Who We Are
Rev. Mary Lu Johnston
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Mary Lu loves working with youth and youth leaders! She has worked with youth as an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for over 35 years. She has directed and/or written curriculum for countless youth retreats, camps, and mission trips. She has led weekly multi-congregation youth ministries that included Disciples of Christ, United Church of Christ, United Methodist, Presbyterian USA, and Alliance Baptist youth.
Unable to find fully-planned, justice-focused, welcoming youth mission trip opportunities centered in progressive theology, Mary Lu and her colleague Rev. Tim Tutt, founded Reach Beyond Mission in 2012.
Mary Lu is married to Ted, an attorney with the State of Texas. Mary Lu and Ted are proud of their two adult daughters: Virginia, a PhD student at the University of Chicago Divinity School; and Madeline, a Social Worker and Chief of Staff for a member of the Texas House of Representatives.
A graduate of Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School, Mary Lu served congregations in Texas, most recently at University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Austin for over 16 years.
When there is free time, Mary Lu can be found playing the piano, enjoying a movie, taking a tap dance class, or cheering on the Horned Frogs with Ted!
Meghan Trout
Summer Program Director
Meghan began working with Reach Beyond Mission as Austin Site Coordinator in 2018 after participating in three RBM trips as a youth leader. Meghan has a passion for working with youth to help provide a space where all are welcome and invited, and encouraged to serve others. She found that inclusivity and opportunity for service when she brought her youth on several mission trips with Reach Beyond Mission.
After many years working in video production and television news, Meghan decided to take a break from paid work to work full time as a mom to her two boys, Gabriel and Kai. She volunteered with the youth group at United Christian Church for several years, and was called to the part-time youth director role in 2014.
Meghan is a graduate of Baylor University with a BA in Radio, Television, and Film, and is currently a Graduate Resident of the Center for Youth Ministry Training, seeking her Masters in Youth Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Meghan and her husband, Tony, are big time board game geeks, and can often be found checking out the latest games.
Board of Directors
Rev. Dr. Timothy Tutt, Co-Founder
Pastor, Westmoreland Congregational Church
Bethesda, Maryland
Angela Woodland, Board President
Managing Director, HR Operations
Filtration Group Austin
Rev. Amy Dodson-Watts
Executive Director
Luke 14:2, Nashville, Tennessee
Rev. Pamela Holt
Regional Minister
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma
Sarah Jones, LMSW
Centers for Children and Families
Midland, Texas
Kimberly Kofron
Executive Director
Texas Association for the Education of Young Children
Rev. Dr. Andy Mangum
Regional Minister
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest
Ann McGinley
Former Director of Enforcement
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Nash
Heart of Texas Association Minister
South Central Conference United Church of Christ
Cathleen Parsley, JD
Former Chief Administrative Law Judge
State of Texas
Reach Beyond Mission is a 501 (c)(3) organization affiliated with
The National Benevolent Association, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest
The United Church of Christ
Reach Beyond Mission welcomes everyone
regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation
Reach Beyond Mission leads mission trips in the United States
for middle and high school church youth groups.
We are related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and The United Church of Christ.
Your tax deductible financial contribution is an investment in life-changing experiences!
As costs rise, your contributions keep participant fees steady by supporting mission weeks or summer staff expenses.
Thank you so much for your donation!
By Mail
15907 Braesgate Drive
Austin, Texas 78717
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