The dream of Agape's Embrace started while Mary was living in Tennessee and came alive after moving back to Phoenix. In 2019, Mary moved back to the valley to become the Executive Director of a transitional housing ministry and after a transition, she felt called to start Agape's Embrace to continue her work with moms and their families.
Mary has an extensive background in Healthcare Administration and Consulting which includes Community Health, Behavioral Health, Rehabilitation and specialty clinics within facilities, private practices and health plans.
Mary Menchaca Founder/Executive Director
Mary felt a strong calling in her life for Ministry, Missions and Community Service while serving through outreach efforts with her churches and community. As a single mom, she joined friends and sought out opportunities to serve with her children in hopes of helping others and sharing the love of Jesus. Throughout this calling she has had the opportunity to network across the globe with various ministries, non-profit organizations, community activists and allies in diversified areas including programs for the homeless, inner city feeding programs, medical clinics/schools in Africa, neighborhood restoration and community projects in Mexico.
Mary has been an active advocate of single parents and understands the needs, challenges and barriers that our families face, day in and out. Her desire is to share Christ’s love while helping them stand firm in their identity and value of self.
During her off time Mary enjoys music, DIY projects, traveling and gathering with friends and family.
Carie Barlow Board Member
Carie Barlow is an internal medicine physician here in the Valley. She is married and has two boys, ages 8 and 10, as well as two dogs.
For the past 7 years, Carie has worked for a non-profit medical clinic providing free care to the uninsured. She has a passion for helping those in need. As well, she is on the Mission board of Life Church where she coordinates volunteers to feed the homeless and mission trips down to Mexico. She has a strong calling to spread the love of Jesus to everyone. In her free time, she enjoys time with her family and traveling.
Darrell Jensen Board Member
Darrell is a retired healthcare executive having spent more than 30 years serving seniors in the not-for-profit sector. He is a skilled leader with expertise in management, budgeting as well as in day to day operations. He has held leadership positions on church, not-for-profit and trade association boards, lending his skills to move these organizations toward fulfilling their missions. Since retirement he has volunteered on several work projects serving churches in the USA and Mexico.
Darrell believes God has blessed him in many ways and he subscribes to the biblical principle we are blessed to be a blessing. He possess a strong Christian faith and has a passion to help those who have not been afforded the opportunities he has been given.
Patti Jensen Board Member
Patti Jensen, MSW, is a retired medical social worker who served over 30 years in multiple health care settings including hospitals, home health, skilled nursing and dialysis facilities. During those years she also mentored graduate-level social work students as a contribution to the profession. Since Patti retired, her volunteer work has focused on children. She served on the board of Hope 4 Kids International and assisted with special events at Anchor House.
She also regularly volunteered as a “cuddler” at Banner Thunderbird’s NICU and in the nursery at Life Church and MOPS. She enjoys sharing the love of Jesus with the children and their families and looks forward to encouraging the families at Agape’s Embrace.
