MEET THE TEAM
DAVE KUNTZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In 2018, Dave took over the leadership of R3. Prior to joining the team, Dave served as a pastor in North St. Louis County for 10 years where he was active in community service and development. From pastoring to implementing school programs to serving as a police chaplain, Dave and his family spent 10 years investing in the St. Louis communities of Ferguson, Florissant & Hazelwood. Dave was a restaurant manager for 8 years, spent 5 years as a middle and high school teacher and coach, and has many years of experience in construction through home rehab and real estate investment. Dave has been married to his high school sweet heart, Danielle, since 2004. They have 4 kids, 2 biological and 2 adopted out of foster care. Dave is an ordained minister and holds a bachelors degree in Theology. He has a deep passion for the marginalized of society and wants to be a part of the change to bring racial healing and hope to our city.
ANDREW PANEK, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
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.
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LORE'AL PERKINS, OFFICE MANAGER
Lore'al Perkins is from East St. Louis, IL. She started as an intern in 2017 where she got hands-on experience teaching her valuable lessons about work and how to improve her community. She graduated from SIUE Charter High School in 2018 and was later promoted to the office manager in 2022. Lore'al is deeply committed to mentoring and supporting the R3 students. She is currently pursuing her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL), with aspirations to become a certified nurse midwife. Her journey reflects dedication to both education and community empowerment!
DJ MERNICK, GENERAL CONTRACTOR
D.J. joined R3 in 2017. He owns his own construction company and serves as a construction advisor on the board as well as a general contractor for the organization. His business-minded service brings such value to R3's operations and mission. He has a deep love for the Lord and a humble heart to use his gifts to make a difference in the lives of others.
SERGIO EDUARDO MUÑOZ, JOB DEVELOPER / INSTRUCTOR
Sergio’s journey is a tale of two career paths and two countries. Born in La Paz Bolivia he immigrated to the US at a very young age. Arriving and staying in St. Louis Metro Area he (and the Bolivian Society of St. Louis) afforded him a balanced introduction to the world of work. 1.) Chemical Manufacturing at the Union and Corporate level / Home Construction at the General and Subcontracting level. 2.) Workforce Development - BSW in Case Management / Job Development / Training and Instruction / and Senior Program Manager working with Homeless Veterans for the US-Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Services. Thus the melding of two careers into one that addresses the World of Work along with Human Services. He presently has a home based Manufacturing Business. He and his wife breed golden-doodles.