Julie Watts is the BTH Program Administrator and Professional Level Service Provider for Bridge to Hope. She joined our team September of 2024. She grew up in Pennsylvania - graduating from Moshannon Valley High School. She attended Saint Francis University, where she earned her Bachelors of Science with a Major of Psychology and a Master of Business Administration.

Julie’s work with children has focused on: developing and maintaining communication between children, their families, and providers for medical, social, educational, and related service needs; learning behaviors management skills with the use of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and; completing long-term case-plan development.

Christy Whisenhunt, M.Ed., is the BTH Quality Assurance Coordinator of Bridge To Hope General Residential Operation - GRO. She joined our team in February 2021 and comes to HFT with over 30 years of experience working with children and parents. She is a Zephyr High School graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Health from Texas A&M University and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Tarleton State University.   

Christy has worked with children in a multitude of areas including: health education, childcare, residential treatment, mental health, skills training, counseling, behavior management, trauma, case management, and forensic interviewing. She also has over 15 years of supervisory experience and training professionals and community members.  We are extremely excited about the skills, leadership, experience, and spirit of excellence Christy brings into our Hope family.

Carmen has built a career of over 20 years serving children and families in the child welfare system of Texas communities. She worked 14 years in Residential Child Care Licensing for DFPS/HHSC as an Inspector, Investigator, and Supervisor, regulating licensed providers. She has over 6 years’ experience working in Child Placing Agencies and Transitional Living Programs as Quality Assurance, Program Director, and Licensed Child Care Administrator.

Carmen is passionate about recruiting, training, equipping, and supporting foster families in providing the best possible care for children, and helping children achieve permanency as quickly as possible. Carmen is inspired daily by her husband and three sons. In her free time, Carmen likes to travel and experience different cultures.

Brittany is one of our Heritage of Hope case managers/CPS. She was born and raised in Comanche, Texas. She graduated from Tarleton State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Brittany has always been passionate about working with children and families, finding creative ways to help them. She loves being a voice for those in need. When she is not working, Brittany can be found in her garden or in the kitchen baking. She describes her home as a bit of a mess, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Brittany has four children, two dogs, and a flock of chickens that she can’t keep track of. Her husband is her biggest cheerleader!

Brittany has done nonprofit work for three years, with two of those being in child welfare. She regularly volunteers with the Comanche Youth Council and Boys and Girls Clubs of East Texas. Brittany has been an active member of One Love Foundation since she was in college, an organization committed to empowering young people identify and end unhealthy relationships.

We're so blessed to have her as a member of the Hope Family.

Carmen has built a career of over 20 years serving children and families in the child welfare system of Texas communities. She worked 14 years in Residential Child Care Licensing for DFPS/HHSC as an Inspector, Investigator, and Supervisor, regulating licensed providers. She has over 6 years’ experience working in Child Placing Agencies and Transitional Living Programs as Quality Assurance, Program Director, and Licensed Child Care Administrator.

Carmen is passionate about recruiting, training, equipping, and supporting foster families in providing the best possible care for children, and helping children achieve permanency as quickly as possible. Carmen is inspired daily by her husband and three sons. In her free time, Carmen likes to travel and experience different cultures.

ShaunnaKay has 5 years of experience in the human resource field as well as experience in logistical management. Her professional experience includes managing supply chain, optimizing operations, material/resource budgeting and employee relations.

Prior to her HR role at Hope For Tomorrow , Shaunnakay started her career at IEA Constructors where she worked for 5 years. In her time at IEA she was equipment manager, Logistic Manger and Administrative Assistant. She was responsible for tracking and maintaining material as well as providing HR assistance on the job site with over 150 employees.

ShaunnaKay has a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, graduated Cum Laude from Howard Payne University.

She and her husband Austin have two wonderful blessings, Brixton Ray-Clint (3 years old) and Noah-Kay (newborn). They are active members at Coggin Ave Baptist Church where I volunteer in the children’s ministry.

We're beyond blessed to have ShaunnaKay as a key member of our ministry.

Steve Sweet is the Hope For Tomorrow Director of Treatment Services-DTS. He serves as a member of our TRAC TEAM and serves as the leader of our milieu model and treatment services. Steve is a M.Ed, M.Div, D.Min and LCSW.

He started his career in 1977 where he served as the Director of a Mental Health Services in Pecos Texas. In 1979 he served as the Director of Professional Services within a Residential Treatment Center - RTC in Goldthwaite Texas. In 1991 he served as the Executive Director of The Discovery House Residential Treatment Center. In 1994 he served as the Administrator of Marywood Maternity and Adoption Agency in Austin Texas. From 1995-1997 Steve served as a Consultant with a Residential Treatment Center. In 2024-2025 he served as a Contract Therapist with Better Help online counseling services.

Steve has close to fifty years of experience in equipping leaders, counseling, creating infrastructure, policy, procedures, treatment models, and helping children to create brighter tomorrows.

