About Our Board Members

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 Pastor (Dr.) Simpson felt called to ministry at 16 and officially answered during the pandemic, sharing God's love through Refuge Temple of Prayer. She addresses food insecurity for the homeless, hosts Bible studies in parks, and offers prayer to those in need.
She founded the Academy for Leaders, a tutoring center for school-aged children, especially Black and Brown students, and established The Arizona Coalition of Women Preachers to support women in ministry.
With a doctorate in Health Administration, Dr. Simpson teaches Bible studies and educational courses like 'Bible 101,' while also serving as a full-time elementary school teacher. 

Pastor Muriel Mealey, born on August 6, 1971, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a committed leader known for her faith and community service. She married Elder Purvis L. Ott, with whom she raised five children, but he passed away in 1994, deepening her passion for service.
In 2005, she moved to Arizona and became known for her prayer line ministries. In 2008, she married Christopher Mealey.
Pastor Mealey has led prayer revivals across the U.S. and founded Mercy Seat Ministries in 2021, where she shares the Gospel and inspires hope in her community. She also actively serves the homeless and cared for her mother until her passing in 2020.
 

Pastor Shelly Carter, born in Phoenix, Arizona, is the Senior Pastor of Everlasting Words Outreach Ministry, which she co-founded with her husband, Bishop Ace Carter. Since answering her call to ministry in 1984, she has served in various church roles and earned an Associate Degree from a Ministry Training Institute. Ordained in 2017, she ministers in diverse settings and serves on the board of Samaritan Touch Homeless Services. A mother of three and grandmother of six, Pastor Shelly is dedicated to empowering women and serving the vulnerable, guided by the promise of Matthew 6:33. Her life exemplifies faith, love, and unwavering commitment to God’s Kingdom. 

Reverend La Nita Smart is the Executive Minister at Willow Grove Baptist Church with over 30 years of ministry experience. Ordained in 2016, she leads church vision and outreach efforts. A Phoenix native and mother of four, she also serves on the Arizona Coalition of Women Preachers and volunteers to support personal transformation and justice advocacy. Her life and work are guided by her motto, “Broken Spirit Regenerated to Restore Others.”