HEART & HANDS OF EAST TEXAS
A Christian Job Corps Site
Building strong futures for men and women through life and
employment skills in a Christ-centered learning environment
Lisa Howell
Lisa and her husband, Eric, live in Van, where they own and operate a local business.
She believes that serving individuals as they develop job skills through this ministry is both an honor and a blessing.​​ Her passion for this ministry and how it changes lives is contagious!
After retiring from a 22-year career in education, Lisa joined the board of Heart & Hands in 2026.
Board Chair
Lynn Ford
Vice Chair
For more than 30 years, Lynn has served as an Assistant Vice President and Administrative Assistant at the Texas Bank and Trust in Lindale.
She is known for her vibrant personality and generosity. A passionate advocate for the Lindale community, she has dedicated countless hours to volunteering and supporting numerous local organizations throughout the years.
Since the founding of Heart & Hands of East Texas in 2017, Lynn has been a faithful supporter of the ministry and a valued member of the Board of Directors.​
Loraine Epps
Treasurer
Loraine is married and blessed with three children and three wonderful grandchildren. She served as an Operations Manager for a gymnastics, tumbling, and cheerleading facility for more than 30 years.
She is passionate about serving on a board that is committed to helping others improve their lives, especially through spiritual growth and encouragement. She is truly honored to be part of an organization dedicated to making a positive impact in our community.
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She joined Heart and Hands in 2021 and has had the privilege of serving as both Secretary and Treasurer.
Amanda Thornton
Secretary
Amanda Thornton is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Professor of Psychology at Tyler Junior College.
She has experience in ministry serving as the Executive Director of Christian Women’s Job Corps-Tyler and years later, as their Board Chair.
In addition, she has co-authored the Bible study “Stepping Stones: God’s Unfolding Plan of Salvation”, which has been endorsed by the Women's Missionary Union.
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Amanda began donating her time and expertise to the Board of Heart & Hands of East Texas in 2025.
Rose Cade
Member
Rose is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ whose greatest joy is serving Him, by serving others. She is passionate about inspiring, equipping, and encouraging others to live out the Great Commission and share the love of Christ in their daily lives.
In 2012, she founded Girls of Grace, a weekly Bible study ministry that has grown to include more than 160 women. Through this ministry, she has encouraged countless women in their faith and walk with Christ.
Since 2017, Rose has faithfully served Heart & Hands of East Texas in a variety of roles, including Board Member, Bible Study Leader, and Co-Executive Director. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to discipleship have been vital to the ministry, students and our community.​
Londa Boone
Member
Londa is a Pastor‘s wife, mother of four, and a proud Nana.
She works full-time, and volunteers, but mostly she wants to tell everybody about the One who can save them. She is one of our favorite Lunch and Learn Speakers and together with her team provides lunch for our students several times each year.
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She has faithfully served Heart & Hands since 2018 and joined the Board of Directors in 2024.
DeAnne Hainlen
Member
DeAnne has been married for 48 years and has two children, three grandchildren and one fur baby.
A retired school administrator, she considers her most important role to be a child of God. Since joining Heart & Hands of East Texas in 2017, she has faithfully served the ministry in several leadership roles, including Board Chair, Board Vice Chair and Co-Executive Director.
She is passionate about mentoring and discipleship and is deeply committed to helping others discover hope, purpose, and opportunity.
DeAnne is a dedicated advocate for the mission of Heart & Hands, believing in offering a hand up to those in need while keeping Christ at the center of it all.
Jimmy Mount
Member
Jimmy is married to Beverly. They have 5 children, 7 grandchildren 1 great grandson.
He retired from Law Enforcement after a 30 year career and is an author.
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He joined the Board of Heart & Hands of East Texas in 2025.
Cassandra Starks
Member
A former student of Heart & Hands, Cassandra is an entrepreneur, passionate author, wife, mother and grandmother.
She has opened her home to foster children and dedicated her life to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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She has been serving on the Board of Directors since 2022.