Justin is a realtor and real estate attorney in Sugar Land, Texas, the town where he grew up. He loves giving back to the community that raised him and is especially interested in contributing to the improvement of the lives of children in foster and adoptive programs. As Past Chair of the Board of Trustees of Fort Bend Cares, he has gained a passion for helping children and the leadership experience to go with it. He also participates in the leadership of his home church and acts as legal advisor for several other non-profit organizations. (2018)
As an adoptee and mother to an adopted daughter, Judie believes in giving back to the community and has for over 30 years. Her first long-term volunteer project was as an AIDS hospice volunteer. This experience led her to be nominated to the board of trustees of that organization and ultimately become the president of the board. She volunteered at each school her daughter attended. She now serves on the advisory board of Children at Risk and is on the board of directors of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Galveston-Houston. Judie’s professional career has included sales and business development positions in corporate furniture and services distribution, accounting, and legal. (2020)
Reverend Amy Bezecny developed Cultivating Families during a four-year fellowship at the Hope and Healing Center and Institute (HHCI). She received her Master of Divinity in 2009 from SMU, Perkins School of Theology and became an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 2012. Amy served on staff at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for a period of 10 years, launched their Adoption Ministry, and was driven to help others do the same. Prior to ministry, Amy had a successful 15-year career in interior design, where she specialized in hospital and long-term care facility design. As a Deacon, she continues working tirelessly to open the eyes of the church to the world’s needs and the eyes of the world to the church. Where children are concerned, she believes it is important to work alongside people of other faiths. Amy’s colleagues know her as a passionate, persistent, and creative problem solver for children navigating this world alone. (2017)
Pam joined Stoney Creek Ranch in 2006 as Camp Coordinator and has since worked her way up to Executive Director. Pam has an extensive background in marketing and sales and wears many hats at Stoney Creek. No matter what the question, if it is about Stoney Creek, it is likely that Pam has the answer! She received her BBA from Texas A&M and enjoys Aggie football, tennis and golf. Most importantly she has a passion for inner-city youth and all that Stoney Creek’s ministry has to offer. Her other extracurricular activities revolve around her son, Tyler! (2022)
Amina is a compassionate Social Worker & Therapist with over 15 years of experience working with diverse populations to support mental health and wellness. Well-versed in applying a combination of holistic and cognitive approaches to facilitate healing. Amina is also educated in program administration for high-risk populations. (2022)
Dr. Patrick Lukingbeal has worked in higher education for over 15 years and currently serves in Enrollment Services at the University of Houston. He is active in community mental health training and education in addition to being an adjunct faculty member in the Masters of Counseling program at UH. His husband and two boys are members of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. He is excited to be a part of Cultivating Families and is honored to help provide access and support for foster and adoptive families.