Alec Tafoya
Database Coordinator
All Campuses
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Database Coordinator
All Campuses
Database Coordinator
All Campuses
Alec grew up in a military family and moved around a lot when he was younger. He primarily lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but loved visiting his family in Katy, Texas every summer. Alec and his wife, Raelin, moved to Texas to be closer to his family three years ago. In his free time, Alec enjoys rock climbing, eating crawfish, and walking his dogs. Alec enjoys using his knowledge and resources to propel the Kingdom of God forward!
Student Ministry Girls' Director
Bee Cave
Student Ministry Girls' Director
Bee Cave
Ali was born and raised in San Antonio (with a few of those years spent in Oklahoma). She received her BA in Curriculum and Instruction, with a dual focus on Special Education and General Education, from Texas State University. Ali has a Young Life background, so she thrives in relational ministry and loves the relationships she has made with students and their families here at Austin Ridge.
Fun facts: Ali is also a dancer and a vocalist! When she’s not hanging out with students she is attending a concert, putting on her own, taking a dance class, hiking a mountain, or is road tripping to see her family.
Embrace Director
All Campuses
Embrace Director
All Campuses
Amy is a native Austinite and graduate of Baylor University. She is passionate about making church accessible and welcoming for all families. She is married to Bo, and they are raising three teenage girls, Trinity, Felicity and Charity. In their free time they enjoy traveling, hiking and exploring new restaurants. Amy is passionate about helping others identify their strengths and use them to serve others!
Elder
All Campuses
Elder
All Campuses
Andy was born in Dallas and grew up in Richardson, Texas. Blessed to have an enormous Young Life presence at his high school, Andy quickly discovered what following Jesus was all about. After high school, he attended Baylor University, graduating in 2005 from the business school with a degree in management. Following graduation, Andy moved back to Richardson and met his wife, Haley, soon thereafter. Andy and Haley married in 2008 and moved to Austin in 2011, where they began attending the Ridge. They have two amazing kids, Hudson and Peyton. You can see Andy most Sundays in the parking lot, where he co-leads the parking team for the Ridge. Outside of work and church, Andy enjoys fishing, golf, and traveling with his wife and kids.
HR Director + Operations Ministry Assistant
All Campuses
HR Director + Operations Ministry Assistant
All Campuses
Angie was born in Colorado and raised in Houston, Texas, where she lived for 12 years. She moved to Austin after she graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Small Business Management. Angie is married to her amazing and loving husband, Shine, and is blessed with five wonderful children: her daughter Allison, twin boys Chris and Nate, and twin girls Emily and Maddie.
Angie loves being with her family, playing games, going to the beach, watching football, and eating chips and salsa. She also loves music – singing, going to concerts, and praise and worship! Angie is humbled to be a part of the Austin Ridge staff and looks forward to seeing the amazing things God will continue to do here at the Ridge, in our city, and around the world!
Single Adults + Workplace + College Ministry Assistant
Bee Cave
Single Adults + Workplace + College Ministry Assistant
Bee Cave
Anna was born in Houston, and even though she was mainly raised in Virginia, she still claims to be a Texan at heart. Because, once a Texan, always a Texan. In 2017, she moved back to Texas, but this time, to Austin. Since then, she has made beautiful friendships and has gotten her Associate's Degree in Business Administration. She is newly married to her husband, Will, and they love to host, cook, and giggle together. When Anna is not at work, her soul is refreshed by loved ones, good food, inspiring books, movie nights, nature, and creativity. She also finds such joy in supporting and loving others.
SonShine Preschool Director
Bee Cave
SonShine Preschool Director
Bee Cave
Annie grew up in Austin, attended the University of Texas, graduated with a degree in Education, and taught in both public and private schools before moving to Rwanda, Africa, to work as the Education Director at a home for orphans. While there, she also taught a Pre-K class and English to a small group of women. After almost two years, God closed that door and brought her back to Austin, although Africa will always have a piece of her heart. After several years in the classroom, God provided a job within Austin Ridge for her to serve as the Director of SonShine School. Annie loves and enjoys her job - the staff, the children, and the parents! When not at SonShine, she enjoys CG, all things outdoors, and lots of time with family, friends, and her husband.
Student Ministry Intern
Bee Cave
Student Ministry Intern
Bee Cave
Bigley was born and raised in Austin and graduated from Lubbock Christian University with a degree in Biblical Text and Preaching. Having a heart and call for ministry, Bigley returned to Austin to fulfill his desire to serve and make Jesus's name known throughout the area. Bigley has a heart of gratitude to be able to give back to the church who poured so much into him!! While in Lubbock, Bigley served in children's, youth, college, and homeless outreach ministries. He loves to workout, be outside, listen to music, and spend time with friends and family.
Care Ministry Assistant
Bee Cave
Care Ministry Assistant
Bee Cave
Ashley was born and raised in Houston, and she moved to Austin in 2013. She attended Baylor University, where she studied Business Administration. She is married to Josh, and together they are the proud parents of four wonderful and energetic boys. In her free time, Ashley loves spending time with her family. She is a big sports enthusiast and loves watching and playing sports, hunting, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors with her boys.
Worship Pastor
Southwest
Worship Pastor
Southwest
Austin is a Texas native with an appreciation for all things music. He attended Texas Tech University where he received a Bachelor of Psychology and Masters of Media. While in Lubbock, he met his wife Shannon. They have three children, Margot, Jack, and Townes and can be caught traveling, cooking mediocre meals, or embarrassing themselves with a family dance party in their free time. He loves the city of Austin, the people in it, and aims to glorify Jesus in all things.
