MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
DAVE KUNTZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dave comes to R3 with a background of 10 years pastoring in St. Louis. He's taught, coached, and been an employer of youth and has also managed three Subway restaurants. Better yet, he's an experienced rehabber and loves working with his hands. Dave also has a deep passion for community development, having given ten years of his life investing in a neglected St. Louis community. His resume happens to line up exactly with what R3 is about, and it is evident the Lord has directed his steps to join the efforts of R3 in East St. Louis.
ILEANA O'NEILL, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND ADVANCEMENT
Ileana has a degree in Business Administration and vast experience working and serving within low-income and under-resourced communities. She was born and raised in Managua, Nicaragua, and worked with kids and youth coming from poor urban neighborhoods in the capital. Here in the United States, she's served inner-city youth in the St. Louis area working at public and charter schools. She's passionate about social justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion. She brings her experience, passion, determination, and creativity to our team.
ANDREW PANEK, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
Andrew comes to R3 with a wide breadth of knowledge and experience. He obtained a Bachelors of Science in Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a license to sail on ships from the U.S. Coast Guard. After a stint at sea with Military Sealift Command, he spent the next five years with the American Bureau of Shipping as a Senior Mechanical Engineer in Washington, D.C., and as a Marine Equipment Surveyor based in Haan, Germany. He spent five years in Germany with his wife on military orders. While there, they grew their family, having two daughters. In Germany, Andrew transitioned from Engineering into coaching and teaching at the local DODs school. He then obtained a Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum from the University of Oklahoma, finishing with a 3.98 GPA. His family returned to the U.S. in 2018, and he started teaching at the Montessori Adolescent Program of St. Louis as Lead Guide of Science and MakerSpace. When COVID hit, Andrew volunteered to open a center for Emergency Care for Essential Workers in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis. In his first year as Head of school, Andrew managed a whole-school renovation, launched a Spanish Immersion program, and grew the program to almost 100 students and over 30 staff. In the Fall of 2021, Andrew branched off from Education Administration and started a family business in Property Management and Community Development. Andrew enjoys novel challenges, bringing people together, instructing, and working with his hands.
AMY TAMBLYN, PROGRAMS MANAGER
Amy has a background in organizational leadership and building community. As a military spouse for 24 years, she has traveled extensively and enjoys learning about new cultures. Her travels have allowed her to work with diverse cultures and various underserved communities throughout the United States. Amy loves to create a family environment for the students of R3 and
is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the people of East St Louis.
Loreal was born and raised in East St. Louis. She graduated from SIUE Charter High school in East St. Louis IL in 2018. She has been a part of the R3 team since 2016. Loreal began working for R3 as a Construction Worker intern in 2016, she then progressed to a Project Management intern in 2017, and most recently gained the role as the Office & Administrative Assistant in the staff office of R3 in 2019. She also volunteers around her community in various areas. She is passionate about bringing change to her community with Jesus Christ as her foundation and motivation. She’s on her way to becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and her goal is to conquer life as a lifesaver.
DJ MERNICK, GENERAL CONTRACTOR
D.J. owns his own construction company and is serving as a construction advisor on the board as well as the general contractor for the organization. His business-minded service brings such value to R3's operations. He oversees the investment properties we flip to fund the organization.
