get to know us
Our team weaves together experience across community-building, teaching, and business, paired with creative spirit—a poet, a performer, a painter—guides who know how to shape spaces where belonging feels real again.
John Raymond Barker
ligare founding guide
John is a performer and writer who recently returned to Houston after several years in New York City, where he appeared on Law & Order: SVU and in the city’s nightlife and theatre scenes.
He holds an MFA from the University of Houston and believes that kindness and real connection matter more than ever.
Emma Matocha
ligare founding guide
Emma is a designer and illustrator who graduated from the University of Houston in 2024. She brings creativity to life through freelance design, painting classes, and collaborative projects.
Emma loves gathering with friends over games like Dungeons & Dragons and believes in the quiet magic of bringing people together.
Kiara Carter
ligare founding guide
Kiara has spent seven years teaching creative writing, arts, and wellness across Houston and Galveston. Originally from Waco, she made Houston her home after graduating from the University of Houston.
She loves building spaces where play and connection come naturally, especially around the table with family and friends.
Brenen Blair
founder
ligare gatherings is the brainchild of Brenen Blair, a former high school teacher turned Bain & Company consultant, with a decade of experience advising Fortune 100 companies on people, inclusion, and organizational design.
Brenen’s passion is connecting people 1:1, along with nerdy pursuits, especially board game nights with friends.
Alejandra Castro
data + operations
Alejandra started her career as a management consultant with Bain & Co., working on strategy across industries. She also has experience with FinTech startup, Taptap Send, bringing new financial solutions to immigrants. Alejandra is currently pursuing her MBA at Wharton.
She is a Houston native and is passionate about fostering community and helping people connect.
more team coming soon
Want to join us? Think you have something to add? Think you’d make a fantastic guide for a gathering? Let us know.