Executive Director
DENISE SHICK
Denise Shick is a dedicated advocate, a compassionate leader, and the visionary founder of Help 4 Families. She is the director of both Help4Families and Living Stones Ministries, nonprofit organizations committed to providing support, resources, and hope to families facing life’s most challenging circumstances surrounding their self-identified LGBTQ loved one. With a heartfelt passion for service rooted in her personal experiences and a deep desire to make a positive impact, Denise has spent over two decades working tirelessly to uplift vulnerable families and foster community resilience.
Denise’s journey into social service began early. Witnessing the struggles of families in her life ignited her calling to serve and advocate for those in need of Christian support. She pursued higher education in social work and community development, earning her BA from Suny University, and MA and Doctorate from Summit Bible College, which equipped her with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference.
Denise’s approach is characterized by her empathetic listening and cultural competence, as well as her relentless advocacy for change in churches so God’s people will be equipped and understand the brokenness affecting many sitting silently in the pews. She believes that every family deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive.
Beyond her organizational duties, Denise is a sought-after speaker and trainer, regularly presenting at conferences and workshops on topics such as family resilience, trauma-informed care, community outreach, and transgenderism and its impact on families. Denise has been interviewed on many faith-based radio and television programs. She has published articles in The Federalist, LifeSite News, and American Thinker.
She is the author of eight children’s books and several nonfiction books, including My Daddy’s Secret, Moving Forward in Hope (a 90-day devotional), Moving Forward in Community workbook, It Is Well with My Soul workbook, Understanding Gender Confusion—A Faith-Based Perspective, and Transgender Confusion—A Biblical Q&A for Families. She has a MA in Counseling and a Doctorate in Leadership. In addition, she is a certified Christian Counselor and a certified life coach.
When she’s not working, Denise enjoys spending quality time with her family, taking long walks, and continuing her personal development journey. Her life’s work is driven by a profound belief in the power of hope, compassion, and collective effort to transform lives and communities through Jesus Christ.
Founder
Carol Wagstaff is the Founder of Living Stones Ministries, a ministry for families with issues of homosexuality. Carol served as Executive Director for 19 years. In December of 1996, she resigned her position on the pastoral team of First Church of the Nazarene, Pasadena, California, (a 3,000 member church) to begin this unique ministry. While on the pastoral staff, she developed a presentation on the New Age Movement, which she presented across the United States in various workshops and conferences.
While in Women’s Ministries, she developed a series entitled “Called to Be Free” for women with issues of abuse and co-dependency. Her most recent work is a booklet entitled “Homosexuality: A Path to Understanding.” A teacher of adult Sunday School classes and Bible studies for many years, she enjoys speaking to various groups as her time permits.
A native Ohioan, Carol graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois, with a B.A. degree in English and Speech. Included in her honors at graduation were “Outstanding Citizenship Award”, as well as “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.” She completed her Master’s Degree in Faith and Culture through Trinity Law and Graduate School in Santa Ana, CA. Carol is a certified bereavement facilitator, an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene, and has taken coaching training through Transformational Leadership Coaching.
Carol spent four years in public school teaching and holds a life teaching credential from the State of Missouri. In addition to her twenty years in the ministry, Carol’s other work experiences include: owner/developer of a Christian bookstore, advertising writer, co-developer of a healthcare corporation, administrator of a counseling center and a private investigator.
Carol is a mother and grandmother and enjoys reading, and writing. In addition, she holds a private pilot’s license and enjoys flying whenever possible.
