Meredith’s career in non-profit began as an intern at American Cancer Society-Austin while attending school at Texas State University. Her mom passed away of breast cancer at the age of 11, so she knew she wanted to do her part in joining the fight. She ended up graduating and working at American Cancer Society-Houston from 2007-2010. During her time there she managed six different special events that included galas, golf tournaments and fashion shows. She was given the American Cancer Society’s “Rising Star” award at the national level for her work in fundraising. In 2010, she was offered a position at the corporate office of Goodwill Industries of Houston handling the marketing and media relations as well as serving as the official spokesperson for the enterprise. Her heart is for the broken, lost, and fatherless. She feels a close connection to the LifeHouse residents through experiencing many of her own life struggles at an early age and seeing the healing that comes from trusting the Great Redeemer, Jesus. Meredith has been involved with LifeHouse since 2010 through the “Celebration Dinner” and now uses her gifts to serve the ministry full time.

EMAIL meredith.phillips@lifehousehouston.org

Valerie is a ten year veteran serving life affirming organizations in Houston, Texas. Her service began through volunteering at Harkins House Maternity Home in 2005. After graduating from Texas Woman’s University and becoming a Licensed Social Worker, Valerie was promoted to Social Services Director at Harkins House. Following the untimely death of its founder and closure of the ministry Valerie began serving with The Source for Women of Houston as the Northeast Center Director. After 12 months of prayer, Valerie felt the Lord calling her to return to service in a Maternity Home once more. Valerie joined the LifeHouse of Houston team in December 2014 as the Director of Social Services. She provides case management and support to residents of LifeHouse creating their exit plan upon the birth of their baby. Valerie also manages LifeLine outreach ministry, providing case management for women of the Houston community who are pregnant, have children in their custody, or are at risk of an unintended pregnancy.

EMAIL valerie.harkins@lifehousehouston.org

Amber Neuse began serving with LifeHouse in 2017 as the Director of Marketing in Development. Amber was raised in Pasadena, Texas and graduated from Deer Park High School. After attending Texas A&M University and completing a degree in International Studies and French, she chose a career in ministry as a childcare teacher and then as a Volunteer Liaison at Star of Hope Mission. During this time, she served faithfully at Second Baptist Church in the young adults and youth ministries. Recently, she transitioned to Bayou City Fellowship and now serves in the children’s ministry. Amber has volunteered as an event coordinator for various fundraisers for several ministries over the past 5 years. She has a passion for serving the homeless of Houston by mobilizing and coordinating volunteers and supporters. She looks forward to using these gifts and skills to expand the ministry of LifeHouse and ultimately offer LIFE to each of the women and their babies that come through the door.

EMAIL amber.neuse@lifehousehouston.org

Erica is originally from Baton Rouge, LA and has lived in Houston for the past 6 years. During her time in Baton Rouge she attended Bethany World Prayer Center where she came to know Christ in 2003. She then went on to attend MTI: School of Ministry where she graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Humanities/Ministry Studies. While in school Erica was involved in Youth Ministry as a Youth Leader for 7 years, she also served on the Worship Team for 3 years. Being involved in Youth Ministry changed and challenged Erica in so many ways, and opened her eyes to the many issues that young women everywhere face on a daily basis. Once she moved to Houston it was quite the challenge to find a church that would resemble where she worshipped at home, but after one visit to Hope City, she knew that’s exactly where she needed to be. Erica began operating in her Administrative gift early on at Hope City as the Admin for the Greeter team. This involved scheduling 85-100 greeters for all weekend services every week! She has always been very passionate about worship and after about a year of being the Greeter Team Admin, Erica moved on to join the Hope City Worship team where she leads worship during the weekend services. She believes that her heart for Youth & Young Adult ministry coupled with her Administrative gifting will be the perfect blend for her position at LifeHouse.

EMAIL erica.brue@lifehousehouston.org

Amy has been a resident of Katy for over 15 years and has raised two children in Katy schools. She serves as a team leader for Katy Young Lives, a ministry for teen mothers and is enrolled in Inspire Women’s Leadership Academy. Amy is a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern who enjoys working with adolescents, young adults, families, and couples. She has a B.A. in Communications from Hawaii Pacific University and an M.A. in Counseling from LeTourneau University. As a Crisis Center Advocate with Katy Christian Ministries, Amy has facilitated teen groups within Katy ISD's Parenting Education Program (PEP) and at the district's Opportunity Awareness Center. She also served as part of a team, providing 24-hour sexual assault services to Katy and Memorial City Memorial Hermann Emergency Centers. Amy is passionate in her work with teens, couples, and families. Her specific interests include, but are not limited to depression, anxiety, women’s issues, trauma and abuse, ADHD, family systems, parenting and relationship skills. Her experience includes direct counseling services to individuals, couples and families, as well as support group facilitation, crisis management, and advocacy in domestic violence and sexual assault. She also loves Jesus and serving the women at LifeHouse!

EMAIL amy.warren@lifehousehouston.org

Emily Garcia began serving with LifeHouse in December of 2017 as the Volunteer Coordinator. Emily was raised in Orange, Texas and played college soccer at Houston Baptist University. After graduating with a psychology degree, she went on staff with Campus Outreach, a college ministry, for two years at the University of Houston. There she met her husband and as they stepped into a new stage of life together, she grew passionate about her career path in non-profits. Her first taste of volunteer coordinating began at DePelchin Children’s Center where she was employed as the seasonal Holiday Project Coordinator. As she searched for a new job, she trusted God to bring her into a non-profit that would be at work for His Kingdom purposes and LifeHouse was the perfect fit. Emily has a passion for connecting others to missions that glorify God. As she has the opportunity to meet others, she gets excited to find the perfect volunteer role for them. She has vision to build out the ministry of LifeHouse through assembling a people to serve the women in a way that brings healing and restoration.

EMAIL emily.garcia@lifehousehouston.org

Christine and Alex met and fell in love during their studies at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, TX. They had a big, beautiful wedding in September 2015, and have had a life of ministry together since day one. Alex majored in Biblical Studies with a minor in Pastoral Ministry. He has a passion for the people of Houston, and is currently the Spanish pastor for Faith Memorial Baptist Church located in the Denver Harbor area. Christine majored in Biblical Counseling, and has a strong love for women and children (including the unborn) in need. Christine and Alex are committed to missional living and absolutely love being house parents for LifeHouse. In their free time, they enjoy staying active, visiting friends and family, and playing with their sweet pup Simon.

EMAIL christine.nunez@lifehousehouston.org

Contina and Isaac strive to live a life of loving others as God loves them. They met and have been the best of friends since 2002, and married in 2005. Isaac is an Associate Minister at New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in the 5th Ward Area. He has a big heart for the youth and men’s ministry and is a very involved House Dad and father. Contina has a Bachelors Degree in Business Management specializing in Human Resources. She is currently in graduate school for her Masters in Social Work. Contina enjoys mentoring and ministering to the young mothers at LifeHouse, and has a special place in her heart for them to find their purpose. Contina and Isaac have worked in corporate America for most of their professional lives, but feel blessed to finally follow their callings in ministry. They are proud parents of three children, two sons and their lively youngest child, Zyana. Outside of LifeHouse, the Clemons family enjoys taking road-trips, spending time outside, attending trail-rides and zydeco dancing. Zyana is a ballerina, and loves playing at the park with her family.

EMAIL contina.clemons@lifehousehouston.org