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 six 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.
Bridgitte Price - Assistant Director/Adolescent Specialist
Bridgitte is a Licensed Social Worker who holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis and a master's degree in Social Work from Northern Kentucky University.
Bridgitte and her husband, Garret, reside in Southeast Indiana and have been married since 2018. Together they have been blessed with one daughter. For the past 12+ years, Bridgitte has helped teens and young adults through her work at a domestic violence agency, local schools, and volunteer ministry. Before joining the Rock Solid Families team, Bridgitte spent five years working as a school counselor providing support to students and families while also serving in various leadership roles. Bridgitte and her husband also serve on the Batesville Young Life Committee.
It's important to Bridgitte that everyone she works with feels seen, valued, and has a strong sense of purpose!
When she is not at work, Bridgitte enjoys hanging out with her family, baking, reading, and sewing!
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).