Name: Chrissy Alvarez (they/them)
Present City: Allen
Education: Texas A&M University (B.S.), Texas A&M–Commerce (M.S.)
Profession: Mental Health Counselor
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Abigail, and I got married in March, and we live with our two cats, Nox and MacKenna. We live near Abigail’s family, so we have regular game nights and pickleball practice. I am the youngest of three, and I have family in Austin, San Antonio and Hilton Head, South Carolina.
How about your work?
As a counselor, I specialize in religious and complex trauma, dissociative disorders, LGBTQ issues and neurodivergence. I love being able to see someone’s experiences as a puzzle and help them put the pieces together, understand more about themselves and live more authentically.
Any favorite hobbies?
Playing and writing music, discovering new shows with my wife.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
During my journey of deconstruction, my coworker Ann Meripolski mentioned her affirming Baptist church. I borrowed the book recounting Wilshire’s process to becoming affirming and decided to visit. I had never felt so comfortable at church! I started coming more consistently in May 2023 after joining Shiloh Class and becoming part of Faith in 3D.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
Shiloh Class and Sanctuary Choir.
What has surprised you most about Wilshire?
When the sign out front says “belong” or “come as you are,” it’s actually true, and people aren’t judgmental towards my views on various topics.
Tell us about your faith journey.
I went to the Catholic Church growing up but wasn’t serious about faith until college. I found a nondenominational church where I accepted Christ and dove headfirst into ministry. Once I graduated, I joined the staff and loved ministering to college students, leading worship and being a voice for those struggling with mental illness. Unfortunately, this became a hurtful place for me, and I came to resent Christians around me. I still believed in God and went to church, but felt the hurt and resentment eating at me. I took some time off from church to figure out what I believed and hopefully start to heal from the trauma. Through that time, I reconciled my beliefs with God and found Wilshire. I think I’m finally beginning to enjoy how God created me and feel free in my relationship with God.
What’s something interesting most people would not know about you?
My wife says I could win gold in the parallel parking Olympics.
What adjectives describe you?
Good listener, artistic, curious.