ABOUT US
A community focused resource helping women impacted by Sexual Betrayal and Infidelity
ABOUT THE FOUNDER OF LIVE FREE
Carl Thomas is an ordained pastor, Nationally Certified Neuro Health Coach, online workshop instructor, and former COO of XXXchurch.com. He spent 17 years in the for-profit sector before transitioning to full-time ministry to help individuals who have been impacted by pornography use.
After seven years of building and leading Small Groups Online, an online recovery-focused small groups program, Carl launched Live Free Ministries and created the Live Free Community App to help bridge the gap between millions of men who want help but lack the safe and supportive community needed to find real freedom.
One year later he asked Melissa Ruff to lead a new ministry effort just for partners and spouses of those who use porn or sruggle with sexual addictions.
Carl’s passion for helping individuals find freedom, peace, and purpose is only matched by his love for his family, Philadelphia sports teams, and his white Jeep Wrangler.
OUR HOSTS
Our community leaders are here to offer encouragement, instruction, and a healthy dose of transparency designed to challenge you and help you along your journey.
Melissa Ruff
Melissa Ruff is the director for Live Free Wives and is studying to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. She lives with her husband of 13 years and their three wonderful children.
Melissa knows from her own journey the difficulties that betrayed spouses face. When she was in the thick of it, there was no community for her to join, and no one that felt safe enough to walk this journey with.
This is why she is incredibly passionate about Live Free Wives and cannot wait for you to join the community.
Katie Thomas
Katie Thomas is the co-founder of Live Free Ministries, school teacher, mother of two, and a woman who knows first hand how painful it can be to live with a man who struggles with porn addiction.
She was married to her husband for seven years before he finally found freedom from porn and sex addiction.
Katie & Carl’s journey is now being redeemed through the ministry of Live Free and is this why she believes so strongly in the need of supportive communities like Live Free, Live Free Wives and Small Groups Online.
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OUR TEAM
Our team of leaders is here to support you and answer your questions.
Melissa Ruff
Live Free Wives Director
I am a 30 something mom, married to my best friend, writer, leader, and child of God!
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Katie Thomas
Community Host
I am a wife , mom, follower of Jesus, teacher, and Philly sports super fan.
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Mary Ellen Brown
Small Group Host
I am passionate about helping spouses find healing and renewal as they recover from betrayal trauma.
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Kirsten Chou
Small Group Host
Howdy y’all, midwest girl living in Texas! Love to cook, bake, dance, laugh. House is a zoo (so many animals). Going to college in my 40’s! Mom to 4.
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Hannie Chrisman
Small Group Host
I love connecting with the women in these groups every week and I value the community that we’ve created with one another in love, support, and encouragement.
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Karen Rellos
Small Group Host
I am an APSATS certified coach and am passionate about walking alongside women impacted from betrayal. I love to encourage hurting hearts toward hope and redemption.
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Becky Riley
Small Group Host
Wife/Mom/Infant whisperer and wrangler of elementary aged wonders. Lover of Jesus, coffee, all things art, and being in God’s amazing creation.
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Andrea Schaap
Small Group Host
I am a stay at home mom who loves the outdoors, enjoys writing/reading and a good rainstorm.
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Marcie Waters
Small Group Host
I am a wife, licensed professional counselor, cat mom and health coach. I love Jesus, tacos, movies, and travel.
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