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.
NEW STAFF POSITIONS OPEN!
“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, married for twenty plus years and a mother of four, has always had a passion for helping others become who they are, especially in families, marriages and with young people. She believes in finding the the goodness in young people and strives to show them all that is good, true, and beautiful in themselves and in their relationships and in the world around them.
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.
Cindy Smith
Cindy is a Kapaun senior and she LOVES to share the graces of God with others especially our youth! She spends her free time doing photography, powerlifting, or hanging out with friends. She has a great passion for our faith and will tell anyone and everyone.
Mia Uhlschmidt
Mia has served on the Truth for Youth retreat Team and joins the staff to assist with the programs and preparation for the retreats. She has a heart for ministry and strives to bring Christ-like joy to everyone she meets. In her free time she enjoys dancing and playing the ukulele.
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.
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.
Chad Clark
A native of Wichita and a graduate of Wichita State University. Chad spent 30 years managing Not-for-Profit organizations. Chad also received his certification as a charitable estate gift advisor from the College of William and Mary National Planned Giving Institute. Chad retired from the Wichita State University Foundation three years ago. Recently he has assisted the Catholic Diocese of Wichita with the Support For Catholic Schools program. Chad is married to Deb; they have five children and four grandchildren.