LifeChanging Team

Carl Harvey, the Executive Director, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and attended Trinity theological seminary with emphasis on counseling and program management. He has over 25 years experience working with students and families on multiple grade levels, difference economic backgrounds and varying social circumstances. He regularly speaks and trains students and families at youth detention facilities, schools, churches and conferences.

Through his leadership, LifeChangers has tripled in size among its staff, board, strategic partnerships and financially. Not just a director, Mr. Harvey personally mentors students as well. His motivation is to help every person become mature, able to do all they were created to do. He is married with three children and lives by the values of LifeChangers—Love, Integrity, Faith and Excellence.

R. Stephen Medel, LMSW has a long career of working with schools to enrich the learning environment for students across developmental levels, in particularly his interest in addressing the needs of at-risk youth. Mr. Medel has worked with school districts and Educational Service Centers across Texas for over 25 years implementing various prevention and intervention programs ranging from leadership, conflict resolution, experiential learning, diversity, children with incarcerated parents, and a multitude of issues. Mr. Medel joined the Texas State University faculty from 1998 to 2002 as a Lecturer and rejoined the faculty in fall 2010 teaching courses in policy, practice, alcohol and chemical dependency and field placement.

He is a doctoral student with his dissertation addressing the “Life experiences, academic achievement, and social support of Hispanic males between 11 and 15 years-old with incarcerated parents.” Mr. Medel has been involved in the implementation and oversight of pro-social skill and psycho-educational groups addressing children with incarcerated parents, leadership, diversity, experiential learning, parenting skills, conflict resolution, gang awareness, and numerous topics which address the affective issues impacting academic achievement.

Moreover, Mr. Medel has created collaboration with the Texas State University Center for P-16 Initiatives in which he trains and provides opportunity for college level mentors to impact various developmental levels by mentoring, tutoring, and group work.

Glen Mayes, who was born and raised in Abilene, Texas, attended Abilene Christian University and has now lived in Austin, TX for seven (7) years. His contributions to the community here include Executive Co-Chairman for the Young Professionals for the Cure of Komen Austin; worked with student programs for over 13 year in varying programs including leadership, “at-risk” programs and experiential learning; he is a member of Texans for Accountable Government and the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation. Mr. Mayes has been certified Corrections Officer for Travis County and before that for Taylor County, totaling 8 years. He has directed and managed after school and summer programs for kids in AISD and nonprofit agencies. Through his professional and volunteer work, Mr. Mayes provides direction and guidance for all levels of at risk youth.

Robert Moreno is a 5th generation Austinite and 3rd generation teacher who attended St. Edwards University. He has been working with School Districts and Educational Service Centers across Texas for over 24 years. Mr. Moreno has conducted training and facilitation of various programs ranging from leadership, conflict resolution, mediation, experiential learning, diversity and groups addressing issues of children with incarcerated parents. As a Senior Associate and Lead Trainer Mr. Moreno has been in charge of the implementation and maintenance of prevention and intervention programs in various formats including teacher-in services, workshops, presentations, one-day, two-day, and multi-day models. Moreover, targeted populations include elementary, middle school, high school, college, at-risk, faculty and staff for the implementation of programs and services. On a personal note, Mr. Moreno is a devoted father of 5 children and a committed youth coach for various sports such as football, baseball, softball and wrestling where he has taught and shaped the mindset and attitudes of youth in Austin for over 25 years. Mr. Moreno advocates the empowerment of all students and holds in high regard the belief your environment should never hold you back from life goals as long as you "Believe in yourself".

Crystal Whalon has more than 10 years of experience in Marketing/Digital Arts. Beginning her graphic career in the within the local church, Crystal began to hone her natural ability and now has clientele ranging from non-profits to fortune 500 Companies, Colleges & Universities. The self taught guru educated her way from Graphic Designer to hold Social Media, Marketing Manager, and Marketing Director positions within local non-profit organizations. Crystal’s purpose is simple and clear: Refresh our community with creativity.Crystal operates as a Brand Strategist for non-profit organizations in and around the Central Texas area.

Sabine Foster's Bio coming soon.

Charles Robinson is a graduate of Leadership Austin, an electrical engineer and a founding member of New Covenant church. His is involved with the National Society of Black Engineers on the local, state and national level and regularly mentors and tutors students.

Elisa Hendricks is married with twin children quickly approaching high school graduation. She brings that experience, her accomplishments as a writer and speaker along, and her knowledge as the Executive Director of the State Ombudsman office to the leadership team of LifeChangers.

