Wellspring Christian Institute
Equipping Hearts. Renewing Minds. Transforming Lives.
Wellspring Christian Institute is a Christ-centered educational institution dedicated to raising compassionate, competent, and spiritually grounded Christian counselors who are equipped to bring healing, hope, and restoration to individuals, families, churches, and communities.
Rooted in biblical truth and committed to academic excellence, Wellspring Christian Institute provides a comprehensive pathway of study for those called to ministry, counseling, coaching, and personal transformation. Our programs are designed to integrate sound theological foundations, practical counseling skills, emotional healing principles, and Spirit-led ministry approaches that prepare graduates to serve effectively in today's world.
Students may pursue one of four levels of academic achievement:
Meet the Board
At Wellspring Christian Institute, our Board provides strategic leadership, spiritual oversight, and governance to ensure the Institute remains faithful to its mission of equipping Christ-centered counselors who bring healing, hope, and restoration to the world.
Comprised of experienced leaders with diverse backgrounds in counseling, education, business, ministry, and leadership, the Board is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic excellence, biblical integrity, ethical practice, and organizational stewardship.
Together, they provide vision, wisdom, accountability, and encouragement, ensuring that Wellspring Christian Institute continues to develop graduates who serve with compassion, professional excellence, and the heart of Christ.
President, Board of Directors
Dr. Paul Johnson
Dr. Paul Johnson serves as President of the Board of Wellspring Christian Institute, bringing more than 40 years of distinguished leadership experience in law enforcement, education, and Christian ministry. Throughout his career, he has led complex investigative, supervisory, and leadership initiatives while faithfully serving both his community and the Kingdom of God with integrity, wisdom, and excellence.
Dr. Johnson holds advanced degrees in psychology, counseling, and Christian leadership and combines extensive experience in education, ethical leadership, and biblical counseling with decades of practical service. His background includes senior leadership within the Pennsylvania State Police, higher education, graduate instruction, and international missions, providing a unique perspective on servant leadership and whole-person transformation.
As President of the Board, Dr. Johnson provides strategic leadership and governance, helping to guide the Institute's vision while ensuring its commitment to biblical truth, academic excellence, and Christ-centred education. He is passionate about equipping Christian counselors and ministry leaders to bring hope, healing, and restoration through the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Vice-President, Board of Directors | Co-Founder
Dr. Cindy Johnson
Dr. Cindy Johnson serves as Vice-President of the Board and Founder of Wellspring Christian Institute, bringing more than 48 years of leadership experience in Christian counseling, education, and ministry. Her lifelong passion is to equip Christian counselors, coaches, and ministry leaders to serve with biblical wisdom, academic excellence, and Christ-centred compassion.
Dr. Johnson holds advanced degrees in education, psychology, and Christian leadership and has devoted her career to teaching, mentoring, curriculum development, and Christian counseling. She is also the author of Back to the Garden, reflecting her passion for integrating Scripture, neuroscience, and whole-person wellness.
As Vice-President, Dr. Johnson provides visionary leadership, ensuring the Institute remains firmly rooted in biblical integrity while preparing graduates to bring hope, healing, and restoration to individuals, families, churches, and communities.
Treasurer, Board of Directors | Co-Founder
Grant Mahoney
Grant Mahoney serves as Treasurer of the Board and Co-Founder of Wellspring Christian Institute, bringing over 27 years of executive leadership and governance experience from the corporate sector, together with 18 years of international ministry leadership. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed complex multi-million-dollar programmes, providing strategic oversight of people, budgets, resources, and stakeholder relationships while regularly reporting to executive leadership and boards.
Grant holds a Master's Degree in Christian Counseling, along with several business and management qualifications. His unique blend of corporate expertise, financial stewardship, ministry leadership, and pastoral insight enables him to provide balanced, strategic, and faith-centred leadership.
As Treasurer and Co-Founder, Grant is committed to ensuring financial integrity, transparency, and sound governance while helping shape the strategic vision of the Institute. He is passionate about equipping men and women for Christ-centred counselling and ministry and considers it a privilege to help steward the mission and long-term growth of Wellspring Christian Institute.
Secretary, Board of Directors
Phillip Williams
Phillip Williams serves as Secretary of the Board of Wellspring Christian Institute, bringing more than 35 years of leadership experience spanning military service, government, Christian ministry, and business management. Throughout his distinguished career, he has led large teams, managed multi-million-dollar resources, and provided strategic leadership across military, organizational, and ministry environments.
Phillip's extensive background includes significant contributions to U.S. Army cyber initiatives, alongside faithful service as an ordained pastor, elder, and ministry leader. His experience in governance, organizational leadership, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning is complemented by comprehensive military, business, and Christian training.
As Secretary, Phillip provides wise counsel, strong administrative oversight, and faithful governance in support of the Institute's mission. His servant-hearted leadership, commitment to excellence, and passion for developing others continue to strengthen Wellspring Christian Institute and its future impact.
Meet the Faculty
At Wellspring Christian Institute, our faculty is made up of experienced educators, counselors, ministry leaders, and practitioners who are passionate about equipping the next generation of Christian leaders. Each faculty member brings a unique blend of academic excellence, practical ministry experience, and a deep commitment to biblical truth.
More than simply teaching theory, our faculty is dedicated to mentoring and empowering students to integrate faith with professional practice, preparing them to bring hope, healing, and restoration to individuals, families, churches, and communities. Together, they cultivate a Christ-centred learning environment that encourages spiritual growth, academic achievement, and lifelong service to the Kingdom of God.
Faculty Member
Samantha Mahoney
Samantha Mahoney is a faculty member at Wellspring Christian Institute, where she is passionate about equipping believers to bring hope, healing, and restoration through Christ-centered counseling and biblical truth.
For more than 18 years, Samantha has ministered internationally alongside her husband, Grant, teaching at conferences, churches, and leadership gatherings across multiple nations. She holds a Master's Degree in Christian Counseling and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Christian Counseling. She is also a Certified Health Coach, Certified Healing Code Practitioner, and Certified VoiceBio Analyst.
With a passion for lifelong learning and a heart for discipleship, Samantha's teaching emphasizes wholeness of spirit, soul, and body, equipping students to minister with wisdom, compassion, and practical excellence. Her desire is to see the Body of Christ flourish, walking in spiritual maturity, emotional health, and the fullness of God's calling.
Faculty Member
Bonnie Thornburg
Bonnie is an experienced educator and Christian counselor with more than 20 years of teaching experience and over 25 years of ministry leadership. She is passionate about helping individuals experience spiritual growth, emotional healing, and lasting transformation through Christ-centered counseling.
She holds an Associate Degree in Counseling from the University of Phoenix and both Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Christian Counseling. Bonnie is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Christian Counseling at Wellspring Christian Institute.
Bonnie serves on the leadership team at On This Rock Church in Eureka, Kansas, and has extensive experience in youth ministry, biblical counseling, and recovery support. She is also the author and editor of God Talk, a biblically based 12-Step recovery workbook developed through years of leading group counseling and recovery programs.
Her compassionate heart, practical experience, and commitment to biblical truth make her a valued member of the Wellspring Christian Institute faculty.