MEET OUR TEAM
Reverend Doctor Patricia L. Ryan
AFAH Ministries Founder & President
Rev. Dr. Patricia Ryan is an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament in the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO). She earned her Master of Divinity degree from Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and her Doctor of Ministry degree in individual, marriage, and family counseling from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. She has served in the US Army Nurse Corps, and was ordained to a chaplain residency for the University of Texas/M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
A 60-year-old father of three adult sons, Doug and his wife will be celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary on May 24th, 2025. After two previous careers, Doug began college in 2016 at the age of 53, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in May 2021. Following graduation, Doug enrolled in graduate school to pursue a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health, with certification in Marriage and Family Counseling and in Play Therapy. He will complete a Master’s degree in May of 2025.
Past professional experiences included: 16 years in sales and marketing, 18 years in the manufacturing sector as a manual machinist and CNC Machinist; and 25 years as a volunteer adult leader in the scouting program. Doug’s hobbies are reading, hiking, camping, wilderness survival, youth development, amateur photography with a smart phone, and writing, which includes poetry, philosophy, fiction stories, and research papers that discuss new perspectives.
Douglas Hurt
Play Therapy Specialist, Counselor
Paul has a heart for helping those struggling with life Issues. He is a trained and experienced Stephen Minister and has completed the Friends First Responders Training Program.
Paul Pizzi
Counselor
Linda loves to see how God heals couples that are dealing with sensitive issues in marriage. She also has a special passion for working with couples dealing with the conflicts that arise in second marriages.
She has a B.S. Psychology degree from the University of Houston, and is a trained Stephen Minister.
Linda Pizzi
Counselor
Lyndsey graduated from Sam Houston State University in December 2014 with a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling.
The Major purpose of her service exists to accompany others through their journey to be their best self through guidance of the Lord God and assist the community with her skills and training.
She has provided services to a variety of ages. She has an amazing family support including her husband and five kids that grant her the life to lead in service to His word.
She believes that all roads have the opportunity to greatness with the correct guidance.
Lyndsey Poblete, MA, LPC-A
Master in Mental Health Counseling
Dr. Jennifer Strozier is the founder of Be Encouraged There’s Hope (B.E.T.H., Inc.) Counseling Service, a faith-based Christian counseling practice dedicated to helping individuals and families find hope and healing. With more than 20 years of experience, she provides compassionate care in areas such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, marriage and family counseling, and crisis intervention. Her mission is to walk alongside people in their journey toward restoration and wholeness.
Dr. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Service Psychology and Counseling from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Counseling. She is a Licensed Marriage & Family Christian Therapist, Crisis Chaplain, and Professor of Christian Counseling at CBIS. She is also an active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and the National Association of Christian Counselors.
Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Dr. Jennifer now resides in Houston, Texas with her husband. Together, they are proud parents of four adult children and grandparents to four grandchildren. She is also the co-author of the book Broken to Be Made Whole.
Dr. Jennifer Strozier, PhD
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Christian Counseling
Tad is a Clinical Psychotherapist and Marriage & Family Therapist with an LCSW credential.
Tad's mission is to help individuals, couples, and families heal their existing wounds and rebuild trust, while creating emotionally intimate, joy-filled relationships. With a focus on personal goals and deeply-rooted relational struggles, he strives to create a safe and comfortable space that is conducive to healing. Tad started his counseling career with AFAH before getting his other credentials, and still sees clients via zoom.
Tad also has training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, the Gottman Method, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Tad and his wife have been married for 38 years and are the proud parents of an adult daughter and son.
Tad Bodeman, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Carla is a dedicated Christian counselor and professional life coach, committed to guiding clients toward healing, restoration, and renewed purpose through Christ-centered care. With over two decades of experience serving people in counseling and case management, Carla brings a compassionate, professional, and spiritually grounded approach to every client interaction.
Carla earned her degree in Drug & Alcohol Counseling from the University of St. Thomas, she also works as a Mediator, she is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, the International Christian Coaching Association, and the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals. She is passionate about integrating her counseling and coaching skills to empower others with biblical truth, practical life tools, emotional well-being, and hope for personal growth and lasting change.
Carla Trice
Counselor / Life Coach
Debbie Staton is a Business graduate from Texas A&M University, where she met her husband, John, with whom she’s been married for over 30 years. Early in her career, Debbie gained invaluable experience with companies like Northwest Airlines, working in sales and marketing, and with Bristol-Myers Squibb as a Pharmaceutical Representative.
An accomplished athlete, Debbie has completed three IRONMANs, multiple marathons, and various endurance events. She has also contributed to the IRONMAN community as Volunteer Director for IRONMAN Texas and as a member of the Volunteer Program team.
Outside of work and athletics, one of Debbie’s greatest accomplishments is raising three amazing children—Ryan, Tyler, and Patty. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Debbie Staton
Office Manager
In Loving Memory of Kimberly Guzman
December 7, 1974 - June 12, 2025
Kimberly D. Guzman, beloved mother to Talia and Mateo Guzman, friend to all who knew her, and Office Manager at A Future and a Hope (AFAH) Counseling Ministry over the past three years, has been welcomed home to her eternal reward on June 12, 2025, after a short 3-week bout with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.
Kim did an amazing job of handling the important administrative duties of the ministry and always had a friendly smile and a kind and encouraging word to those who came to AFAH for help. She also volunteered her time to support the monthly Christian Business Luncheons, giving loving attention to take care of managing the attendance and other needs of keeping this monthly gathering running smoothly.
Kim was loved and will be missed for all the ways that she reflected God’s love and joy to everyone she met – and though we grieve, we do not grieve as those who have no hope, for our hope is in Jesus Christ. . . And as those who believe are promised, we will one day be reunited with all those we love, who have gone before us, never to be separated again. In this knowledge, we are comforted and find peace.
Kim will be forever in our hearts and is now at peace in His presence. Praise God for His grace and love!
