Mary Vandel Young
Mary Vandel Young’s passion for transformational ministry and soul care has guided her participation, study, leadership and ministry in the area of Christian spiritual formation for more than 20 years. God blessed Mary’s life with JourneyMates in 2006 when she and her husband, Jason, moved to the Raleigh area. A year later, JM Founders, Jennifer Ennis and Sally Breedlove, invited Mary to join them in leading JourneyMates. Mary has served as JourneyMates Executive Director since 2012 when JourneyMates became a non-profit ministry.
In addition to her work with JourneyMates, Mary ministers as a spiritual director, teacher in the Raleigh Fellows program and retreat leader, teacher and speaker. Raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Mary graduated from Baylor University in 1990. She served on Young Life staff nationally and internationally until 2000 and completed a M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2003.
Mary and her husband, Dr. Jason Young, a psychologist, have two teenage sons, Luke and Tobias, and a precious Shi-Tzu named Petey.
Wendy Simmons
Wendy grew up in Winston-Salem, NC but headed to College of Charleston, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. There she met her husband, Daniel. After graduation they served together on staff with Campus Outreach college ministry for six years, which eventually brought them back to NC. Wendy then entered into the world of non-profit work in 2014 as the Child Sponsorship Coordinator for Help One Now, an international community development organization. After that she dabbled in Real Estate assisting Sales Agents from 2018 until the beginning of this year. Throughout these experiences, her heart for people and for solid, life-changing counseling has only grown. Wendy has a Biblical Counseling certificate from CCEF and is currently chipping away at a masters degree.
Wendy discovered JourneyMates in 2021 through a long-shot recommendation from an out of town high school friend, and has loved it deeply ever since! She has enjoyed participating in contemplative practices and believes these sacred moments in Journeymates have undoubtedly brought about a restorative season in her faith. Wendy is beyond excited to bring her gifting and skill-set for project management and love of creating systems to aid JourneyMates in thriving, growing and ministering to many, both in the Triangle and beyond.
When not creating a spreadsheet, you’ll find her spending time with her friends and three energetic teens, trying out a new restaurant, heading to a concert, playing pickleball with her small group or just simply being outside. She also loves to read fiction books while snuggling with her goldendoodle Cash. Wendy and her family attend The Summit Church in Raleigh.
Katrina Marbury
Katrina grew up in Kansas City, MO and received dual Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Biology from University of Missouri-Columbia. Before joining JourneyMates staff, Katrina worked as an Administrative Assistant at a local church and as a data technician for a Medical Research company.
Katrina discovered JourneyMates in 2023 through a recommendation from a friend, during a time when she was searching to deepen her faith and grow her relationship with Christ. She cannot wait to expand her connection with the JourneyMates community.
Katrina has served as a volunteer at her church in many capacities, such as a children’s volunteer, choir member, and women’s bible study leader. Katrina and her family attend Christ Central Church in Durham where her husband, Evan currently serves as an Associate Pastor. She enjoys reading, puzzles, and spending time with her family and friends.
Tasha Roraback
Tasha Roraback is a transplant to Raleigh, NC. She quickly adapted to the winters here since she’s originally from Upstate NY. The summers? Well, that’s still a work in progress. After working in local churches for over a decade, she discovered the ministry of spiritual direction. Tasha has a strong desire to help people connect with God in personal and ongoing ways. As a spiritual director herself, she is excited to be a part of Journey Mates’ vision and mission. And to be a part of expanding the vision to more people across the Triangle.
Tasha also enjoys going to the beach whenever possible, hitting up Costco (because who doesn’t, really?), and connecting with family and friends over a meal or cup of tea.