Gracebound
Gracebound Impact
Real numbers.
Real lives changed.
Every meal served, every bed provided, every connection made — it all adds up to hope restored in Fresno. See the difference your support makes.
Our Commitment
Stewardship rooted in service.
The Gracebound Board of Directors is composed of pastors, business leaders, healthcare professionals, and community advocates — all united by a shared calling to be God's hands and feet in Fresno. Together they steward resources, set strategy, and ensure every dollar reaches those who need it most.
Transparency
No hidden agendas—just clear, real-time insights and complete clarity.
Compassion
Anticipating your needs and serving with empathy and understanding.
Faith
Staying dedicated to our promises and steadfast in our commitment.
Excellence
Setting the highest standards and consistently exceeding expectations.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
Cristina Scott
Cristina Scott is a registered nurse with more than 20 years of healthcare experience and over 25 years of community outreach and service leadership. While living in the United Kingdom, she led her church’s community service department and established a soup kitchen serving local individuals and families in need. Cristina co-founded Gracebound with her husband, Keith, to serve vulnerable populations throughout the Fresno community. She brings compassion, faith-driven leadership, and a lifelong commitment to helping underserved individuals and families.
Keith Scott
Keith Scott is a businessman, real estate investor, and inactive CPA with more than 30 years of experience in business, finance, and real estate, along with over 15 years of outreach and community service experience. His professional credentials include a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s in Business and Professional Accounting (MBPA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Certified General Accountant (CGA). Keith co-founded Gracebound with his wife, Cristina, and is deeply committed to serving individuals experiencing homelessness and helping build pathways toward stability and hope.
Frank Novielli
Frank Novielli is a business owner and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in marketing, sales, property investment, and residential remodeling. In 2018, he co-founded Novielli Painting with his youngest son, Samuel. Frank brings valuable experience in business development, operations, and project management to Gracebound’s leadership team, along with a strong commitment to community service and organizational growth.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Members
Hollie Jones
Hollie Jones is a dedicated educator with more than 30 years of experience serving students and families in California's public school system. After earning her teaching degree from the University of Idaho and obtaining her California teaching credential, she spent nearly two decades as a special education teacher working with at-risk students. Since retiring from full-time teaching, she has continued serving her community as a substitute teacher. As Board Secretary, Hollie brings valuable educational expertise, organizational skills, and a strong commitment to Gracebound's mission of serving vulnerable individuals and families with dignity, hope, and support.
Catherine Jones
Catherine Jones is a retired educator who served at Fresno Adventist Academy from 1995 through 2026, teaching seventh grade and high school English. She brings decades of experience mentoring youth and supporting families through faith-based education. Catherine contributes compassion, integrity, and a strong commitment to community service to Gracebound’s mission.
Christiane Issa
Christiane Issa has served in a variety of leadership roles within her local church for more than two decades, including Family Life Leader, Youth Leader, Women Ministry Leader and Bible Study Teacher. Her longstanding love and commitment to faith, discipleship, and community service has allowed her to mentor individuals and families while helping strengthen church ministries. As a Gracebound board member, Christiane actively participates in outreach initiatives, including food distribution events and visits to homeless encampments, providing practical assistance and encouragement to those in need. She is also a dedicated member of Gracebound's annual fundraising banquet committee, helping support the organization's mission of serving vulnerable individuals and families with compassion, dignity, and hope.
Dollie Ragsdale
Dollie Ragsdale is a retired Registered Nurse with extensive experience serving vulnerable populations across all stages of life, from newborns to geriatric patients. Throughout her career, she worked in case management, program development, and patient education in a variety of healthcare settings. Following retirement, Dollie continued her commitment to community service by helping organize food and clothing donations for individuals experiencing homelessness through her church. She actively supports Gracebound through volunteer service, donation efforts, event support, and community outreach initiatives.
James Ragsdale
James Ragsdale is a retired Physical Therapist with experience in hospital rehabilitation, private practice, and long-term care settings. Following retirement, he continued serving the community through his church’s monthly food distribution program and outreach efforts supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. James actively supports Gracebound through volunteer service, food and supply transportation, meal preparation, and financial contributions that advance the organization’s mission to serve vulnerable populations.
Joann Banks
Joann Banks dedicated 35 years of service to Community Hospital, building a career centered on compassion, commitment, and helping others. Since 2021, she has volunteered alongside Gracebound's founders and outreach team, providing showers, meals, essential resources, and supportive services to individuals experiencing hardship.
Through her continued community service, Joann has helped make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals while demonstrating a strong commitment to dignity, compassion, and community engagement. She is honored to support Gracebound's mission of serving those in need and helping create pathways toward stability and hope.
Julie Novielli
Julie Novielli is a retired nurse with more than 35 years of healthcare experience, serving as both a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Registered Nurse from 1982 through 2022. In addition to her nursing career, she worked alongside her husband, Frank, in marketing and sales for over 15 years. Julie has also supported Gracebound’s fundraising and community outreach efforts through involvement with the annual Gracebound Banquet fundraiser and other organizational initiatives.
