About Us
At the formation of Arms Stretched Wide there was a shared calling; a conviction that healing begins with relationship, and that support shouldn't be limited by where a person lives or their circumstance. Co-Founded by DeAnna Sheets, MA, LPC-S, and Missy Lemons, ASW was born from years of firsthand experience in ministry, personal healing, and walking alongside those in crisis.
As they served together in church ministry, DeAnna and Missy noticed a gap; while professional counseling was critical, the relational support people needed before reaching a crisis was often missing. They envisioned something different; a way to go upstream. What if churches, rural communities, teachers, small business owners, and neighbors were trained and equipped to support those around them? What if everyone had access to the tools that empower them to support others with compassion and confidence?
These questions became their mission and led to the formation of Arms Stretched Wide in July of 2023.
Mission
The mission of Arms Stretched Wide is to provide mental health awareness, access to resources,
and compassionate support to achieve
a healthier well-being.
Vision
We envision families and communities where mental health care is understood, supported,
and accessible to all.
Core Values
Relationships
By strengthening and building connections with one
another, we can transform lives and communities.​​
Compassion
By supporting and caring for one another, we can
create a positive impact and inspire hope.​
Empowerment
​By educating and equipping others, we can
multiply the opportunities for growth in mental health
access, awareness, and advocacy.
We are dedicated to supporting rural areas, churches, organizations, and communities
that desire a more personalized, hands-on approach. Our comprehensive guidance
and consultation cover all aspects of relational and mental health, and through
collaboration with other agencies, we work to destigmatize mental health and foster
healthier coping mechanisms in our communities.
Together, we can make a difference.
Staff and Board of Directors
DeAnna Sheets, MA, LPC-S
Co-Founder & Executive Director
DeAnna Sheets, MA, LPC-S is a Co-Founder of Arms Stretched Wide and serves as the Executive Director. She is the owner of a private practice called Built on the Rock Counseling and Coaching Center, LLC located in Amarillo, Texas. She began her counseling career in 2011 after earning a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Wayland Baptist University. From 2001 to 2024, DeAnna was on staff at First Baptist Church in Canyon, TX, where she held multiple roles including receptionist, children’s ministry assistant, senior pastor’s assistant, and Director of Counseling the Ministry. DeAnna is a certified specialist in marital affair recovery, a Level I Restoration Therapy clinician, and has completed Basic EMDR training through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). DeAnna serves a Education Team Member with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Her professional development also includes chaplaincy training with Texans on Mission and specialized training with the National Organization for Victim Advocacy. Additionally, she served as a contributing writer for the training manual Disaster Spiritual Care: A Training Manual for Spiritual Care Providers.
Mickey Ebenkamp
President
Sherry Breeding
Treasurer
Keith Baldridge
Vice President
Rachel Nease
Secretary
Kenny Dean
Director
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