Meet Our Leadership

We are godly, dedicated people passionate about sharing the love of Christ with children and families.

Mission and Vision

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

Learn More Give Now

Our Core Values

As a team, we strive to embody these core values in everything we do:

Love One Another

Build each other up, resolve conflict directly, and be kind.

Serve Humbly

Find joy in service, take interest in others, and embrace vulnerability.

Get After It

Be proactive, pursue growth, and have a “can do” attitude.

Do Excellent Work

Go the extra mile, know your stuff, and finish what you start.

Leadership Team

President & CEO

Kevin East

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

COO & Executive Director of Greater Waco

Amie Reynolds

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

VP of FINANCE & ADMINISTRAION

Mark Lamb

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

VP of Programs & Regional Operations

Chris McBride

Chris McBride 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

Senior director of

Human Resources

Chia Pierson

Before going into ministry full-time, Chia served in the Army for 13 years as an engineer and project manager. She is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Chia and her husband, DeMarcus have three sons and pastor a local ministry.

Likes: Murder mysteries, joke battling with her son and doing ministry with her husband

Strengths: Critical thinking, developing processes and stand-up comedy

SENIOR Director of

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Scott Clark

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 Director of Greater TYLER

Matthew Edwards

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

Executive Director of

greater abilene

Dr. Travis Craver

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

Executive Director of LONGVIEW

De'Onte Garrett

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!

Executive Director of

bay area

Laura Seifert

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