MEET THE TEAM
JACOB BROOKS, FOUNDER
Jacob Brooks, a resident of Saraland, Alabama, is the passionate founder of Leading in Faith, a nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding adolescents and their families toward personal growth, spiritual grounding, and emotional resilience. Alongside his wife, Jacob launched this vision to create safe, empowering spaces for youth to thrive—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Jacob's journey began nearly a decade ago in Louisiana, where he first stepped into mentorship. Over the years, his heart for young people and families has only deepened, fueling his commitment to building programs that meet real-life needs with authenticity and faith.
When he's not serving through Leading in Faith, Jacob enjoys spending quality time with his family, ministering to youth, and playing the guitar—a small joy that brings balance to his life and creativity to his spirit.
Jacob believes that lasting change begins with intentional connection, and through Leading in Faith, he continues to walk alongside the next generation with purpose, compassion, and unwavering hope..
MICAH BROOKS, CO-FOUNDER AND MARKETING DIRECTOR
Micah Brooks lives in Saraland, Alabama, with her husband and is a dedicated co-founder of Leading in Faith. Her journey into nonprofit work began as a teenager, when early volunteer experiences sparked a deep passion for serving youth and families. That passion continues to fuel her work today.
Micah holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and began her career in marketing shortly after graduating college. She currently serves as an administrative assistant for a general dentist in Mobile, Alabama, balancing her professional work with her heart for ministry.
In her free time, Micah enjoys serving in the youth department at her church, Triumph, spending quality time with her family, and exploring her creative side through interior decorating.
Through Leading in Faith, Micah is committed to helping adolescents and their families grow stronger—spiritually, emotionally, and personally—by providing tools, support, and a community rooted in faith and purpose.
REBEKAH SMITH, YOUTH COUNSELOR
Rebekah Smith resides in Mobile, Al. She's a graduate of the University of South Alabama, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a focus in Digital Film and Television Production
Rebekah works as video editor for Fox10
In her spare time, she enjoys filmmaking, traveling, music and serving in the music and youth departments at her local church.
RYAN DUNIGAN, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Ryan Dunigan brings both heart and organization to her role as Administrative Assistant. A dedicated mother of two beautiful daughters and a proud native of Eight Mile, Al, Ryan also has experience as a traveling phlebotomist—demonstrating her commitment to care and service in every season of life. Passionate about helping the youth overcome life’s challenges through faith, Ryan supports the mission of the organization by helping things run smoothly behind the scenes. Her warmth, reliability, and belief in purpose-driven work make her an invaluable part of the team.
When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, diving into thought-provoking podcasts, and exploring new films.
CARMEN JONES, YOUTH COUNSELOR
Recently completing her diploma for Integrative Healing Arts, Carmen is passionate about encouraging and facilitating the pursuit of overall well being. Her goal is to spread awareness about the interconnectedness of the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of life. Her work as a practitioner is driven by her desire to be a supportive helpmate for others.