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PCA California Team

California Team

Meet With Our California Team

Reverend Thomas Coulson

Minister

Reverend Thomas Coulson

Minister

Reverend Thomas Coulson is a licensed and ordained preacher who serves dedicatedly as a minister at Friendship Baptist Church. Central to his life and ministry is his marriage to his beautiful wife and best friend, Kay, whose partnership and support ground his daily walk.

Driven by a profound calling to comfort and walk alongside others during life's most sensitive moments, Rev. Coulson began his specialized chaplaincy training with Pastoral Care Associates of California. Upon completing his rigorous coursework, he transitioned into hands-on clinical hours, serving patients and families at St. Katherine Hospice and Nursing Home.

For Rev. Coulson, chaplaincy is far more than a professional platform; it is a direct expression of his deep, genuine love for people. He finds immense joy in:

1. Listening to the unique, rich life stories of the patients he encounters.
2. Bringing a beacon of light and warmth into their rooms, eagerly anticipated by residents who look forward to his scheduled visits.
3. Offering a ministry of presence that affirms the dignity and value of every individual.

Looking toward the future, Rev. Coulson carries a humble prayer: that just as he pours his heart into listening to the stories of others today, someone will one day come to sit with him, share a listening ear, and care to hear his story, too. Until then, he continues to faithfully serve, listen, and love those placed in his care.

Dr. William Simms, Jr.

Board Member

Dr. William Simms, Jr.

Board Member

Dr. William Simms, Jr. serves as a Board Member and resident trainer for the Pastoral Care Associates of California (PCAC). An ordained pastor and certified chaplain, Dr. Simms brings deep expertise and compassion to his ministry. He previously served for four years as a Chaplain Intern at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, a major trauma hospital in Pomona, California. In this vital role, he provided essential spiritual care with utmost love and compassion to patients and their families across every unit. As an integral member of the hospital's healthcare teams, he also actively participated in the complex consultations of the hospital’s Ethics Committee.

Dr. Simms’s extensive training includes the successful completion of four Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units, encompassing 1,600 clinical hours and 400 didactic hours. Additionally, he is a certified trainer utilizing Lead Plus educational and training materials. Complementing his ministerial background, Dr. Simms possesses a strong corporate foundation, having held key management positions in both the private and corporate business sectors. He is an excellent communicator who excels in contract negotiation, professional recruitment, and leadership development.

Chaplain Ava Y. Campbell

Board of Directors

Chaplain Ava Y. Campbell

Board of Directors

Chaplain Ava Y. Campbell serves on the Board of Directors as the Chaplain for Pastoral Care Associates of California (PCAC), where she holds the sacred responsibility of leading worship and opening and closing board meetings in prayer. Following a dedicated and successful career in the legal industry, Ava retired as a Legal Assistant to fully commit her time to her deep-rooted passions: faith, family, and fellowship.
For over 20 years, Ava has been an integral pillar of the Morning Women Prayer Ministry and continues to serve her home church as a devoted Sunday School Facilitator. Her life is beautifully centered on her family. She has been happily married to her husband for 43 years, and together they share a rich legacy of 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren—a beautiful flock she affectionately considers her first and most vital ministry.
Driven by a desire to deepen her calling, Ava graduated from Pastoral Care Associates in 2025. Though she was initially apprehensive and unsure of what the path would hold, she stepped out in faith. Under the dynamic leadership and training of Dr. Barbara and Chaplain Felecia, Ava discovered that chaplaincy extends far beyond offering a simple prayer; it is a profound ministry of active listening, deep compassion, and presence for patients, families, and healthcare staff alike. There is immense power in just showing up and sitting in that space with someone. When a person is confined to a room and the outside world feels completely out of reach, having someone enter their environment simply to be there—without an agenda, just offering genuine
Having successfully completed her foundational coursework, Ava is currently completing her clinical hours at St. Katherine. While she paces her journey with intention, her commitment to finishing strong remains unshakeable. Guided by the spiritual gift of encouragement and prayer, Ava loves witnessing the renewal of a person's spirit and morale, striving daily to be a vessel for God's grace. In every facet of her life, Ava's guiding motto remains beautifully simple: “Just Give Them Jesus.”

