Our Staff & Board
At Pure and Simple Truth for Youth, we are proud to have a team of dedicated individuals working towards a common goal.
From our staff to our board of directors, each person plays a critical role in the success of our organization. We are honored to have such a committed team, and we recognize that without their tireless efforts, our mission to help students discover the truth about whole-person identity would not be possible. We are grateful for the passion and dedication of every team member and know that together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people we serve.
“I’m inspired by the authentic and courageous witness of the Pure and Simple Truth for Youth team, who share God’s plan for the truth and beauty that all of us received from Him at conception, to all youth who desperately need and want to hear it. They do so in a way that is inviting, inspiring and empowering. I’m proud to be a small part of the big impact P&S is making.”
– Austin Powers, Pure and Simple Truth for Youth, Inc. Board of Directors President
Our Staff
Erika Higgins
Erika first joined Pure & Simple as a District Coordinator with the Pure & Simple Lifestyle project in 2006 and rejoined the organization in 2018 as the Program Director and now serves as the Executive Director. Erika, married for twenty years and a mother of four, has always had a passion for helping others, especially families, marriages and youth. She believes in the goodness in youth and strives to show them the good, beauty, and truth in themselves and in their relationships in the world around them.
Haley Watson
Haley has been married to her husband for over 5 years and together, they have 4 children. She owns 2 businesses and also volunteers in 2 ministries. Haley has a passion for teaching others about their true identity and bringing them into deeper relationship with God. As a true extrovert, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and now, the Pure & Simple community.
Grace Schuster
Grace Schuster runs the Facebook and Instagram accounts for Pure and Simple. She is the oldest of 7 in her family and is currently a student of elementary education at K-State. Grace served on the Truth for Youth Retreat Team during her junior and senior years of high school.
Board of Directors
Austin Powers
A native of Wichita, Kansas, and Registered Representative in the Wichita community since 2006, he joined the Board of Directors in 2019. Mr. Powers is passionate about spreading the truth and spends much of his time mentoring the youth of Wichita. His ability to maximize resources and relationships to solve problems is at the center of everything he does. He and his wife April have four beautiful children and are members of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Dr. Ron Ferris
A co-founder of Holy Family Medical Associates, which was created on August 15, 2000, he is also a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and carries certification as a FertilityCare Medical Consultant. Dr. Ferris is a veteran and retired major in the United States Army Reserves. He has been published as a co-author of the book, Physicians Healed. He is married to his wife Patty and has four children.
Linda Arensdorf
A retired congressional office staffer, she earned a degree in Medical Technology from Pittsburg State University where she also met her husband Norman. Mrs. Arensdorf has been active in pro-life issues for more than 25 years and also serves as the volunteer music director for her parish. She and her husband have four children and fifteen grandchildren.
Dr. Diana Crook
A native of Wichita, Kansas, and physician at Lakepoint Family Practice since 1993, she also carries certification as a FertilityCare Medical Consultant. Dr. Crook's interests are in educating everyone, especially our youth, about healthy lifestyles so we can all live well. She is a mother of 5 children with her husband, Randy. She still has passion for playing volleyball and loves traveling all over the world. But, most of all, Dr. Crook wants to be a difference maker in the world today and inspire others to do the same.
Kathy Kehr
Kathy Kehr retired after 32 years teaching in the Wichita Public Schools. She is active at her church Blessed Sacrament,serving as past president of Altar Society. She also volunteers weekly at Center of Hope. She has also been a board member at Center of Hope for four years and joined the Pure and SimpleTruth for Youth Board in 2022. She enjoys traveling with her husband, yoga, and bicycling. She loves being a grandmother to 2 little ones.
Dr. Jonathan Scrafford
Jonathan Scrafford is an obstetrician-gynecologist proud to serve women in the community of Wichita, where he was born and raised. He and his wife Diane have six sons and two daughters; he loves cooking, working out, and listening to music.
Carol Malone
Carol Malone was inspired to join the board after her youngest children attended a Truth for Youth retreat for middle schoolers. She has been a pediatric nurse for more than 30 years. Carol and her husband Steve have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. They are members of Resurrection Parish.
Michael Donovan
Michael Donovan is a seasoned higher education professional with extensive experience in program direction, instructional design, and technology. Michael has made significant contributions to various organizations throughout his career, including once serving on Pure and Simple retreat teams in 2008. Michael is an active parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas in Wichita, KS. In his leisure time, Michael enjoys running, hiking, playing volleyball, golf, attending bible studies with friends, and spending quality time with family.