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 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 first office in West Harrison, IN office in October of 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 to 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 six years of 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 heart’s 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.
Lawrenceburg Office: (located inside the CARE Resource Connection building)
STAFF
Merrill Hutchinson- President/Life Coach
Merrill Hutchinson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a focus in Biology, Anatomy, and Physiology from Northern Kentucky University, and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Xavier University. Over the course of his 32-year career in Indiana public schools, Merrill served as a teacher, counselor, and coach—gaining extensive experience in guiding students and families both academically and personally.
Merrill’s commitment to a holistic approach to health and well-being is reflected in his certification as a personal trainer, which enhances his ability to help individuals and families grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
He and his wife, Linda, have been married for over 38 years and are the proud parents of five children—two biological sons and three children through adoption—as well as two beloved daughters-in-law. Their family continues to grow with seven adorable grandchildren who keep them both on their toes.
Together, Merrill and Linda have led retreats, classes, and workshops on marriage and parenting for more than 35 years, combining biblical wisdom with practical tools to strengthen families.
Outside of his work, Merrill enjoys staying active by working out, riding his bike, and spending quality time with his family.
Linda Hutchinson- Executive Director/Life Coach
Linda Hutchinson holds a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Northern Kentucky University and a Master’s in Pastoral Counseling from Cincinnati Christian University. With over 30 years of experience serving in both schools and churches, Linda brings a deep understanding of the challenges individuals and families face in today’s fast-paced world.
Married to Merrill for over 38 years, they are proud parents of five adult children and grandparents to seven adorable grandchildren. In 2018, Merrill and Linda together founded Rock Solid Families and have dedicated their lives to strengthening families through faith-based coaching and support.
Linda’s approach is rooted in offering practical HELP and biblical HOPE to individuals, couples, and families during life’s hardest moments. She’s passionate about encouraging others toward emotional, relational, and spiritual health.
When she’s not coaching or teaching, you’ll likely find Linda enjoying a long walk, getting lost in a good book, or soaking up time with her precious grandbabies.
Andy Dalton - Development Director/Life Coach
With a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Hanover College and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from ACE University, Andy Dalton has spent the last decade teaching and coaching teens in multiple high school sports. Andy is passionate about helping others grow physically, mentally, and spiritually and strives to be used by the Holy Spirit in guiding people toward becoming healthier versions of themselves.
Andy has been happily married to his wife, Katherine for the past 10 years, and they have been blessed with three amazing kids all under the age of 10. When Andy's not teaching or coaching, you will find him working out, running, playing pickleball, reading, doing yard work, or exploring new places with his family.
Above all, Andy's faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of everything he does, and he's excited for the opportunity to serve and impact others through joining the Rock Solid Families Team.
Kimm Hackworth-Community Connections/Life Coach
Kimm Hackworth brings over 25 years of experience as a school psychologist, working with students from preschool through young adulthood. For the past nine years, she served at Harrison High School in Harrison, Ohio, where she partnered with educators, families, and students to support both academic and emotional growth. Her work has included serving diverse populations, leading district-wide autism teams, and conducting assessments to help individuals identify their strengths and challenges.
Kimm’s passion for service and faith led her to pursue a seminary degree to integrate her professional expertise with ministry. She has actively served in her church community and spent a year with Back2Back Ministries, sharing powerful stories of their global outreach to orphaned and vulnerable children. Together with her husband, she has also led short-term mission teams to Africa and Mexico.
Over the past year, Kimm sensed God preparing her for a new season. After walking through a time of personal surrender and discernment, she received a clear calling to join the Rock Solid Families team. She views her life as an offering and is committed to using her gifts for the good of others and the glory of God.
Kimm and her husband of 16 years live in Harrison, Ohio, where they lead their blended family of three amazing young adult children.
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 11 years, Jenna has gained dynamic marketing and administrative experience in various communication and event marketing roles she has held. Jenna and her husband, Patrick, have been married since 2021 and have two children together.
After working in corporate America for several years, she has followed her calling to non-profit ministry work here at Rock Solid Families. Her work is rooted in her passion for helping other people and her desire to spread God's word.
In her free time, you can find Jenna hanging out with her family, hosting her neighborhood book club, or traveling to national parks!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kevin and Katie Smith
Kevin and Katie have been married for 22 years and are passionate about mentoring and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. Their four children: Mackenzie (20) and Olivia (18), are in college and Carter (17) and Jack (15), attend East Central High School and are actively involved in church activities and volunteering in their schools and communities.
Katie is an optician at Bright Family Eyecare and has a heart for serving others. She has been a dedicated volunteer at the North Dearborn Food Pantry for 15 years. Kevin has served as the campus pastor for White Oak Christian Church's Colerain campus for six years. His role in ministry has allowed him to work closely with non-profits that serve the community, something he considers a vital part of his role.
Most days you will find the Smith family on a court (basketball, tennis…) watching games, or in a theater watching a show. They enjoy traveling and spending time finding adventures and making memories.
As a family, the Smith’s are committed to a Christ-centered home and deeply believe in the mission of Rock Solid Families. They are excited to serve alongside a team they greatly respect.
Josh and Brittany Rademacher
Josh and Brittany have been married for 14 years. They have three children, Mason (13), Camden (11), and Ali (8). 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 10 years and are the proud parents of Lili (5) and Lincoln (3). 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).