower her students through teaching and discipleship. She believes in the power of prayer and enjoys reading the Word of God and leading the Worship team on Sundays at Mission Adelante!

Besides being a proud mother of four children, she loves to spend time with her fiancé, Uche, whenever possible; enjoys playing with her dog, Lupita; reading; learning; playing the piano; and singing. She has been connected with Mission Adelante since its early days in one way or another, but joined the staff officially in November of 2023.

Carla Garcia, Partner Engagement Director

Carla was born in Durango, Mexico, and came to the United States when she was just four years old. She’s called Kansas City home ever since. After graduating from Sumner Academy in 2015, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Ottawa University in 2020.

As Mission Adelante’s Partner Engagement Director, Carla loves connecting with people and helping them discover meaningful ways to be part of what God is doing in her community. She’s passionate about building relationships, empowering others, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.

Carla is married to her best friend, Daniel, and together they love spending time with their sweet daughter, Sofía.

Erick Flores, Ministry Apprentice

Erick was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He always had a dream in helping out the community and giving what most people couldn't receive at a young age. He graduated from J.C. Harmon High School in 2024. Erick wants to pursue teaching High School and coach sports here in Kansas City. He plans to attend KCKCC and move onto a university in the future. His goal at Mission Adelante is to give Kids and Youth more opportunities in the world.