Rev. Keith Bell
Asst. Executive Director
Reverend Keith Bell is the Pastor and spiritual leader here at God's New Life MBTC. He started his Mission Teens journey at Victory MBTC in Center Ridge, Arkansas and transferred here to God's New Life in 2022. Keith has a love for people that shows in the way that he interacts with everyone around him. As AED, Keith wears many hats and is always willing to get his hands dirty to further the Lord's work. His true passion, though, is counseling and seeing other people freed from the same things that kept him bound up for so many years.
Michelle Bell
Asst. Executive Director
Michelle Bell, Keith's wife, was 23 when she entered Mission Teens after battling with addiction for years and hasn't looked back since. She started her journey at Restoration Ranch, in Tuscumbia, AL. Michelle transferred to Victory MBTC to help pioneer the center in Center Ridge, AR. She, then, transferred here to God's New Life. Jesus has radically changed her life, and along the way granted her desires for a husband and child. The residents and staff draw on her experience, strength, and wisdom as she helps Keith lead them with grace. Her example, especially to the women, of what the Lord can do with a heart that is fixed on Him is a driving factor in many of them having the patience to find freedom in the Lord themselves.
Thomas Gallagher
Asst. Asst. Executive Director
Thomas's devotion to the Lord is evident in the way he pours into our staff. Thomas is one that goes above and beyond what he's actually called to do to make sure that the needs of the ministry are met. This often means late nights, long weekends, and ministering to others in need. Thomas originally came through the program at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida center called Sonrise MBTC. He transferred to God’s New Life, finished his staff training commitment and has been here ever since.
Samuel Nanney
Resident Director
Samuel is Resident Director over Building and Maintenance, which means that he is responsible for the Trustee department. He helps guide the residents in repairing and preserving our facility. He has a special gift for teaching and is truly passionate about sharing what the Lord has done in his life with the residents and staff. His heart for the people is what sets Sammy apart, and his willingness to step into any role asked of him really sets the tone for how our directorial staff walks in a "Send me, Lord." attitude.
Laura Cleveland
Resident Director
Laura is the Director over Program. She serves as the overall leader of the program’s leadership team, providing oversight and accountability to the Overseer. She ensures that the Overseer is aligned with the vision and standards of the program, offering wisdom, guidance, and strategic direction. With a shepherd’s heart and a firm commitment to excellence, Laura helps keep the entire team accountable, ensuring each leader stays true to the program’s mission and values.
Jay White
Full Counselor (Overseer)
Jay is the Program Overseer. He is a spiritual and organizational leader, entrusted with ensuring the Senior Counselor and Dean of Counselors fulfill their duties with excellence. Jay carefully reviews applications, praying over each one, and guides the admission process, making final decisions on who is accepted. Once admitted, he leads applicants through orientation, ensuring all legal steps—such as coordinating with probation officers—are completed. In addition, he oversees the discipline process for residents, ensuring accountability, structure, and a Godly example for all in the program.
Blanche Lloyde
Full Counselor (Dean of Counselors)
Blanche is the Dean of Counselors, which means she provides spiritual oversight and mentorship to all counselors in training. Her diligent attention to detail ensures smooth operations, while her Christ-centered leadership models servant-hearted care and wisdom.
Betty Grant
Full Counselor (Senior Counselor)
Betty is the Senior Counselor. The Senior Counselor provides crucial support in overseeing the care and progress of residents in the program. Working closely with the residents she coordinates essential services such as hygiene supplies, medical appointments, and daily needs. She serves as a compassionate point of contact, ensuring each resident receives timely attention and support, while also tracking progress, and maintaining organized records.
Cody Fields
Assistant Counselor (Assistant Dean of Counselors)
Cody is the Assistant to the Dean of counselors. Cody plays a vital role, ensuring the seamless operation of the counseling program. Rooted in a heart for Christ, they assist with daily administrative tasks, manage scheduling, and handle correspondence with probation officers. He also ensures all paperwork and files are organized, allowing the Dean to focus on spiritual guidance and counselor development.
John Childress
Assistant Counselor (Assistant Trustee Overseer Counselor)
John supports all aspects of building upkeep and grounds maintenance. He works alongside the Trustee Overseer to handle repairs, monitor the functionality of the building, and ensure supplies like cleaning chemicals and toiletries are stocked. With a hands-on approach, he assists in organizing work projects, keeping the facilities safe, clean, and fully operational, ensuring a welcoming environment for all the residents.
Rev. Gary Smith Executive Director
For several years, Reverend Gary Smith has been in Mission Teens and has walked closely with the Lord. Gary is appointed as Executive Director. He works closely with directors across the country like Rev. Keith & Michelle in Marked Tree. Please keep Gary and his wife Susan, who is a Mission Teens Board Member in your prayers as they also operate our Missouri center, Freedom House Mission Bible Training Center.
Rev. Steve Shwartz Chief Executive Director
At the helm of Mission Teens Inc. stands Rev. Steve Schwartz, the Executive Director entrusted with the formidable responsibility of overseeing the Assistant Executive Directors across all 20 Mission Teens Centers spanning the United States. Diligently carrying forth the vision laid down by our founder, Jim Bracken, since 1969, Steve dedicates a significant portion of his year to traversing various centers and attending graduation ceremonies. His unwavering commitment to the mission of reshaping lives through the potency of faith serves as an inspiration to the entire community. As he perseveres in this invaluable endeavor, we extend our gratitude and humbly request that you hold him and his wife Barbara in your prayers.