Backed by years of relevant experience, Birthstone's Team is committed to providing at risk mothers and their children an environment and the support needed to transform their lives.
BRIAN WESTBROOK
Executive Director
Birthstone & Coalition Life
Brian Westbrook’s life changed after witnessing the near-death experience and miraculous recovery of his firstborn son in 2008. Brian went on to become the Founder and Executive Director of Coalition Life conducting sidewalk counseling, community engagement, maternity homes, and pregnancy center services. Brian is also an innovative leader, sought-after speaker, and strategic advisor to pro-life leaders around the country.
Brian’s pro-life work has resulted in over 5,000 turnarounds at abortion facilities across the Midwest and a complete elimination of abortions in St. Louis. Brian’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and CNN along with numerous articles and interviews in local publications and radio shows. Recently, he and his family embarked on the thrilling month-long Pro-Life Tour, traveling through over 20 states to advocate for those who have no voice.
Brian currently resides in St. Louis, MO, with his beautiful wife, Marisa, and their eight children.
RICHARD PETERS
Founder & President
Prior to serving as President of Birthstone, Rich was a corporate executive.
His professional pursuits included banking, private equity and 35 years with Penske Corporation where he served as Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, and President. He has been a Director of several public companies, and remains a Director of Penske Corporation.
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Throughout his busy professional career, Rich was an ardent and generous supporter of various pro-life ministries including Pregnancy Aid, Detroit, Right to Life of Michigan, Coalition for Life and The Susan B. Anthony List. It was this involvement which inspired his vision for Birthstone: Homes for Life.
LISA PETERS
Associate Director
Lisa is a passionate pro-life advocate. She joined Pregnancy Aid in 1995, a Detroit pregnancy resource center supporting women with unplanned pregnancies, first as a counselor and later as President. For 20 years, she served as Director of Right to Life of Michigan, and Treasurer for 6. In her tenured career, she was also President of Tri-Cities Right to Life (Grand Haven, MI), a Core Team member of the Grand Rapids 40 Days for Life campaign, and led several 40 Days campaigns.
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Lisa serves as Associate Director and Treasurer. She is presently completing training as a certified Life Coach through the Professional Christian Coaching Institute.
JENNY SHAFFER
Program Services Director
Jenny and her husband have three children, including one with special needs. This experience has led her to a profound awareness of the inherent dignity of every human person, especially those with disabilities. She is committed to advocating for the voiceless, and to supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies, abandonment, and daunting financial challenges.
Jenny holds a degree in Education from Southeast Missouri State University, taught elementary school for a number of years, and today is an active volunteer leader in her church and community.
Jenny was named Birthstone’s Program Services Director in September 2024 after being the Resident Advocate since May 2021. Jenny is a certified Life Coach through the Professional Christian Coaching Institute.
LARRY BOMMARITO
Director
Larry was born and raised in Kirkwood, Missouri. He is devoted to family life, music ministry and helping those less fortunate.
Larry dedicated 20 years of his professional life working in telecommunications at AT&T, followed by 15 years in a leadership post with the Institute for Biosecurity at Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice.
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He holds Masters degrees in Business Administration, Biosecurity & Disaster Preparedness, and Music Performance. Larry and Josie, his wife of 37 years, have 5 children and 10 grandchildren.