ABOUT US
A community focused resource helping women impacted by Sexual Betrayal and Infidelity
ABOUT THE FOUNDERS
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.
Kim Bagato
Kim Bagato is the Zone Leader at Live Free Wives. She leads a weekly local in-person small group for betrayed women. She is a Christian Life Coach, Biblical Counselor, mentor, and writer. She is the author of “Trusting Again After Betrayal” which is available on Amazon.
She landed in a small group for wives many years ago and knows the value of having safe people to walk with through this difficult season of recovery. She and her husband of 40 years have three adult kids and four grandkids.
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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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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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Kendra Disney
Small Group Host
I’ve been married for 15 years with my husband. My goal is to continue a lifelong journey of healing and encourage others along side me.
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Melissa Elguera
Small Group Host
I am a strong enneagram 8 with a side of 4. I have two beautiful children. I lead worship at my local church and I enjoy rock climbing with my girlfriends and I love my job as a life coach.
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Tracey Honess
Small Group Host
Eastern shore girl. Daughter of God. Wife to Frank. Mama to Nate & Addi. Lover of coffee, writing, seafood, the beach, photography, and traveling. Co-founder of Purity for Life & Hope Arise.
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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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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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