Ms. Brenda Patterson is a twenty-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. After retiring from the military, she moved to Round Rock to begin her civilian life. She currently serves as a guest educator in her local school district and volunteers at organizations like Simple Sparrow Care Farm, Magdalene House, and Agape. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, roller boogie, and yard work.  

Bri loves Jesus, people, animals, and nature. She has been clinically licensed as a recreational therapist since 2009 and is the author of "God Says I’m Beautiful." Bri and her family have also been certified as a foster-to-adopt home since 2020. The family enjoys serving at their local church plant.

Chad Wright and his team at Forward Partners are dedicating the next forty years to partnering with cities to develop healthy leaders and thriving teams. He lives in Leander, Texas with his wife Rebecca, has three adult sons, Colton, Conner, and Cody. 

Listen to the episode "My Brother's Keeper" and find out. 

Darin has been in law enforcement since 1993, serving at the Williamson County Constable's Office prior to serving over 25 years at the Round Rock Police Department.  He has worked patrol, SWAT, motors, and FTO.  He was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and went to CID in 2008, where he supervised general, domestic, and major crimes for nearly 12 years.  He was promoted to lieutenant in 2019, was assigned to patrol and special operations, and is now a lieutenant in the Criminal Investigation Division.  

He is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas and has experience instructing, mentoring, coaching, interviewing, and leading officers and command staff.  His specialties are leadership, supervision, technology projects, and coaching officers for promotions and professional growth.

He recently joined forces with the Travis Training Group to form Synergy Public Safety Solutions. 

Jake and his wife Stephanie have been married for 15 years and have two amazing daughters. Jake served five years in the Marine Corps and suffered from PTSD and TBI. Ultimately finding healing and freedom from both; by the Grace of God, a loving family, and a God-sent Father-in-law.

Jake most recently left his motorcycle business to fulfill his calling to full-time ministry. He is now working as the National Director of Training for the Freedom Fighter Foundation and is a Crisis Response Chaplain. He uses these avenues and others to bring Salvation, Healing, and Freedom to anyone who needs it and train and equip others to do the same.

Jamie Tanner, MACL, DEdMin

Founder/Board President of Simple Sparrow Care Farm

Jamie founded Simple Sparrow Care Farm in 2017 to provide creation-stewardship based, trauma-informed care farm programs and services for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to “Learn + Grow + Heal” through farm nature. 

Jamie’s doctorate dissertation A Development and Evaluation of Simple Sparrow Care Farm’s Executive Leadership Training Program demonstrates how the care farm model is replicable, scaleable, and yields improved mental health and quality of life outcomes.

Daily life for Jamie involves driving around her children to their various activities, hanging out with her husband watching The Office reruns, and caring for Simple Sparrow Care Farm. She enjoys meaningful conversations, strong coffee, and activities that get dirt under her nails. 

With 30 years of experience managing large enterprises in the information technology sector and two decades dedicated to outdoor ministry, Jeff Cook brings a wealth of leadership and mentorship to his role as Executive Director of Faith Angler Network. Focused on empowering middle and high school students through faith, fishing, and community, he is passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of young people.

He has been married to his wife, Stephanie, for 15 years, and together they have a beautifully blended family, including a son, Shane, and daughters, Bryana and Ellie. His greatest joys are serving God, his church, and his family—living out his faith through service and mentorship.

Sergeant John Donaldson is a 33-year veteran in law enforcement, both in California and Texas. He has had assignments in jail facilities, Patrol, Field Training Officer, S.W.A.T, School Resource Officer, Community Services Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and is currently a Community Services Division Sergeant. 

John was a full-time Defensive Tactics and Firearms Instructor for several years and teaches those topics in his department. He also teaches the “Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement” (ABLE), a peer intervention program through the Caruth Institute. John teaches frequent presentations to Real Estate Professionals in Situational Awareness and Self Defense. He also conducts training on Active Shooter response for schools, churches, civic groups, medical facilities, and local businesses.

He is a man of faith, family, friendships, and learning/improving.

Dr. John Lane has a doctorate in theology and a PhD in religious philosophy with an application in theology.  He is a volunteer chaplain for Patriot Outfitters, volunteers with Celebrate Recovery, and serves in prison ministry.  He is happily married to his wonderful wife and enjoys spending time with their three grandchildren.  Dr. Lane is employed by Crestview Baptist Church in Georgetown, TX, where he also serves as a deacon.   

Keith Ferguson studied mechanical engineering at Baylor, then completed a Th.M. as Dallas Theological Seminary. After 5 years of youth ministry, he planted Cityview Bible Church in Round Rock, TX in 2007. He currently serves as the lead pastor at Cityview and the executive director of the Association of Hill Country Churches. But his greatest joy in life is his wife, Barie, and their six awesome children. They are truly a gift from God. 

Kim was born in Pomona, California, and grew up in Covina, California. She was raised by her parents, William and Linda Allen, 2 sisters and multiple foster siblings.

Kim grew up in a law enforcement family. Her father retired as a sergeant from the West Covina Police Department in West Covina, California. Kim met her future husband, Robert, on a mission trip to Mexico. Kim served at a handicapped orphanage and deaf boarding school in Carmen Sedan, Mexico, for 12 years. She later married Robert, and together, they have 5 kids and 6 grandkids. After moving to Texas in 2005, Kim established her career in communications in law enforcement. She and her husband were foster parents for 10 years, caring for over 300 kids who were abandoned and abused.

