About Us
Abuse comes in many forms. It is prevalent around the world and in virtually every community. Its destructive effects can be life-long and intergenerational.
In 2003, Mending the Soul was launched as a faith-based nonprofit organization to educate and resource individuals, churches, and other service entities with sustainable trauma care resources contextualized for their specific communities.
We believe God made humans in his own image, which means that we are by nature relational beings. As such, we are best nurtured and healed in relationship. Mending the Soul provides resources which are best utilized with others, whether that be one-on-one, in small groups, or as a community.
Our Mission
Isaiah 61:1-4
We exist to bring community-based restoration to people worldwide who have experienced abuse.
Mending the Soul is committed to seeing wholeness restored throughout the world by:
- Encouraging and guiding churches and organizations in abuse prevention and healing;
- Creating high quality, best practice trauma healing curricula;
- Equipping others to effectively use the curricula and foster communities of healing; and
- Promoting an increased awareness of abuse.
Our Story
The Founders
Mending the Soul was conceived in 2003 when Steve and Celestia Tracy and a handful of men and women met with a passion to comfort those broken by abuse. Because there were few resources available to address the complexities of abuse and neglect, Steve and Celestia published Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse to educate on the nature and effects of abuse, and the Mending the Soul Workbook to guide survivors through an interactive and integrated process of healing and forgiveness in community with each other.
Together, the Tracys co-founded and co-direct Mending the Soul, mentoring and supervising collaborative teams of writers, artists, musicians, educators, students, mental health providers, and business professionals who create the sustainable healing models and curricula for Mending the Soul Ministries for global application.
Steve and Celestia have three grown children, who, with their families, partner with them in ministries of justice and mercy.
Steven R Tracy, Ph.D.
Steve is the President and International Director for Mending the Soul, and professor of theology and ethics at Phoenix Seminary where he has taught since 1995. He has also served as a church pastor for fifteen years. Steve’s research and writing are focused on biblical ethics, sexuality, and abuse. He received a B.A. from Arizona State, an M.Div. and Th.M. from Western Seminary and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from the University of Sheffield (England) with a research focus on Pauline ethics. In addition to his domestic work, Steve, along with his wife Celestia, spend 4-8 weeks a year in East Africa coordinating and supervising international trauma training teams. Steve is the author of seven books and numerous book chapters and journal articles.
Celestia Tracy, M.A.
Celestia is the Resource Development Director for Mending the Soul. Celestia received her M.A. in Counseling/Psychology from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and supported leaders and families as a professional trauma counselor for eighteen years. Drawing from twenty-five years of teaching and training experience in areas of abuse and healing, secondary trauma, intimacy and bonding, biblical sexuality, and soul care, Celestia ensures that all Mending the Soul curricula and trainings are psychologically-informed and using best practice models. Celestia is the author of twelve books and workbooks.
Our Team
Jumah Patrick Wangira M.A.
East Africa Director
Jumah lives in Kampala Uganda. He is Married to Alice, an accountant by profession, and they have three charming children, Naomi, Eliana and Shalom. Jumah has an M.A. in peace and reconciliation studies from Makerere University in Kampala. He is a pastor and a social scientist with years of experience ministering to the traumatized. He is particularly passionate about helping church leaders nurture, protect, and aid vulnerable children. He enjoys teaching conservation agriculture during his free time.
Kelsea Phillips
Director of Operations
Kelsea lives in Portland, OR with her husband, Austin, and their daughter, Poppy. Kelsea has a background in both marketplace and in church ministry. She has a strong desire to see others experience healing and wholeness in Christ, which led her to serve with Mending the Soul. In her spare time, Kelsea enjoys drinking good coffee, cuddling with her dog, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Erin Biermann
Operations & Accounting
Erin is originally from Burbank, CA, but now lives outside of Portland with her husband Ryan and their two young kiddos, Liv and Ethan. She comes with a background serving non-profits and churches in the areas of accounting, administration, and program direction, and tries to incorporate her creative bent for writing and design whenever possible. Her heart beats for authentic community, live music, soul care, brownie sundaes, and all the outdoor activities Oregon can offer.
Bekah Stines MSPC. LPC.
PL/PF Program Director MSPC, LPC
Bekah works as a mental health trauma counselor in Portland, Oregon where she lives with her husband, Michael, and their three children, Cameron, Mia, and Micah. Bekah has been involved with MTS since 2010 when she started as a group participant. She loves spending time in the outdoors of the great pacific northwest, hiking, gardening, and going to the beach with her family.
Tanya Harris MAPC. LPC.
Curriculum Consultant
Tanya is a Licensed Associate Counselor at Journeys Counseling Center in Arizona. She has been involved with Mending the Soul Ministries since 2003 when she attended the original MTS training. Tanya trains trainers, facilitates, and helps with curricula development and is a vital part of the MTS leadership team. Tanya’s first love is spending time with her husband and children.