Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Whitaker.
Paula Whitaker began her career directly out of college at University of Houston and upon graduation at mid-term accepted a teaching position 3 weeks later and has been working ever since. She spent 23 years in the public school arena while simultaneously founded 2 Private Christian Schools and one academy is still in operation 30 years later.
She obtained 2 Master’s Degrees, one in Education with a minor in Early Childhood at Sam Houston State University and a second Master’s Degree in Counseling from Houston Graduate School of Theology (Seminary). She also holds a certification and degree in Montessori Education. She has worked tirelessly to help people in every area of her profession. She also founded a 3rd business including, Champion Christian Counseling Center in Tomball in 2003 and she has worked diligently for the past 14 years as the Administrator and Manager and Lead Therapist of the Champion Christian Counseling Center. She has worked as a professional for over 45 years and is still working for the people of Tomball and surrounding areas who need help.
Paula Whitaker has a strong background in working with children, adolescents, couples, families, and mental health issues. Marriage with excellent communication skills and knowledge of the Love Languages are Keys to a successful marriage. She also has many years of experience in working with Children and Adolescents with educational issues, school adjustment, and learning disabilities, lack of focus, ADD/ADHD, organization skills and improving success in school is also a specialty of Ms. Whitaker. Ms. Paula has had 40 years of experience in working with couples and families with all types of life’s issues. Her Christian counseling style is ‘client centered,’ Behavior Modification, and Solution Focused. Her goal is to help her patients find the answers and solutions to their issues and to help them achieve a successful and satisfying life. She always looks for a “win-win” solution to difficulties to give everyone satisfaction and a feeling of success in the relationship.
Paula Whitaker is very involved in community Charities and Ministries with the goal of helping others. She has been a 11 year member of the Tomball Rotary Club. The Lone Star College Foundation, Legacy Circle, and helping to provide Scholarships for nursing students is a very important mission to her heart. As the Donor and Administrator of the Ryan Paul Whitaker Memorial Foundation, in Memory of her only son who passed away at 25 years of age. The purpose of the foundation is to bring Honor to God and Jesus Christ and that everything that is accomplished in the foundation would also be in memory of her son’s desire to help people in need. The Ryan Paul Whitaker Memorial Nursing Scholarship Endowment at Lone Star College-Tomball, (providing 2 nursing scholarships for students each year who want to help others began immediately after Ryan’s untimely death. In 2018 Ms. Whitaker will increase the number of nursing scholarship endowments to 6 scholarships per year in order to fulfill the desires of her son, Ryan, to assist those in need of help and healing. She served on the Tomball Regional Art Council, for 12 years as a member and past Chairman of the Board. She has been a member of the Tomball Chamber of Commerce for a total of 25 years and has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Tomball Pregnancy Center from its inception to also help women and families to provide free ultrasounds and free services for all those client’s needs. Ms. Whitaker, and her husband, served on Salem Lutheran Foreign Missions Team to Kenya, South Africa for two years and is an endowment supporter and a yearly donor to send Missionaries to Kenya on Mission trips in memory of her late son, Ryan Whitaker.
The Ryan Paul Whitaker Memorial Foundation has been the major donor of TOMAGWA Health-Care Ministries and the Tomball location is named in memory of her late son, Ryan Paul Whitaker Memorial Medical Center.
A $1.25 million dollar donation was given for the naming rights of the new TOMAGWA Medical Center.
Paula has a genuine love for people and is always busy helping others whenever she is called upon.
Grief and loss and losing a child or family member in death is also something that is close to her heart and her desire is to help those that are hurting and facing grief and loss in their life. She knows firsthand the feelings, stages, and issues one goes through when losing a child or family member because she has experience the loss of her only child. Surviving the loss of a child takes special knowledge in helping parents, siblings and families work through this most painful issue of life.
As a way of turning grief and loss into something positive in memory of her son the Ryan Paul Whitaker Memorial Foundation, has helped touch the lives of approx. 1,375,000 people which was her son’s mission in life. In an effort to Leave a Legacy for her son Ryan, she set up an Educational Trust Fund to send children to Christian School. The former Chancellor, Dr. Richard Carpenter, of Lone Star College, awarded and dedicated the Nursing Laboratories in memory of her son in the new LSC Health Science Building as the Ryan Paul Whitaker Memorial Nursing Laboratories. Ryan wanted to go back to college to become a nurse when he died from a medical malpractice. She has many more great things to do to bring honor to God and in memory of her son Ryan.
Paula Whitaker’s newest ministry is “The Cross of Tomball”, in memory of her son, Ryan Paul Whitaker and to bring Honor and Glory to God and Jesus Christ and the Cross. The beautiful, 125 ft. gleaming white cross is located on the Grand Parkway, Hwy 99 at the intersection of Hwy 249, the Tomball Parkway, at the site of River of Praise Church.
