Meet Our Board of Directors
Riley Smith
Born and raised in Trenton, FL, served in the US Navy, graduate UF, in 1962, and worked for Travelers Insurance. Bought an independent insurance agency (Ocala Insurance) in 1969 and sold it in 2007.
Active in Springs Presbyterian Church. Enjoy spending time with my family, woodworking, and gardening.
Lester "Butch" Hilliard
Born in Lakeland, FL, he has lived in FL all his life. He is a Veteran of the US Air Force and has a degree in electronics. For over 20 years, he was an insurance agent. He serves as a Deacon at Springs Presbyterian Church. Being in Christ has made his life complete.
Carole Kemper
My husband and I have lived in Citrus County since 1978. We raised our two children here, and I am a retired teacher from the Citrus County School Board, so serving children is important to me. I am active in several local organizations, in particular the Citrus Pregnancy Center as their longest-serving volunteer.
Avis Marie Craig, MBA
Over 40 yrs. A resident of Citrus Co. Semi-retired, having worked in the real estate development industry, civically active in the local community serving on this & other boards, and active in her church. Member of C.R. Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. Named past Citrus Co. Citizen of the Year by the Citrus County Chronicle and former Trustee of the College of CF.
Ken Habedank, Major General (retired), USAF
Ken has been involved with CCH since its inception in 2003. A long-time member of Springs Presbyterian Church, he has been devoted to providing a safe refuge for children in need — where it is possible to really help these children become great Americans — versus simply warehousing them.
Amanda Cummins
More information soon...
Daniel Watson
Daniel Watson is a cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience in management in his field. He is a US Army veteran, a proud husband, father and grandfather. Most importantly, he is a child of God and an active member at Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church.
Rande Watson
Rande Watson has been married to his wonderful wife Joan for 54 years, and they reside in Dunnellon. He is the father of 2, has 6 grands and 3 great-grands. He is a veteran, having served in the Army National Guard. Currently retired from manufacturing, he has been a deacon and member of Springs Presbyterian for almost 20 years. Originally from Delaware, where he was also a deacon, and he is looking forward to serving children in need.
Mark Canova
Mark moved to Citrus Co in 1999 and has been involved in ministries in the foster care system since 2010. He served on the Board of RFKC (now Share the Love Ocala) from 2010-13. In 2016, he and his wife Ruth served as houseparents at CCH until 2017 as his own family grew. Mark owns and operates his own Automotive business and serves the community in this role.
Meet Our Committed Child Care Team
Emerson Bolton II Executive Director
Emerson Bolton II is the Executive Director of the Covenant Children’s Home. He served for 12 years as the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Edgewater, Florida. He is also a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an Advanced Diploma in Theology and an Advanced Master of Divinity degree. Emerson and his wife, Marie, live in Lecanto, FL with their three sons.
Direct Care Staff - House Parents
Curt & Mary Ellen "Bunny" Simmons
Curt & Mary Ellen "Bunny" Simmons
Curt and Mary Ellen serve as compassionate House Parents at Covenant Children’s Home (CCH), where they are devoted to nurturing and guiding the children entrusted to their care. With over a decade of experience working with children across Florida, they bring a wealth of wisdom, creativity, and love to their roles.
Curt is an ordained pastor church planter, and a man of many talents. He is a published author, public speaker, musician, and artist. His diverse gifts enrich his ministry, allowing him to connect with children in profound and creative ways. Curt’s leadership is rooted in compassion and spiritual insight.
Mary Ellen, affectionately known as “Ms. Bunny” left her 21 year career as a marketing executive to follow her passion for children into this ministry. She is a public speaker, trainer, and the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren. As a certified trainer in Human Trafficking and Prevention, she leverages her expertise to advocate for the vulnerable. Her dynamic background equips her to make a significant impact at CCH, offering hope and transforming lives.
At CCH, Curt and Ms. Bunny are deeply committed to helping each precious child experience God’s love and mercy. Through their dedicated guidance, the children receive not just physical care but also the spiritual and emotional support necessary to thrive.
“We believe every child deserves to feel loved and valued. Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow, flourish and find hope,” Curt and Ms. Bunny