The Staff

Kaye P. McKee, Executive Director

Kaye's been married to David over half her life and they are parents to two incredible daughters, Arielle and Bethany. Kaye ministers through writing, spiritual direction, marriage counseling, conference and retreat leading, and teaching children. Kaye has been writing curriculum as long as she's been married and has just published her first book, When God Walks Away: A Companion for the Journey Through the Dark Night of the Soul. Kaye has a Masters degree in Religious Education with a Childhood Specialization, a Masters degree in Pastoral Care and is working toward a doctorate in Christian Nurture. She's a fan of long walks, messy collaging, good books, and crunchy peanut butter.

Life motto: "Only the centered thrive on the edge."

Spirit Whispers

"I've got nothing against God. It's his fan club I can't stand"
(-bumper sticker on an Austin truck)

We are Jesus followers, called to be Christ in our city: to open arms wide in welcome, to offer spiritual nurture to the famished, to creatively and compassionately share our good news. We are Jesus followers, called to be Christ in our world: to lift cups of cold water to parched lips, to comfort the suffering, to hope for the hopeless.

Kaye's doctoral project, Spirit Whispers (1 Kings 19:11-13), seeks to serve creative people in Austin, Texas, by translating Gospel truth into their language (the language of metaphor) and by providing a welcoming space in which they may meet God through the creation of art: a space free of manipulation, shaming, or judgment. Our Spirit Whispers arts leaders have received training in biblical metaphor, in pastoral-care principles, and in spiritual practice so they might provide true sanctuary for creatives.

Spirit Whispers began on January 6th, 2008 and ran for eight weeks. Creatives who participated in Spirit Whispers were welcomed to display their work in the Journey Warehouse during Holy Week and on Easter Sunday.

Have a question about Spirit Whispers? Call us at 512-439-7410 ext. 8 or email Contact@aspaciousplace.com.

I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35

Carlye Brookshire, Board Member

Carlye graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelors of Fine Arts. She specialized in graphic design, painting and art history. In 1990 Caryle was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Clare. For four years she was a professional mom, teaching both her daughter and the neighborhood kids how to read and draw. Then, for 10 wonderful years, she taught art in the Eanes School District. Carlye's spiritual journey has led her to share with others the gifts that have been freely given to her. For her, creativity is a means of connecting with God: "having an intimate conversation with God." Carlye hopes to use her role on the A Spacious Place Board to provide encouragement and fun for those who want to explore the creative process as an integral part of their own spiritual journey.

Rick Diamond, D.Min, Board Secretary

Rick Diamond is the tallest pastor at Journey Imperfect Faith Community. He teaches, preaches, leads the staff, and supports the Mind ministry, in Adult ministries. He is married to Leslie, and is the dad of Alex and Caitlin. He's from Texas, went to Baylor University (B.A. and M.A. in English), Perkins Theological Seminary (ordained in the United Methodist church in 1996), and Drew University (D. Min. in 21^st Century Church Leadership, 2001). He has been a minister for over ten years, and was an English teacher for ten years before that. A former United Methodist pastor, he was ordained by Journey I.F.C. in 2006. An author of articles, essays, and two books, he writes and draws and likes to fish. He pulls on his hair when he's talking.

Life motto:"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility toward every form of tyranny over the minds of men." — Thomas Jefferson and "The Kingdom of God is here." — Jesus

Janettee Henderson, Ph.D., Board Member

Janettee is an experienced systems-trained therapist and workshop leader. She uses a systemic and collaborative approach to change in working with individuals, couples and families within the larger framework of spirituality as the guiding force in all of our lives.

Janettee has a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Master's degree in Human Development and Family Studies, both from Texas Tech University. Her Bachelor's degree in Psychology is from the University of Texas at Austin. She is an experienced presenter at the local, state and national level. As a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Janettee is currently in private practice in Austin, Texas.

Life motto: " Blessed are the flexible. For they shall not get bent out of shape."

Mike Lawrence, Board Member

Mike is an attorney who has practiced in complex civil litigation for over 20 years. He is accomplished at client counseling on legal and commercial issues and as an advocate in all phases of dispute resolution, negotiation, mediation, arbitration and non-jury and jury trials. Mike has his own law practice and is outside special counsel to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

As a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin ("Hook 'em, Horns"), Mike graduated with a BA with highest honors in 1974 and a JD with honors in 1977. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Order of the Coif.

Mike is very active in civic affairs. In addition to being on the Board of A Spacious Place, he currently works with his church—Journey Imperfect Faith Community—, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Austin Baptist Chapel, Project "Help" and American YouthWorks.

He and his wife, Kathie, have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Mike is an avid music lover and guitarist, serving on the Board of Directors of the Austin Blues Society.

Arielle McKee, Board Treasurer

Arielle McKee is a septalingual special agent with a flair for both Latin and Ballroom dances. She is skilled in six forms of martial arts, and is deadly with a crossbow—there is a warrant for her arrest in seven countries, and the European Union. In her spare time Arielle thoroughly trounces chess Grand Masters, and perfects her cello playing. Finally, she was indeed, single handedly responsible for the destruction of the "one ring" and the saving of Middle Earth, no matter what Mr. Tolkien tries to tell you. Of course, then she wakes up, goes to school, studies like a maniac, and zealously supports A Spacious Place.

Arielle, soon to be a graduate of The University of Texas Austin, is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and Psi Chi.

Life motto: "I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints, the sinners are much more fun." — Billy Joel

David E. McKee, Jr., Board Chair

Like his wife, Kaye, David has been married for more than half of his life. He was born a tar heel, but his two girls—Arielle and Bethany—keep try to say that he's a Yankee (North Carolina). David has a Bachelors in Psychology from Clemson University ("Go Tigers") and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Seminary. He was ordained and worked in a few churches before beginning work in the financial services industry. For over twenty years, David has done compliance and tax law research (things to keep you up at night). Computers and reading (C. S. Lewis rocks) are two favorite activities when relaxing; TaeKwonDo (with his daughter Bethany) and walking are two of his favorite exercies.

Life motto: "Give me chocolate and no one gets hurt!" or alternately: "Instant Human—Just add coffee!

Dina Montgomery, Board Member

Beth Patterson, Board Member