Julius Karow – CEO & Executive Director, Kingdom Care
Julius Karow serves as the CEO and Executive Director of Kingdom Care, bringing visionary leadership and a deep personal commitment to transforming the lives of children in foster care. As Co-Founder of the organization, Julius works tirelessly to guide Kingdom Care’s mission to Empty the foster care system by building strong community partnerships, empowering families, and advocating for systemic change.
Julius’s leadership is marked by a passion for service, a heart for vulnerable youth, and a strategic approach to creating sustainable impact. He believes that every child deserves a safe, stable, and loving home—and he channels that belief into action every day.
Alongside his wife, Shanda, Julius has fostered 27 children over the past 13 years, adopting four and continuing to mentor and support many others. His life and work reflect a consistent dedication to building hope, restoring dignity, and opening doors of opportunity for every child.
Julius Karow serves as the CEO and Executive Director of Kingdom Care, bringing visionary leadership and a deep personal commitment to transforming the lives of children in foster care. As Co-Founder of the organization, Julius works tirelessly to guide Kingdom Care’s mission to Empty the foster care system by building strong community partnerships, empowering families, and advocating for systemic change.
Julius’s leadership is marked by a passion for service, a heart for vulnerable youth, and a strategic approach to creating sustainable impact. He believes that every child deserves a safe, stable, and loving home—and he channels that belief into action every day.
Alongside his wife, Shanda, Julius has fostered 27 children over the past 13 years, adopting four and continuing to mentor and support many others. His life and work reflect a consistent dedication to building hope, restoring dignity, and opening doors of opportunity for every child.
Board of Directors
Shanda Karow – President of the Board & Co-Founder, Kingdom Care
Shanda Karow is the President of the Board and Co-Founder of Kingdom Care, where she leads with vision, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of children. With 13 years of experience in education, Shanda has served in a variety of impactful roles, including Teacher, Campus Counselor, District Support Counselor, and her current position as a District-Level Behavior Specialist on the Behavior Response Team for Pasadena ISD.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Shanda has been a foster parent for 13 years, opening her home to 27 children and adopting four of them. Her personal and professional life is driven by the same deep passion—to see every child safe, supported, and thriving. She is a strong advocate for Kingdom Care’s mission to Empty the foster care system by ensuring that every child finds a loving and permanent home.
Shanda’s dedication, leadership, and heart for children inspire those around her and fuel the work of Kingdom Care in making lasting change for vulnerable youth.
Shanda Karow is the President of the Board and Co-Founder of Kingdom Care, where she leads with vision, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of children. With 13 years of experience in education, Shanda has served in a variety of impactful roles, including Teacher, Campus Counselor, District Support Counselor, and her current position as a District-Level Behavior Specialist on the Behavior Response Team for Pasadena ISD.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Shanda has been a foster parent for 13 years, opening her home to 27 children and adopting four of them. Her personal and professional life is driven by the same deep passion—to see every child safe, supported, and thriving. She is a strong advocate for Kingdom Care’s mission to Empty the foster care system by ensuring that every child finds a loving and permanent home.
Shanda’s dedication, leadership, and heart for children inspire those around her and fuel the work of Kingdom Care in making lasting change for vulnerable youth.
James Crum - Vice President, Kingdom Care
LaTesha Byers - Treasurer, Kingdom Care
LaTesha, and her husband Andre's foster/ adoptive journey began almost 12 years ago shortly after the birth of their 4th child when the Lord called them to adopt a sibling group. That call wouldn't be answered for another 2 years when they took placement of a sibling group of 3, which grew to 6 over the course of 3 separate adoptions.
Currently the legal mom of 10, she is the bonus mom to many more thru her involvement in school, church and youth sports. Latesha has a heart to serve the community in whatever capacity she can.
She is a recent retiree of the US Air Force (28 years of service) and currently resides in southeast Houston where she is a member of Southbelt Church.
LaTesha, and her husband Andre's foster/ adoptive journey began almost 12 years ago shortly after the birth of their 4th child when the Lord called them to adopt a sibling group. That call wouldn't be answered for another 2 years when they took placement of a sibling group of 3, which grew to 6 over the course of 3 separate adoptions.
Currently the legal mom of 10, she is the bonus mom to many more thru her involvement in school, church and youth sports. Latesha has a heart to serve the community in whatever capacity she can.
She is a recent retiree of the US Air Force (28 years of service) and currently resides in southeast Houston where she is a member of Southbelt Church.
