About Be Still Ministry At Romero Castle Garden Sanctuary

 Elaisa Monica Palacios is a passionate community leader, visionary, and faith-driven entrepreneur. As the founder of Be Still Ministry at Romero Castle Garden Sanctuary, she blends her love for storytelling, nature, and faith to create magical experiences that inspire healing and connection. Elaisa Monica has always had a passion for empowering youth and giving back to her community. A devoted wife and mother, she brings over 15 years of experience in business, hospitality, and nonprofit leadership. Her mission is to build a sanctuary where families and individuals can be still, grow together, and experience the peace and purpose found in God’s presence — especially for those with limited access to such opportunities. 

Graciela Avila has dedicated her life to serving migrant families across the Rio Grande Valley. She is a longtime advocate with Region One ESC and a proud member of the Parent and Family Engagement State Council. With a strong background in early childhood education and parental involvement, she brings wisdom, structure, and community knowledge to the board. She’s also a dog lover, scrapbooker, and lifelong learner with degrees from SEU, UTPA, and HBU. 

Sandra Elise Rodriguez loves God, her family, and all things pink or sparkly. She is a Christian speaker and published author, with her second book releasing later this year. Sandra writes for several international ministries, including Proverbs 31 Ministries, and serves locally as the Special Needs Ministry Coordinator at her church. Affectionately known as “Queen Sandra,” she passionately champions the National Princess Week programs and the mission of Be Still Ministries. Her deepest desire is to reflect the love of Christ — and help others to shine for Him. 

A devoted Catholic homeschooling mother of six, Cassie brings warmth, creativity, and authenticity to everything she does. As a key member of the Catholic Homeschoolers of the Oratory, she is deeply rooted in the family life and faith communities we serve. She offers a mother’s lens that beautifully captures the heartbeat of our ministry. Her creative ideas and outreach style help shape meaningful, inclusive experiences for children and families alike. 

A woman of deep faith and a servant’s heart, Marivel has dedicated her life to education and spiritual service. With 31 years of teaching experience, she serves as guardian of the natural beauty and peace found at Romero Castle Garden Sanctuary — her family’s legacy. She brings a lifelong commitment to spreading God’s grace and love, and she remains a guiding light for the ministry’s faith-based mission. 

Elizabeth is a business owner, single mother, and a passionate advocate for the empowerment of women in the Rio Grande Valley. She shows up to every Be Still Ministry event with heart and purpose, always ready to serve and get things moving. Known for her boldness, joy, and dedication, Elizabeth brings energy and impact to everything she touches — from uplifting families to helping grow our outreach across the region.

Graciela Trujillo serves on the Board of Be Still Ministry, where she helps guide the spiritual and biblical foundation of the organization. A recent graduate of the University of North Texas, Graciela has worked with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for over a year, walking with students in Bible study, discipleship, and community outreach. She also started the young adult ministry at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where she is passionate about creating spaces for others to encounter Christ. Graciela desires to share the love of Jesus in her community and to serve in ways that build up faith, hope, and unity. 

Noelynn holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management from the University of Texas–Pan American and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration. She brings over a decade of experience in administrative leadership, with a reputation for adaptability, initiative, and thoughtful execution. Noelynn excels in managing complex responsibilities, supporting strategic efforts, and helping organizations grow with purpose and efficiency.

At her core, Noelynn is passionate about turning vision into meaningful action—ensuring that every effort is carried out with excellence and intention. Beyond her professional work, she is deeply rooted in her faith and committed to serving others. Her heart for ministry and community impact draws her to Be Still Ministry, where she is honored to serve on the board. Noelynn looks forward to contributing her gifts to help cultivate a space of peace, reflection, and spiritual growth for all who are served.

Fernando brings over eight years of experience running his own accounting business, with strong expertise in financial management, budgeting, and bookkeeping. Known for his organization, accuracy, and integrity, he plays a key role in establishing the financial foundation of Be Still Ministry. His willingness to volunteer his services during this foundational year is a tremendous blessing to the ministry’s growth and stewardship.

Marie Salazar Garcia known as The Vision coach - is a passionate visionary leader, committed to leaving a legacy of impact and significance. With a diverse career spanning in business development, leadership coaching, and community engagement, Marie brings unmatched energy and purpose to every platform she embraces.

With over 15 years of experience in the real estate development industry, Marie has ignited a deep passion for both economic development and human development, which she believes are essential to the growth of communities. Her mission is to inspire the next generation of leaders to embrace their greatness and lead with intention while building the RGV and beyond.

She currently served as the Business Development Representative for SAMES, Inc., an engineering and surveying firm and an Associate Realtor with URSA Real Estate, where she focuses on residential, commercial, land development, and economic development projects. Marie is also a Sales Director with Mary Kay and soon to be a Children’s Book Author with the book titled “Fix your Crown and Turn Around”. As lifelong learner, she became a Certified Coach, Speaker, and Trainer with the Maxwell Leadership in 2023, and recently graduated from The Latina Empire Global Speakers Academy.

At the heart of Marie’s leadership is her deep-rooted faith. Her unwavering desire to serve others and her community is fueled by her relationship with God. She draws daily inspiration from her adult children, grandchildren and husband, who motivates her every day to live with intentionality and think generationally—always keeping in mind her “100-year plan.”

Marie is deeply embedded in the Rio Grande Valley’s civic and philanthropic fabric. She actively serves on several boards and committees who are impacting our region, including The RGV Partnership, and is the Founding Socia of The Latina Empire RGV, Co-founder of SHE IS, and founding member of Esther-Up RGV. Through these platforms, she champions causes related to women’s leadership, education, entrepreneurship, and economic advancement. She also serves as an Advisory board member for HWNT, AOL and RGV-WCC.

Her passion and service have been recognized with numerous honors. Marie received the prestigious “Yellow Rose of Texas” award, one of the highest civilian honors in the state, awarded to women for exceptional leadership and dedication to the betterment of Texas, and the “Exemplary Service to the Community” honor including a Texas flag flown of the Capital, jointly presented by the Texas Senate and House of Representatives. In 2021, she was named Estrella de Tejas by the Hispanic Women Network of Texas (HWNT), where she also served as the RGV Chapter Chair for nearly four years, earning her the first-ever Chapter Chair of the Year for the state of Texas in 2022. One of her proudest initiatives was creating the Lady in Red Scholarship Gala, which provides scholarships and mentorship for future Latina leaders. In 2023, she was also named one of Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) Women of Distinction – “Texas Women Making a Difference”

Marie is also proud graduate of Edinburg Leadership Class XXXII, RGV Leadership Class IV, Leadership Texas 2023, and Leadership America 2024, and with her eyes set on global impact she’s looking forward to joining Leadership International in 2026.

Marie’s life is a testament to purpose-driven leadership. Whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or community spaces, she leads with vision, passion and an unshakable belief in the power of uplifting others.