Jennifer R. Piper is Chief Financial Officer-(CFO) at Hope For Tomorrow Child & Family Ministries, a position she has held since June 1993. Jennifer is a passionate practitioner, advocate, and leader in the field of child care and working to advance the accessibility of quality child care experiences for all children. As CFO, Jennifer leads Finance, IT and HR functions in addition to its strategic growth initiatives as a ministry. She furthers its leadership role among childcare providers through financial educational excellence and outstanding quality service.

Jennifer’s career encompasses more than 30 years of leadership experience as a senior finance and operating executive.  Previously, she served as Child Development Specialist , House Parent, Foster Parent, and Adoptive Parent.  Prior to that, Jennifer served in a variety of financial, operating and strategic leadership roles within multiple child care agencies. 

Keely Stubblefield is our Director of Special Operations -DSO and fundraising professional who possesses a deep-rooted commitment to children in distress. Her personal experiences with Hope For Tomorrow and Bridge to Hope have fueled her dedication to helping our organization to succeed. Keely has a strong background in special project operations as a project manager and is passionate about building a sustainable and impactful fundraising program. Her strong passion and belief in creating Hope Partners has and will advance our mission and vision of helping children to create brighter tomorrows. Keely is a key member of our TRAC TEAM and serves as our fund raising team leader.

T. Allen Piper is the Co-Founder & CEO of Hope For Tomorrow Child and Family Ministries Inc (HFT). He is a ordained minister, chaplain, Licensed Child Care Administrator and brings over thirty years experience in leadership and development. Allen provides executive strategic leadership and direction to all aspects of the agency, including overseeing its staff, finances, and resource development. Allen works with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan, policies, procedures, vision plan and ultimately, to achieve its mission and vision. Allen reports to the Board of Directors, leads the TRAC Committee and has four direct reports: the Chief Operations Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Director of Ministerial Services and the Chief Director of Media, Marketing, & Public Relations. This is an exciting time at HFT – in our relaunch, there are new opportunities to bring fresh ideas, solutions, and energy to our collective commitment of ensuring every child has a great opportunity to quality child care.

Allen will be focused on the following top priorities:

SETTING THE STRATEGIC DIRECTION (Vision Plan) FOR 2025 AND BEYOND The current strategic plan was developed in 2020 and was intended to be in place for three years. Allen will be working with the board, staff and stakeholders to set the organization’s strategic direction for the years ahead.

LEADING HFT’s RACIAL EQUITY AND ANTI-RACISM WORK In the recent past, HFT has invested significant time and resources in moving the organization forward around its racial equity goals, both internally and externally. Allen will continue this forward momentum, seeking ways to increase HFT’s efficacy and impact as a leader in racial equity and anti- racism work.

ENSURING DIVERSIFIED AND STABLE REVENUE This will include securing government contracts from federal, state, and local governments, as well as further exploring innovative strategies to bring in more private funding, so we may be more nimble and able to act immediately on our priorities.

BUILDING AND MAINTAINING A UNIFIED TEAM WITH A HEALTHY WORK CULTURE With our members, Allen will value our commitment to sustaining a healthy work culture and ensure opportunities for collective learning, creative problem solving, and collaborative decision making. He will ensure that each voice is heard, represented, and will make the appropriate changes necessary to encourage a unified front. Allen believes in strong Christian Family values and will promote a family working environment.

CHAMPIONING HFT’s ADVOCACY AGENDA In past years we’ve grown our capacity to advocate with funders, policy makers, and the legislature on behalf of the children, families, and child care providers we serve. Allen will be a key voice with state lawmakers as well as an active contributor to coalitions and partnerships in order to ensure our cities and state adequately invest in quality systems of child care.

Jennifer R. Piper  is Chief Financial Officer-(CFO) at Hope For Tomorrow Child & Family Ministries, a position she has held since June 1993. Jennifer is a passionate practitioner, advocate, and leader in the field of child care and working to advance the accessibility of quality child care experiences for all children. As CFO, Jennifer leads Finance, IT and HR functions in addition to its strategic growth initiatives as a ministry. She furthers its leadership role among childcare providers through financial educational excellence and outstanding quality service.

Jennifer’s career encompasses more than 30 years of leadership experience as a senior finance and operating executive.  Previously, she served as Child Development Specialist , House Parent, Foster Parent, and Adoptive Parent.  Prior to that, Jennifer served in a variety of financial, operating and strategic leadership roles within multiple child care agencies. 

Longtime San Marcos resident, Jimmy Darnell, has served many years as a pastor and taught in four bible colleges. He has also traveled as a teacher, church planter, and conference speaker. Jimmy graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Lamar University in 1962, then earned a Master in theology Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has a Master Degree from Texas State University.

After pastoring Liberty Church in Pensacola Florida for five years in the 1980’s, he became the executive director of Liberty Fellowship of Churches and Ministers for several years. This assignment involved pastoring pastors, helping solve church conflicts and helping churches in transition of leadership.

He has been married to his wife Beth for 59 years. They have three children and the two boys are pastors. Now retired, he lives in Martindale, Texas and serves on the pastoral staff of Hill Country Church in San Marcos, Texas, which he planted after receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1971.

