Leadership
Kathy Girardeau, founder and teacher for Divine Design Discipleship, is passionate about discovering new ways to communicate and apply the truths of Scripture. Her call to ministry is primarily focused on integrating the truths of the Bible in such a way that they penetrate beyond head knowledge and become our deepest heart convictions. This practice has proven transformative in Kathy’s life and in the lives of those she teaches. In her life experiences as wife, mother, community leader, pharmacist, and in the corporate world, Kathy has discovered that life is a schoolroom for knowing God better. The verse that best describes her mission for DDD is Psalm 51:6.
Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. Psalm 51:6
Stephanie Alonso is a wife to Eddy, mother to three adult children, “Birdie” to 4 grandchildren, and works as a part-time residential designer. She has been a part of DDD since 2003, serving on the prayer team, helping with technology, and leading small groups. Stephanie loves DDD and how they get to walk through life, the joys and sorrows, using the discipleship model to remind each other of the pursuing love and faithfulness of our Father, through His Word, worship, and prayer. “DDD has been a life-transforming ministry; teaching me how to trust and depend on Jesus in every moment and taking the Bible knowledge in my head and integrating it into my whole life and heart. It is a privilege and honor to pray with women and point them to our Lord who is their Healer, Comforter and Redeemer!”
The Lord your God is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17
Debbie Brazeal Debbie has found the praise, worship, Bible study, and small groups of DDD to be transformative. She is passionate about seeing others experience the same life-changing growth she has enjoyed at Divine Design. She began attending DDD in 1999. During her many years in Devine Design, she has served on our prayer team and is currently a small group leader. Previously Debbie worked as a pediatric nurse and diabetes educator at Children’s Hospital.
Debbie and Ellis Brazeal have been married since 1987.She is the mother of 3 adult children and one grandson. Debbie’s free time is spent with her grandson and gardening. “I love the Biblical symbolism of our hearts being like a garden of the Lord’s. Seeing Him work masterfully in our hearts is my passion. Pointing others to trusting in His good works, His timing, and His grace leads to our flourishing.”
But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water—a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green, and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8
Karen Tynes supported DDD in prayer for several years because of her prayer partnership with Kathy before actually joining in the Springtime of 2022. In the autumn of 2023, she took on a small group and also began leading a newly awakened prayer team until joining the Leadership Team in the Autumn of 2025. She considers it an honor to serve with the team, likening them to the group of five virgins in Matthew 25 who eagerly and diligently collected fresh oil for their lamps while awaiting the Bridegroom’s return. Likewise, she delights in facilitating a small group of women who love Jesus and yearn to know Him more deeply in how He is personally leading them through the teaching they receive in the large group gatherings.
Karen has been married to Tommy since 1990 and they have been members of Covenant since 2011.
Mary White is wife to Charles and mother of 3. Mary and Charles enjoy spending time with their 6 grandkids! Mary has been a part of DDD since 1999 and loves her role on the leadership team as a small group leader. She is passionate about discipleship and values walking alongside woman, as together they seek to follow the Lord and share what God is doing in their lives.
“After many years of bible study, I had a lot of notebooks and knowledge. Divine Design has taught me how to take the knowledge I had from God’s word and apply it to my everyday life. Kathy combines her teaching with creative and challenging strategies for application. This, along with the safe atmosphere to share life’s struggles and victories, has kept me coming back year after year!”
Cary Murray has been a part of DDD for over 12 years. Married to Daniel since 2001 and mother to 3 young adult sons, she has found DDD to be pivotal in her daily walk with Christ. Combining Scripture, worship and relationships, DDD has gifted Cary with beautiful friendships, a secure way of tying God’s truth to everyday life, and constant reminders of HIS faithfulness through songs of praise, and Kathy’s lessons. Her favorite topics over the years include “Living Hope” (2018), “New Wine” (2023), and most recently “Waiting On God.” Cary has a deep desire for authentic relationships, especially on the topics of motherhood, marriage, and family relationships.
Margaret Murdock Margaret has been a part of DDD since 2006. She enjoys leading her current small group of young moms. She has been married to Glenn since 1979 and they have 3 grown children located in Birmingham and San Antonio. She loves being “Nana” to their 6 grands ages 0 to 16. Her background is in clinical social work and her passions include community involvement and mentoring.
“Kathy’s teaching through DDD has been so instrumental to me in bringing God’s word to life in a real, powerful and applicable way. God’s “divine design” is for us to live and thrive in community. DDD is a wonderful model for the richness available for us to enjoy together!”
Kate McKnight born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, has been a part of DDD since 2007. She is a wife to Tom and mother of three children: Lawson, Alice, and Adams. Kate is all about her relationships! She puts a high value on intentionality as she relates to God and others. Kate has a passion for making God known in her community and is affectionately known as our “Recruitment Chair.”