Dr. Karen Whala
Dr. Karen Whala is a veterinarian, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to compassionate care and service. She is the founder of Peaceful Passing in Fresno and co-founder of CodaPet, a national network providing in-home pet euthanasia and end-of-life veterinary care across more than 40 states. A graduate of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Whala’s work reflects a commitment to dignity, compassion, and meeting families where they are during difficult moments. Her longtime support of GraceBound aligns closely with the organization’s mission of serving individuals experiencing homelessness with care, hope, and respect.
Pastor Daniel Miranda
Pastor Daniel Miranda is a pastor, international speaker, and author with a passion for faith-based leadership and community outreach. He holds a Master’s degree in Religion from Andrews University and is the author of Tú también puedes ser salvo (“You Too Can Be Saved”). Pastor Miranda currently serves the Orosi and Sanger Bilingual Seventh-day Adventist Churches within the Central California Conference. He brings spiritual leadership, cross-cultural ministry experience, and a strong commitment to service and hope-centered outreach to Gracebound’s mission.
Pastor Gary Jensen
Pastor Gary Jensen has dedicated more than 50 years to ministry, serving as a pastor, teacher, and community leader. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles with churches, school boards, community organizations, and interdenominational ministries, while actively supporting outreach programs that serve individuals and families in need. A longtime Gracebound board member, Pastor Jensen has participated in homeless outreach efforts by providing food, clothing, supplies, and spiritual encouragement. He continues to volunteer in churches and retirement communities, reflecting his lifelong commitment to faith, service, and community.
Patti Tobar
Patti Tobar has experience supporting women and families through compassionate care and faith-based outreach. She served for five years leading support classes for women experiencing reproductive loss through the Pregnancy Care Center under the leadership of Kristi Burkhart. Patti brings empathy, encouragement, and a heart for helping individuals navigate difficult life experiences to Gracebound’s mission of serving vulnerable populations.
Terri Duran
Terri Duran brings more than 46 years of banking and financial services experience, including the past 25 years with Citibank. Throughout her career, she has helped individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through trusted guidance and financial education. Terri is passionate about supporting long-term financial stability and economic empowerment, and she brings valuable financial insight and community-focused leadership to Gracebound’s mission.
Mary Nicholas
Mary Nicholas dedicated nearly five decades to nursing, serving patients from 1965 to 2013 in hospital, veterans' healthcare, and physician office settings. Throughout her career, she provided compassionate care while supporting individuals and families through a wide range of health challenges. Mary has also served in church leadership roles, including as a deaconess, where she helped guide and support members of her faith community. She brings extensive healthcare experience, servant leadership, and a deep commitment to caring for others to Gracebound's mission of helping vulnerable individuals achieve stability and hope.
Peter Nicholas
Peter Nicholas brings decades of technical, leadership, and community service experience to Gracebound. He worked for 26 years at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center as an electrician and engineering technician, supporting critical facility operations and infrastructure. In addition to his professional career, Peter has served extensively in church leadership as a head deacon, elder, and teacher, mentoring others and helping strengthen his faith community. He brings practical problem-solving skills, servant leadership, and a commitment to helping others to Gracebound's mission of serving individuals and families in need.
Dr. Lisa Banks
Dr. Lisa Banks is a California native and a board-certified podiatrist serving patients throughout the Fresno area. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pacific Union College before pursuing her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
With a lifelong commitment to caring for others, Dr. Banks combines her medical expertise with a heart for service. Her faith plays a central role in her life, and she is actively involved in a variety of ministries at her local church, where she enjoys encouraging and supporting others through Christian service.
As a member of Gracebound's Board of Directors, Dr. Banks brings compassion, healthcare experience, and a deep commitment to serving individuals and families with dignity, hope, and care. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, she enjoys spending time in nature and exploring the beauty of the outdoors.
Kenric Baker
Kenric Baker is a retired U.S. Navy veteran with more than 20 years of leadership, mentorship, and service experience. During his military career, he was deployed in support of operations following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and developed a strong commitment to teamwork, integrity, and servant leadership.
Throughout his career, Kenric actively invested in his community by volunteering with programs such as Adopt-A-Highway and serving as an assistant basketball coach for the Kings County Special Olympics. He believes that building strong community relationships is essential to creating lasting, positive change.
As a member of Gracebound's Board of Directors, Kenric brings a heart for service, proven leadership, and a passion for strengthening communities while helping individuals and families move toward stability and hope.
Sheila White
Sheila White is a licensed Real Estate Broker and investor with more than 21 years of experience helping individuals and families build wealth through real estate investing. As a business owner, she understands the importance of innovation, effective communication, and staying current with today's marketing strategies, including the use of social media to engage and connect with others.
A passionate servant leader, Sheila has been actively involved in many areas of church ministry throughout her life. For more than a decade, she faithfully served on a prison ministry team that traveled each weekend to a remote correctional facility accessible only by boat or plane. There, she shared the message of God's love, grace, and hope with incarcerated individuals, leaving a lasting impact through compassionate outreach.
