About Us

"We all have different gifts that God has given to us by His loving-favor. We are to use them. If someone has the gift of preaching the Good News, he should preach. He should use the faith God has given him. If someone has the gift of helping others, then he should help. If someone has the gift of teaching, he should teach. If someone has the gift of speaking words of comfort and help, he should speak. If someone has the gift of sharing what he has, he should give from a willing heart. If someone has the gift of leading other people, he should lead them. If someone has the gift of showing kindness to others, he should be happy as he does it.  Be sure your love is true love. Hate what is sinful. Hold on to whatever is good. Love each other as Christian brothers. Show respect for each other. Do not be lazy but always work hard. Work for the Lord with a heart full of love for Him. Be happy in your hope. Do not give up when trouble comes. Do not let anything stop you from praying. Share what you have with Christian brothers who are in need. Give meals and a place to stay to those who need it."
                                               - Romans 12:6-13

Board of Directors

Rusti Garcia
Founder & President
Rusti was blessed with the vision of this ministry in 2013 and loves every moment of it. Rusti has lived in Livingston all of her life, except for the two years she attended Texas A&M University. She moved home upon receiving the news that she was unexpectedly pregnant with a son. She believes that God is using her past experiences to help others in similar situations. Rusti married in 2012, has her energetic son and a vibrant daughter. She is extremely thankful to be a part of God using House of Mary to love, teach, and change mothers and the next generation of God’s children.

Cyndie Schmidt
Co-Founder & Vice President

Cyndie and her husband Andy married in 2007 and together have three adorable kids. One afternoon, after months of discontentment, Cyndie prayed for clear direction on how she was to be involved in the community and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Less than four hours later she was presented with the opportunity to be a part of House of Mary. Cyndie is a Homeschool Mom and Teacher to her children and a talented Graphic Designer.  She is excited to be involved in this ministry that has the potential to impact the next generation of her community.  

Suzonna McFarlain
Co-Founder & Vice President

Suzonna was a single teenage mom and not only experienced God’s grace through her life experiences, but also developed a passion for ladies' ministry. Suzonna leads a weekly women’s bible study and when Rusti presented her vision of House of Mary to this group, she immediately knew this was what God had been preparing her heart for and joined the team.  Suzonna is married to Scotty and they have four children.  She works as a Technology Integration Specialist for Livingston ISD. She hopes that God will use her and her family to show His love and grace to all of the House of Mary residents.

Nacole Walker
Secretary

Nacole walked the stage six months pregnant to receive her high school diploma and in 2009 became a single mom of three. She was uncertain of what the future held but trusted God’s plan for her life. Nacole and her husband Shaun married in 2013 and believe their three children are evidence of God’s goodness and grace. Nacole leads a woman’s Bible study, is a part of the women’s ministry team at FBC Livingston and works as the Executive Secretary for Sam Houston Electric Cooperative. She is humbled to be a part of something only God can do and plans to use her life experiences to show love and mercy to the mothers that walk through the doors of the House of Mary.

Melissa Parrish
Treasurer

Melissa and her husband, Kyle, have a blended family of four vibrant children. She is a former teacher with a devotion for helping others. In August of 1996, at the beginning of their senior year, Melissa’s best friend gave birth to a beautiful, big eyed baby girl. Melissa bared witness to the faith her friend held on to, the loving support of her family, and the unexpected people God placed in her path to guide her through graduation day and beyond. When Melissa read that the House of Mary was looking for new board members she knew that was her purpose. She is elated to be a part of the House of Mary ministry and is eager to see His work through these expecting moms. 

Caryn McLendon
Director

Caryn and her husband Mack have two adult daughters and three grandchildren. She is a newly retired elementary teacher with a heart for children and families. She is a part of the women's ministry team at First Baptist Church of Livingston and loves to see God work in women’s lives to draw them closer to Himself and make their stories into their testimonies for Him. She has been drawn to the House of Mary ministry from its beginning and is excited to have the time and energy to now  devote to young women’s lives. Her family story began with an unexpected pregnancy at the end of her college years and she understands that without the support of amazing friends and family, her faith in God’s plan, and her soon to be husband, her life would have been very different. This is her chance to give back in a very real and practical way and to share the love of Christ with expectant moms. ​

Becky Martin
Director

Becky has served her community for many years in a variety of ways.  She and her husband Greg were married for forty-nine years and have two sons, Scott (wife Julie) and Matt (wife Lizet), a grandson Trey, and a granddaughter Mary.  Becky taught for thirteen years in Livingston ISD and then started her counseling career.  She has served as a counselor in local schools for over twenty-four years and has mentored several teachers.  She is a member of First Baptist Church and has also served as the Vice President of Great Beginnings Board of Directors.  She enjoys her children's and grandchildren's activities, attending church activities, working on her home, supporting school activities, and cooking for family and friends.  With Becky's experience in counseling and teaching, she will be able to help House of Mary staff and volunteers serve residents as well as help residents learn life skills that will help them be successful.

Past House of Mary Board Members and Founders

A special thank you to the former House of Mary Board Members that joined us early on.  They helped set the path and lay the foundation of our organization and we are forever grateful to them.
 
Jennifer Hall
Sherry Reinhardt
Heather Watson
D'Ann Haffner
Anna Cain

Join Our Advisory Board

We are developing an Advisory Board that would act as a sounding board when we need ideas and advice in various areas of expertise.  Please let us know if you are interested in joining or you can email Suzonna at suzonna@homlivingston.org with any questions.