Willie Knighten joined Rebecca on The Morning Mix and shared his redemption story. Wrongly accused of murder, serving a prison sentence, and his miraculous release! And, fine out what Willie is doing to help others in our community.
by Rebecca Verdugo | Sep 11, 2025 | Family Life | 0 comments
Willie Knighten joined Rebecca on The Morning Mix and shared his redemption story. Wrongly accused of murder, serving a prison sentence, and his miraculous release! And, fine out what Willie is doing to help others in our community.
Garrett Michaels is proof that more than award winning cheese and frozen football fans come from Wisconsin. Over 30-years behind the mic have taken him from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Virginia and back to the Midwest! Hosting morning drive for over twenty years for several CCM stations in the Midwest and also near our nation’s capital, Garrett has not only connected with listeners during their busy lives as a top-rated on-air personality, but he has also served as the Program Director for many of the stations he has worked at. He is a passionate fundraiser and is a Senior Fundraising Strategist with Vidare Creative, an organization that helps radio ministries and other non-profits advance their mission my raising their budgets to reach more people for the Gospel. He is an experienced coach, fundraiser and consultant.
Garrett is excited to join the great team at Proclaim FM, play music full of hope and do life with listeners each day from 12-3pm.
Derek holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Toledo and has lived in the area for the past 26yrs. Derek worked several years as both the Event Planner and Managed the Student Health and Activites Center at Owens Community College. Derek has been blessed with being a part of events such as President Bushes visit to the area and the National Guard Coming Home Ceremony. Growing up as a child he has always had a fascination of seeing how things work. To much of his parents dismay when something broke around the house instead of getting a shiny new appliance he would tear it apart and find the component that needed to be fixed. With this said he decided to test the waters in the Maintenance Field mid way through his career. Derek then decided to take a job in Maintenance Field at Berner Trucking and was the Assistant to the Director of Maintenance at Bio-Fit Engineered Products. When Derek is not working he enjoys spending time going to church, being with his family and friends, various outdoor activities, volunteering in the community and old historical sports cars.
Dawn started volunteering for us in the fall of 2017. She has a love for all things related to music and also to technology. She has volunteered in the past for Yes FM, WLMB TV-40, helping them with their fundraisers and with any other office assistance. She is also very active in her home church, Bethel Assembly of God. In February 2018, she came on board on a more permanent basis, volunteering her time in the front office and in production. Now on staff, she serves as our Digital Media Coordinator, and weekend host. You will see some of her work on our social media outlets, and on our website. In her spare time (what’s that!?!), Dawn enjoys singing, as well as digital scrapbooking.
Although born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Rebecca experienced the life changing transformation of God in her life in Michigan over 30 years ago as she entered a church that God would use to change her life. After serving in ministry for years, God led her to Proclaim FM where she has planted roots, poured her heart into this ministry, and has witnessed the amazing power of God to not only meet the desires of the heart, but to exceed them. Rebecca truly believes Psalm 37:4 which reads: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” He has shown that in her life time and time again! Yes, she will admit to difficult times and many trials and oppositions along the way, but God has been merciful and faithful!
What does Rebecca like to do in her spare time? Her family is her heart! She has three grown children and grandchildren and takes joy in spending time with them. How does she relax? She will certainly say a good cup of coffee and her porch swing would be rated highest on her list! She enjoys a good book, a good movie, and good conversation. Oh, and MUSIC…she LOVES music!! Rebecca will tell you almost every song is her favorite! You may find this out if you listen to her morning show. With a genuine love for people and a good sense of humor (so she thinks), Rebecca’s mission is to be an encourager and servant to her community on whatever platform God provides for the season. This season, God has chosen Proclaim FM as the platform. What does the future hold for Rebecca? She would answer simply, “Only God knows and I trust He has my best interest in mind!”
I was born and raised in New Jersey and blessed with an incredible family. I’m the oldest of 3 with a younger brother and sister. My parents were always extremely supportive of my dreams and my grandparents lived around the corner so they never missed a Sunday dinner! Of course I saved the best for last…my dog Addie!!
In 2014, I started my career in broadcasting at 19-years old, on the television side, for the NFL on CBS. In 2018 I made the switch from TV to radio where I became a producer at WFAN in New York City. I thought I would work in sports broadcasting for the rest of my life but God had a different and BETTER plan which ultimately led me to my first job in CCM radio at STAR 99.1 in 2022. I’m beyond excited to join the team at 102.3 Proclaim FM in Toledo! In my free time I love to cook, attend concerts and on a nice day you can catch me fishing or kayaking at the nearest body of water!
Becky spent years working in Christian & Gospel Radio before she joined the team at Proclaim FM in 2012. She loves music! She has sung as a part of New Breed/Israel Houghton on New Season, as well as 52 other music projects as a backup vocalist, lead vocalist and vocal coach.
She has been a Receptionist, Program Director, Host and Co Host of 2 Morning Shows, Producer & Production Director, Interim GM and now is honored to fill the spot of General Manager here at Proclaim FM. Celebrating 27 years with her husband, Craig, a teen son Dominic, a step‐daughter Katrina, and 3 grandkids, Giana, Trae’shon, and Leilani. Becky also has a dog, Sadie.
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