Chaplain Leonard Gage

Ordained Minister

Chaplain Leonard Gage

Ordained Minister

Chaplain Leonard Gage is an ordained minister, Associate Pastor, and Federal Chaplain dedicated to bringing hope, healing, and purpose to the communities he serves. He specializes in pastoral care, spiritual counseling, and mentoring families through critical life moments. Blending his spiritual calling with public service, he is pursuing an A.A.S. in Criminal Justice and will graduate from the Pastoral Care Associates of California Chaplaincy Program in the summer of 2026. Chaplain Gage is currently seeking to complete his clinical hours at Pomona Valley Hospital, continuing his commitment to faithfully equipping himself to serve God's people with humility and integrity.

Dr. Barbara J. Christian

The Reverend

Dr. Barbara J. Christian

The Reverend

The Rev. Dr. Barbara Christian is an ordained chaplain, clinical trainer, and educator with nearly three decades of dedicated service in ministry and pastoral care. A proud member of the Oratory of the Sacred Family of Jesus, she operates under the esteemed leadership and mentorship of Rev. Michael Lessard and Pastoral Care Associates of Arizona. Honoring this foundational lineage, Dr. Christian serves as the CEO of Pastoral Care Associates of California (PCAC)—which provides essential chaplaincy services to hospitals, hospices, and care centers—as well as Encouraged Thru The Word Ministry. Deeply committed to equipping the next generation of care providers, she has personally trained 17 chaplains who are currently completing their clinical certification hours.

A lifelong scholar and practitioner, Dr. Christian serves as a volunteer Chaplain and clinical trainer at Kaiser Hospital. Her extensive clinical foundation includes two units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), continuing education in Pastoral Care from Creighton University (CHI Health), and certification as a LEAD Plus trainer. She holds a Master’s degree in theology and biblical counseling, alongside a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), a Doctor of Ministry (DMin.), and a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) from Bethel Christian College.

Rachell

Advocate

Rachell

Advocate

Rachell is a dedicated eldercare advocate with more than 25 years of experience in the homecare industry. As an entrepreneur, she founded a homecare agency specializing in compassionate support for elderly individuals and veterans. Her deep commitment to senior welfare includes five years of volunteer service as an Ombudsman with Catholic Charities and a leadership role as a board member for the Agency on Aging Veterans Services. A Certified Medical Peer Support Specialist for the Lifting Minds for the Elderly Mental Health Program, Rachell is also a proud graduate of the PCAC program under the leadership of CEO Dr. Barbara J. Christian and Chaplain Felecia. She is currently completing her clinical hours at SunCrest Hospice in anticipation of her upcoming certification.

Janet Friend

Medical Advisor

Janet Friend

Medical Advisor

Janet Friend serves as the Medical Advisor on the Executive Board for the Pastoral Care Associates of California (PCAC). A dedicated educator and specialist in the healthcare field, she works as a college professor and a Trainer of Nurses, a career that allows her passion for knowledge and teaching to resonate deeply with her students. Committed to lifelong learning and advanced expertise, Professor Friend is also currently pursuing her doctoral degree. To further expand her clinical and caregiving skills, she is completing her foundational coursework in care and listening skills, with plans to fulfill her upcoming clinical residency hours at UCLA Hospital.

Professor Friend’s diverse educational background includes a degree in Audio Engineering from Arizona State University and California State University, Dominguez Hills, earned in 1985. She later transitioned into the medical field in 2005, dedicating over a decade of compassionate service to healthcare before finding her ultimate calling in higher education and ministry. Alongside her professional endeavors, she is deeply committed to spiritual leadership, working side by side with her husband to facilitate classes, teach, and disciple new members.

Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, Professor Friend was raised in a family dedicated to excellence; her father served as a gunner and chef in the United States Air Force, and her mother held a top executive position at IBM. After her family settled in Denver, Colorado, for her father's military retirement, they eventually relocated to Los Angeles, California, where she graduated in the top 5% of her high school class. During her final semester of undergraduate studies, she met her husband, Pastor Rodney Friend. Today, they serve together in ministry and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Jane’y and Rone’y.

Renee Franklin

Christian Education

Renee Franklin

Christian Education

Renee Franklin (née Hambrick) was born on June 3, 1960, and has dedicated her life to ministry, Christian education, and faithful church service. Alongside her profound commitment to her faith, she shared a beautiful 25-year marriage with her husband, Christopher Franklin, until his passing. She is the proud mother of six children, a grandmother of seven, and a great-grandmother of one.

Renee began her formal spiritual training at New York Theological Seminary, completing two years of intensive study. Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to excellence in both learning and service, she graduated at the top of her class, earning certificates in Christian Education and Biblical Studies in 1993 and 1994, respectively. Following a period of faithful service and observation, Renee was licensed to preach the gospel in 1994 and officially ordained in 1995.

In 2024, Renee expanded her ministry by becoming one of the inaugural students to begin chaplaincy training through the Pastoral Care Associates of California (PCAC). As part of her clinical development, Chaplain Renee serves as a volunteer chaplain at Trellis Centennial, a skilled nursing and hospice facility. Since joining the care team, she has demonstrated a deep sense of compassion, professionalism, and spiritual grounding that has made a profound difference in the lives of both the residents and the facility staff.

Whether offering prayers, listening with an open heart, or simply providing a comforting presence, Chaplain Renee consistently brings warmth and a calming spirit to the most difficult situations. Highly trusted and deeply valued by her family, peers, and supervisors, she continues to witness immense growth in her pastoral role and remains a tremendous blessing to every community she serves.

Leda

Financial Treasurer

Leda

Financial Treasurer

Leda serves as the financial treasurer for Pastoral Care Associates of California (PCAC) and provides dedicated executive support as the personal assistant to Dr. Barbara J. Christian with Encouraged Thru The Word. A deeply committed individual, she has also completed her formal chaplaincy training and is currently working toward her clinical hours.

Leda recently retired after a distinguished twenty-five-year career as a curriculum developer and trainer in the nonprofit sector, where she specialized in empowering social workers, home visitors, and various statewide and local organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Relations and Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco, a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Bethel Graduate School of Theology, and a certificate from Cornell University as a Certified Family Development Credential Facilitator. She is also a proud graduate of Saddleback High School in Santa Ana, California.

Driven by a lifelong quest to deepen her understanding of God’s Word, Leda actively strives to be a guiding light that brings others to Christ through her words, deeds, and everyday actions. Her personal ministry and life are anchored by the foundational truth of Romans 1:16-17, which declares, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes."

Rev. Patrick Harris

Chicago

Rev. Patrick Harris

Chicago

Rev. Patrick Harris was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He is a licensed preacher who serves faithfully as a minister at Friendship Baptist Church. Central to his life and ministry is his family: his awesome wife and best friend, Felecia, their two adult daughters, and four wonderful grandchildren.

Three years after graduating from high school, Rev. Harris joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his military service, he built a long career with the U.S. Postal Service, from which he is now retired. Throughout his life, he has possessed a deep desire to help others. Even during boot camp, he found himself drawn to those who were struggling, often writing letters on behalf of his fellow Marines.

As a natural friend and confidant, he consistently found himself listening to the personal stories and struggles of those around him, developing a profound capacity for empathy and deep understanding.

Driven by a calling to comfort and walk alongside others during life's most sensitive moments, Rev. Harris sought to formalize his natural gifts. In 2024, he became one of the first students to enroll in the Pastoral Care Associates of California (PCAC) training program in Care and Listening. The tools and skills he acquired there significantly enhanced his ability to actively listen and provide clinical care. Upon completing his rigorous coursework, he transitioned into hands-on clinical hours, faithfully serving patients and families at various nursing homes and hospital facilities.

Dr. Margaret Green

Riverside California.

