Covenant Partners

Receiving his bachelor’s and MBA in accounting from Baylor University, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Lail spent time as an auditor with Ernst & Young, then in corporate finance for AT&T. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Texas. Brad held his first faculty position at North Carolina State before joining Baylor’s faculty in 2011.

Harris Creek Baptist Church introduced Brad to Talitha Koum. Amazed by their intentionality in serving the community’s children, Brad and his wife, Andrea, began the process of mentoring a Talitha Koum child in 2016. After being vetted for the program, they and their three children were matched with a 5-year-old girl. While being a Covenant Partner wasn’t originally on his radar, Brad says, “to serve in this way is rewarding because the intimacy by which I know Talitha Koum is through a little girl’s eyes.”

Brad spends most of his free time parenting. Besides the “numbers of business” and “supporting organizations” that accounting brings his way, he also enjoys being involved with Baylor’s students, as well as golf, pickleball, and summer trips to the mountains of Logan, Utah, with his family.

Lucy Appel is the Co-Owner and CFO of Cen-Tex Lighting and Special Event Rental. After graduating from Baylor University with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she spent four years in public accounting and internal audit before launching her career as a full-time business owner. A licensed CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, Lucy brings deep expertise in financial operations, administration, and entrepreneurial growth from her role in managing a family-owned business.

Lucy is passionate about supporting her community and is actively involved in local volunteer efforts and her church. She became a Talitha Koum Covenant Partner in 2025. Lucy and her husband, Braden, have two children, and together they enjoy hosting game nights with friends and taking road trips as a family. She believes that strong relationships, both in business and at home, are the foundation of lasting success.

Eryn Davidson is a dedicated storytelling professional and holistic maternal wellness advocate whose work spans video production, birth support, education, and photography.

As a Producer at Outside The Frame and Stork Films, Eryn brings cinematic expertise and emotional intelligence to nuanced, human-centered projects. Over the past ten years she has produced impactful films for businesses and nonprofits in NY, Texas, LA and beyond.

In parallel, Eryn is a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, offering compassionate, evidence-based support to growing families through her business Perennial Birth Co. She also photographs birth, family portraits, and Talitha Koum’s classrooms and events.

Through her multifaceted career, Eryn is dedicated to honoring life’s profound milestones and amplifying the voices and stories of those she serves. She enjoys supporting her husband’s vintage and antique store downtown (GROCERY) and going on long walks through Cameron Park with her baby boy. Connected to Talitha Koum since her 2012 college internship, she joined as a Covenant Partner in 2025.

Dr. Lemmons joined Baylor University’s Garland School of Social Work as an Assistant Professor in the Fall of 2018. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at California State University, Los Angeles, and as an Adjunct Assistant Professor and Post-Doctoral Fellow at Howard University School of Social Work. Currently, her research focuses on predictors of non-resident Black father involvement, the impact of Black father involvement on child and adolescent well-being, the structure and functioning of Black families, and the integration of fatherhood content into social work education programs.

Brianna also serves as an expert consultant for the REFRAME (Racial Equity for Fatherhood, Relationship, and Marriage Programs to Empower Black Families) Project. The work of the team is focused on making recommendations that lead to more equitable experiences for African American families served by Responsible Fatherhood Healthy Marriage programs. She is also co-editor of the book “Social Work Practice with Fathers: Engagement, Assessment, and Intervention.” Brianna received her doctorate in social work and master’s in social work from Howard University School of Social Work and her bachelor's degree in psychology from Spelman College.

Marsha was licensed to preach by Lake Shore Baptist Church in 1978 and ordained in 1986. She received a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in 1979 and attended graduate school in the Department of Religion at Baylor and SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. In 2018, Marsha was certified as a Spiritual Director by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin. Along with other CrossTies members, Marsha is the recipient of The Pave Award for projecting a Voice of Equality, awarded by the BU President’s Leadership Reception; and the Abner V. McCall Humanitarian Award from the Baylor University Alumni Association. Individually, she was awarded the YWCA Pathfinder Award for Religion, the Time Warner Cable Hometown Hero Award, and the Eugene Jud Public Service Award. She has been commended by the City of Waco, Texas State Senate, and Texas State Legislature.

Marsha is the adoptive mother of several adults who came to her as teenagers on the street. One by one, the teens and Marsha adopted each other. She continues to welcome homeless and struggling young people into her home, which always seems to be full. Marsha is, herself, a drug addict with 46 years of recovery and has pastored the CrossTies faith community since 1988.

Jeremy Pesina serves as the Assistant Director of Economic Development for the City of Waco, where he applies his extensive background in IT and city administration. He is a key driver in his department's evolution, working to integrate modern data analysis, AI, and technology to establish cutting-edge practices and forward-thinking applications. His commitment to leadership and growth is further demonstrated by his certificates from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) at the University of Oklahoma and the Emerging Leader program at the University of Kansas.

Beyond his professional life, Jeremy has a deep commitment to ministry, with 17 years of experience that includes six years as an Executive Pastor. He preaches periodically at Riverside Community Church and leads Wednesday night small groups. When he's not working or serving, he can be found enjoying time with his wife, Amanda, and their two sons, Jeremy Jr. (17) and Benjamin (7). An avid reader, his favorite hobby is diving into a good book, though he also enjoys cooking, walking, and cheering on his boys at their sporting events.

Ashley earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Colorado State University in 1996 and later completed her teacher certification through California State University. A devoted Catholic, she has dedicated her career to Catholic education. Ashley spent 20 years as a classroom teacher, serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade.

In 2019, she completed specialized training through Scottish Rite Hospital to become a certified Dyslexia therapist. In 2023, she transitioned into school leadership as the Assistant Principal at Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School, where she currently serves while completing her Master’s degree in Education from Ave Maria University.

Ashley has been married to her high school sweetheart, Bill, for 29 years. They are blessed with three children and a daughter-in-law. She is an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church, and her family remains her greatest joy.

“I first encountered Talitha Koum in 2009 when I was a member of the Junior League of Waco. At the time, I was a preschool teacher and the work they were doing not only interested me professionally, but was deeply inspiring to me. Since then, I have done a lot of my own research on brain development and how it affects learning. I am grateful for the opportunity to support Talitha Koum in their journey to honor the dignity of each child they work with through their nurturing approach.”