Founder

Chris Scaffidi brings over 35 years of experience in ministry, education, applied cognitive psychology, and organizational development.

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA and a Master of Arts in Historical Theology and Adolescent Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary—along with graduate studies at Boston College and St. John’s Catholic Seminary—Chris began his career as a Religious Studies Teacher and Campus Minister at St. John’s Preparatory School.

Building on this foundation, Chris broadened his focus to leadership and professional development. His consulting work spans sectors such as the U.S. Navy SEALs, human service agencies, and Catholic organizations like Catholic Education and Catholic Relief Services.

Throughout his career, Chris has dedicated himself to helping individuals and organizations shift thought processes that drive personal growth, professional success, and organizational performance.

Chris now lives in Cedar Rapids, IA, and is an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. His greatest joy is spending time with his wife, Dee Dee, his six kids, and five grandchildren. When he has a chance to catch his breath, he enjoys playing guitar, hiking, biking, and swimming. 

Director of Consulting and Organizational Transformation

Dr. Jake Finifrock is a global leadership coach, gifted public speaker, and skilled facilitator with a diverse background spanning education, adventure travel, and corporate development. He holds a Ph.D. in education from Bangor University in Wales, UK. His career began with SIL, a faith-based educational development institution, where he served as a lay missionary working in education across Africa and Asia. This experience deepened his expertise in leadership and communication within diverse cultural contexts. After a period of entrepreneurial business ownership in the travel space, he transitioned into executive coaching, guiding entrepreneurs and corporate leaders in achieving personal and professional growth. In his role as an executive leadership coach, Jake continues to empower leaders and organizations to navigate change, foster innovation, and drive success. Based in Tucson, Arizona, he loves to exercise outdoors, including cycling, hiking, and golf and enjoys spending time with his wife of 28 years and 3 teenaged children. 

Director of Development

Beth comes to Sagebrush and Vine with a life deeply rooted in family and faith. Having been married to her husband, Aaron, for 31 years she spent 25 of those years as a pastor’s wife while they raised 6 children (now ranging in age from 30-12). She also immensely enjoys the role of “Nana” to their 5 grandchildren. 

Her academic foundation includes a BA in Biblical Studies from Emmaus Bible College and an MA in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) from Columbia International University, equipping her with a unique blend of interpersonal understanding and educational expertise. Notably, she dedicated 12 years to homeschooling five of their six children, fostering a personalized yet independent learning environment. 

Beth has a passion for loving God and people, which she has expressed through years of ministry and service. Her experience includes speaking at women’s events, Sunday School classes (for both women and teens), two years as a middle school abstinence educator and three years directing a Youth for Christ middle school ministry, where she focused on understanding and guiding young people towards their potential. 

Currently, she leverages her extensive experience as the Director of Client Outreach and Development, where she applies her skills in understanding individual and organizational goals to build strong relationships and achieve success. Her core desire is to help others discover their unique strengths and purpose, fostering deeper connections with God and each other.

Director of Communications

Alexander has over twenty years experience concepting and creating digital content in nearly all capacities. With a Bachelor's degree in English/Creative Writing from SFSU and a Master's of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Alexander has worked in advertising, corporate, entertainment, music, Broadway and non-profits (Inner-Varsity, Boston Rescue Mission, Saatchi & Saatchi, SiriusXM, Nickelodeon, Paramount, American Express, Rockefeller Center and the United Nations New York Headquarters, to name a few). Over time, Alexander's focus has expanded beyond just disseminating meaningful information. Rather, he’s pursuant in how to best disseminate inspiration - for it's that which inspires intrinsic life change. Alexander and his family currently reside in Seal Beach, California.