Christine is a graduate of the University of Miami, Florida and got her bachelors degree in broadcasting and graphic design. Although she had 13 successful years in the broadcasting industry, she is most proud of the fact that she's sister to the world's best brother and sister-in-law, and has 3 nephews she considers to be her own boys. When she's not spending time with her family, she’s training for or competing in triathlons or attending motorcycle races. A daughter to a career Air Force father, Christine's lived all over the United States and even lived 4 years in Germany. She considers herself to be a Floridian because that’s where she's cumulatively lived the longest. However, having lived in Texas since September 2005, she wishes she were a Texan.
Raised in Houston, Shari is glad to be back in Austin after being in Abilene for the last 23 years. Shari is a graduate of the University of Texas and has 3 wonderful daughters, Jenna, Jackie, and Jaye. Jenna is a graduate of Texas Tech and runs a medical supply business in Abilene. Jackie is a graduate of the University of Texas and will attend medical school in the fall. Jaye is a junior at the University of Texas. Shari loves being with her family and friends the most. She also likes going to the lake, the beach, running at Town Lake, watching sports, and reading.
I was born and raised in San Diego, CA, where I met and married my wonderful husband Don almost 20 years ago. We have 4 of the coolest kids ever.
Jessica is a student at Texas A&M and loves school, friends, her sibs and the beach. Brooke is a junior and loves her friends, family, having fun, and making us laugh. Alec is in 7th grade and loves computers, video games, the drums, and sometimes his sisters. Karis is in 4th grade and loves her family, our little dog Sassy, singing, dancing, and school.
I love my family, sweet tea, Mexican food, sun, sand, the ocean, palm trees and reading.
Kevin grew up in Houston but if you have ever been there you know that Austin is the place to be! He feels he is so blessed to be an intern at the Ridge! Kevin has a passion for music and working with middle school students because he is still one himself. He is finishing up his freshman year of college here in Austin and enjoys being on the lake, being with good friends, playing my guitar and long walks on the beach!
Celia has lived in Austin since 2003, but grew up in Northern California. She is the friendly voice you are likely to hear when you call the Austin Ridge office.
In her spare time she likes to play the piano, watch movies, and play with her dog, Douglas. She enjoys Texas BBQ and chocolate, and is known by her staff friends as the "latte queen."
Jamie joined us in May 2006 from the Carolinas. Having lived in both North and South Carolina, she brings to us her many experiences of romping through the Blue Ridge Mountains and playing on the sandy beaches of Charleston. She is thrilled to be in Austin and excited to be a part of the exciting things God is doing at the Ridge. She assists Will Blackman, David Pemberton, and Marilyn Ingram in their respective ministires.
Jamie's two most favorite things are: 1) her dog Bella, and 2) a Cinnamon Dulce Latte from Starbucks!
Kristen came to us from Missouri in January 2008. She now considers herself a Texan after falling in love with the people, scenery and lakes here in Austin. Her first passion is spending time with her husband, Ethan, baby daughter Claire and miniature pinscher, Darby. She loves graphic design and just about anything that involves creativity. She received her BA in Journalism and Print Media from Missouri Southern State University. Kristen has been involved in youth ministry leadership for over ten years and believes that youth ministry is like an episode of LOST. It usually happens one hour at a time, there are plenty of interesting characters and at the end you have to ask, "What in the world just happened???"
I was born and raised in Colorado - and yes, I was considered a traitor by moving to Texas! My husband, Mark, was born in Peru and raised in the Amazon jungle of Brazil. Strangely enough, we met and were married in Arizona! From the mountains & jungle – to the desert… Thus, the move to Texas!!! After living in the north Texas area for around 22 years we moved to the Austin area mid January 2008 and we absolutely love it here. We have four children ranging from 15 – 23 years old. And… just as a side – one of my goals in life is to drive a bull dozer (and any other big equipment I can find!) I’ve worked with small tractors but really REALLY want to get my hands on a dozer!
Karen was born in Kansas, but got to Texas as quickly as she could. After living on both coasts and points in between, she is glad to once again call Texas home.
Karen has two married daughters, Jennifer and Julie, and feels blessed to have them living close by her here in Austin. She has three rescue kitties who graciously share their home with her.
Karen's passion is snow skiing and she is convinced heaven must look like Summit County, Colorado. Karen assists Michael Bonner in Family Ministries and is lovin' it!
Tyler was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas where she remained for her first 21 years, the middle of three girls. The last 3 years there were spent as the apparel buyer and visual merchandiser for a high-end boutique. She then relocated to Dallas where she worked as the marketing and sales manager for a designer jewelry line. She met her handsome husband on a ski trip in Colorado with mutual friends and married him in their hometown on July 2, 2006. They moved to Chicago, IL two days later where they spent the following year scheming a way to get back to Texas, which they eventually did. They now call Austin home and Tyler recently received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas!
Since being in Austin, both Tyler and Cody have attended The Ridge and served as volunteer leaders with the high school ministry. A few of her favorite things: watching movies, the smell of rain in the mountains, long naps, good food, the sun on her face, loving on kids, college football, live music, dates with Cody, their two chocolate labs, laughing with friends, campfires, spending time with family.