As a member of Gracebound's Board of Directors, Sheila brings valuable expertise in real estate, business, and community engagement, along with a deep commitment to extending God's grace and helping individuals and families overcome hardship with dignity, hope, and opportunity.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Members
Catherine Jones
Board Member
Catherine Jones is a retired educator who served at Fresno Adventist Academy from 1995 through 2026, teaching seventh grade and high school English. She brings decades of experience mentoring youth and supporting families through faith-based education. Catherine contributes compassion, integrity, and a strong commitment to community service to Gracebound’s mission.
Christiane Issa
Board Member
Christiane Issa has served in a variety of leadership roles within her local church for more than two decades, including Family Life Leader, Youth Leader, Women Ministry Leader and Bible Study Teacher. Her longstanding love and commitment to faith, discipleship, and community service has allowed her to mentor individuals and families while helping strengthen church ministries. As a Gracebound board member, Christiane actively participates in outreach initiatives, including food distribution events and visits to homeless encampments, providing practical assistance and encouragement to those in need. She is also a dedicated member of Gracebound's annual fundraising banquet committee, helping support the organization's mission of serving vulnerable individuals and families with compassion, dignity, and hope.
Dollie Ragsdale
Board Member
Dollie Ragsdale is a retired Registered Nurse with extensive experience serving vulnerable populations across all stages of life, from newborns to geriatric patients. Throughout her career, she worked in case management, program development, and patient education in a variety of healthcare settings. Following retirement, Dollie continued her commitment to community service by helping organize food and clothing donations for individuals experiencing homelessness through her church. She actively supports Gracebound through volunteer service, donation efforts, event support, and community outreach initiatives.
James Ragsdale
Board Member
James Ragsdale is a retired Physical Therapist with experience in hospital rehabilitation, private practice, and long-term care settings. Following retirement, he continued serving the community through his church’s monthly food distribution program and outreach efforts supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. James actively supports Gracebound through volunteer service, food and supply transportation, meal preparation, and financial contributions that advance the organization’s mission to serve vulnerable populations.
Joann Banks
Board Member
Joann Banks dedicated 35 years of service to Community Hospital, building a career centered on compassion, commitment, and helping others. Since 2021, she has volunteered alongside Gracebound's founders and outreach team, providing showers, meals, essential resources, and supportive services to individuals experiencing hardship. Through her continued community service, Joann has helped make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals while demonstrating a strong commitment to dignity, compassion, and community engagement. She is honored to support Gracebound's mission of serving those in need and helping create pathways toward stability and hope.
Julie Novielli
Board Member
Julie Novielli is a retired nurse with more than 35 years of healthcare experience, serving as both a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Registered Nurse from 1982 through 2022. In addition to her nursing career, she worked alongside her husband, Frank, in marketing and sales for over 15 years. Julie has also supported Gracebound’s fundraising and community outreach efforts through involvement with the annual Gracebound Banquet fundraiser and other organizational initiatives.
Dr. Karen Whala
Board Member
Dr. Karen Whala is a veterinarian, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to compassionate care and service. She is the founder of Peaceful Passing in Fresno and co-founder of CodaPet, a national network providing in-home pet euthanasia and end-of-life veterinary care across more than 40 states. A graduate of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Whala’s work reflects a commitment to dignity, compassion, and meeting families where they are during difficult moments. Her longtime support of GraceBound aligns closely with the organization’s mission of serving individuals experiencing homelessness with care, hope, and respect.
Pastor Daniel Miranda
Board Member
Pastor Daniel Miranda is a pastor, international speaker, and author with a passion for faith-based leadership and community outreach. He holds a Master’s degree in Religion from Andrews University and is the author of Tú también puedes ser salvo (“You Too Can Be Saved”). Pastor Miranda currently serves the Orosi and Sanger Bilingual Seventh-day Adventist Churches within the Central California Conference. He brings spiritual leadership, cross-cultural ministry experience, and a strong commitment to service and hope-centered outreach to Gracebound’s mission.
Pastor Gary Jensen
Board Member
Pastor Gary Jensen has dedicated more than 50 years to ministry, serving as a pastor, teacher, and community leader. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles with churches, school boards, community organizations, and interdenominational ministries, while actively supporting outreach programs that serve individuals and families in need. A longtime Gracebound board member, Pastor Jensen has participated in homeless outreach efforts by providing food, clothing, supplies, and spiritual encouragement. He continues to volunteer in churches and retirement communities, reflecting his lifelong commitment to faith, service, and community.
Patti Tobar
Board Member
Patti Tobar has experience supporting women and families through compassionate care and faith-based outreach. She served for five years leading support classes for women experiencing reproductive loss through the Pregnancy Care Center under the leadership of Kristi Burkhart. Patti brings empathy, encouragement, and a heart for helping individuals navigate difficult life experiences to Gracebound’s mission of serving vulnerable populations.
Terri Duran
Board Member
Terri Duran brings more than 46 years of banking and financial services experience, including the past 25 years with Citibank. Throughout her career, she has helped individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through trusted guidance and financial education. Terri is passionate about supporting long-term financial stability and economic empowerment, and she brings valuable financial insight and community-focused leadership to Gracebound’s mission.
You make this possible
Every dollar donated, every hour volunteered, every item dropped off — it all translates into meals, beds, and second chances for our neighbors in need.
