Alumni Spotlight: Kristi Goodman (THS, '83)

KRISTI GOODMAN, Tomball High School, 1983
Preschool & Children’s Minister, First Baptist Church Tomball, Founding Member of Tomball Education Foundation

Making a spiritual impact and believing in strong education drives Tomball ISD alumna Kristi Goodman to be the philanthropic community leader she is today. 

Goodman, formerly Kristi Lazenby, moved to Tomball with her parents Dr. Roy and Linda Lazenby in 1978.

“We moved here because my parents fell in love with the community.”

Her father became the first President of Tomball College, and was later named a Tomball Citizen of the Year. 

Through her upbringing, which was surrounded by education and giving back, Goodman made an intentional effort to explore opportunities while in school. 

She attended Tomball Junior High and Tomball High School, graduating in the Class of 1983. During her time at THS, Goodman took advantage of the endless opportunities Tomball ISD had to offer. 

“I enjoyed the many opportunities for involvement and acceleration in music, academics, clubs, and leadership,” she said. “I was active in Choir, Band, served as a Student Council Officer, Class Officer, and was part of Cougars for Christ. Outside of school, I was active in my church youth group and was a Jr. Volunteer at Tomball Regional Hospital.”

Her time in Tomball led her to pursue higher education at Baylor University, majoring in Elementary Education with a Music minor. From there, she married Anthony Goodman, another 1983 THS graduate, in 1987. 

For the first four years of her professional career, Goodman served as a Kindergarten teacher in Spring ISD. Following her time in education, Goodman wanted to have a spiritual impact on children and became the Children’s Minister at The Met Church, and later at FBC Humble.

Despite being away for some time, Goodman, her husband, and three children found their way back to Tomball in 2003 when she had the opportunity to join the staff at First Baptist Church Tomball as its Preschool and Children’s Minister, where she currently still serves. 

Now in her 20th year in that position, Goodman has found the place where she belongs.

“The spiritual impact I have on a daily basis with children and their families, nurturing a multi-generational connection between people and serving God by loving and leading others is what makes my job worthwhile,” Goodman said.

Continuing her community connection, Goodman wanted to give back to the school system in which educated her, her husband, and all three sons: Mitchel (THS ‘10), Kole (THS ‘12), and Westin (THS ‘14). By giving back, Goodman became a founding member of the Tomball Education Foundation and has served on this Board since its inception in 2017. 

“What made me interested in the Tomball Education Foundation was that I wanted to continue to be involved in the school system,” Goodman said. “I want to help provide much-needed innovative resources to teachers in their classrooms, and to share accurate information with the children and families in my church and community about the activities, accomplishments, and positive impact TISD has in our area.” 

Goodman’s philanthropic efforts do not end as a valued member of TEF as she currently volunteers on the Tomball Area Hospital Association and is the Cougars for Christ sponsor at Tomball Intermediate School. 

“The need to make Tomball a better place each and every day for those that live here now and for generations to come inspires me to continue giving back to our community,” she said.

As longtime residents of Tomball, the Goodman family not only has cherished memories of this small town, but has helped shape and grow Tomball into what it is today.

“Tomball is a special place because of its intentional focus on preserving its history while continuing to move forward with technology and innovation,” Goodman said. “Our community still has the ability to feel like a small hometown in the middle of one of the fastest growing areas in the state. I am very thankful for the many generational families that continue to raise their families here and contribute to this community..that is one of many reasons why I believe Tomball is so special!”