Dr. Cindy Darlene Hyler Carr was born on July 5, 1963, to Harry and Barbara Hyler in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Raised alongside her brother Jeff, Cindy’s early years were filled with the warmth of small-town life, the excitement of family road trips, and the discipline of performing and competition. As a young majorette and competitive speed skater, she learned dedication, focus, and teamwork—values
that would later define her leadership and ministry. Cindy’s understanding of compassion and community was forged early in life. When her mother was diagnosed with mental illness, she witnessed the power of extended family, faith, and perseverance. Her grandmother often stepped in to help care for the children while her mother sought treatment. Those formative years instilled in Cindy a lifelong empathy for individuals and families facing emotional and mental health challenges.
At nineteen, Cindy’s mother passed away at the age of forty-four. That loss left her searching for understanding and ignited a deep spiritual hunger to make sense of life, suffering, and purpose. On December 24, 1984, that search led to a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ—an awakening that became the cornerstone of her calling to ministry. Cindy married Walter W. (“Dubby”) Carr III on June 19, 1982, and together they have built a life grounded in faith, family, and purpose. They are the proud parents of two daughters, DeEbra (born in 1991) and Jessica (born in 1992), whose love and encouragement continue to inspire Cindy’s work. Everything she has accomplished—in life, ministry, and leadership—has been made possible through the steadfast partnership, support, and shared vision of Dubby and their daughters.
As a pastor, counselor, advocate, and encourager, Cindy has devoted her life to helping people discover their worth and purpose. Her ministry, River of Life Ministries, founded in 1996, has become a compassionate community supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness, addiction, and major life transitions. Since 2022, River of Life has embraced a new expression of community—meeting virtually each week and gathering in person throughout the year. The ministry continues to thrive as a church without walls, empowering people to live out their faith where they are planted and to build circles of spiritual support within their own communities. This flexible, relational model reflects Dr. Carr’s belief that the Church is not defined by a building but by people carrying the love of Christ into everyday life. Her calling has never fit neatly into one box. Whether mentoring a couple in crisis, advocating for a patient, or helping someone clarify life direction, Cindy’s heart remains the same—to help people live whole and well.
As a Certified Brain Health Coach through the Amen Clinics, she integrates faith-based insight with evidence-based wellness principles, guiding others toward improved emotional and physical health. In addition to her ministry work, Cindy co-founded and led a technology company that served assisted living communities, schools, and businesses across Virginia for more than three decades. That experience strengthened her leadership and organizational skills while deepening her understanding of how compassion and excellence can work together to transform lives.
After retiring from business, Cindy now devotes her time fully to ministry, teaching, and counseling. She continues to mentor leaders, strengthen community programs, and advocate for those seeking hope, healing, and stability. A lifelong learner, Dr. Carr earned her Master of Arts in Church Leadership from Eastern Mennonite Seminary in 2008 and her Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University. Her doctoral research culminated in a comprehensive faith-based healing protocol designed to strengthen collaboration between pastors, clinicians, and caregivers—a model she continues to teach through ministry partnerships and community outreach.
Rooted in grace and perseverance, Dr. Cindy H. Carr’s life reflects a consistent theme: restoring people to wholeness through compassion, wisdom, and faith. Whether mentoring a leader, advocating for someone in crisis, or walking beside a person toward healing, her purpose remains clear—to help others rediscover their worth, renew their faith, and experience the transforming power of God’s love.
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