Children's Ministry Intern
Southwest
Children's Ministry Intern
Southwest
Avery grew up in Cisco, Texas and graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Communication Studies. She enjoys being outside, hanging out with friends, and spending time at the pool or lake. Avery spent her college years serving in children’s ministry and college ministry within her church in Lubbock. She is excited to join the Austin Ridge team and share the word and joy of Jesus.
Student Ministry Worship & Creative Director
Bee Cave
Student Ministry Worship & Creative Director
Bee Cave
Bailey is a very passionate guy and it shows-through his love for the Lord, his wife (Jacqueline), family, and MOVIES! He grew up at the hands of movies, musicals, and theme parks, and oftentimes it's the only life he ever knew until he met Jesus…Nowadays, he is driven with the same passion to lead students through engaging worship and creative experiences that bring the next generation together for God’s glory and their good in Austin, TX! Bailey and Jacqueline are grateful and stoked to be a part of what God’s done, is doing, and will do at the Ridge!
Groups + Next Steps Ministry Assistant
Bee Cave
Groups + Next Steps Ministry Assistant
Bee Cave
Becca was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She received her degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education at St. Edward's University and her Master's degree at Texas A&M University in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Becca has spent the last seven years working in the field as a special education teacher and registered behavior technician (RBT). In addition, she has a passion for serving others within the church and community. Becca is excited to use the various skills she has developed in her role as a Ministry Assistant.
Missions Ministry Assistant
Bee Cave
Missions Ministry Assistant
Bee Cave
Becky was born and raised in New Orleans, but moved to Texas in 2005. She married her best friend, Jon, in 2009. She is blessed with her wonderful daughter, Evelyn, and her stepson, Austin. Becky has more than 15 years of executive assistant experience and has attended the Ridge for nearly a decade. She loves scuba diving, going to Christian concerts, and playing games with her friends and family. She is grateful and excited to utilize her gifts to pursue God’s mission for the Ridge community locally and abroad.
Lead Ministry Assistant
Dripping Springs
Lead Ministry Assistant
Dripping Springs
Becky was raised in Carlsbad, California, so the beach is her favorite place. She and her amazing husband, Don, have awesome people - including four kids, a few kid-in-laws, and some beautiful grand babies. The Ellsworths moved to Austin in 2001 for Don to be one of the pastors at Austin Ridge. Becky loves spending time with her family, taking fun vacations (which almost always include a beach and sometimes Disney), reading, cooking/eating, exercising, and spending time with friends. She loves working at the Ridge, and being a part of what the Lord is doing in Dripping Springs and around the world.
Children's Director
Southwest
Children's Director
Southwest
Bethany grew up in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Elementary Education. She loves hiking, getting tacos with friends, and curling up on the couch with a book and her cat. Bethany spent a few years serving in various kids' ministries, most recently completing a children's residency program in College Station. She is excited to join the Austin Ridge helping our kids, know, grow, and serve Christ
Lead Pastor
All Campuses
Lead Pastor
All Campuses
Brad was born and raised in South Carolina. He attended Clemson University, where he graduated with a BS in Economics and then received his THM from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is married to Courtney, a Texas girl, and they have two young adult children, Lydia and Luke. They enjoy teaching the Bible, watching movies, being outside, and spending time together. As a father to Luke who has special needs, Brad has a compassionate understanding of others' circumstances. He has a great sense of humor, loves his Clemson Tigers, and enjoys sharing stories from his youth and family. As lead pastor of Austin Ridge since 2004, Brad focuses on teaching God's Word, setting the spiritual pace, and discerning God's vision and will for Austin Ridge.
Children's Program Director
Bee Cave
Children's Program Director
Bee Cave
Brady Ellen Poole found a passion for serving in Children's Ministry while leading large group services for K-5 students in California. Brady has worked in Production for Theater as a Stage Manager, a Sound Engineer, and most recently, a Lighting Technician on a show in Macau, China. She earned a B.F.A. at University of North Carolina School of the Arts and a Master's in Arts Administration at Goucher College. Her husband Gary is on staff at Austin Ridge and they have two children, Ethan and Avery.
Creative Pastor
All Campuses
Creative Pastor
All Campuses
After growing up in Texas and New Jersey, Brian earned a BA from Rutgers and a THM from Dallas Theological Seminary. At exactly the same time, he met his wife, Kathy, and came to understand that life is best lived missionally for Jesus. Serving in creative and executive roles in the church for most of his career, Brian is excited to be in Austin serving at the Ridge.
He loves finding great NY-style pizza with Kathy, watching Christopher Nolan movies with his son, Pierce, and learning obscure chemistry techniques from his daughter, Ana. He likes running, hiking, reading old books, and watching Liverpool (“real” football). More than that, though, Brian loves to see the life of Jesus grow inside the hearts of those around him.
Student Ministry Assistant
Bee Cave
Student Ministry Assistant
Bee Cave
Brittany is back in Texas after 15 years working in the military and civilian aviation worlds. She has a heart to walk alongside Christians in their journeys and is excited to be supporting Austin Ridge in building kingdom. Brittany will always say yes to an adventure, especially if it involves being in the mountains, on the lake or in the air. No matter what the day brings, she tackles it with a chocolate-chip cookie in hand and a worship playlist in her earbuds.