Our Staff at Maricopa Springs Family Church
Lead Pastor:
Grady Root, M.Div.
Grady is the Lead Preaching Elder of Maricopa Springs. He moved out here with his wife Leanne in 2009 to plant Maricopa Springs Family Church in the growing city of Maricopa. Grady and Leanne have four kids (Aiden, Karis, Soren, & Briley) and absolutely love living in Maricopa! Grady is unashamedly obsessed with Jesus and has a heart for everyone in Maricopa to hear about His grace and love. He strives to lead a church where people sacrificially take up their cross to give their whole lives in service for the kingdom of God.
Worship Director:
Leonard Ybarra
Leonard was born in Southern California and moved to Maricopa, Arizona in February 2008. Leonard is married to Kathryn Ybarra and they now have 2 amazing boys: Little Leonard and Evan. They started attending Maricopa Springs Family Church in 2018. Leonard has always loved music, studying it through High School and into College. He loves Jesus and keeps Jesus at the center of our worship. Though it is important to our entire team to play and sing skillfully to the Lord, it is equally important that our hearts remain fixed on Him. Music is such a powerful way to declare the majesty of our God. It is both a corporate expression of our love for Him when we gather together on Sunday mornings, and an intimate way to express our love for Him individually.
Children's Ministry Director:
Tricia Barbaglia
Originally from upstate New York, my family and I moved to Arizona in 2011. We came west seeking better job opportunities, great weather, and to spend time with family. My husband, Chris and I married in 2000 and we have two fantastic children, Macayla and Ethan. I have a degree in elementary education and I have spent my career (more than 20 years) working with children in a multitude of capacities, including: teacher, administrator, trainer, and mentor. The Lord led us to Maricopa Springs in 2014 and in 2017, the Lord called me to make ministering to children my full-time focus. I have dedicated my career to ensuring children are growing and developing with strong, healthy foundations. I believe that the love of Jesus is instrumental in their developmental foundation. I love helping children discover who Jesus is and find their purpose and identity in Christ. I am excited to be able to share my knowledge and experience with the families at MSFC and I thank you for your trust with your most precious gifts. I invite you to share your feedback as well as any suggestions you may have for the children’s ministry. I look forward to getting to know each of you and your children.
Crux Ministry Director:
RJ Howarth
RJ and Kaitlynn moved to Maricopa in 2018 from New Jersey. They have been apart of Crux ministry since 2019 and in January 2021 became the leaders. They have 3 sweet kiddos, Roy, Andy and Lucy.
Facility Director and Deacon:
Aaron Foote
Aaron was born in Poughkeepsie, NY and spent his youth and young adulthood in different rural towns of upstate NY. He married April in 2009, and they moved to Arizona in 2010, eventually finding their way to Maricopa. Aaron and April began attending MSFC in 2014. Today, Aaron leads the crew that sets up and tears down before and after each service, as well as completes various blue-collar type projects. He is grateful for his time serving here, and has grown in his love for Jesus while serving. Aaron lives in Hidden Valley with his wife April.
Audio Visual Technical Director:
Eric Flickinger
Eric Flickinger has loved the Lord since he was about 4 years old. His passion for everything sound, lighting, and video began as he apprenticed at age 12 in his families church in Monroe, Washington.
As Eric got older, his responsibilities grew as did his passion which included computers. That turned into a career when at 19 he started working for Awana Headquarters in Chicago, IL. He has used his skills by being part of the Monroe Arts Council in a historical theater. He was head of the Lights/sound/video committee, and on the building committee until he moved to Maricopa. Eric is married to Anita, and they have 2 children Cadence and Blaine
Women's Ministry:
Meredith Walker
Meredith has been leading Women's Ministry at MSFC since 2020. She is a calm and steady leader who has brought much joy to the women at Maricopa. Meredith, her husband Andrew and children: Sahara, Micah, Olivia, and Ella have been apart of the Maricopa Springs Family since 2018.
Financial Secretary/Treasurer:
Kathryn Ybarra
Kathryn was born and raised in Lakewood, California. Leonard, her husband, and Kathryn moved to Maricopa as newlyweds in February 2008. They have two amazing boys, Leonard and Evan. Kathryn is a Registered Nurse who works full time at Banner Health. Kathryn and Leonard began attending Maricopa Springs Family Church in April 2018 and became members in February 2019. Jesus is Kathryn’s King, Savior and Friend. She loves spending time in prayer with Jesus and learning more about him through studying the bible. Jesus is Kathryn’s source of joy and love, which she loves spreading everywhere she goes.
