Michael has lived in the Houston/Cypress area his entire adult life. He and his wife raised 4 kids that all went to Cypress Creek High School, just like he did. Mike has two different business degrees and has been a CPA for a long time. Mike says that when Buck Lally called and said he needed help starting a new Kiwanis club in Cypress, he and his wife both immediately agreed to join and help. He was the chapter President at Baylor for Circle K (the college version of Kiwanis), so he knows what Kiwanis is all about.The Avant family has always felt the calling for volunteering. His wife and daughters have all been in the National Charity League, his wife was in the Junior League, and he volunteered as a baseball and soccer coach for years. All Avant children have done many mission trips through their churches. With all that being said, Kiwanis Club of Cypress Texas is another great way to help his community.1
Secretary
Amber Stephens
Originally from Michigan, Amber has called the Cypress area home for 19 years. She has been a dedicated part of the CFISD community since 2005. Amber has spent nearly two decades working with students—initially as an English teacher for speakers of other languages and and since 2012 as the College & Career Specialist at Cypress Creek High School.
In her professional role, Amber is an expert in event planning and public speaking, skills she brings directly to her work as Secretary for the Kiwanis Club. While this is her first adult service organization, she was inspired to join after the club’s founder, Buck Lally, shared his persuasive vision for the impact a local chapter could make. Amber is excited by the way Kiwanis allows her to support local children while serving alongside like-minded community members.
Amber is married to her husband, Jud, who is also a dedicated educator serving as a Special Education teacher and basketball coach. In their downtime, the two love exploring the country on long U.S. road trips. When she isn’t traveling or working with students, Amber is an avid reader and enjoys a variety of creative hobbies, from watercolor painting to embroidery and crochet.
Treasurer
Denise Farish
Trustees
Andy Schmidt
Mike Lancaster
Mike has been married to his wife, Kassie, for 30 years and they are extremely proud and amazed with their 3 sons and their accomplishments. They have lived in Cypress for 23 years, and have always felt it was important to give back to the underserved youth in their community. As Mike said, “These kids are our future leaders; it’s important to help develop them through service, education and leadership development through Kiwanis.” Mike and his family have also completed several mission trips with their kids as members of their church.
Terry Gladstone
Get in touch!
We meet the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM at Spring Creek Barbecue on 249 – 21746 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77070. Check the club calendar to confirm meeting details.
Club Details
Club Leadership
President
Mike Avant
Michael has lived in the Houston/Cypress area his entire adult life. He and his wife raised 4 kids that all went to Cypress Creek High School, just like he did. Mike has two different business degrees and has been a CPA for a long time. Mike says that when Buck Lally called and said he needed help starting a new Kiwanis club in Cypress, he and his wife both immediately agreed to join and help. He was the chapter President at Baylor for Circle K (the college version of Kiwanis), so he knows what Kiwanis is all about.The Avant family has always felt the calling for volunteering. His wife and daughters have all been in the National Charity League, his wife was in the Junior League, and he volunteered as a baseball and soccer coach for years. All Avant children have done many mission trips through their churches. With all that being said, Kiwanis Club of Cypress Texas is another great way to help his community.1
Secretary
Amber Stephens
Originally from Michigan, Amber has called the Cypress area home for 19 years. She has been a dedicated part of the CFISD community since 2005. Amber has spent nearly two decades working with students—initially as an English teacher for speakers of other languages and and since 2012 as the College & Career Specialist at Cypress Creek High School.
In her professional role, Amber is an expert in event planning and public speaking, skills she brings directly to her work as Secretary for the Kiwanis Club. While this is her first adult service organization, she was inspired to join after the club’s founder, Buck Lally, shared his persuasive vision for the impact a local chapter could make. Amber is excited by the way Kiwanis allows her to support local children while serving alongside like-minded community members.
Amber is married to her husband, Jud, who is also a dedicated educator serving as a Special Education teacher and basketball coach. In their downtime, the two love exploring the country on long U.S. road trips. When she isn’t traveling or working with students, Amber is an avid reader and enjoys a variety of creative hobbies, from watercolor painting to embroidery and crochet.
Treasurer
Denise Farish
Trustees
Andy Schmidt
Mike Lancaster
Mike has been married to his wife, Kassie, for 30 years and they are extremely proud and amazed with their 3 sons and their accomplishments. They have lived in Cypress for 23 years, and have always felt it was important to give back to the underserved youth in their community. As Mike said, “These kids are our future leaders; it’s important to help develop them through service, education and leadership development through Kiwanis.” Mike and his family have also completed several mission trips with their kids as members of their church.
Terry Gladstone
Get in touch!
We meet the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM at Spring Creek Barbecue on 249 – 21746 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77070. Check the club calendar to confirm meeting details.
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