In 1972, Mary Kay Beard was fleeing the law in 4 states, had an underworld contract on her life, and was on the FBI’s most wanted list. She was captured and sentenced to 21 years in an Alabama prison.

While incarcerated, Mary Kay completed a two year degree and continued on with school until earning a Masters Degree in counseling. It is Mary Kay’s ambition to work with others to help them live their lives with purpose and meaning and free from addiction.

Mary Kay and her late husband Don founded Shepherds Fold, Encourager Ministries and also Angel Tree, which has reached nearly 7 million children in over 100 countries.

Mary Kay currently lives in Birmingham, AL and speaks at conferences and retreats nationwide.