Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Lamorandier.
Hi Karina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am Karina Lamorandier—a wife of nearly 42 years, mother of two sons, and grandmother to three precious grandchildren. My life in West Michigan has been one of steady love, entrepreneurial energy, and deepening faith. Raised amid the hum of family business and unique childhood wonders—a full-sized fire truck, historic train car, horses, and flights in my father’s airplane—I grew up with four brothers, swimming pools, and a lifelong love for horses that still brings me to the saddle twice a week with my faithful Beau. Even as a girl, images of incarceration and brokenness stirred something deep within me, leading me years later to tour the local jail and, eventually, to answer a divine call.
In my early twenties, God broke through my self-reliant heart, giving me purpose, wisdom, and direction that reshaped my life and legacy. Though high school held little spark, college business courses ignited my entrepreneurial spirit, which I later channeled into a private accounting practice while raising my boys and volunteering in jail ministry. The loss of our son Lucas at 20½ weeks remains a sacred wound, yet God has woven even that grief into a testimony of His faithfulness. Today, my husband and I share clear priorities: God first, then our children and grandchildren, followed by Beau—and, with a smile, my husband, who is thrilled to round out the top five. Together, we steward family, faith, and the calling that led to Wings of God Transition Home, where 132 women—our beloved Pearls—have found healing, hope, and a future since 2012.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My greatest obstacle through my early twenties was, without question, myself. I lived as though life belonged entirely to me—convinced I could conquer anything on my own terms. Then, in my early twenties, God awakened me. He gave me clear direction, divine wisdom, and a renewed purpose that reshaped everything. That single decision altered the course of generations. It transformed how I parented, instilled godly character in my sons, and influenced the choice of their wives.
Another profound challenge came when I was required to induce labor at twenty and a half weeks. Our son Lucas was born and lived for just ten minutes. The loss shattered us, yet God, in His sovereignty, used that pain in ways we could not comprehend at the time.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
It was during my time volunteering in jail ministry—speaking hope and encouragement through the cell bars—that the vision for a dedicated transition home for women began to crystallize. People often ask how Wings of God came to be, and I share that it started in 2004 with a profound tug on my heart, a divine calling from God to forge a path for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women to escape the relentless cycle of recidivism. Soon after, two remarkable women emerged, sharing the exact same burden. Through relentless prayer, thorough research, patient perseverance, strategic networking, and unyielding determination, we founded Wings of God Transition Home for Women in Paw Paw, Michigan—a faith-based nonprofit sanctuary—and opened our doors on February 1, 2012, welcoming our first resident, Tatiana. As co-founder and Executive Director, I oversee this sacred work, where we provide a safe, drug- and alcohol-free haven for women emerging from incarceration and addiction, immersing them in a comprehensive one-year program of biblical counseling, life skills training, vocational development, parenting classes, and holistic support to rebuild shattered lives.
At Wings of God, we make three unwavering promises to each woman: a secure home to call her own, daily immersion in the transformative Word of God that renews the mind and spirit, and an enveloping love that many have never known—rooted in Christ’s unconditional grace. Our program, designed for those committed to lasting change, fosters emotional, spiritual, and practical restoration, equipping residents to thrive as independent, faith-filled contributors to their families and communities. Through unshakeable faith, I have witnessed that true healing is not only possible but profound, and lives can be wholly redeemed. These resilient women, whom we affectionately call our “Pearls,” deserve such a refuge, and beholding their restoration—emerging stronger, sober, and purposeful—fills my heart with immeasurable joy. Since our inception, we have served 132 program participants, representing 273 cherished children, with approximately 10 women annually discovering renewed hope, stability, and eternal perspective in our embrace.
What were you like growing up?
I was raised in West Michigan and have lived here my entire life. My family home was one of love and steady activity, shaped by entrepreneurial parents who instilled a strong work ethic. Among the unique privileges of my childhood were a full-sized fire truck, the historic train from Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, a large playhouse once occupied by the train’s engineer, horses, several German Shepherds, and an airplane. My father was a private pilot, and I cherished the flights we took together.
I grew up with four brothers and no sisters, which brought its share of lively dynamics. Much of my time was spent swimming in our pool, riding horses, and caring for them—a responsibility I embraced because of my deep affection for animals, a passion that remains today. I now own a horse named Beau, and we ride twice a week; the routine benefits us both as we age.
Even as a young girl, I was troubled by depictions of incarceration and prostitution in films, long before I came to faith. In my senior year of high school, I arranged a tour of the local jail, accompanied by my brother, to better understand that world. While high school was unremarkable, I thrived in college, particularly in business courses. After a brief period in corporate America, I pursued small-business ownership, drawn by my entrepreneurial nature.
I came to know the Lord in my early twenties. While raising my two young sons, I operated a private accounting practice and began volunteering at the county jail, offering ministry and encouragement through the cell bars.
I have been married to my husband for nearly 42 years. He is a kind and steadfast man for whom I am deeply grateful. We are blessed with two sons, two “daughters” -in-law, and three grandchildren with whom we cherish time. My husband has been unwavering in his support of my role as Executive Director of Wings of God and actively contributes to the family business we assumed responsibility for in 2000.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wingsofgodinc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingsofgodinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wingsofgodinc
