Victory Cross Soul Care Team
Meet The Team
Christ-Centered Counseling and Coaching for Every Season of Life
Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries offers faith-based support for children, adults, and families—specializing in emotional healing, trauma recovery, addiction care, and autism coaching. In-person and telehealth services available. No one is turned away for financial need.
Who We Are
Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries is a nonprofit organization offering faith-based counseling, life coaching, and spiritual guidance for individuals, couples, and families seeking emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. Rooted in biblical truth and professional integrity, our experienced team is dedicated to walking with you through life’s struggles—whether you're facing anxiety, trauma, addiction, grief, autism, or relational challenges.
We serve children, adults, and families with personalized care, including specialized coaching for those impacted by autism. Services are available in person and through secure telehealth sessions, making it easier to receive support wherever you are.
Through our sponsorship program, we ensure that cost is never a barrier to getting the help you need. At Victory Cross, healing and transformation happen with Christ at the center—and you're never alone on the journey.
Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries Counselors
Maria Snyder-Cooper
President/Pastor/Counselor
Maria Cooper is the founder of Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries, dedicated to faith-based counseling and spiritual healing. Born and raised in Indiana, she has a passion for guiding others on their journey to wholeness. She holds a master’s degree from Liberty University and began her career in the 1990s as a life coach. Now a licensed counselor and certified trauma professional with over 20 years of experience in mental health, Maria specializes in Christian counseling and emotional restoration. She looks forward to walking alongside you in faith and life, helping you heal, grow, and thrive.
Tim Gilleand
Licensed Mental Health Therapist
Tim Gilleand is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist at Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries, dedicated to guiding individuals and couples toward healing and spiritual renewal. A lifelong resident of Indiana, he has been married for 22 years and is a proud father of four, including a child with special needs. With over 11 years of counseling experience, Tim specializes in trauma recovery, couples therapy, and spiritual struggles. He also brings more than 20 years of ministry experience in worship, camping, and Sunday school. Passionate about mentorship, he enjoys supervising the next generation of counselors while helping others discover lasting healing and joy.
Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries Life Coaches
Judy Simpson
Certified Mental Health Coach | Secretary
Judy Simpson is a Certified Mental Health Coach at Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries, devoted to helping women and children find healing and restoration after trauma. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Judy overcame a painful childhood and experienced life-changing transformation through Christ in 2015. She earned her Mental Health Life Coach certification from Light University in 2023 and, in 2025, became a Certified Trauma-Informed Coach through The Centre for Healing. She also holds a certificate in Child-Centered Play Therapy, equipping her to support children who have experienced trauma. With deep empathy and unwavering faith, Judy walks alongside others on their journey to emotional and spiritual wholeness—trusting in the power of Christ to heal every wound.
Joyce Small
Certified Addiction Life Coach
Joyce Small is a Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach (CAPRC MH II) at Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries, committed to helping individuals and families overcome addiction and mental health challenges. A lifelong resident of northern Indiana, Joyce has personally experienced the impact of addiction and co-dependency, deepening her compassion for those struggling. With 17 years of experience at Logansport State Hospital and psychology degrees from the University of Phoenix and Ashford University, she provides faith-based support and guidance. Joyce is passionate about walking alongside others, offering hope, healing, and the tools to rebuild their lives.
Angie Watson
Registered Autism Life Coach
Angie Watson is a faith-based Autism Life Coach at Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries, dedicated to supporting children, adults, and families navigating the challenges of autism. A lifelong resident of northeast Indiana, Angie brings over a decade of hands-on experience working in school systems and ABA centers as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). She holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Ivy Tech Community College. With a deep understanding of developmental needs, Angie equips families with practical tools and compassionate guidance to help individuals with autism build independence and thrive at home and in the community. Married for over 21 years and a proud mother, Angie’s heart for service is rooted in both personal and professional experience.
Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries
Staff
Maladean Payne
Treasurer
Maladean Payne brings a wealth of experience and faith-driven dedication to her role as Treasurer at Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., she now resides in Alaska, cherishing her family, including three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. A U.S. Army and Veteran’s Administration veteran, Maladean holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Liberty University. Having overcome personal trials, including loss and addiction, she is passionate about financial stewardship and ministry. Inspired by the vision of Victory Cross, she felt God’s call to serve as a virtual board member and looks forward to witnessing His transformative work.
Brittani Ridarski
Community Outreach Minister
Brittani Ridarski is the Community Outreach Minister at Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries, passionate about connecting individuals with spiritual guidance and support. With a background in social work and education, she leads community outreach initiatives, builds local partnerships, and addresses social needs with compassion. A mother of four and the oldest of seven, Brittani draws from her rich family background to nurture and serve others. She is dedicated to making a positive impact through acts of kindness and meaningful conversations, offering a welcoming space for all to experience the transformative love of Christ.
Victory Cross Soul Ministries Beginning
Our History
Victory Cross Soul Care Ministries was founded in June 2023 by Maria Cooper, a licensed therapist and certified trauma professional with a deep commitment to Christ. Witnessing the shortcomings of secular counseling—such as its lack of holistic, faith-integrated care—Maria felt called to create a Christian nonprofit that provides compassionate mental health services to those who are uninsured or unable to afford care. With this vision, Victory Cross began offering counseling in mid-2023 and launched worship gatherings to foster community and healing.
As the ministry grew, so did the need for guidance in nonprofit operations. With support from the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center, local pastors, and Christian mental health professionals, Victory Cross built a solid foundation, ensuring financial accountability and legal compliance. The ministry also expanded its impact through partnerships with community resources like Mustard Seed, and in July 2025, it will launch a food voucher program for those in need.
Through generous donations, Victory Cross has been able to sponsor individuals seeking healing from anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and relationship challenges. The ministry has grown to include additional licensed therapists, an addiction recovery coach and a registered autism coach, and telehealth services available in all 50 states. Women’s Bible studies are now offered weekly, and plans are underway to establish a local trauma center that will provide expanded services, including dietary counseling and chiropractic care for holistic healing.
While Victory Cross continues to grow, our core mission remains unchanged: to provide faith-centered, evidence-based therapy that nurtures emotional healing and spiritual growth. Grounded in biblical truth and the Apostles' Creed, we believe in the transformative power of faith and are dedicated to walking alongside individuals as they seek restoration, hope, and fulfillment.
We Are Here to Help
We would love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our ministries, would like prayer support, or are seeking guidance, our team is here to assist you.