During a trip to the Smokey Mountains shortly after Ryan’s death on January 29, 2007, Paula and her husband came across a beautiful giant Cross and she was completely overwhelmed with the love of God and went to the foot of the Cross and prayed and felt her heart being lifted almost to Heaven. They took pictures and remained there for over an hour before continuing their journey into the Smokey Mountain. In the next 2 days Paula and her husband saw 2 more crosses exactly like the first one and again she was completely overwhelmed. At that moment, Paula realized that God was telling her that she needed to return to her work in Tomball, Texas and build a beautiful Cross like she had seen for the people of Tomball and in Memory of Ryan Paul Whitaker, her son.
God changed her life in those 3 days and gave her a vision and passion to build a beautiful cross like she had seen that could and would touch the lives of thousands of people like a magnet drawing people to the Cross of Tomball for peace, love, and healing for their hearts. God planted a seed in her heart and within the next 10 years it grew and grew until God gave her the sign that it was time to build “The Cross of Tomball.”
On January 29, 2017, the 10 year anniversary of her son’s death, a ground breaking ceremony was held next to Hwy. 99 at the River of Praise Church which was the location chosen to build “The Cross of Tomball.” It was ironic that God arranged the ground breaking on the anniversary day that Paula had lost her precious son. It helped to bring some joy to that sad day and the foundation for the cross was constructed the very next day.
Paula commented, “Our timing is not God’s timing, because I wanted to build the cross years ago, but God’s timing was perfect! When God starts to move, we need to buckle our seat belt because we are in for the ride of our lives and we have a front row seat to see God at work!” The Cross of Tomball construction was completed in 8 weeks and was dedicated on Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017. What a Miracle! The 125ft steel Cross was built in Memory of Ryan Whitaker and to serve as a light to the community and to meet Ryan’s mission in life which was to help people. What better way to help people than to allow them to experience the love of Jesus Christ than with the symbol of this Cross? “The Cross of Tomball” has already been the site for weddings, church services, baptisms, and many people have come to pray and meditate and sit in the shadow of the Cross. Some people have been drawn to the Cross to lay down addictions and hurts.
Others have come and the staff at River of Praise has also had the opportunity to lead others to Jesus and when asked, “How did you find yourself here? They replied, “I just came to The Cross.” There is a Meditation and Prayer Patio area with benches where everyone is welcome to come to experience “The Cross.”
“My prayer, said Paula Whitaker, is that “The Cross of Tomball” will bless thousands even millions of people and that everyone who sees it will know and feel that God’s love is BIG just like this Cross.”
If you or any one in your family has any of the issues, don’t wait, call today and let Ms. Whitaker help you find a solution to your or your families’ issues. Give yourself and your family a better life and a brighter future. All things are possible with Faithful Caring, Providing Hope and Solutions to the Challenges of Life! “Everything I do is all about helping others.” said Paula Whitaker.
Christian Counseling Career – I have been a practicing therapist for 14 years. My background has been in education as a teacher for 23 years and the founder and administrator of two private Christian Schools for over the past 38 years. During my career, I have had the wonderful opportunity to assist, support and accompany many people as they sought to find the answers and solutions to life’s challenges and struggles.
There is no issue or concern that is too great or too small for us to resolve together. You may have tried everything you know to do to improve the situation, and yet, no solution has been found. Together, we will identify your concerns and we will develop a solution plan to address whatever concerns you are dealing with.
I have 38 years of experience assisting families, children, and individuals to resolve their problems and find happiness. If you have a life challenge we can work together to find a solution and a better life. I am solution-focused therapist; my treatment approach is to provide support and practical feedback and solutions to help clients address current life challenges and long-standing issues. With compassion and understanding, I help individuals find resolution to a wide range of personal concerns and psychological issues. With an integration of complimentary approaches, in a safe, comfortable and Christian environment and atmosphere, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client’s individual needs to help them attain the personal growth they’re striving for.
Together, we will work to develop your own personal strengths and help you to achieve your important life goals. Regardless of the life challenges you may face there is always HOPE and there is always a solution to ever difficulty. We can work together to achieve a better more fulfilling life for you.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are very few things in our life that are without some struggle and at times grief and loss.
Working 2-3 jobs at the same time.
Building the Christian Schools also included building 2 actual buildings as well as managing and financing the schools myself.
The biggest struggle in my life was the loss of my son at age 25. With God’s help, I have worked diligently to bring some good out of such a tragic event in my life and to Leave a Legacy for my son.
My faith in God has always helped me through the very hard things of life.
I have learned that when God takes over our life or the things we are doing for Him…. It is a smooth road and the best “ride” of your life to see God at work.!
Champion Christian Counseling Center, Ryan Paul Whitaker Memorial Foundation, and The Cross of Tomball – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Paula Whitaker BA, M.ED., M.A. in Counseling, and a Board Certified Christian Counselor, as well as a, Professional Christian Counselor. Ms. Paula is the Founder and Ministry Director and Lead counselor of Champions Christian Counseling Center in Tomball for 14 years. Ms. Whitaker has worked in the fields of education and counseling for over 45 years. She was also the founder and Administrator of two Christian schools: Tomball Montessori Christian Academy and Champion Christian Academy.
