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 several trips to orphanages in Tijuana. These experiences 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
Jessalyn Bates
Jessalyn is a dedicated Executive Director 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.
UX AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
Michelle Tavares
Michelle is currently a student studying User Experience (UX) at Arizona State University working concurrently towards a bachelor's and master's degree. She also has 12 years of experience as a professional artist and visual designer.
She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and two teenage sons. Outside of her professional pursuits, Michelle enjoys art, gardening, travel, playing VR games, and e-biking with her husband.
MARKETING LEAD
Summer Owens
Summer is working towards her Bachelor's in Communications from Ensign College. 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.
EVENTS TEAM
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.
Joann Davidson
Joann has a strong desire to help Find Your Path Mission provide at-risk youth in Mexico with the care and love they deserve.
She is a recently graduated home educated student and is an intern at Find Your Path Mission.
"I love the people and culture of Mexico, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to intern with Find Your Path Mission."
Lindsay Davidson
Lindsay is working with Find Your Path Mission to spread awareness and fundraise to build facilities.
She wants to give at-risk youth in Mexico a chance to get the education they need, because she believes that each child has a mission to fulfill.
Lindsay is passionate about personal, individualized education and has been helping grow homeschoolers and homeschooling groups for 10 years.
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.
Jocelyn Vance
Jocelyn works on the social media team to lend her experience and to help spread the word about Find Your Path.
"My mom is from Southern Mexico, I have always had a soft spot in my heart for children and for Mexico. When I was 13 years old my family moved to Mexico City where I attended Junior high and High School. I grew to love the Mexican culture and people. My aunt built an orphanage in Chiapas, Mexico, and we spent a lot of time visiting and fundraising for her.
When I heard what Karen was doing to help at risk youth in Mexico, I knew this is something I wanted our family to be apart of.
Last year, we went as a family to visit the Bates in Mexico, and got to experience first-hand the project that they are creating, it is amazing!"
She is a mother to 6 kids and lives in Sparks, Nevada. She has homeschooled for the past 12 years and through that, has gained a greater love and appreciation for education and strong families. Jocelyn enjoys blogging and creating an Instagram account sharing about strengthening families and homeschooling @ourinspiredfamilylife.
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.
Follow the Story
Subscribe to our newsletter:
Updates on projects, trips,
people and opportunities.