Deborah Arrona – Board Secretary, Kingdom Care
Deborah serves as the Board Secretary for Kingdom Care, bringing a unique combination of professional experience, advocacy expertise, and a heartfelt commitment to the mission. Her career includes serving as a Special Education Instructional Paraprofessional in Deer Park ISD and Pasadena ISD, along with experience in reception and customer service.
Deborah’s connection to Kingdom Care’s mission is deeply personal. A former licensed foster parent and long-time volunteer in children’s and youth ministry, she has a passion for supporting children and families in tangible ways. In her current role, she actively promotes Kingdom Care’s news and events on social media, shares valuable resources, and helps connect the organization with community supports to benefit Kingdom Care families.
Her contributions to the board include meticulous notetaking and meeting documentation, as well as extensive advocacy experience. Deborah is a graduate of the Texas Partners in Policymaking disability rights leadership and advocacy training program through the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and is actively involved with Protect Texas Fragile Kids, a grassroots organization dedicated to securing healthcare access and services for medically fragile children in Texas. She also brings strong networking skills, connections with local and state elected officials, and expertise in social media outreach.
For Deborah, serving with Kingdom Care is more than just a position—it’s a calling. “Kingdom Care and I share the same passion and strive to see every child living a safe, secure, and stable life. An organization that goes beyond awareness and actually does the work required to meet such basic, yet vital needs is truly amazing, and I am so honored and privileged to be even a fraction of a part of it.”
Deborah serves as the Board Secretary for Kingdom Care, bringing a unique combination of professional experience, advocacy expertise, and a heartfelt commitment to the mission. Her career includes serving as a Special Education Instructional Paraprofessional in Deer Park ISD and Pasadena ISD, along with experience in reception and customer service.
Deborah’s connection to Kingdom Care’s mission is deeply personal. A former licensed foster parent and long-time volunteer in children’s and youth ministry, she has a passion for supporting children and families in tangible ways. In her current role, she actively promotes Kingdom Care’s news and events on social media, shares valuable resources, and helps connect the organization with community supports to benefit Kingdom Care families.
Her contributions to the board include meticulous notetaking and meeting documentation, as well as extensive advocacy experience. Deborah is a graduate of the Texas Partners in Policymaking disability rights leadership and advocacy training program through the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and is actively involved with Protect Texas Fragile Kids, a grassroots organization dedicated to securing healthcare access and services for medically fragile children in Texas. She also brings strong networking skills, connections with local and state elected officials, and expertise in social media outreach.
For Deborah, serving with Kingdom Care is more than just a position—it’s a calling. “Kingdom Care and I share the same passion and strive to see every child living a safe, secure, and stable life. An organization that goes beyond awareness and actually does the work required to meet such basic, yet vital needs is truly amazing, and I am so honored and privileged to be even a fraction of a part of it.”
Matthew Hammersky - Board Member and Spiritual Advisor
Matt & his wife Sydney planted and Pastor Risen Nation Church in Pasadena, Texas. He has always had a heart for the orphan. He and his wife helped start an orphanage with founders Mike & Lidiette Rosas in Bogota, Colombia called Love Bought International. They have also spent over a decade serving at risk youth in the community with various outreach programs and youth ministries. In January of 2020 they began fostering their son Michael. He had extreme behaviors and really pushed them to the limit.
Thankfully with the help of Jesus, the community of Risen Nation, Kingdom Care and The Sanctuary Foster Care Services they never gave up on him. It’s been a long journey but they will be adopting him officially in October of this year.
Matthew Hammersky - Board Member and Spiritual Advisor
Matt & his wife Sydney planted and Pastor Risen Nation Church in Pasadena, Texas. He has always had a heart for the orphan. He and his wife helped start an orphanage with founders Mike & Lidiette Rosas in Bogota, Colombia called Love Bought International. They have also spent over a decade serving at risk youth in the community with various outreach programs and youth ministries. In January of 2020 they began fostering their son Michael. He had extreme behaviors and really pushed them to the limit.
Thankfully with the help of Jesus, the community of Risen Nation, Kingdom Care and The Sanctuary Foster Care Services they never gave up on him. It’s been a long journey but they will be adopting him officially in October of this year.
Chase Hansen-Board Member and Financial Advisor, Kingdom care
Chase and Amy Hansen were married in 2013 and have three children, Josephine, Isabel and William. As a family they have served The Church in many capacities throughout the years with the intention to be the hands and feet of Jesus however that looks and in whatever season. Their ‘yes’ to the orphan looks like supporting Kingdom Care in their ministry today and hopefully being able to foster and/or adopt in the future. Their heart is to see The Kingdom come to earth and to spread the love of the Father.
