Our Staff

Tim Perkins
Executive Director

Allison graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a Bachelor's in Education.  She taught in America before moving overseas and lived for several years in Central Asia.  Her experience there grew her love for people from different cultures and moved her heart towards refugees.  After returning to America she volunteered with a refugee ministry in Houston before taking a job with Houston Welcomes Refugees.  She is excited to get others excited about loving and welcoming our refugee neighbors!  In her free time, she likes going to the gym, reading, and drinking coffee.

Allison Clayton
Program Manager

Bekah graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelors in Hotel and Restaurant Management. She has a rich cultural background, having grown up in West Africa and worked in Central Asia. Bekah understands how difficult the transition to a new place can be and the importance of local friendships. Bekah enjoys spending time in nature with her husband Jared, as well as reading and learning new things!

Bekah Gilmore
Program Manager

Abby graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville with a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering. After graduating college, Abby served in campus ministry for several years. Abby’s interest in serving people all around the world began in college. She is eager to welcome our refugee neighbors in tangible ways, and mobilize the city of Houston to do so. Abby loves grabbing coffee at her favorite coffee shops, and exploring all that Houston has to offer.

Abby Azua
Program Administrator

Sarah received her Bachelors from University of Northern Colorado in International Affairs, followed by her Masters from the American University of Paris in International Affairs. Sarah grew up overseas and worked in refugee work in three cities across the world before coming to Houston. She moved to Houston eager to serve refugees through HWR. Sarah enjoys reading, strength training, and playing with her two kittens!

Sarah Gorenflo
Program Associate

Becca has a deep interest in the global movement of immigrants and refugees. For several years, Becca has been part of the Houston community, welcoming the sojourner and helping them thrive. She enjoys using her skills and experiences as a longtime Houstonian to help HWR fulfill its mission. In her free time, Becca enjoys spending time with her husband Mike, pets, family, and friends. She is also an avid crafter, doing creative projects of all kinds.

Becca Lehde
Program Associate

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Our Board

Bill Besancon | Chairperson & Treasurer

Molly Raney | Vice Chairperson

Amanda White | Secretary

Michael Rigo | Member

Adam Robertson | Member

Richard Vaughan | Member

John Sullivan | Member

Andria Rondon | Member

 

Houston Welcomes Refugees was founded in response to the biblical teachings on God’s love for the nations, with the goal of mobilizing the local church to love refugees arriving in our city with the love of Christ. 

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