Elevate Lives Team

With the visionary ability to look ahead to what is needed, Russ is commonly on the front end of movements, strategically creating new pathways. After significant entrepreneurial experience and leadership in the construction, banking, media, non profit, church and retail sectors, Russ found himself in the second half of life wanting to give back. 

Russ spent his early years in California where he met and married his wife Sharon. They adopted two children and moved to Colorado Springs where he continued to work in the  business and nonprofit sectors. His work with the International relief agency, Convoy of Hope, took him across America, equipping churches to go beyond relief efforts and partner with each other and neighboring schools in low income areas to meet the needs of those in poverty.  

As he continued further down this path, his heart became more and more impacted. It became easier for him to see the incredible value of human beings, and the amazing beauty of individuals living with purpose, unleashed from the constraints of their past.  

Russ began to envision an organization where low-income people who had a deep desire to change could connect with those who had learned how to live life well. Where people were not projects, but treated as the highly valued individuals they are. He longed to bring deep, impactful change to individuals and families. This vision is at the foundation of Elevate Lives™.   

Russ has two adult children, and two grandsons. He enjoys camping, hiking and flying.    

Wendy brings with her a rich history of over 30 years of diverse leadership positions in traditional and ministry settings. She is passionate about helping remove the obstacles that keep people from a deep and meaningful relationship with God. She is inspired daily by His faithfulness to the amazing Elevate Lives'™ Family Members who have overcome and are overcoming so much.

  Wendy oversees the Pathway out of Poverty™, which involves the process of selecting and training participants and mentors. She meets regularly with each participant to ensure needs are being met,  growth is enhanced, and a strategic plan is being followed. Her leadership, administrative and organizational skills are helping to create greater infrastructure to facilitate growth.

Originating from Phoenix, Arizona, Wendy moved to Kansas to attend Bible college. She continued to reside there after graduation, raising four girls and serving the church and wider community. Her hunger for depth of truth and passion for engaging life at a deep level has opened doors for learning in a wide range of areas.

Her experience includes creating infrastructure, culture, and establishing leadership in many areas, including care & recovery ministries, practical discipleship, worship ministry, mentorship, preschool students, and people on the autism spectrum. She has offered training, spoken at various events, raised up leaders, and mobilized hundreds of volunteers for service. 

Wendy has four adult daughters, a grandson, and 3 bonus kids who married into the family. She enjoys singing, creating beauty in a variety of ways, and diving deep in meaningful conversation.

Tony oversees all Homes with a Purpose™ construction projects and vocational training. Tony is passionate about using his abilities to develop workers both in construction and life skills. Skilled in every aspect of construction, as well as mentoring, Tony’s experience and like-minded vision makes him a valued member of the Elevate Lives'™ Team.

  Apprenticed in construction while growing up on the mission field in Thailand, Tony’s family moved 12 times in 13.5 years, each move bringing a total home renovation. It was there that Tony learned the value of grit. Through his role models he saw perseverance and an unwavering commitment to surrender and obedience to the Lord in the face of extremely difficult circumstances.  

After graduating from Bible college in the states, Tony worked in construction, on the oil field, and in various other hands-on careers, always quickly rising to the top with his ability to lead with strong authority and gentleness. Even when being highly compensated for his skill, his heart has always been for people. While Tony owned his own construction company he used his trade to mentor men as he developed their skills in the field. When the opportunity arose to join the team at Elevate Lives it made perfect sense as his goals and mission were the same.  

Tony and his wife Tori have four young children and have been excitedly following Elevate Lives™ from the time it began in Springfield. In his spare time, Tony enjoys drawing, grilling, splitting wood, sitting on the back patio with his wife, and spending time with family