THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SHAPED ME.

My Parents - Dan & Becky DeGroat

My parents are by far my greatest heroes. They have exemplified to me in action and deed what grace, truth, courage and goodness look like. My parents continue to impact lives and enrich the earth in East Texas to this day.

My Grandfather - WWII Pilot & POW 

Albert R. Harris was a WWII B17 Bomber Pilot. Eventually becoming a POW in Nazi Germany, he would go on to survive the prison camps, begin a successful career and leave behind a family built on the valor and goodness of his legacy. His famous saying was and still rings true through our family today… “Do Good.” My grandfather now resides in Heaven :)

Jon Dunlop - Close Friend

Jonathan is that friend who sticks closer than a brother as described in Psalm 18. Regardless of what I have walked through in life or the victories and errors I have experienced, Jon has been a faithful brother in Christ who had my back, encouraged me, and rooted for me. Jonathan resides in Dallas, Texas where he manages his own media/photography company as well as works on staff at Woodcreek Church.

Bryan Dunagan - HPPRES 

For a season in my life, Bryan was my pastor during my time at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas. In the fall of 2023, Bryan unexpectedly passed away, leaving his family and his community in Dallas deeply shocked and saddened. Bryan touched my life in a very special way during the months that I knew him. The legacy he now continues in Heaven is an encouragement to those of us on earth to live a life that is entirely surrendered to Jesus.

Jeremy Bohnett - Sales Mentor

Jeremy was the VP of Sales when I was working at Leadr, a people development software company in Plano, TX. Jeremy instilled in me the value of facing the storm, embracing discomfort, and utilizing the lifestyle and skills of sales to make us better people who contribute more to the world, our families, and the companies we represent. I consider Jeremy to not only be a legend in the world of SAAS startups but a prime example of someone who goes “all in” with integrity and grit regarding everything in life. Jeremy to this day helps scale startups to become world-class companies in Plano, TX.

Tony Caffey - Missions

I met Pastor Tony when he and I went on a mission trip together to the northern tribes of India in the summer of 2023 with East-West Ministries. This was one of the most encouraging experiences of my life and Tony’s example and interest in my life and my story was a big part of it. To this day, Tony serves as the Lead Pastor of Verse By Verse Fellowship in San Antonio, TX.

Neil Tomba - Northwest Bible Church

Neil was my pastor at the Church here in Dallas that I once considered my home and community, Northwest Bible Church. Pastor Neil had an immediate impact on my life the first Sunday I met him, and through his teaching and example, has greatly encouraged and sharpened me in my faith.

TODD WAGNER

Todd is another one of those DFW Pastors who had an impact on my life and spiritual development. Todd was the founding pastor at a Church that I used to be a member of: Watermark Community Church. Through the years, I have bumped into Todd in the most wild and unplanned ways possible! Just ask me for the stories next time you see me ;)

MELISSA CALLAHAN

Melissa is my boss, and a very good friend and mentor of mine. I met Melissa in 2023 when I arrived at Buckner International to begin my journey with that ministry/organization.

Melissa quickly became more than a boss. She became a trusted friend, someone I look up to, and who I share most of my stress or life questions with :) She has been a huge representation of Jesus in my life, and I will always be so, so thankful for her!

ROB LANE

Pastor Rob is my boss, mentor, and the lead Pastor at the Church he and I both serve on staff at called Woodlake Baptist Church. Rob has been such an example of leadership, consistency, and what it means to daily depend on Jesus in my life.