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.

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Who We Are

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

Christ Centered

We are laser focused on pointing people to Jesus.

Multiethnic

We prioritize diversity while pursuing oneness in Christ.

Biblically Grounded

We are shaped and guided by the Truth.

Grace Based

We treat people with the same grace God gives us.

excellence driven

We do everything ultimately for God – so we strive to make it great.

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

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Vice President of Operations & Expansion

Matt 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, Samantha and Leah.

Likes: Family, friends and meeting new people

Strengths: Leadership and encouragement

Regional Vice President of East Texas

Preston Reece

Preston served in camp, youth and kids ministry before joining Mentoring Alliance more than nine years ago. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler and Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife Alayna have two children, Oliver and Eden.

Likes: Time with family, reading, the outdoors and staying active

Strengths: Strategic, learner, achiever, competition, relator

Vice President of Program Development

Anne Ferguson

Anne has spent her career in the nonprofit sector, focused on issues that impact children and families. She is a graduate of Baylor University and is a true Waco native.

Likes: Baylor sports, cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with friends and family

Strengths: Strategic, problem solving, advocate, passionate

Vice President of Marketing & Development

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

Director of Mentoring Alliance After School

Morgan Jarman

Morgan has served in missions, camp ministry, student ministry and sports education. She is a graduate of Ferris State University and Dallas Baptist University. She and her husband Taylor have a daughter named Margaret.

Likes: Trying new restaurants, traveling, reading and listening to podcasts

Strengths: Administration, leadership and communication

Director of Mentoring Alliance Summer Camps

Ian Wade

Ian joined Mentoring Alliance in 2016 and has served in both part-time and full-time roles. Aside from non-profit work, Ian serves as the pastor at Grace Alone Church in Tyler. He and his wife, Fausthyara have four children.

Likes: Classic Disney movies on VHS, amusement parks, playing drums and learning new things

Strengths: Visionary, communicator and community influencer

Human Resources Manager

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

Finance Director

Jamie Cooper

Jamie enjoys getting to combine her accounting skills and passion for ministry at Mentoring Alliance. She is a graduate of The University of Texas.

Likes: Longhorn football, the beach, reading a good book and multi-course dinners

Strengths: Spreadsheets, hospitality and finding humor in any situation

IT & Facilities Manager

Rob Williams

Throughout his career, Rob has served in many different capacities including vocational youth ministry, business and technology. He is a graduate of Liberty University. Rob and his wife, Teresa, have been married for more than 20 years and love traveling together.

Likes: Traveling, music and cooking

Strengths: Organization, process management and problem solving

Program Director, Greater Waco

Garret Ward

Before coming to Mentoring Alliance, Garret worked for a summer camp ministry. He loves seeing people built up in the gospel to then create more disciples. He and his wife, Anna, have a daughter named Rose.

Likes: City league softball, national parks, college football and a good Reese’s

Strengths: Harmony, consistency, context and connectedness

Director of Mentoring Alliance Mentor Connect

De' Onte Garrett

De’onte has dedicated his life to aid in breaking the cycle of the fatherless home. He is a graduate of Harding University and he and his wife, Gabrielle, have one son named Joshua.

Likes: The state of Arkansas, working out, playing Spades, Dominoes and pool, and spending time with family

Strengths: Versatile, passionate, public speaking, personality and drive

Marketing Director

Brittany Sartain

Brittany brings a strategic marketing background across various industries, from agency, retail and healthcare. She is a graduate of Abilene Christian University and Texas Tech University. Brittany and her husband, Logan have two cats, Andy and Jack.

Likes: Photography, animals, sports, traveling and leading worship with her husband

Strengths: Detail oriented, strategic, achiever

Art Director

Steve Gardner

Before joining Mentoring Alliance, Steve worked marketing and multimedia, including graphic design, photography and videography in the corporate sector. He is a graduate of Syracuse University.

Likes: Reading the bible, mentoring, crossfit, photography and hiking

Strengths: Visual storyteller, extrovert and detail oriented