Contributing Authors
Amanda Roach is a mass communication graduate at Texas Wesleyan University. While maintaining a high GPA, she volunteered as a kid worship leader at her church and served at a local teen court. Her hobbies include crocheting, videography, and playing ukulele. She loves using the skills that God has given her to glorify His kingdom, and she lives each day to the fullest!
Terri Howell is a speaker, author, event planner, organizer, wife to Bennett, mother to three, and “Luvie” to her grandchildren. She enjoys singing, music, movies, writing and reading books, as well as fabulous desserts. She is a survivor of domestic family violence, knows the pain of losing children and understands shattered dreams and the restoration that God gives. Being part of G.A.L.S. is an answer to prayer so she can share her testimony to bring glory to God when she sings and writes.
Rhonda Sparks is the mother to two grown sons, Marketing for at risk students, and active in exercise and biking. In her spare time, Rhonda enjoys re-purposing furniture and fashion. She enjoys being creative and marketing new ideas. Rhonda is an active member of a local church and has a genuine love for people. God connected her to G.A.L.S as a direct answer to prayer.
Joe LaFarge earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering Science from the University of Texas at Austin. He worked for various engineering companies such as General Dynamics and Texas Instruments until he decided to become an actor. He returned to Engineering for 20 years and then became a math teacher at an alternative high school. Joe was selected as the 2016 Birdville ISD High School Teacher of the Year.
Barbara Christa is a gifted Bible teacher and speaks at retreats, leadership training, various events, and conferences. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Southwest Texas University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Houston. She has served as a single’s minister at a local church for thirty years. Barbara is married to David, and they have one daughter.
Melissa Tyson graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. She worked as a programmer and web developer for many years, culminating at Pratt and Whitney in Hartford as an e-Business Operations Specialist. She and her adventurous family have been to 238 cities in 24 countries before settling again to allow her son a solid four year stint in public high school.
Melody Roberts Richards, crisscrossed the nation with the Continental Singers and the world with Awe Star Ministries. Melody is married to Chris Richards and the mother of four. A former Miss DFW, she survived multiple health issues including paralysis and blindness. She has wisdom to share to encourage others. Contact her at: www.Melody@MelodyJoyMusic.com