Meet Our Team!
Chris is a founding member of Missions on the Mat, Inc. He accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior during his young adult life and believes he was given a new beginning through Jesus’ sacrifice. Chris uses his gift of teaching martial arts to the community as a ministry to share his passion for the Lord and martial arts. If he’s not teaching, he can be found in the woods or on a shooting range. Chris lives in North Port, Florida, with his wife and daughter where they attend Gulf Coast Church.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” and I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
(Isaiah 6:8, NIV)
Chris Ritchie
Born and raised in Bradenton, Florida, Michelle has lived in Florida all of her life. She enjoys being at the beautiful beaches, going to the many amusement parks, and cheering on her alma mater, the University of Florida. She has lived in North Port for the past 18 years and loves spending time in the community with her husband and daughter. After accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior, Michelle went on a medical mission to Guatemala. Her passion to help children and families started there. Michelle has worked with children ages birth to 15 in multiple programs provided by the YMCA as well as an early childhood educator and Childcare Director. Currently, she works as a Substitute Teacher for Sarasota County Schools. Michelle's goal through Missions on the Mat is to help empower others with the love and strength of Jesus Christ.
“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.”
(Ephesians 3:16 NLT)
Michelle Ritchie
Alex started martial arts as a struggling teenager. Through his martial arts community he has been able to overcome adversity. He later found purpose following Jesus as his Savior. He looks forward to helping others and giving back to what has helped him.
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”
(Isaiah 9 NLT)
Alex Devore
Angela developed a passion for learning and teaching self-defense throughout the past decade, both in her professional and personal life. She has attended varying church services since her youth, but never fully understood or developed a personal and intimate relationship with God through Jesus our savior until her adulthood. Angela, her husband, and 2 children live in North Port and regularly attend Lighthouse Baptist Church. She believes that the key to both self-defense and living a life through Christ is having the proper mindset.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
(2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
Angela Moreno
Kay was born and raised mostly here in SWFL, with the exception of living in a few other states across the country in her childhood. Saved by the Gospel in her adulthood, she lives with a profound sense of purpose, driven by faith and love. A devoted parent to her son, her deepest passion-truly the heartbeat of her life- is helping people, a calling that radiates through every interaction. Embracing self-defense training, Kay has found empowerment in both body and spirit, and hopes to inspire others to build confidence and resilience through the word of Christ Jesus.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
(Proverbs 31:6)
Kay Roylance
Yariseliz is a devoted wife, mother of four, and a committed follower of Christ. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and has lived in North Port for 14 years. As a stay-at-home mom, she balances the demands of family life with grace, purpose, and faith. She is passionate about creating a nurturing home environment and finds joy in the everyday moments that shape her family’s journey. Yariseliz believes in leading with love, living intentionally, and growing through her walk with God.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 8:38-39)