Laurie has been an officer for the past 20 years. She has spent her entire career at the Rockwall Police Department as a field trainer, crime scene technician, cooper fitness instructor, swat containment team, public information officer and a detective. Her full time position as a family violence and sex crimes detective keeps her busy while many of the other duties are ancillary. Laurie serves on the police association board and works hand in hand with local organizations such as Women in Need and the local Children’s Advocacy Center to help strengthen relationships between the organizations. She coordinates a run each year which benefits the CAC called Santa Cops 4 Kids which has raised over $120,000. She is currently on a quest to help build a unit for her agency that will focus on officers mental health. Helping those who can’t help themselves is her true passion. Laurie is a mother of 3; one which has already followed in her footsteps as an officer.

Melissa is a Round Rock City Councilmember and member of Round Rock Chamber, Professional Women of Williamson County, and Rotary Club of Round Rock. She is the Director of Austin-Round Rock (Team Brock) Chapter of The Cure Starts Now, Director of Partnerships with The Cure Starts Now, on Strategic Advisory Council of The Cure Starts Now, and Girl Scouts of Central Texas Troop Leader,.

Melissa and her husband, James, who is an honorably retired Austin Police Officer, have three children, Jenna, (Brock), and Blair. They have raised over $2MM in honor of their 7-year-old son Brock, who battled DIPG.

Michael Carson is a true follower of Jesus and disciple-maker for the Kingdom of Heaven. After high school, he joined the US Army and served 19+ years. He was medically retired after being diagnosed with severe complex combat PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a whole list of body issues from serving in combat. Angry, broken, numb, and with no Identity, he would lose his wife and children due to his PTSD and coping skills of drinking and anger. Two and a half years after the divorce, he was homeless, an addict and alcoholic, and would try to take his own life. God saved him that day and told him that He had other plans for him. Michael is a truly transformed man of God. Through many miracles, he is now remarried and has both of his girls back in his life with three amazing stepsons. He serves God in many ways in his community, county, and Nation. You can see more about his journey online at freedomfighterfoundation.org.

Michele Kelley is the President and Founder of the Chris Kelley Foundation.  At age 18, she took a leap and joined the United States Air Force.  Michele was serving in the Air Force when she and Chris met. After leaving the military, she & Chris moved to Texas in 2004.  Michele continued to serve her community as a Juvenile Probation Officer at the Williamson County Juvenile Services Center for 12 years. 

Michele and Chris put down roots in Hutto, where they added two beautiful children to their family, Makenzie & Nate.  Detective Sergeant Christopher Kelley paid the ultimate sacrifice on June 24, 2015 when he was killed in the line of duty while working for the Hutto Police Department.   

Michele has made it her personal mission since Chris’ death to be bold in her support of law enforcement. She has taken on projects to ensure that Chris’ life and sacrifice are honored and never forgotten.

Natasha Sawyer is an inspiring wife and mother, overseeing a blended family of 7. With a remarkable athletic background as a 2-time national champion in track and field and multiple All-American honors, she’s shown dedication and skill. Hailing from Oakland, CA, she earned a college degree from the University of Southern California and served as a police officer for 7 years. Later, she founded "Her Fitness Spot," her own fitness business. Her key philosophy for success is rooted in maintaining a resilient mindset and the determination to keep getting up.

Paul McLaughlin is Founder and President of Heroes Below, Rising Above. Paul helps listeners understand how a three-year prayer journey brought about the creation of Heroes Below, Rising Above. How the blessings, gifts, and skills God provided him turned into a 501(c)(3) with its mission to help reduce the risk of suicide. Heroes Below provides Active-Duty Military, Military Veterans, Active-Duty Law Enforcement, Law Enforcement Veterans, First Responders, their spouses and caregivers living with PTSD and TBI an innovative stress reduction and relaxation program through a unique underwater experience using SCUBA equipment in a heated indoor pool. The only cost for program participants is the amount of time they want to spend blowing bubbles underwater. The simplicity of the program is that no participant needs to know how to swim, because all we do is float.

Rey was born to Louis and Diana Rodriguez in Eagle Pass, TX.  He moved to Austin at the age of one and has continued to live there for 52 years.  He graduated from high school in 1987 and was later married for 20 years.  He has three children, twenty-two years of law enforcement experience, and a master peace officer license.  Rey has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, internal affairs detective, and a member of his agency's honor guard unit.  He has also been involved with Blue Santa for fifteen years, the last seven serving as president of the organization.   

Scott Crosley
Army Ranger, Colonel, Chaplain, CEO/Founder of Pivot-Faith & Valor

Scott Crosley is a distinguished Army Ranger and Colonel, dedicated to serving his country and community as a Chaplain. With a deep commitment to leadership and service, he founded Pivot-Faith & Valor, which exists to Pivot Women and Children Globally from Sexual Slavery and Exploitation to Freedom.

A devoted family man, Scott is married and a proud father of five. He eagerly anticipates the joys of becoming a grandparent in 2025. Outside of his professional life, he is passionate about surfing and participates in endurance events, embodying a spirit of adventure and perseverance. Scott’s life reflects a balance of faith, family, and the pursuit of excellence.

Shawna is a wife, mother, and woman of faith. She and her husband, Benjamin, have been married for 26 years. Having survived child abuse, Shawna accepted Christ at age 12 and has relied on God as her guide, trusting His promises in Proverbs 3:5-6 for direction in her life.

With over 24 years of experience in HR leadership and executive project management, Shawna has supported top executives in various corporate settings. She has seen God’s amazing work in business over the years.

After two decades in corporate roles, Shawna felt called to ministry as a Christian counselor. She earned her Master of Divinity from Liberty University and is a Certified Temperament Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor through the National Christian Counselors Association. Shawna also holds multiple certifications and specializes in Christian temperament counseling, Bible-based counseling, leadership training, and resume development.

Sherm Brand was wounded in action as he served as a platoon medic in Vietnam. Now he meets with 25 or so men each week in life-on-life discipleship, helping them to apply God’s Word in their lives. Sherm and his wife Brenda live in Georgetown, Texas.