Dr. Edwin De'angel is the founder of Computers y Algo Mas (CAM) - 2002, a technology provider firm that works with churches and other non-profit organizations. Currently he serves as Central Texas Lay Representative at the Seventh-Day Adventist Southwestern Union Conference (2006-Present). He also served as Austin Lay Representative to Texas Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists (2000-2006). He is a member of Austin Spanish First Seventh-Day Adventist Church where he has helped as Elder, Finance Director and Young-Adult Ministries Director (1996-2004). He is married to his beautiful wife Rebecca Duran. He enjoys technology, science, helping and mentoring others.

Pastor Carl Harvey, Sr. is the founding Pastor of Turning Point Fellowship Church. Rev. Harvey has also provided service in the subsequent areas: Pastor of Turning Point Bible Fellowship Church from 1996 – present; Parent Training Specialist, Austin I.S.D. from 1988 – 1996; Math Teacher, Austin I.S.D. from 1976 – 1986; Summer Playground Supervisor, Park and Recreational Department, City of Austin from 1968 – 1990; Program Coordinator Evening Program – Upward Bound Program, Huston-Tillotson College from 1968 – 1980; Pastor Turning Point Bible Fellowship Church from 1996 – present; Volunteer Probation Office (Adult and Youth), City of Austin from 1973 – 1976; Big Brother - Big Brothers of Austin from 1973 – 1976; Christian Marriage Ministries from 1981 – present; Volunteer Chaplain, Del Valley Prison and Travis County Jail from 1996 – present; Volunteer Chaplain, Austin Police Department from 2002 – present. Rev. Harvey, Sr. is currently serving on the Board of LifeChangers. Rev. Carl E. Harvey, Sr. is blessed by his wife Linda J. Harvey.

Linda J. Harvey is a founding member of Turning Point Fellowship Church. Mrs. Harvey has also served in the following capacities: Youth Director, St. James Baptist Church for 7 years; Junior Mission Bible Instructor, St. James Baptist Church for 10 years; Young Women’s Director, St. James Baptist Church for 5 years; College Students Class Instructor, St. James Baptist Church for 3 years, Minister’s Wives Bible Instructor, St. James Baptist Church for 5 years; St. John Landmark District Association Youth Instructor for 5-7 years; Christian Marriage Enrichment Presenter from 1982 – 1991; Co-Founders of Marriage Enrichment Ministry from 1994 – present; Pre-Marital and Marriage Enrichment Counseling and Seminars; Officer of Agape Interdenominational Association of Minister’s Wives and Minister’s Widows from 1995 – present; and Co-Founder of A Morning of Praise, Inc. from 1996 – present (Non-profit organization to network and Minister to Women). Mrs. Harvey also taught math to 7th through 9th graders for Austin ISD for 30 years. Mrs. Harvey is currently serving as the Secretary and Board Member of LifeChangers. Mrs. Harvey is blessed by her husband Rev. Carl Harvey, Sr.

Elisa Banks Bio coming soon.

Eric Bradford's Bio coming soon.

Anjuan Simmons is an executive at Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Mr. Simmons has served the Lord in the following capacities: Sunday School Teacher (College Students), St. James Baptist Church from 1996 – 1997; Vice President, Gamma Phi Delta Christian Fraternity from 1996 – 1997; Sunday School Teacher (High School Students), Community of Faith Baptist Church from 1999 – 2002; Choir Member, Community of Faith Baptist Church from 2000 – 2001; Usher, Community of Faith Baptist Church from 2001 – 2002; Sunday School Teacher (Men), St. Paul Baptist Church from 2002 to present. He has enjoyed matriculation through the school of his wife, Aneika Simmons, since March 2002. Mr. Simmons is current serving as the Board Administrator for LifeChangers.

Lewis Johnson is currently servicing as the Vice President of LifeChangers and is employed with Walmart as an executive officer.

Dr. Ronald E. Bell, Jr. currently serves as associate pastor at Agape Christian Ministries, Math Department Chair at LBJ high school. He has served the youth and families of Austin for 15 years through the co-founding of Pip Start, Pip Compassion outreach Ministries, Praise in the Park & Bell Missions. He has been a part of the faculty teaching math, science and education at the University of Texas, Austin Community College and Huston Tillotson University. Dr. Bell also has received honors in engineering including the National Technical Association scientist of the year award and being selected to be a part of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers Dream Team. Currently Dr. Bell serves on the Board of Directors of Frameworks CDC & as Chair of the board for Life Changers. He is blessed to be able to share my life with my wife and two children. He enjoy being a part of and seeing people live a life of purpose and freedom in Jesus Christ. Dr. Bell looks forward to seeing Life Changers continue to give families hope and share God's love.

Ms. Linda Espy Bio coming soon.

Mr. Harold Howie Bio coming soon.

Ms. Sharon Frey Bio coming soon.

Mr. Steven Lin Bio coming soon.