Cheryl Loper: President of the Board

Cheryl, a current resident of Waxahachie, has a history of mission-mindedness and family-oriented ways of doing life with other people. Married now for 40 years to Gary Loper, Cheryl’s family includes six children, 22 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. As a missionary in Haiti, she served in Port au Prince to work with an orphanage called “No Place Like Home.” Additionally, she currently serves as a moderator for the Central Presbyterian Church Mission Ministry Team and is a lifetime member of the Texas PTA. Former president and volunteer at Families in Action in Duncanville, she is currently employed by LOPER Pipe Organ Service Company. She loves music, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Vanessa Washburn, B.S. Pre-Professional Psychology: Secretary of the Board

Vanessa is currently employed as a librarian at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. She has served in multiple volunteer capacities across Waxahachie, including participation in DEAR Day yearly and the most recent Shoe Buddy event. Vanessa has received recognition as one of Ellis County's top 40 professionals under the age of 40.

Judy Helm: Treasurer of the Board

Judy is a retired CPA practicing tax accounting. She is a member of First Baptist Church, where she sings in the choir and also teaches children’s Bible study weekly. She is a widow with four children and seven grandchildren who mean the world to her.

Helen Wagner: Grant Writer of the Board

Helen has been a member of the Common Ground Ministries Board for 13 years; during that time, she has served as both Vice President and Secretary. Currently, she serves as the Board’s grant writer. Due to her husband’s military career, Helen has lived in many places but has settled in Waxahachie. She has three children and six grandchildren and is a member of Waxahachie Bible Church. Once a registered nurse, Helen now raises Boer goats and has three dogs to take care of.

Christie Berger, B.S. Physical Therapy, UTMB Galveston: Board Member

Christie is a licensed physical therapist who has practiced for 45 years, 37 of which have been in Ellis County. Presently, she works as needed at BIR Waxahachie. She has served her community through the Waxahachie Junior Service League and Partners in Education.

Additionally, she volunteers her services to the community through her church, First Baptist Waxahachie, in both children’s ministry and missions. She has been an avid supporter of and involved in Common Ground Ministries for over 30 years. Christie is married to Gillett Berger and has three grown children who gave her three grandchildren, whom she describes as the delights of their lives.

DeShawn Moore, B.A. Education: Board Member

DeShawn has worked for Waxahachie Independent School District going on 25 years. She has been involved with Common Ground ministries for over 15 years. She speaks highly of Common Ground: “Common Ground Ministries is a great asset to the Eastside Community. It values the whole family, teaching, instilling, and restoring all who are involved.”

Marilyn Sutton: Board Member

Marilyn is a Texas native who currently lives in Waxahachie, Texas. She is happily married and loves spending time with her family. In addition to being a licensed insurance agent, Marilyn also volunteers as secretary of her church, with the Ronal McDonald House, and with Children Medical Center. She has been a member of the board for four years.

Jill Wadsworth, B.S. Office Administration, Louisiana Tech University: Board Member

Jill is a resident of Waxahachie and was excited to discover Common Ground – an organization that puts faith into action by helping children succeed! She has worked with children in many capacities: an elementary school library clerk, a reading specialist, a reading advocate with preschool children, and a Sunday School teacher. Jill is currently retired but looking for more opportunities to read to kids!