staff & board members
Get to know the hearts and minds behind the mission.
Mandy Jentes
Founder & Executive Director
More about Mandy…
Mandy’s passion is bringing hope to people who are often overlooked and under resourced. For 23 years she worked in the corporate world developing her expertise in strategy, organization, and process improvement. She and her husband, Dean, dedicated over 8 years to fostering teens and continue to support youth who have aged out of care. In 2021, her volunteer time shifted toward biological parents who are navigating Child Protective Services. Through those efforts, Mandy also coordinated volunteer teams and trainings across East Texas focusing on family reunification and preservation. Mandy holds a Bachelor of Arts from Azusa Pacific University, where her faith and creativity flourished and continue to influence her work today.
Why GAPPS?
There’s nothing more energizing than seeing hope come to life for a mom or dad through the simple gifts of encouragement and genuine friendship. It can make the difference in a family’s path to success.
More about Curtis…
Curtis is a devoted husband and proud father of three adult children. He is not only an adoptive dad, but he and his wife, Michelle, have served as foster parents and advocates since 2009. The family spent 11 years on the mission field training pastors and ministering to adolescences from hard places in government-run orphanages and on the streets. After returning to East Texas, he helped start a local home for adolescent girls in the CPS system. Today, Curtis is the owner of a property inspection business and continues his commitment to serve families and strengthen communities.
Why GAPPS?
In our foster care journey, we saw into the lives and unique circumstances of each family that had a child placed in our home. GAPPS reaches into these lives before their children are placed; teaching, caring for and equipping the parents in their journey to becoming a healthy home.
More about Jon Mark…
Jon Mark McMullen is the Senior Vice President of Arrow’s Community-Based Care division, 4Kids4Families. He has over 20 years of experience in the Managed Care Industry and has extensive knowledge of both Medicaid & Manage Care Organizations serving Foster Children in Texas. Jon Mark’s life-saving measures, grit, and can-do attitude enabled him to be awarded the DFPS Commissioner’s Award of Excellence as the 1st private recipient in Texas in 2017. This attitude and a servant leadership style equip him to produce the best outcomes for children in need, seeing improved lives and building partnerships that strengthen a community. Jon Mark and his wife Chrissi have three sons, Jonathan, Joshua, and Jacob.
Why GAPPS?
As the lead SSCC in Region 4, I’m part of GAPPS because I believe families do best when they’re supported early—with the right community relationships and resources to stay safely together. This work matters deeply to me because every gap we close strengthens parents, protects children, and helps keep families where they belong—together.
More about Phil…
Founder & CEO of- The Genesis Group (36 years). Founding member of several real estate holding companies. Technology & business mentor. Author of “How To Eat A Failure Sandwich”, A guide on how to fail in business.
Why GAPPS?
When it was explained to me that the current programs for at risk parents and children were like mopping the floor while the leak never gets fixed, it burned into my soul. GAPPS will, through the love of Christ, help to slow that leak by giving the tools for parents to get their children back, which is the BEST solution of all.
More about Julie…
Julie Warren is a proud mother of two. Since 2015, her children have been central to her journey of healing and growth, shaping both her personal and professional path. Inspired by her experiences, she pursued higher education, earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2016 and her master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2020. Julie is currently working toward full licensure as a professional counselor. Her background includes working in residential treatment centers, foster care and adoption services, a crisis center, a children’s advocacy center and for a psychologist. Julie is a trained TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) Practitioner and volunteers with Smith County Family Court as a Parent Liaison, supporting parents involved in CPS.
Why GAPPS?
Julie’s journey began long before her counseling career, when she navigated her own CPS and Drug Court involvement while raising her children. During that time, she experienced firsthand the impact of trauma-informed care and meaningful support, something that not only changed her path but inspired her purpose. She understands what it feels like to be overwhelmed, judged, and uncertain about the future. But she also knows that change is possible with the right guidance, support, and accountability. GAPPS exists to walk alongside parents and families involved in CPS, helping them heal, overcome obstacles, and break generational cycles.
More about Lindsay…
Lindsay Hanks is a wife and mom of two boys, and she is also a former foster mom. During her experience as a foster parent, Lindsay found a passion in mentoring biological parents to help them navigate an often confusing foster care system. She is a Tyler native who has over 10 years of experience in Social Media Marketing and founded SociaLily Design – Social Media Marketing in 2023. She is creative and really loves serving local businesses and watching them thrive through the use of digital marketing.
Why GAPPS?
GAPPS is important to me because I truly believe that if biological parents can be a safe and consistent household for children, keeping families together is always the best option. Sometimes parents simply need help navigating a confusing system to avoid a family separation or get custody of their children again.
advisors
GAPPS is immeasurably blessed by the wisdom, time, and expertise provided by many leaders in our community.