National Executive Council
Brooke Bayer
National President
My name is Brooke (McDowell) Bayer and I am a Founding Mother of our original GAL chapter at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. Five beautiful ladies and I started GAL during the Fall of 2003 in college to unite Christian women of different backgrounds and denominations to grow in our faith and serve the Lord, deepening our relationships with each other and our Lord and Savior. GAL was an incredible blessing during college, and continues to be a blessing as we mentor and invest in the next generation of leaders. In college, I served as Missouri State’s President for two years prior to starting our National organization as a Senior in 2005, and have served as the GAL National President for 19 years.
My husband, T.J., and I live in Ballwin, MO (St. Louis metro area) with our daughter, Sydney, and son, Liam. We are deeply involved in our Pathfinder church community as well as our children’s St. John School. As a family, we love enjoying the outdoors together, as well as sports, travel, and playing games. In both my personal and professional life, I am passionate about serving, networking, and helping people. The past 15 years have been a joy as I have helped patients struggling with chronic swelling as a medical sales professional and leader. In my spare time, I love to exercise and ride my Peloton bike, as well as spend quality time with family and friends. I’m thrilled about GAL’s, my friends’ and family’s future, and trust that the Lord will lead our paths on an incredible journey as we follow and serve Him.
Grace Wansing
National Vice President
I have been affiliated with GAL for 5 years.
In college, I prayed and had a heart to pursue finding a community of women that followed, loved, and obeyed Christ. I prayed for a community of women which uplifted, encouraged, and spurred one another on towards His Kingdom. Within the week, I found a flier for GAL right outside my dorm room. All that I prayed for came to fruition through GAL. I now continue to serve through GAL because I see how the Lord uses this for His fruit. The Lord faithfully continues to use these sisters to speak words seasoned with salt on their campuses, serve those who He has called them to serve, and to continue to encourage one another to live out in His love and His commandments.
First and foremost, I am passionate about living for Jesus Christ. I believe this is our first calling, and as I continue to go deeper into this post-college season, I have come to see His faithfulness, fruit, and refinement in the everyday, and I hope to encourage my sisters with that as they navigate this season as well.
For my occupation, I am a special education teacher at the primary level, so I am passionate about accessibility to all and how the Lord beautifully created and designed learning and how it presents itself in all children.
In my spare time I love to be at a coffee shop studying The Word with my friends. Many of these women that I study with are lifelong friends I made through GAL. We still gather, worship, pray, and study the Word together even five years later. Beyond this, if I am not cherishing family and friend time, I love to travel when I have the means (Creation is too vast and beautiful to not explore). My hobbies primarily are equivalent to that of a Grandma- I love to garden, read, crochet, and scrapbook.
Kay Skidmore
National Operations Manager
I joined GAL in the Spring of 2010 at Missouri State University. I quickly became involved in leadership as a worship leader, rush mom, and eventually served on exec as the VP of Membership. I have enjoyed serving as the Operations Manager for National since 2018. During my time at MSU, GAL served as a positive place where I could lean on fellow believers, deepen my faith, and have loads of fun. I loved my time in GAL and have stayed in touch with many of my GAL sisters over the years. I even have a few of them over to my house regularly to watch a show and just do life together. Choosing GAL was the best decision I made in college.
After graduating, I moved to China where I taught English as a Second language for a few years. Eventually, I came back to Missouri, got my Masters in TESL, and married my husband, Jacob. I now have the pleasure of being a stay-at-home mom for our 2 young boys. I enjoy volunteering at church, learning languages, playing music, hiking, and exploring new things with my kiddos. Eventually, we do hope to go back overseas, but that is all in God's hands. For now, He has us here and we are grateful for the many opportunities He has given us to serve Him Stateside.
Board of Directors
Dr. Debra McDowell
Board of Directors
I have been affiliated with GAL for 23 years. I was the First Advisor for Alpha Chapter at Missouri State University
As a professor at Missouri State University and mother of Brooke McDowell Bayer, I was involved from the conception of Gamma Alpha Lambda. Seeing the passion of the founding mothers in establishing a Christian organization for university women was heart-warming. Later to see them grow in their sisterhood, faith, and professionalism in their chosen fields emphasized the importance of GAL in guiding our society into the future. These women are strong leaders and champions for Christ.
I am passionate about building a strong body of Christian women who will be our leaders of tomorrow.
In my spare time I am engaged in helping seniors as they approach retirement, organizing/over-seeing church education in my local church, and a Global Traveler.
Gayle Brooker
Board of Directors
My daughter, Emily Brooker Landis, is one of GAL's founding mothers. So, I have been involved with GAL since I started the parents group for the Alpha chapter with my friend, Debbie McDowell. Then I was excited to join the Board of Directors when GAL became a national organization.
I am passionate about living a life for Christ in every way. I enjoy being involved in Bible studies, singing in a group from Church that goes to nursing homes, assisted living and independent living; writing cards to and visiting homebound people from our church. Outside of church, I love to visit my children and grandchildren, and travel to many states and countries with my husband, who is from England.
Kryssi Kitinoja
Board of Directors
My name is Kryssi Kitinoja.I currently serve on the Board of Directors. I previously served as the National Secretary and National Operations Manager.
I became affiliated with GAL through the Alpha Chapter as a member of the Alpha class. When Brooke wanted to start a Christian Sorority, I knew I wanted to be a part of that!
I have several passions but my main passion right now is raising my kids and following Christ. I live for Him in every way of my life. I am also a pastor's wife and stay at home mom to our 4 kids. I do not really get too much free time, but when I do, I love to use my Cricut to create fun projects to share with others.
Emily Landis
Board of Directors
Jennifer Beniot
Board of Directors
Stephene Dill
National Board Member
My name is Stephene Dill, I became a member of GAL through the Epsilon chapter at Missouri Southern State University in 2016-2017. I became a member of the board in 2022. I joined GAL to be a part of a sisterhood that encouraged spiritual growth and allowed me to be a part of something without compromising on my morals and faith. I now serve with GAL so I can be a part of helping this amazing organization continue to grow and support young women in their spiritual growth.
I live with my husband and 2 children in South Eastern Missouri. I am passionate about helping others and serving God in my daily interactions. Professionally, I work as a Community Support Specialist with BJC Behavioral Health. I work daily to connect individuals to a variety of services to meet their individual needs while working to support each individual in setting and reaching their personal and mental health goals. I am currently working towards becoming a certified Birth & Postpartum Doula and plan to transition into supporting families with pregnancy and postpartum education, therapy, and other supports.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, serving in my community and church, and being creative. I am a hobby crafter and enjoy just about anything to do with sewing, quilting, crocheting, and pottery.
Looking to join the Executive team?
Alumni, Are you interested in continuing your time with GAL? Talk to us today about joining the National Executive Council and Board of Directors.
These positions are volunteer-based. We meet a few times a year in a virtual setting and National positions are required to attend the annual Leadership Conference during the first weekend of August. Click the link below to find out more!
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