Direct Care Staff
House Parents
Our compassionate House Parents at Covenant Children’s Home (CCH) are devoted to nurturing, guiding, and supporting each child entrusted to their care.
CCH seeks experienced couples who bring a wealth of wisdom, creativity, stability, and love to their roles as house parents. Their leadership is rooted in compassion, faith, and spiritual insight, creating a Christ-centered, family-like environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported.
Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing home where every child can grow, flourish, and find hope for a brighter future.
executive director
kimberly habedank
Kimberly Habedank brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and a heart for service to her role at Covenant Children’s Home. She holds an Engineering degree from the University of Florida and a degree in Biblical Studies from Charis Bible College in Orlando, Florida.
Her diverse professional background includes serving as an IT Manager at NASA, a middle school math teacher, and a house parent in a transitional home for women. As the daughter of an Air Force officer, Kimberly experienced 17 relocations throughout her childhood, giving her a unique understanding of transition, change, and the challenges that can come with an unsettled lifestyle.
Kimberly is the proud mother of two daughters and resides in Dunnellon, Florida, just down the street from her wonderful parents. Her life experiences, professional background, and deep compassion for others continue to shape her commitment to serving and caring for those entrusted to her care.
Program Director & assistant Program Director
Kayla Mackes (Program Director)
DASIA ECHEVARRIA (ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR)
DASIA ECHEVARRIA (ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR)
Kayla Mackes brings a wealth of child welfare knowledge, experience, and compassion to the Covenant Children’s Home team. She served for several years with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) as a Child Protective Investigator before transitioning into other roles within Circuit 5’s child welfare system.
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy with a minor in Psychology from Cedar Crest College, providing her with a strong foundation in understanding child development, behavior, and emotional well-being. She also holds a CPI Certification from the State of Florida, further equipping her with valuable skills in crisis prevention, intervention, and supporting individuals during challenging situations.
Her professional experience, education, and dedication to serving children and families bring a unique and valuable perspective to her work. Kayla is passionate about helping create safe, nurturing, and supportive environments where children can heal, grow, and thrive.
DASIA ECHEVARRIA (ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR)
DASIA ECHEVARRIA (ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR)
DASIA ECHEVARRIA (ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR)
Dasia Echevarria brings a deep passion for advocacy and child welfare to her role at Covenant Children’s Home. She is a graduate of Montclair State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Jurisprudence and Political Science.
Her professional experience includes serving as a Youth Development Specialist with the Citrus County School System and previously as a Youth Care Coordinator working directly with children in foster care.
Through these roles, Dasia has developed a strong commitment to understanding and supporting the unique needs of the children she serves.
Dasia is dedicated to advocating for children, empowering them to reach their full potential, and helping them build brighter, more hopeful futures.
board of directors
riley smith
Lester "Butch" Hilliard
Lester "Butch" Hilliard
Chairman
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
Lester "Butch" Hilliard
Lester "Butch" Hilliard
Vice Chairman
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.
Avis Marie Craig, MBA
Lester "Butch" Hilliard
Avis Marie Craig, MBA
Treasurer
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.
Mark Canova
Daniel Watson
Mark Canova
Secretary
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.
Rande Watson
Daniel Watson
Mark Canova
Board Member
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 year
Board Member
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.
Daniel Watson
Daniel Watson
Daniel Watson
Board Member
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.
Ken Habedank, Major General (retired), USAF
Board Member
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.