Program Director
Ximena Carrasco is the Program Director at Restore Ministries, leading youth programs focused on empowerment, restoration, and holistic support. A native of Ecuador and a longtime resident of Elizabeth, New Jersey, she joined Restore in 2011. She quickly advanced as her leadership, integrity, and ability to build meaningful connections with students and families became evident. In her role, Ximena manages program operations, staff development, and planning for new initiatives, ensuring that Restore’s work aligns with its core values: restoring dignity and hope, supporting the mind, body, and spirit of each young person, empowering families, and strengthening community ties through transparent, collaborative partnerships. She holds a Master of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a certification in Non-Profit Organizational Development with a focus on Public Management and Leadership. Ximena is an active member of Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church and the Women United in Christ Ministry. Outside of her work and ministry commitments, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her family.
Executive Director and Founder
Linwood Bagby is a native of West Deptford, New Jersey, and received his BA from The College of New Jersey and his master’s from Kean University. Both degrees were in Speech and Language Pathology. He resides in Union, New Jersey. Linwood is currently employed as a Speech and Language Specialist with the Elizabeth Board of Education. He is an active member of the community where he works. In 1994, he incorporated Restore Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit after school program for children and teenagers ages 9-18. He started Restore to have a haven for kids and teens. Linwood is an active member in the Presbytery of Elizabeth where he completed service on the Outreach and Social Concerns Unit and the Christian Education Unit. Linwood was elected in 2012 to serve as the Moderator for the Elizabeth Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Currently he fills his time at Restore and within community and church related organizations. Linwood is the president of Presbyterians Renewal in Spirit and Missions (PRISM), he’s an Elder at Second Presbyterian Church, 1161 East Jersey Street, where the Restore program is located, and teaches Sunday school. He is a member of the Church’s Session (the governing board). His hobbies are reading fantasy and mystery novels, playing guitar, cooking and riding his bike.
