About Side by Side

Side by Side was born out of a deeply personal conviction — that no one should have to face their hardest seasons alone. After years serving in both clinical and ministry settings, Marty and Ruthann recognized a gap: people carrying tremendous pain with nowhere safe to take it.

With a background in marriage and family therapy, decades of ministry experience, and hearts rooted in faith, the work of Side by Side integrates clinical expertise with genuine compassion — meeting people exactly where they are. Whether it's a couple on the edge of collapse, a pastor quietly burning out, or an individual searching for hope in a confusing season, the answer is always the same: you don't have to walk this alone.

The Relate Strong program — developed in partnership with Pepperdine University — is just one expression of that mission: giving people practical tools to move from their pain cycle into a peace cycle, side by side.

Marty

Marty, a native of northern Indiana, grew up immersed in the local church and basketball. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Christian Education, Bible, and Theology from Fort Wayne Bible College and a Master's degree in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. With over four decades of full-time pastoral ministry, Marty has experienced leadership in the local church from diverse perspectives — youth pastor, church planter, associate pastor, senior pastor, and police chaplain in two communities.

His quick wit and sense of humor draw people into relationships, but they soon discover his genuine desire to come alongside leaders with compassion and encouragement. Marty's deep love for Jesus and the local church drives him to inspire the next generation of pastors and ministry workers.

Ruthann

Ruthann began her life as a missionary kid in a remote village of India, traveling the world with her parents before moving to the US at 14. Her studies include Bible and Theology, Elementary Education, and a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her international experience, time as a teacher, and years directing children's ministry give her unique observation skills.

She has spent over four decades in ministry alongside Marty, serving in multiple states and Australia. People say they quickly feel safe with Ruthann — "She understands… so we process difficulties, find solutions, and experience hope." In her practice, young moms in postpartum, women navigating menopause, dads of all ages, and retirees work through problems and exit empowered to face life again with gratitude and new strength.

She has a deep love for Jesus, her husband Marty, their daughter Natalie, son-in-love Jared, and 4 grandkids. She loves to paint, decorate with thrifting finds, make quilts, and create a menu for an evening with friends.