For the past 15 months he has been serving as the preaching pastor at Cowboys for Jesus Church in Canyon Lake, Texas. Jimmy is also founder and host of God’s Great Outdoors, a Christian outdoor television show that has aired across six southern states. His book, God’s Great Outdoors: Outdoor Stories with a Kingdom Message, now in its second printing, has sold thousands of copies across America. His second book, The Disciple Jimmy: An Insider’s view of Walking with Jesus and the Twelve, is being well received. His latest book, Am | a Dead Dog? (the story of Mephibosheth), told in the first person singular, has helped many to discover their true identity in Christ.

His strongest gifts are preaching-teaching and caring for God’s people.

Ron Jutze is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ whose enthusiasm for both God and His word is contagious. After a radical salvation and transformation experience in 1981, Ron served as an associate pastor in Buffalo, New York. In 1988, he moved to Olean, New York to lead a church plant where he served as Senior Pastor for 14 years. He followed God’s mighty hand as the congregation grew from 18 to 500, and, became the largest non-denominational church in a community of 15,000. His gifted ability to cast vision spearheaded and led the congregation through a successful capital stewardship campaign that enabled them to meet the growing needs of their church family while remaining debt free.

Ron is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and radically committed to Pastors, their ministry teams, business leaders, non profit leaders, and the building of the local church. Ron has over 35 years of ministry experience working with pastors, church leaders, for profit leaders, non profit leaders, and their teams. As a certified coach, speaker, and trainer with The John Maxwell Team, he is a trusted ministry partner dedicated to strengthening the local church, its leaders, and their ministry teams. Ron is the Founder & CEO of Marry the Vision Ministry and is focused on aligning leaders and their teams to pursue the ministry assignment Jesus Christ has entrusted to them to accomplish.

Ron serves as the Director of Operations of The Word For You Today, a personalized daily devotional which publishes millions of devotionals each year for thousands of churches in the USA every quarter (www.wordforyou.com). 

He recently birthed Marry the Vision, a ministry focused on aligning leaders and their teams to successfully pursue the ministry assignment Jesus Christ has entrusted to them to accomplish (www.marrythevision.com). Ron is a trusted ministry partner committed to your success. 

Phil McKinney is the founding pastor of Believers Christian Church in Eagle, Michigan, a conference speaker, a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and an author. Phil earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ministry from the American Evangelical Bible College & Seminary, and currently serves on the board of directors for the American Evangelical Christian Churches. He is married to his childhood sweetheart Becky and together they have four children, and one granddaughter. Phil is a passionate communicator with a unique ability to connect with both ministry and marketplace venues.

David Whisenhunt is the Board Vice-President of Hope For Tomorrow Child & Family Ministry. He is a lifelong resident of Texas. He has been involved in agriculture most all his life. David grew up in a farm life raising and showing livestock all his youth life. After graduating from Mullin ISD in 1968 he entered Sam Houston State University where he received a BS degree in Agriculture Education in 1971. David started a teaching career in Vocational Agriculture at Alvin ISD in 1971. David earned a master’s degree in education at SHSU in 1973 and went on to earn an all-levels education administration certificate in 1976. David entered the business world in 1977 when he became one of the managers of Alvin Equipment Company. David also began farming about 1000 acres Soybeans and Milo in Brazoria and Galveston counties in 1978. After success in the farming industry and top awards at Alvin Equipment Company David returned to Central Texas in 1983 where he opened Cen-Tex Farm and Ranch Supply in Early, Texas.

After becoming a muti-million-dollar company in 1986 David sold out and closed Cen-Tex Farm and Ranch in 1988 to join Frontier Fence Company where he served as manager and business partner for two years before becoming the Superintendent of School at Zephyr ISD in 1990. David served as the school’s superintendent until 2014 when he retired to operate his small ranch in Mullin where he raises and markets several different kinds of livestock. In 2016 David was hired as interim superintendent of Blanket ISD. David continues to serve as the Blanket ISD Superintendent but looks forward to finally retiring and devoting all his time to his family and small ranch in Mullin.

David has been married to Dorothy (Dot) Whisenhunt for over 50 years. The couple have 3 children, 15 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren and he enjoys time with the family every chance he gets. David gives all the credit for all the success he has enjoyed to the Lord and leans on his faith in Jesus Christ to guide every move he makes in his life’s journey.

Allen Piper is the Co-Founder & CEO of Hope For Tomorrow Child and Family Ministries Inc (HFT). He is a ordained minister, chaplain, Licensed Child Care Administrator and brings over thirty years experience in leadership and development. Allen provides executive strategic leadership and direction to all aspects of the agency, including overseeing its staff, finances, and resource development. Allen works with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan, policies, procedures, vision plan and ultimately, to achieve its mission and vision. Allen reports to the Board of Directors, leads the TRAC Committee and has four direct reports: the Chief Operations Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Director of Ministerial Services and the Chief Director of Media, Marketing, & Public Relations. This is an exciting time at HFT – in our relaunch, there are new opportunities to bring fresh ideas, solutions, and energy to our collective commitment of ensuring every child has a great opportunity to quality child care.