Meet Our Team

Mark Strong

Since 1988, Dr. Mark Strong has served the city of Portland as a community leader and the Senior Pastor of Life Change Church. Working with hundreds of families and individuals, he has witnessed firsthand the painful impact of fatherlessness in the lives of youth and adults. He also observed the adverse effects of those experiencing fatherlessness or “problematic” fathers; and, it’s impact on education, crime, and other social behaviors. To address this alarming critical impact on individuals, communities and society, in 2014 Dr. Mark Strong founded Father-Shift!

George Merriweather

Pastor George Merriweather planted and has served as the Senior Pastor of Northeast Community Church since 1991. He is a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Pastor George is a respect leader in the city of Portland, and has a passion for father issues. He has been an integral part of Father-Shift since its inception. He currently service as a primary Conference Speaker, and the Assistant Director of Father-Shift. His presentations will have you on the edge of your seat.

Cathy Rhodes

Cathy Rhodes is a wife, a mother of five, and has recently become a new grandma! She is the glue of Father-Shift. Her passion for the Father-Shift mission, her rich business background and theological training bring a wealth of resources to the Father-Shift table.  Though she wears fifty different hats her primary role is Business Manager.

Domonique Debnam

Domonique Debnam is an incredible woman.  She posses an extensive background in business and marketing. Her unique ability to take the cultural pulse of those impacted by fatherless has been invaluable to Father-Shift. Domonique serves as an architect, she critical in helping to form our strategies and programs.

LaSondra Barnes

Dr. LaSondra Barnes is a Life Coach and the founder and CEO of Royal One Enterprise, an empowerment company that helps women to discover their purpose, embrace their identity, and engage their faith ten- aciously. She is a speaker for Father-Shift events and leads Women Huddles to help individuals find freedom and wholeness.