Amanda is the Executive Director and Founder of Chayah Ministries, where she leads with compassion, conviction, and a deep commitment to helping women find freedom in Christ. A devoted follower of Jesus and single mother, Amanda is passionate about walking alongside women breaking free from addiction, shame, anxiety, and depression.

Her story includes childhood sexual abuse, teenage addiction, and significant emotional and physical trauma. Even after overcoming substance abuse before becoming a mother, she continued to battle depression and anxiety—eventually receiving a clinical diagnosis during her early years of single motherhood. By the grace of God, Amanda has maintained sobriety since December 2006 and has experienced profound healing from anxiety and depression.

Believing firmly that true healing comes through the work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, Amanda now helps women pursue wholeness and restoration. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP). Amanda serves clients through Whole Way Well and leads Chayah Ministries with a mission to empower women to walk forward in hope, freedom, and faith.

Her greatest joy is raising her child, spending time in God’s Word, and witnessing firsthand how Christ transforms lives.

Alicia Rodriguez serves as the President of Chayah Ministries, leading with bold faith, authenticity, and a deep passion for helping women experience the transforming love of Jesus Christ. As a mother of three and an entrepreneur, Alicia pours her heart into empowering women to believe that redemption is possible—because she has lived it herself.

Before encountering Christ in 2019, Alicia’s life was marked by addiction, crime, alcoholism, and incarceration. Through a life-changing encounter with Jesus, everything shifted. Today, she walks confidently in the freedom she found in Him, living as a powerful testimony that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

Alicia is also the founder of Rooted in Love, a Christian streetwear brand that reflects her desire to spread messages of faith, hope, and restoration. Her leadership at Chayah is grounded in Scripture and guided by a commitment to serve with excellence. Believing that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few,” she is devoted to proclaiming the Gospel and encouraging women to step boldly into the identity and purpose God has for them.

Outside of ministry, Alicia loves time with her children, studying God’s Word, and creating spaces where others can encounter the love and freedom she has found in Christ.

Christina Gallegos serves on the Board of Directors for Chayah Ministries, offering insight, leadership, and a passion for supporting women during pivotal seasons of life. As a birth and postpartum doula, she has walked alongside mothers as they welcome new life and create new beginnings—giving her a deep understanding of the emotional and spiritual needs women carry.

A founding member and former secretary of the Omaha Better Birth Project, Christina brings valuable organizational and community-based experience to her leadership role. She currently works as a birth and post-pardum doula.

Christina is passionate about helping women rebuild their lives and their families with confidence and hope. She is excited to support the programs developing within Chayah, especially the ministry’s spiritual wellness community that aligns closely with her values and calling. Her heart is to walk with women in a way that honors Christ and reflects His compassion.

Cindy Sims serves Chayah Ministries as Treasurer, bringing professional excellence, spiritual maturity, and a calm, steady presence to the team. A follower of Jesus Christ and a longtime member of the Omaha community, Cindy is dedicated to honoring God through both her work and relationships. Her life is marked by integrity, compassion, and a deep desire to serve others with the gifts God has entrusted to her.

An experienced accountant, Cindy approaches her role as more than administrative responsibility—she sees it as an act of worship. With a gentle spirit and a gift for bringing order and clarity, she faithfully stewards Chayah’s financial resources so the ministry can continue to restore, strengthen, and transform lives through the love of Christ. Her practical skills pair naturally with her compassion, allowing her to support the mission both behind the scenes and in personal interactions.

Cindy is a thankful mother of two adult daughters and treasures time with her family. She values honesty, growth, and the peace that comes from walking closely with God. She considers it a blessing to serve alongside Chayah’s team and to witness the new life God is breathing into His people through the ministry.

Carly Anderson serves on the Board of Directors for Chayah Ministries, bringing compassion, discernment, and a heart shaped by her own lived experiences. As a wife and mother of four, she understands firsthand the challenges and second chances that life can bring. These experiences have strengthened her faith in Christ and stirred within her a deep desire to support women in need.

Professionally, Carly has spent more than thirteen years as a real estate agent, helping families find homes where they can grow, heal, and flourish. She views her work as more than a career—it is a way to walk with people in meaningful moments and remind them of God’s provision and presence.

Carly is also deeply committed to community impact, having served on multiple fundraising committees and helped organize events that bring people together around worthy causes. Her joy comes from serving others, building connection, and supporting ministries that reflect the heart of Christ.

She treasures time with her family—whether cheering on her kids at sporting events or enjoying simple evenings together—and strives to leave a legacy of love, faith, and service. Carly believes that with God’s guidance, she can make a lasting difference in the lives she touches.

Devanee Auel serves on the Board of Directors for Chayah Ministries, offering spiritual wisdom, ministry experience, and a heart deeply committed to seeing women walk in freedom through Jesus Christ. With over thirteen years of service in the local church—including discipleship, evangelism, and both local and global missions—Devanee brings both theological depth and practical ministry insight to Chayah’s leadership.

In recent years, God has grown in her a strong passion for walking alongside women with histories of addiction and trauma. She has witnessed the Lord bring healing, restoration, redemption, and freedom to countless women and families, and she longs to see even more step into lives of wholeness through Christ.

Devanee has served in a variety of ministry leadership positions and has led aftercare groups for women who have graduated from a local recovery program and disciples women navigating recovery from addiction and trauma.

Married for 27 years and a mother of three, she is a recent empty nester who eagerly awaits whatever the Lord has planned next—trusting God to use her life to advance His Kingdom and bring Him glory.