Meet the Team
Here is the wonderful team at Aaron's Mission
Thomas Dean
President & CEO
My name is Thomas Dean. I live in Roanoke, Virginia, with my wife Ruby Dean. We have been married since April 9th 2022. We are members of Lakeside Baptist Church and have been involved with mission through the nonprofit that we started. Ruby and I both worked with youth groups for 3 years and were really passionate about that. I never thought in a millions year that I would be leading a nonprofit in honor of my brother. But it makes me so proud to continue the legacy of Aaron and continue what he started for the glory of the Lord!
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Sandra Dean
Vice President/Treasurer
Hi, I'm Sandra Hunt Dean. I live in Roanoke, Virginia with my husband, Bryan. We've been married for 30 years. We are members of Lakeside Baptist Church and have been for 30 years. God blessed us with two boys, Aaron, who now lives in heaven with Jesus and Thomas who just got married to his beautiful wife, Ruby. I am a school teacher and have been teaching at Christian schools for 15 years. God blessed me to be Aaron's mom for 24 years. During those years, Aaron taught me so much about having a real relationship with Christ and what real faith looks like. He was a precious gift from God and I miss him everyday. I love you Aaron.
Sharon Hale
Board Of Directors
My name is Sharon Hunt Hale. I live in Roanoke, Virginia, with my husband of 41 years, Jesse Hale. We have been members of Lakeside Baptist Church for 31 years and have served in various ministries during that time. We are blessed with two children, Dr. Kaleigh Almeida and her husband Josh Almeida. Kaleigh is a Family Practice physician in Abingdon, Virginia. Our son Taylor Hale works for the City of Roanoke as a software engineer. I retired from Blue Ridge Cancer Care on June 30, 2022, after 29 years of working with cancer patients, and my husband retired from teaching middle school two years ago. Aaron Dean was my nephew and was a huge part of my life. My heart was broken when he left us for heaven, and I miss him every day.
Ruby Dean
Social Media Rep.
My name is Ruby Dean, I am Thomas Dean's wife! I am excited to run the Social Media aspect of my husband's nonprofit. Not only to keep Aaron’s legacy going, but to spread God's work through missions! I am currently going to school to become a teacher, but excited to see what God has in store for my husband and I!
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Lisa Allnutt
Board Of Directors
My name is Lisa Allnutt. My husband, Rob, and I live in Raleigh, North Carolina. We have been married for 31 years and have two sons, Zach and Nathan. Our family has attended Crossroads Fellowship Church in Raleigh since moving here in 2014. I currently work for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
We were blessed to meet the Dean family about 15 years ago while living in Roanoke. Our sons went to the Christian school where Sandra taught. We had a special bond with the Dean family and our boys became great friends and played basketball together. Zach and Aaron remained close even after we moved. Aaron’s strong faith has been apparent since the day we met him and he always inspired those around him! I consider it a blessing to be part of this amazing team to carry out Aaron’s legacy of helping those who dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ.
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Dexter Beverly
Board Of Directors
My name is Dexter Beverly. I live in Moneta, VA with my beautiful wife Amanda, son Stacey, and daughter Olivia. We have attended Eastlake Community Church since 2018. I currently work at Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy as a janitor and physical education teacher. I am the head coach for SMLCA's middle school boys basketball team and assistant coach for varsity boys basketball and varsity baseball. I am beyond honored that I am working with such an amazing team at Aaron's Mission. I pray the Lord allows us to help fund missions for others to ultimately spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and grow His kingdom!
Karla Martinez
Board Of Directors
Hello! My name is Karla Dean Martinez. I am married, 31 years, to my husband Jose, who
works for SAP America. I have a son, Brandon, in his last year of Dental School and a
daughter, Jessica, that keeps me on my toes and gives my life true purpose. We reside in
sunny Cape Coral, Fl where I love working in the yard. I retired in 2001 when my daughter was diagnosed with Autism. One of the greatest titles that Christ gave me was "Aunt". It is like having another son. Aaron was my second son. And although he was only with us for 24 years he made a huge impact in my life and had a loud, steadfast voice for Christ. I am so privileged to be a part of Aaron's Mission. I know God has great things planned. I love you Aaron.
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Bryan Dean
Board Of Directors
My name is Bryan Dean. I live in Roanoke VA with my wonderful wife of 30 years. I graduated from Northwood high school in NC in 1987. I continued my education at Alamance Community College where I got a mechanical degree. I then went to work for Verizon and have been there for 23 years. My wife and I have been members of Lakeside Baptist Church for 30 years. I learned early on that my calling was mentoring kids. I taught 3rd and 4th grade Sunday school for 10 years. After that I lead children's church for several more years. I was a deacon for 6 years. I have stepped back from a leadership role since my son Aaron died. It was very hard to accept until God revealed to me his plan. You can read about that on our website.
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The team at Thomas (CEO) and Rubys wedding
