Our Story

A passionate yoga practitioner, Katie received her certification from Lifetime Fitness in 2016. Her teacher training reveled the deeper benefits of yoga on the body, the mind, and the spirit.  She and her husband Jeffrey have four children: Isabel, Jace, Juliana, and Luke, whose sports activities they’re constantly keeping up with! They enjoy spending time on their farm as well as learning, growing, and encouraging others through ministry.

Since graduating from University of Texas Medical Branch in 2003, Mary has practiced as a Physician Assistant with a focus on the preventative side of medicine. Her passion is helping people to navigate life in the healthiest way possible. Happily married to her high school sweetheart since 2001, Matthew, she has one beautiful daughter, Vivian Ruth. She and Matthew also lead worship weekly for the Gathering.

After a successful career in the oil and gas industry, Father Ted felt the call to pastoral care and community service. He was ordained an Episcopal priest and assigned to a congregation in Liberty, TX, where he became deeply involved in the community. He’s since received Law Enforcement Chaplain’s credentials and extensive training and certifications in crisis management and care. In his limited free time, Rev. Smith enjoys fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

With a BS in Family and Child Development  and an MS in Family and Child Studies, Alexis began her Extension career in Calhoun County then transferred to Liberty County in 2006. Her focus is on childcare professional training, family life improvement programming, and health awareness education. She’s led the establishment of strong coalitions and partnerships to improve the quality of programming for Liberty.

A Liberty County native, Ladd graduated from Texas Tech University with his bachelor’s in Community, Family, and Addiction Sciences.  He is eager to bring new vitality to the community in which he grew up. He enjoys spending time with his family, and can often be found in the garden.  

Kristen received her bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management from Texas State University and returned to Liberty, TX to raise her two beautiful girls. She has a heart for helping people and longs to create a better tomorrow by providing access to resources for mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.