Ruth Barrera was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Spring, Texas. When she was a junior in high school, she was given an opportunity to begin serving in Youth Ministry and quickly discovered a deep passion for walking alongside young people as they navigate faith, identity, and everyday life. Ruth earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Houston.

With a heart for service and a deep love for God, Ruth first served as a Youth Ministry Administrative Assistant at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Community for nearly five years before stepping into a role as a Foster Parent Recruiter with Arrow Child & Family Ministries. After almost two years in Foster Care, she felt a strong calling from God to return to parish ministry and now joyfully serves as the Coordinator of Youth Ministry at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Community.

Ruth is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Faith & Culture at the University of St. Thomas and is excited to receive the Sacrament of Marriage alongside her Fiancé, Marc, in January 2027. Drawing from personal experience, academic formation, and a lifelong love for the Eucharist, she has a special love for creating spaces where teens and families feel seen, known, welcomed, and invited to encounter Christ. Whether through retreats, talks, small groups, or everyday conversations, Ruth desires to remind teens that they are loved by God, created with purpose, and called to sainthood.