Salvador Arrona – Board Member, Kingdom Care
Salvador Arrona serves as a Board Member for Kingdom Care, offering both skilled expertise and a heart for service. A Master Plumber with Pasadena ISD for 18 years, Salvador brings a strong work ethic and a practical problem-solving mindset to the organization.
His connection to the mission runs deep. A former licensed foster parent and long-time volunteer in children’s and youth ministry, Salvador understands firsthand the challenges and needs faced by foster and adoptive families. In his role with Kingdom Care, he assists with delivering beds and essential supplies to families, assembling furniture, and providing plumbing services when needed. He also serves as a youth and worship ministry leader at Risen Nation Church in Pasadena, TX.
Salvador’s contributions to the board extend beyond his technical skills. He has extensive experience completing community projects and leveraging a strong network to connect people and resources that benefit Kingdom Care families. Known as the “resident cheerleader,” he brings encouragement and positive energy to every endeavor.
For Salvador, serving is personal. “As a father and former foster parent, I’ve seen the need in the foster and adoptive community, and I always want to help in a tangible way. I’ve watched Kingdom Care since its inception consistently serve these families—and serve them well. If I can be any part of that, I always will, because this ministry, even before it officially existed, was already blessing my family.”
Salvador Arrona serves as a Board Member for Kingdom Care, offering both skilled expertise and a heart for service. A Master Plumber with Pasadena ISD for 18 years, Salvador brings a strong work ethic and a practical problem-solving mindset to the organization.
His connection to the mission runs deep. A former licensed foster parent and long-time volunteer in children’s and youth ministry, Salvador understands firsthand the challenges and needs faced by foster and adoptive families. In his role with Kingdom Care, he assists with delivering beds and essential supplies to families, assembling furniture, and providing plumbing services when needed. He also serves as a youth and worship ministry leader at Risen Nation Church in Pasadena, TX.
Salvador’s contributions to the board extend beyond his technical skills. He has extensive experience completing community projects and leveraging a strong network to connect people and resources that benefit Kingdom Care families. Known as the “resident cheerleader,” he brings encouragement and positive energy to every endeavor.
For Salvador, serving is personal. “As a father and former foster parent, I’ve seen the need in the foster and adoptive community, and I always want to help in a tangible way. I’ve watched Kingdom Care since its inception consistently serve these families—and serve them well. If I can be any part of that, I always will, because this ministry, even before it officially existed, was already blessing my family.”
Tara Crum, LPC – Board Member, Kingdom Care
With over 20 years of dedicated service in education, Tara Crum has been a steadfast advocate for the social, emotional, and academic needs of students, staff, and parents—both within the school setting and beyond. Throughout her career, she has shown an unwavering commitment to fostering supportive, inclusive environments where individuals can thrive. In addition to her work in education, Tara has served alongside her husband as a pastor’s wife for 25 years, ministering to women of all ages and offering spiritual guidance, encouragement, and support.
She is also the founder and owner of Simply Be Counseling and Wellness, PLLC, where she provides professional counseling rooted in the belief that true health and rest come from following life-giving practices based on the life, words, and promises of Jesus. Tara’s blend of professional expertise, spiritual leadership, and compassionate care makes her a valued voice on the Kingdom Care board. Her heart for helping others aligns seamlessly with the organization’s mission to see every child safe, supported, and thriving.
With over 20 years of dedicated service in education, Tara Crum has been a steadfast advocate for the social, emotional, and academic needs of students, staff, and parents—both within the school setting and beyond. Throughout her career, she has shown an unwavering commitment to fostering supportive, inclusive environments where individuals can thrive. In addition to her work in education, Tara has served alongside her husband as a pastor’s wife for 25 years, ministering to women of all ages and offering spiritual guidance, encouragement, and support.
She is also the founder and owner of Simply Be Counseling and Wellness, PLLC, where she provides professional counseling rooted in the belief that true health and rest come from following life-giving practices based on the life, words, and promises of Jesus. Tara’s blend of professional expertise, spiritual leadership, and compassionate care makes her a valued voice on the Kingdom Care board. Her heart for helping others aligns seamlessly with the organization’s mission to see every child safe, supported, and thriving.
Andre Byers – Board Member, Kingdom Care
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