OUR TEAM

Not long ago, the idea of running an operating foundation that served children and youth was just an idea and a dream of our founders. They knew that if they were going to see that dream become a reality, they would need to build the right team to help. Pro Deo Foundation’s mission is too critical not to bring in the best people possible. With the team in place, we are confident that we have the right people in place to help us work towards our mission for years to come.

Our team is a small group of men and women who are passionate about using our skills and gifts effectively, and we are dedicated and committed to finding ways to create the pathways necessary for the children and youth of Santa Barbara County to flourish.

A small group of thoughtful people could change the world.

Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

~Margaret Mead

The Team

Click on a photo to learn more about each of us.

Product Development & Program Manager-Carpinteria
Rachel Roberts

Program & Admin Assistant-Carpinteria
Katelyn Merrell

Executive Director

Dave Roberts

After 26 years of running youth programs and communications for churches, Dave joins the Pro Deo Foundation as the Executive Director. He not only brings a wealth of experience working in a non-profit sector but also a passion for seeing children and youth flourish. Dave is married to Rachel and together they have two daughters who keep life busy and full. Outside of his work for the foundation, Dave enjoys soccer, spending time at the beach, cooking, and being with his family.

tel:206-931-6560

email:dave@prodeofoundation.org

Product Development & Program Manager-Carpinteria

Rachel Roberts

Rachel brings years of experience as a small business owner and entrepreneur with her to the Pro Deo Foundation, where she uses the skills she honed as an entrepreneur to work for Pro Deo as our Director of Product Development. She also manages out retail shop, Coastland. Rachel has a wealth of ideas and skills that she uses to teach and help students create products for the tourists and locals of Carpinteria. Rachel is married with two daughters, and outside of work, she enjoys being creative, spending time in the sun at the beach and being with her family.

tel:206-931-6760

email:rachel@prodeofoundation.org

Life Coach-Carpinteria

Pastor G Torres

Bio for G is coming soon

tel:805-729-0048

email:g@restoring.us

Program & Admin Assistant-Carpinteria

Katelyn Merrell

Katelyn brings a heart for the youth in the Santa Barbara area to the table. She has volunteered as a high school youth leader at Reality Carpinteria for the last two plus years and she currently works part-time with Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Santa Barbara as a high school area rep. Katelyn graduated this May from Westmont College where she majored in Communication and competed for the Westmont Women’s soccer team. Combining her heart for youth and her background in Communication studies, she has taken on the role of Program and Administrative Assistant at Pro Deo. She helps to facilitate program, mentor the kids, and helps run the social media for the store, along with some of the store logistics. Outside of work, Katelyn enjoys spending time at the beach, running, playing soccer, and spending time with friends and family.

email:katelyn@prodeofoundation.org