MEET OUR TEAM
FOUNDER AND CEO
Karen Bates
Karen, our CEO and founder, graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor's degree in Family and Child Development.
Born in Mexico City and raised in Utah, Karen has a special place in her heart for orphans in Mexico because her mother was an orphan in Mexico. Her mother’s experiences inspired Karen to make a difference.
She was inspired to start Find Your Path Mission after a transformative family service trip to an orphanage in Tijuana in December 2020. This experience led Karen and her family to sell their home and move to Mexico to create a nurturing environment for teens. Under her leadership, the mission provides a safe place for teens to heal, grow, and discover their unique gifts.
In her free time, Karen enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her family. She currently resides in Solferino, Mexico, on the mission campus.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
William "Bill" Bates
Bill graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy and later earned his Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Brigham Young University.
Bill was raised in Utah and has been married to Karen for 26 years. Together, they have raised 8 children. He enjoys traveling, watching movies, and music.
Currently residing in Solferino, Mexico, on the Find Your Path Mission campus, Bill brings his extensive education and experience to his role as Executive Director, guiding our mission with dedication and vision.
PROJECT MANAGER
Jessalyn Bates
Jessalyn is a dedicated project manager at Find Your Path. With expertise in Agile methodologies, Six Sigma, risk management, and team management, she ensures the seamless execution of initiatives that empower young individuals. Skilled in team building, communication systems, marketing, strategy, and ideation,
Jessalyn works closely with NPO leadership and the social media team to foster a nurturing environment. Residing in Solferino, Mexico, on the Find Your Path Mission campus, her passion drives the creation of brighter futures for the students she serves.
EVENTS TEAM
Anna Higgins
Anna serves on the Event Board, spreading the story of the Bates family and creating events to fundraise as well as share the cause of Find Your Path Mission.
She planned a fundraiser in November 2023 which raised over $2,000 on behalf of Find Your Path Mission. The event included country dancing, a Mexican folk dance performance, and a large raffle.
Anna is currently a college student at BYU-Idaho, studying Dance Pedagogy.
She is passionate about inspiring individuals to reach their potential and providing them with the skills to do so.
She loves teaching students, spending time outdoors, and dancing her cares away.
Ezrie Thacker
Ezrie serves with Find Your Path Mission by organizing and planning fundraisers and building a community of people who have the desire to impact and help others.
She graduated from BYU-Idaho in interdisciplinary studies and then moved to Kentucky.
Her passions include creating opportunities for herself and others to build and make connections with people and the world around them, and what better way to do that than organizing events?
She also enjoys dancing, eating ice cream, and doing anything with friends.
MARKETING LEAD
Summer Owens
Summer has an Associate degree in Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication from Ensign College, and is currently working towards her bachelor's degree. She also has a Social Media Marketing certificate through BYU Pathway.
Whether it's through public speaking, social networking, or community service, Summer loves connecting with people in meaningful ways! She is also passionate about learning new things, and a lover of organization and efficiency.
She has been married for 23 years and has four children. She currently resides in Austin, Texas.
SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM
Cassia Tavalea
Cassia is a vital member of our social media team, bringing creativity and strategic insight to our mission. Her commitment to storytelling and community engagement helps amplify our impact and connect with our audience on a deeper level.
Cassia is currently residing in Idaho. She loves the outdoors and spending time with her husband.
UX AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
Michelle Manwill Tavares
Michelle is currently studying User Experience (UX) at Arizona State University. She also has 15 years of experience as an artist and illustrator.
She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. Outside of her professional pursuits, Michelle enjoys art, gardening, travel, playing VR games, and e-biking with her husband.
Join the Team
We'd love your help! Work as a volunteer staff member from wherever you call home.
Learn more about our current needs and staff positions.
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