Meet Our Leadership

Mentoring Alliance exists to mobilize godly people into the lives of kids and families, to provide tangible help and eternal hope.

Mission & Vision

Mentoring Alliance exists to mobilize godly people into the lives of kids and families, to provide tangible help and eternal hope.

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Our Core Values

Leadership Team

Kevin East

President & CEO

Compelled by his love for Christ, and desire to impact kids and families from differing backgrounds – especially those from hard places – Kevin stepped into the role of President & CEO early in 2013. Kevin is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary and Louisiana State University and has an extensive background in ministry, both in church and non-profit settings.

Likes: Working a chainsaw, mowing the lawn, date nights with Stephanie, cheering his kids on at their cross country races and everything about Christmas

Strengths: Visionary, dynamic communicator, motivator, cancer survivor

Amie Reynolds

COO

Amie has spent her career in various ministry, fundraising and leadership roles. She is passionate about serving local kids and families. She is a graduate of Baylor University and is working towards a Masters in Public Service and Administration at Texas A&M University. She and her husband, Jonathan have four children.

Likes: Reading, running, sports and enjoying her kids’ activities

Strengths: Leadership, strategic and hospitality

Chris McBride

VP of Programs & Regional Operations

Chris has over 30 years of ministry experience, including 14 years in the Middle East. A Baylor University graduate, he’s a seasoned leader in cross-cultural missions, international non-profits, corporate teams, and business operations both overseas and in the U.S. He is married to his wife Rebekah and they have four adult children.

Likes: Football, beaches, anything strategic, and making technology work.

Strengths: Strategy, leadership, building people and system

Mark Lamb

VP of Finance & Administration

Mark has dedicated his career to relational ministry, previously working for organizations serving foster children and refugees. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Erin, have two daughters, one of whom came to their family through foster care.

Likes: College football, reading, traveling, hiking and making breakfast on Saturday mornings

Strengths: Strategic thinker, builder and justice seeker

Haley Horner

Senior Director of Program Development

Haley comes to Mentoring Alliance with 20 years of experience in public education as a classroom teacher, school counselor, and district curriculum and instructional coach. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Education, she also holds a Master’s in School Counseling. Originally from Longview, Texas, Haley now calls Waco home. She and her husband, Tyler, have two children. She is passionate about equipping teams and creating environments where kids and families can thrive.

Likes: Aggie football, time on the water, reading, and mahjong

Strengths: Collaboration, Developing People, Bringing Energy and Joy

Susy Smith

VP of Marketing & Development

Susy has enjoyed a successful career in nonprofit development, serving in leadership roles with organizations such as United Way of Greater Houston, the American Red Cross, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America and of Greater Houston. She, her husband Brad and their adored Goldendoodle Charlee, recently moved to the Tyler area to begin their next chapter as empty nesters. They have two adult children. In her free time, Susy enjoys college sports—especially University of Houston Cougars men’s basketball—traveling with friends and family, and strength training.

Likes:

Strengths:

Scott Clark

Senior Director of Business Operations

Scott has spent the last 4 years in full-time ministry both in Africa and the United States with a focus on serving families. Prior to ministry, Scott spent 30 years in the technology industry helping organizations improve effectiveness through process and technology. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. Scott and his wife, Rose have 3 grown children.

Likes: College football, travelling, documentaries, remodeling, and spending time with the family.

Strengths: Strategic thinking, process re-engineering, and systems design.

Executive Directors

Matthew Edwards

Executive Director of Greater Tyler

Matt served in personal ministry for 20 years in healthcare settings in Chicago before moving to Texas and serving as the COO for a large Christian camp ministry. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler. He and his wife, Karen have been married for more than 30 years and have two daughters.

Likes: Family, friends and meeting new people

Strengths: Leadership and encouragement

Laura Seifert

Executive Director of Bay Area

Laura brings over 25 years of experience in corporate and non-profit leadership, including two decades of team-building. She has served 9 years on the Friendswood ISD School Board and led multiple boards through her non-profit work. As founder of Yes. Ministries (2016) and Yes. Workplace (2024), she empowers individuals personally, spiritually, and professionally. Passionate about kids and community, Laura is excited to join The Mentoring Alliance. She’s also a proud wife to Jason and mom to Ben (19) and Beth (17).

Likes: Walking, Movie nights, and teaching God’s word

Strengths: Visionary, Gifted Communicator, Leadership

Dr. Travis Craver

Executive Director of Greater Abilene

Launching our Abilene region, Travis brings more than 16 years of ministry experience, from youth to college ministry. He is a graduate of Hardin Simmons University and Baylor University. He and his wife, Caroline have been married more than 14 years and have two children.

Likes: Tennis and being active, traveling, family time, board games, researching church history and psychology

Strengths: Adaptability, critical thinking, strategic and includer

Justin Hardegree

Executive Director of Greater Waco

Justin has more than thirteen years of experience across multiple roles in higher education, along with prior nonprofit leadership experience. He holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Baylor University and has spent more than a decade serving in children’s ministry. Justin is passionate about serving others and creating opportunities for children to thrive and flourish. He and his wife, Annelise, are the proud parents of three energetic boys and love calling Waco home.

Likes: Reading, working out, wrestling with his boys, visiting national parks, hiking, and camping.

Strengths: Leadership, collaboration, systems thinking, and bringing people together toward a common goal.

De’Onte Garrett

Executive Director of Greater Longview

De’Onte “BigSir” Garrett, originally from Arkansas, which he considers to be “The Best State in America”, has over 15 years of personal mentoring experience & 10 years of working with kids from hard places. He graduated from Harding University with a B.A. in Bible and Family Ministry and is currently completing his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. De’Onte and his wife, Gabrielle, are raising a beautiful host of sons and are excited to invest deeply in the Longview community.

Likes: Family, working out, and spontaneous trips

Strengths: Leadership, connecting with people, an inspirational communicator, and aims to Dominate every day!