Dr. Margaret Green

Riverside California.

Dr. Margaret Green is a certified chaplain, counselor, and retired California State civil servant dedicated to crisis intervention and spiritual healing. She currently serves as Secretary for the Pastoral Care Associates of California, Associate Pastor at The Village SBC in Redlands, a local Hospice Volunteer Chaplain, and a Spiritual Care Chaplain at Kaiser Hospital.

Affectionately acting as a "spiritual paramedic," Dr. Green is expertly trained to respond to domestic violence, suicide, natural disasters, and grief. Utilizing Active Listening, she stabilizes immediate crises and guides individuals toward long-term mental health and community resources.

Dr. Green holds a Master’s in Biblical Studies and a Doctor of Ministry in Deliverance and Pastoral Counseling (2018). Richly blessed in her personal life, she has been married for 18 years, has two adult children, and treasures her two granddaughters.

Min. Francine Christian-Williams

IT Specialist & Clinical Trainee

Min. Francine Christian-Williams

IT Specialist & Clinical Trainee

Francine Christian-Williams has faithfully served the church and community through preaching, teaching, drama ministry, and outreach for more than two decades. Licensed in ministry in 2013, she has dedicated her life to equipping others in the Word of God through conferences, workshops, and compassionate service to those in need.

Fascinated with words since high school, Francine developed a passion for writing that now flourishes alongside her ministry. She has recently embraced a new dimension of her calling as an author, with highly anticipated upcoming works including Tricked, No Neutral Ground, and her long-awaited devotional, The Artful Rhythm of God’s Word.

In addition to her ministerial and literary pursuits, Francine brings her technical expertise and care to Pastoral Care Associates of California (PCAC), where she serves as the IT Tech. Deepening her commitment to specialized service; she has also successfully completed her comprehensive coursework, clinical hours, and certified training with PCAC. Her multifaceted ministry beautifully blends a passion for the gospel with creativity, technological skill, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to see lives transformed by God’s love.

Pastor B.Brittany Benjamin

Peoria

Pastor B.Brittany Benjamin

Peoria

A native of Peoria, Illinois, I began my spiritual journey at New Morning Star Baptist Church. After graduating from Peoria Central High School, I earned an Associate Degree in Ministry Training from Andersonville Theological Seminary. Upon relocating to California, I joined Faithful Central Bible Church in Los Angeles. I am the proud mother of one daughter, one son and Nana (grandmother) of six.

Ministry and Education
I accepted my call to ministry in 1993 and completed the Ministry Prep Class at Faithful Central Bible Church under the leadership of Dr. Kenneth C. Ulmer. I also attended the Grace Bible Institute in Long Beach and was officially licensed on December 31, 1997.

My educational background includes certifications from the Faithful Central Bible Institute, Fuller Theological Seminary, and an ICISF Certification for Trauma Responder under Dr. Mickey Stonier. I am currently completing a BA in Organizational Leadership at DeVry University.

Teaching and Volunteer Experience
I have been a dedicated member of Faithful Central Bible Church for 41 years. My service includes ten years as a New Membership Teacher, seven years in Lay Counseling Ministry, twelve years as a Youth Counselor for "Take Over Ministry," and four years serving the Skid Row Ministry.

In addition to 28 years as a Licensed Minister, I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Los Angeles, South Africa, Ghana, and the Bahamas, where I have served the community. I currently lead a women’s Disciple Group at FCBC.
She received her Pastoral Ordination on February 5, 2023. I am currently Employed at SSAG-AFTRA in Los Angeles, CA.

I also forgot, I gave leadership and taught new ministers accepting their call to the ministry. I taught the class on "Effective Speaking and Communication" for two years.

Teresa Thomas-Stokes.

Los Angeles

Teresa Thomas-Stokes.

Los Angeles

My name is Teresa Thomas-Stokes. I am a native of Los Angeles, California, and I hold a Doctorate in Theology from the Kingdom of God in Christ in Phoenix, Arizona. As a proud 2026 graduate of the chaplain training program with the Pastoral Care Associates of California (PCAC), I currently serve as a Chaplain Intern and am fulfilling my clinical hours as a volunteer chaplain at Kaiser Hospital.

