Secretary
Rhonda Dennis
Rhonda Dennis is a visionary educator, former principal, entrepreneur, and community advocate with more than 30 years of leadership dedicated to transforming educational outcomes and expanding community opportunity. She is the founder of Dennis Educational Consultant Services (DECS, LLC), an organization established to empower individuals and strengthen communities through strategic guidance, educational consulting, workforce development, and sustainable, community-focused solutions. Driven by a vision to serve as a trusted leader and bridge-builder, Dennis founded DECS to foster impactful partnerships that inspire innovation, close opportunity gaps, and generate lasting positive change for future generations. Her comprehensive work blends deep institutional knowledge with entrepreneurial agility, addressing systemic challenges in early childhood education, organizational development, and regional community resilience. As the founder and Executive Director of R. Dennis Preschool and the lead petitioner for R. Dennis Preparatory Academy (RDPA) in Adelanto, California, Dennis translates the mission of DECS directly into systemic action. Grounded in her signature framework of "Wealth & Wellness through Buildership," she pioneered an integrated preschool-to-eighth-grade pipeline that combines rigorous academic standards with early financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and health advocacy. Leveraging three decades of frontline classroom and administrative experience, Rhonda Dennis continues to champion educational equity and economic empowerment, equipping scholars, families, and organizations with the tools to build their own sustainable futures.
Board Member
Treva McSween
My name is Treva McSween, and I am a woman of faith with a heart for serving others. I believe God calls us to love, encourage, and care for one another, especially those facing difficult circumstances. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and compassion, regardless of their situation. My desire is to be a blessing to others, not only through meeting physical needs but also by offering hope, encouragement, and reminding people that they are seen, valued, and loved. Through Loving Gestures, I hope to share God’s love through meaningful acts of kindness and service. I was born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, where my upbringing helped shape the woman I am today. My grandmother was one of the greatest influences in my life. She taught me the importance of treating people with kindness, showing compassion, helping those in need, and never making anyone feel less than. Through her example, I learned to look beyond people’s circumstances and see their hearts. Her lessons taught me to lead with love, humility, and faith. Today, I carry those values with me and strive to honor her influence by serving others and sharing God’s love through Loving Gestures. My life experiences have taught me the importance of service, leadership, discipline, and commitment to others. I am a 20-year Army veteran with a bachelor’s degree in Transportation and Logistics Management, and I currently serve in the federal government. My military and professional experiences have strengthened my ability to lead, work with diverse groups of people, solve problems, and serve with purpose. Beyond my formal education and career, my faith and life experiences have taught me that true service goes beyond a title or position. It is about having a heart to help others and making a meaningful difference. What inspired me to become involved with Loving Gesture Inc. was the genuine hearts of Sandra and Eddie Harris and their love for people. Their compassion, generosity, and desire to see others have the best in life deeply inspired me. Their example reflects the values I hold close to my heart: faith, kindness, and serving others without expecting anything in return. To me, the mission of Loving Gesture Inc. is about more than meeting needs; it is about restoring hope, showing compassion, and reminding people that they matter. It is an opportunity to be God’s hands and feet in the community. I currently serve as a Board Member of Loving Gesture Inc., where I support the organization’s mission and its commitment to helping individuals and families in need. My role is to contribute to the vision, encourage community involvement, and support initiatives that provide resources, hope, and encouragement to those experiencing difficult circumstances. I believe serving on the board is an opportunity to use my experience, leadership, and passion for helping others to make a positive difference. I am grateful to be part of an organization that puts love, compassion, and service into action. Through Loving Gesture Inc., I am passionate about serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness, hardship, and challenging life circumstances. My heart is especially drawn to those who may feel forgotten, overlooked, or without support. I am passionate about helping address basic needs such as food, clothing, and essential resources while also offering encouragement, compassion, and hope. I believe everyone deserves dignity, kindness, and the opportunity to feel valued. My desire is to serve with a genuine heart, reflect God’s love, and remind others that they are not alone and that someone cares. Having family members experience homelessness, limited resources, and a lack of support from friends and others gave me a personal understanding of how difficult and isolating those circumstances can be. It helped me recognize that people can face hardships that many never see or understand. Those experiences strengthened my compassion and reminded me of the importance of showing up for others, offering a helping hand, and treating everyone with dignity. My faith has continued to guide me toward serving others and being a source of hope, encouragement, and love when people need it most. I am most proud of serving my country for 20 years in the United States Army. That experience taught me the value of dedication, leadership, sacrifice, and serving something greater than myself. I am also proud of the opportunities I have had to help children and young adults, encourage them, and make a positive difference in their lives. Knowing that I can contribute to someone’s growth, offer guidance, or help them recognize their potential is deeply rewarding. These accomplishments reflect what I value most: serving others, making a difference, and leaving a positive impact on the lives of those around me. Outside of work, I enjoy the things that bring me joy, creativity, and new experiences. I love traveling, attending live theater performances and plays, and spending time baking, which is one of my favorite ways to express creativity and share with others. I also have a genuine passion for giving back and staying connected to my community. Helping others is not just something I enjoy; it is an important part of who I am. I believe life is about finding joy, making memories, building connections, and making a positive difference wherever you can. My hope for the future of Loving Gesture Inc. is that it continues to grow and serve the High Desert community, restoring hope and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. I want people from all walks of life to feel welcomed, loved, respected, and valued, regardless of their circumstances or background. The legacy I hope to leave is one rooted in faith, compassion, and genuine love for others. I want my work to remind people that they matter, they are not forgotten, and that God’s love has no boundaries. Most importantly, I want people to experience love through our actions.
Prayer Minister
Dr. Penny Tharpe
Dr. Penny Tharpe serves as Prayer Minister and board member of Loving Gestures. A licensed and ordained minister, she is passionate about prayer, teaching God’s Word, and helping others experience Christ’s love. She founded Magnolia Ministries, where she promotes spiritual growth through Bible teaching and community outreach. Dr. Tharpe holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and brings 35 years of educational experience, retiring as a coordinating principal. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she is committed to faith, family, and compassionate service. Through prayer and practical ministry, she encourages hope, strengthens faith, and helps Loving Gestures extend God’s love to individuals and families.
Board Member
Faith Harris
Faith Harris is a young woman of God whose life reflects faith, purpose, and the power of possibility. A cherished miracle baby, Faith was born after doctors told her family they would not be able to have her. Today, at 14 years old, she brings maturity, creativity, and a heart for service to her role as Marketing and Media Administrator for Loving Gesture Inc. A high school student who enjoys math and loves playing basketball, Faith is learning to use her talents to make a meaningful difference. Through her media work, she helps share the organization’s mission and the stories of its community outreach. She is also a familiar presence at outreach events, working alongside the team to serve others with kindness and compassion. Faith’s love for God guides how she lives and serves, making her an encouraging example to those around her. As she grows in her role, she reminds others that you are never too young to lead, give back, and use your gifts to bless your community.
