Meet our Staff

Freddy Wright
Lead Pastor

My name is Freddy and I love pastoring Living Word Church. I am husband to Shannon and dad to Isaiah (Amanda), Isabelle (Benjamin), Illiza (Jonathan) and Ilana. I am Pawpaw to six grandchildren and two on the way. A few other things about me...I'm a musician, runner, and North Carolina Tarheel Basketball fan.

Shannon Wright
Office Administrator

Hey! I'm Shannon. I'm a wife and mom and a runner, but my favorite thing that I am is a Mimi to my kids' kids. I am overly obsessed with my husband Freddy, Tex Mex, and the beach.

Emily Castaneda
Youth and Community Relations Pastor

My name is Emily! I grew up in Lubbock Texas, spent a brief period of college doing mission work in Costa Rica, and moved to the Houston area with my husband, Bernard in 2022. I am a mom to my sweet daughter Elora, and our two dogs, Theodore and Jolene. I love getting to be a part of the Living Word team by serving teens and the community around our church.

Bernard Castaneda
Youth and Community Relations Pastor

Hey everyone! I’m pastor Bernard.  I consider myself a lover of dogs, being in the outdoors on a cool day, and a lover of seafood/Asian food. I also love making pottery, music and playing disc golf. My wife and daughter are my besties! I’m passionate about youth ministry and spending time with people.

Donna Porter
Office Administrator

I'm Donna.  I volunteer in the church office.  I'm a retired teacher who loves to talk to folks who call or drop in to the church office. I have attended this church since 1982.

Luz Maria Coto-Peña
Co Pastor for Palabra Viva

I was born in El Salvador, and I've been a pastor since 1990 In Guatemala. Passionate about people being connected and youth.  I've been a member of Living Word since 1997 and full time pastor since 2013.  I graduated from Nazarene Seminary of las Americas  in Costa Rica.

Guillermo Peña
Co Pastor for Palabra Viva

I graduated from Nazarene Seminary of las Americas and got my master's at Olivet Nazarene University.  I was a pastor in Guatemala for 6 years and pastor for Spanish Ministries at Living Word for 26 years.  I am passionate about helping people in need and leading people to Christ.

Amber Valcin
Children's Director

Hi! I’m Amber, the Interim Children’s Director. I have two wonderful kids, Amani and Jaxon. I’m also a public school teacher with a passion for leading kids to grow in all areas of their spiritual and personal journeys.

Tamara Jannise
Finance Director/Office Manager

Hey, My name is Tamara! I grew up in Lumberton, Texas and moved to the Houston area in the summer of 2023 with my husband and 4 children. My favorite things are a great beach day or a crawfish boil!

Kalah McDowell
Kids Admin/Assistant

Hey, I’m Kalah! I’m a part of our awesome KidMin team! I enjoy anything in the arts, music, movies, and all things food. I've also never been known to turn down a good coffee. Outside of church I also like to spend my time as a volunteer raiser and trainer for Guide Dogs for the Blind. So if you see me around with my furry friends, stop by and say hi! I promise we don't bite.

Abraham Hernandez
Facilities Director

My Name is Abraham "Abe" Hernandez. I have been the Facilities Director at this church since 2003. I enjoy what I do in being able to serve God and others. I am married to Mary and we have 3 adult children, Rebekah, Joshua, and Sean. We love to travel, play games, laugh and spend time together as a family.

Nancy Cordova
Spanish Ministry Administrator

My name is Nancy Córdova. I was born in my beautiful ECUADOR. I work in the Spanish Ministry here and I am sure that there is no better place to serve and talk about God. I am a very friendly and talkative person, I like to socialize and I am passionate about encouraging people to serve in the church!