Ms. Paula received her first Master’s Degree in Education in 1979 from Sam Houston State University and a second Masters Degree in Counseling from Houston Graduate school of theology Seminary in 2003.
Ms. Paula has devoted her career and expertise to working with couples, families, children, and individuals in a Christian environment. Ms. Paula has had extensive experience in working with women’s issues, marriage improvement and enhancement, couples counseling, pre-marital counseling, depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADD/ADHD, sexual abuse, and play therapy for children with a variety of issues and difficulties. With a Master’s Degree in Education and a Minor in Early Childhood Education, her 30 years of educational experience and expertise allows her to work with children and adolescents for a variety of disabilities, disorders, and difficulties.
Using this knowledge of children and adolescents and her own personality she provides a comfortable and open environment for discussion and interaction for almost any difficulty. She also provides educational consultation and some testing for children from ages four through high school. She is often selected as expert witness for child abuse cases and parental issues concerning custody and adolescent cases.
Ms. Paula is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and the National Association for Play Therapy. She has been active in the local community for many years through a variety of philanthropic endeavors. She also provides educational training in Parenting Skills, Discipline, and classes for Parents of ADHD children, and has been instrumental in providing information to parents to access resources in local schools. She is also a writer and has been published in numerous magazines and journals with bi-monthly articles being published in Houston Christian Magazine and That Texas Magazine. She is also an author of Natural Beginnings Baby Food Guide, as well as Cookbook for parents who want to prepare natural food for their babies.
“I have done many things in my life and with God’s help have accomplished some good successes with businesses and with the main goal of my life which has been helping, educating, caring for, and having a genuine love for people in general but especially those who need help. I am proud that I have been able to help many people along the way. However, with my son’s Foundation of helping people, his Life with a Legacy has helped more people than I ever could have because of his love for others and because God gave me the incentive to leave a Legacy for my son.
In a letter to my son, I put in the newspaper in Jan. 2009 for the 2nd anniversary of my son’s death I made a promise. I recently found this article in his memory box and it said the following:
“My promise to you, my precious son, is that I will carry on the ministry you wanted to do yourself in helping others. Your inheritance will help others go to nursing school to do what you wanted to do, and to help those that are suffering. Your inheritance will help to build a Medical Center to help those in need who cannot afford to have medical, and dental care or those that need glasses to see and read. Your inheritance will help people in Africa because of Salem Lutheran Missions and it will send more and more missionaries to give them eye glasses, surgery, dental care, Bibles, and spread the gospel to those that have never heard it. It will help build a church in Africa and send mosquito nets to save children’s lives from malaria on the other side of the world.
Your inheritance will send many children to Christian Schools for the next 100 years because of your kind heart and loving your family.
You did more in your short 25 years that most people will do in several life times. THIS IS YOUR DREAM, RYAN. YOUR DREAM OF HELPING OTHERS will be carried out as you would have wanted and that will be MY MISSION for the rest of my life. I will do my best to honor God and to do these things in YOUR MEMORY. I am only doing the work you wanted to do and could not complete yourself.
I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER AND FOR ETERNITY and I will see you soon my precious son….
With All My Love, Your Mom.
I believe this is what sets me apart from others. It is a mission, a calling on my life, not just a career!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
God has blessed me with many proud moments in accomplishing things that I could only do with God’s help.
One of the proudest moments in my career was designing and building a 10,000 sq. Elementary school building at Champion Christian Academy in 1997. I was the Superintendent of the building project and contracted the work to be done and supervised every part of the building and finishing project. In addition, I designed the furniture for the whole school and had it hand made. It was state of the art with Christian Curriculum. It was and is a great success and it has been 30 years and the school is still open, educating students in a Christian environment using much of the Montessori way of teaching with hands on learning.
I also designed and built a new school building for my first Tomball Montessori Christian School in 1986. This is the present location of Champion Christian Counseling Center which opened in 2003 where I am a Therapist and Administrator. We are also the largest Counseling Center in the Tomball/Magnolia area with 10 outstanding professional counselors.
Many times, previous high school students that I taught in Spring ISD have brought their own children to my Christian Schools. This was a proud moment when they entrusted me with their most prized possession, their children, to teach and educate.
However, I believe my proudest moment has been the “Cross of Tomball” and my love for helping people.
I was told by Commissioner Jack Cagle at the Dedication Service of the Cross of Tomball,” that 8 million people a year will come by “The Cross of Tomball” on the Grand Parkway, Hwy. 99. and millions of people’s lives with be changed by that one fact long after I am gone! That is a Legacy that I share with my Son, Ryan. God’s plan is PERFECT!
Contact Info:
- Address: Champion Christian Counseling Center
333 S. Cherry Street,
Tomball, Texas 77375 - Website: CCCCTomball.com
- Phone: 281-357-4111
- Email: cccctomball@gmail.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
