Our Founders
The founders are Tim and Deb Traxinger. Since retiring, they have become increasingly aware of the need for pastors, missionaries and nonprofit leaders to have affordable respite care. Theological topics have become more political and polarizing. This stress as well as other contributing factors such as declining church attendance, rapidly changing social issues and mental health concerns for themselves and their people have increased the level burn out for many leaders
Tim and Deb bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Howard’s House. Tim attended the University of Colorado and received his bachelor’s degree in teaching. Due to circumstances beyond his control, he left teaching and entering the sales workforce. In 2007 Tim and a good friend launched Magenium Solutions and IT consulting company. During his time at Magenium, Tim wore many hats as an owner and managing partner of a technology company. As Magenium Solutions grew, the company’s success led them to becoming a Microsoft Gold Solutions Partner. Tim involvement outside of Magenium revolved around church and serving various nonprofits. Deborah received a degree in food science from the Culinary Institute of America and has a gift for food and hospitality. Deborah had her own wedding and specialty cake business and later managed a Christian bookstore. She also served as a mentor and lay leader at Outreach Community Ministries EOC program and in various leadership roles at church. Together, they worked with and mentored sex-trafficked women, aged-out foster children, and single moms. Howard’s House respite will provide pastors, missionaries and nonprofit leaders with a low-cost temporary place for respite care, support, training and connection.
Our Board of Directors
Tina Ferry is passionate about cheering on leaders and seeing God’s Kingdom grow through collaboration. With a heart for global ministry and a love for people, she brings years of experience in both the corporate world and frontline mission.
Tina and her husband, Chris, have been married for 24 years and have raised two adult daughters—both of whom grew up alongside them in ministry. Their journey took them from Colorado to Costa Rica and Ecuador, where they lived, served, and built deep relationships with local communities and church leaders.
After years of ministry abroad, Tina and her family transitioned to basing in the U.S. She now serves as Co-Executive Director of ALTECO, while still traveling regularly to South America as part of the Three Waves Movement leadership team—supporting and equipping indigenous leaders across the Amazon and Lowland Region. She knows firsthand the challenges of ministry life, and her experience walking alongside church leaders and global workers fuels her passion for the ministry of Howard’s House.
Ehrich Diede is a native of Northern Colorado. He has been married to his wife, Jimme for 12 years. They have 4 children between the two of them. They have 5 grandchildren. Ehrich was a welder by trade and has done that job for 49 years. The last 33 years he owned his own business, Diede Precision Welding, Inc., specializing in precision welding for the pharmaceutical and micro-electronics industries. He sold the business to one of their sons in 2024 and he is now enjoying retirement. Ehrich’s hobbies are golf and hunting. Ehrich is excited for Howard’s House, their mission and his opportunity to facilitate the accomplishment of that mission for God’s kingdom.
Jacque Smock is an Iowa girl who married a city boy. Her and her husband have been married for 33 years and reside in the suburbs of Chicago. They have 4 lovely daughters, 7 beautiful biological grandchildren, and have also been foster grandparents to 7 more sweet children. Jacque homeschooled their daughters for 22 years and is now currently teaching fourth grade at a local Christian school. She has been involved in various women’s and children’s ministries, either serving or leading for the past 30 years. She loves the Lord, spending time with her family and friends, beach days, and hiking. After years of praying for Howard’s House, Jacque is so excited to be a part of this ministry and to see how the Lord will use it to bless others.