Ysabel Woody
Raised in the North Bay, Ysabel was first introduced to church through her grandmother and aunts, whose faithful witness planted early seeds of faith. At eight years old, after attending a midweek children’s gathering at a friend’s church, Ysabel came to understand that Jesus alone could forgive her sin. One evening at home, she cried out to Him for help and placed her trust in Christ.
Ysabel attended Amherst College, where she initially pursued pre-medical studies before taking some courses in Black Studies. She became captivated by how rigorous examination of history and culture could lead to meaningful interventions in the future and decided to change her major. As her relationship with Jesus deepened and she began to orient her life around His mission, God directed her passion toward partnering with communities to transform the lives of children, youth, and families.
Before joining Reality SF, Ysabel spent several years teaching children about Jesus–first as a San Francisco-focused field missionary with an international children’s evangelism ministry and later as a teacher at a children’s outreach ministry and school in the Bayview. Prior to her call to vocational ministry, she worked in operations, communications, and events for organizations focused on developing leaders in the social impact and technology sectors. Through a season of prayer, rest, and discernment–learning to rest in her identity as God’s beloved child–the Lord made it clear that He was calling her to focus on gospel-centered work with children.
After spending twelve years on the East Coast, Ysabel sensed God calling her back to the Bay Area in 2020 to be near family and participate in what he is doing in San Francisco. She was drawn to Reality SF’s commitment to whole-life discipleship, its deep love for the city, and its desire to see people come to know Jesus.
As Elementary K–2nd Director, Ysabel’s heart is to equip parents and volunteers to partner in the spiritual formation of children and to help young kids experience and respond to the love of Jesus. She spends much of her time supporting leaders, developing environments where children can encounter Christ, and investing in the next generation of disciples.
Outside of ministry, Ysabel enjoys singing, learning and discussing new ideas with others, and spending time outdoors in beautiful places.
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