GRACE CENTER STAFF
Meet Our Team
Our Grace Center staff is a team of compassionate, Christ-centered individuals dedicated to walking alongside others in their journey toward healing and transformation. Each member serves with humility, professionalism, and a deep desire to see lives changed through the power of the Gospel. From counselors to administrative support, every role is vital to creating a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment where people can experience the grace and truth of Jesus.
KEITH WAGGONER | Founder & Board Chairman
Keith Waggoner is the Founder and Board Chair of Grace Center in Nampa, Idaho. As a leader, pastor, and visionary, Keith established Grace Center with a clear mission: to see people, help people, and support them in becoming who God created them to be.
In addition to his role with Grace Center, Keith serves as the Lead Pastor of Grace Bible Church, where he provides spiritual leadership and guidance to the church family and the broader community. His commitment to serving others flows from a conviction that every person is seen and valued by God, and that practical support paired with spiritual encouragement can lead to lasting transformation.
Under Keith’s leadership, Grace Center exists to meet needs, build relationships, and empower individuals and families toward stability, growth, and hope. His vision continues to shape the Center’s mission of being a trusted place of care and support in the Treasure Valley.
As both a pastor and community leader, Keith is dedicated to fostering a culture of compassion, dignity, and hope—helping individuals and families not only find relief in times of need, but also build a foundation for long-term flourishing.
NATE MORRIS | Executive Director
Nate Morris serves as the Executive Director of Grace Center, bringing his deep love for people, strong leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit to the heart of our ministry. A lifelong Idahoan and owner of several local businesses, Nate is passionate about his hometown of Nampa and about helping grow strong families, thriving marriages, and healthy partnerships with other Christian-owned organizations. His heart for making the world around him a better place grows year after year.
Known as the first to show up and the last to leave, Nate is passionate about uniting people with Jesus and is always dreaming of new ways to make a positive impact. He loves networking with others, is a lifelong learner, and is committed to building relationships that strengthen the body of Christ. Outside of work, Nate is a lover of all things outdoors — especially hunting and exploring the wild beauty of Alaska — and he’s never far from a good wrestling match.
Nate and his beautiful wife are raising five incredible kids, and his dedication to creating healthy marriages and strong families is unmatched. Whether leading a team meeting, partnering with local leaders, or connecting with someone over coffee, Nate’s vision is clear: to see individuals and families in our community walk in the fullness of God’s design for their lives.
ALICIA PEREZ | Counselor
Alicia has been part of Grace Center since day one—March 7, 2023—and serves as our full-time Biblical counselor. With a background in ministry leadership and a heart rooted deeply in the Gospel, Alicia brings a grounded, grace-filled presence to every session. She holds a Bachelor's in Ministerial Leadership from NU (WA) and is currently pursuing her LMSW through NNU to further support the community through both biblical and clinical care.
She’s walked with people through anxiety, grief, relational strain, identity questions, and more — all with a desire to see God bring transformation and healing. Her own counseling journey has shaped her calling to help others find hope and wholeness in Christ.
Alicia was born and raised in Burley, Idaho, and her love for people runs deep. She’s a proud mom of four adult children (three married) and a very happy grandma to eight beautiful grandkids. Outside of counseling, she enjoys watercolor painting, drawing, being outdoors, and spending time with her golden doodle, Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Whether you’re facing anxiety, grief, relational difficulties, or seeking biblical encouragement, Alicia is here to walk with you in truth, love, and hope grounded in Scripture and other educational practices.
MICHAEL CHECK | Counselor
Michael serves as a counselor at Grace Center, where he walks alongside individuals and families with a desire to see lives restored through the hope of Christ. Shaped by his own journey from fear and confusion to healing and peace, Michael is passionate about helping others experience the freedom and rest that can only be found in Jesus.
His path into counseling began after years of searching for answers in education and secular psychology, only to discover true transformation through the power of the Gospel. That encounter led him to pursue a degree in Christian Counseling, along with Master-Level Board Certifications in Christian and Pastoral Counseling.
As the oldest of seven siblings, Michael understands the weight of navigating challenges and longing for peace. Through his work at Grace Center, he offers scriptural encouragement and practical support to those burdened by fear, confusion, or spiritual unrest, always pointing them toward the healing found in Christ alone.
Michael and his wife share a commitment to ministry and service, walking together in a calling to bring hope and healing to others. His heart remains centered on helping people experience the rest Jesus promises in Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
DEBBIE AMORELLO | Counselor
Debbie serves as a Biblical Counselor and Certified Mental Health Coach at Grace Center, where she walks alongside individuals, couples, and families with compassion, grace, and truth. Her heart is for those who are hurting, confused, or simply in need of a safe place to process life through the lens of God’s Word. She believes lasting healing is found in the unshakable hope of Jesus and considers it a privilege to help others discover that hope for themselves.
Her journey into counseling began with a desire to care for people in the same way she has experienced Christ’s care. For the past nine years, Debbie has counseled individuals through a wide range of life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, identity struggles, relational difficulties, and spiritual growth.
Debbie is certified through Light House University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from CSU Stanislaus, as well as a teaching credential from Teachers College of San Joaquin.
Outside of her work at Grace Center, she enjoys time with her husband and family, cooking, and spending time in the garden reflecting on the beauty of God’s creation. Through her role at Grace Center, Debbie is dedicated to offering encouragement, support, and biblical guidance that point people toward the healing and hope found in Christ.
ESTEFANIA GUARAPO | Administrative Assistant
Estefania Guarapo has been serving as Grace Center’s Administrative Assistant since June 2023. With a degree in Journalism specializing in audiovisual media production, she spent many years working as an art director, producer, entertainer, and musician before moving to the United States. Her journey here included a variety of roles, including an internship at her church.
Drawn to biblical counseling through a God-given desire to help people not only physically but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, Estefania brings warmth and compassion as the first point of contact for clients. She finds joy in her team’s camaraderie and in witnessing the transformation of lives through Christ’s hope and healing. Guided by Isaiah 41:10, she approaches each interaction with love, attentiveness, and grace.
Outside of work, Estefania enjoys making macramé, tending her plants and garden, and spending time in quiet reflection. Though she prefers to avoid public speaking, her heart for serving others shines in every personal connection she makes.
BRI KATZENBERGER | Community Partnership Director
As Grace Center’s Community Partnership Director, Bri Katzenberger brings a unique blend of professional expertise, personal experience, and heartfelt passion for people. Holding a B.A. in Human Services, multiple coaching and leadership certificates, and drawing on more than 18 years of networking experience, Bri has been a proud Idaho resident since 1992 and is deeply invested in the well-being of her community.
Bri is passionate about advocating for those in need of support services and thrives on building strong, collaborative relationships that connect people with the help they need. She loves the idea of churches partnering together to bridge gaps in our community and is a champion for Christian organizations, churches, and businesses working side by side. Her goal is to help build a strong network of support that strengthens families — the very families Grace Center exists to serve.
Her own journey, shaped in part through the guidance of biblically based counselors, fuels her commitment to continual learning and growth. Known for her contagious energy and deep care for others, Bri’s vision is to see individuals in our community grow into the healthiest versions of themselves — spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
Contact Us
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GRaCE CENTER REVIEWS
Testimonials
" Seeking a place to meet you where you are today and move forward in life? Grace Center is the right place! They are not looking to 'dig' into your past but come along side you today and move forward. Whether you love Jesus or not... they 'love' you through the journey. :) "
" What a wonderful place to go if you need to be heard. "