One of the most inspiring moments of my training was the opportunity to reach out and connect deeply with inactive members listening to their stories and understanding how to perception check. In my personal life, I am blessed to be the proud mother of my daughter, Theresa, and the proud grandmother of my granddaughter, Teresa Starr.

Chaplain Felecia Wright

Los Angeles

Chaplain Felecia Wright

Los Angeles

Chaplain Felecia Wright was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She has been happily married to her husband, William, for 34 years. A dedicated leader in spiritual care, Chaplain Wright is the Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer, and Trainer of Pastoral Care Associates of California, and is currently pursuing her supervisory licensure in Care and Listening Skills II. She has given instructional training to over 17 students in the last year.

Currently, she serves as a Hospice Chaplain with Wings of Hope Hospice in Redlands, California. In this role, she provides compassionate spiritual and emotional care to patients and their families, offering a grounding presence during seasons of serious illness, transition, and bereavement.

In addition to her clinical chaplaincy work, Pastor Wright shepherds True Unity Baptist Church in Fullerton, California. She is deeply dedicated to ministering the Word of God and building His Kingdom one person at a time. Her life’s mission is to live by example, encouraging individuals to realize their full, God-given potential. With more than a decade of teaching and counseling experience, she possesses a unique blend of warmth, clinical insight, and spiritual strength that allows her to connect deeply with people from all walks of life.

Chaplain Wright’s extensive hands-on experience is backed by a robust academic foundation. She attended Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Bethel Christian College, and Truth Academy, earning a Bachelor of Theology, a Master of Biblical Counseling, and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.).

Dr. Margaret Green

Riverside California.

Dr. Margaret Green

Riverside California.

Dr. Margaret Green is a certified chaplain, counselor, and retired California State civil servant dedicated to crisis intervention and spiritual healing. She currently serves as Secretary for the Pastoral Care Associates of California, Associate Pastor at The Village SBC in Redlands, a local Hospice Volunteer Chaplain, and a Spiritual Care Chaplain at Kaiser Hospital.

Affectionately acting as a "spiritual paramedic," Dr. Green is expertly trained to respond to domestic violence, suicide, natural disasters, and grief. Utilizing Active Listening, she stabilizes immediate crises and guides individuals toward long-term mental health and community resources.

Dr. Green holds a Master’s in Biblical Studies and a Doctor of Ministry in Deliverance and Pastoral Counseling (2018). Richly blessed in her personal life, she has been married for 18 years, has two adult children, and treasures her two granddaughters.

Bro. Fred Brown

Intern Chaplain

Bro. Fred Brown

Intern Chaplain

Bro. Fred Brown serves as an Intern Chaplain, a milestone he achieved in February 2026 after completing his training with Pastoral Care Associates of California and receiving his Lead Plus certificate in Care and Listening Skills. Born and raised in Southern California, Fred’s heart for service was visible early on during his time in the Air Force Reserves, where he met his wife, Deborah. Today, they have been married for over 25 years and share the joy of raising four adult children.

The Brown family joined Friendship Baptist Church in 2008 and has remained faithful, active pillars of the church community. Fred’s ministry work extends beyond the church walls and into state and federal institutions through his dedicated service with the Kairos Prison Ministry. Driven by a love for people and a desire to listen deeply, Fred is excited to embrace new opportunities and challenges in chaplaincy, dedicated entirely to the Glory of God.

The Pastoral Care Associates Page where Chaplains Are Always On-Call

Welcome to the Pastoral Care Associates page. We are community, mentoring, spiritual formation, and followers of God, through Him, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God.

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Pastoral Care Associates (PCA) provide spiritual care and support to those who are suffering. We partner with individuals, families, patients, and staff in a holistic standard of care.

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2541 North Arizona Ave. #4 Chandler, AZ 85225
michael.lessard@pastoralcareaz.org
480-406-4746

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