Speaking Team
Keon Abner || Keon grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Exposed to the gospel at an early age, Keon surrendered his life to Jesus when he was 9 years old. From salvation, Keon knew God called him to serve the local church. He met his wife Ashley while he was in high school, and they became close friends. Their freshman year of college they served a local church’s youth ministry together (FHC) and the rest is history. They were married in 2016 and now are proud parents of their daughters Kailyn (4) and Ashtyn (1). Keon and Ashley bring over 10 years of ministry experience. Keon serves as the Lead Pastor of Bridge City Church, a new church in the Clark-Fulton Neighborhood that opened its doors in September of 2021. This church was born out of a passion to see people of all ethnicities, genders and ages experience the life-changing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Matt Barnett || Matt Barnett is the Special Needs Director with over 20 years experience working with infants, toddlers, children and adults with disabilities. Matt is a board certified occupational therapist. Prior to his calling as an occupational therapist he was a Commissioned Officer in the US Army and served during Desert Storm.
Isaac Bates || Isaac I. Bates was born at exactly twelve o’clock noon on Valentine’s Day, and he has been a gift from Heaven to those around him from that sweet beginning. Isaac is a young adult who was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum at age two. Isaac is the second oldest of four children in his family. He is a student at a NE Ohio School District, and participates in an innovative educational program that is a partnership between his school district and a local university. Isaac recently completed a successful summer work training experience at an organic greenhouse. He enjoys actively participating at his local church, cooking for his family, participating in Canton Challenger Baseball (Go Rockies!), enjoying all things “Pixar,” walking in 5K races with his Mom, completing puzzles, gardening, listening to audio books, and walking outdoors. Isaac has a beautiful speaking and singing voice, and previously served as the school weatherman on the morning video announcements. One goal that Isaac has for 2023 is to make some new friends. Words used to describe Isaac by those close to him include “joyful,” “optimistic” and “authentic.”
Jennifer C. Bates || Jennifer C. Bates is the mother of four remarkable children, including two children with significant developmental, academic and behavioral needs. Her young adult son Isaac was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum at two years of age. Over the past seventeen years, Jennifer, her husband Jim and Isaac have been on a journey together that can only be described at “epic.” Jennifer is a follower of Jesus Christ, and is deeply grateful for His grace, hope and comfort daily. Jennifer is a graduate of Cedarville University, and she enjoyed the opportunity to complete an internship in Venezuela. Jennifer is employed by a County Educational Service Center as a Family Support Specialist. She works in a local school district, in partnership with families of students in grades pre-K through high school. Jennifer plans to begin coursework on her MSW (Master of Social Work) degree in May of 2023. Jennifer is a native of NE Ohio, and her husband Jim is from Washington state. They met in a lovely park in Washington state, and recently celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary.
Andrew Beaty || Rev. Dr. Andrew Beaty is the lead faculty member for disability ministries, Professor of Applied Theology, and Associate Dean of Online Programs at Moody Bible Institute where he has championed the establishment of courses, certificates, and degrees focused on ministry to those impacted by disabilities. Prior to working at Moody, he served as a youth and Christian Education pastor in local church and parachurch ministries for over fifteen years, and as a school counselor/family support specialist at a therapeutic day treatment school that served jr. high and high school students with severe emotional, behavioral, and cognitive disabilities. Andrew and his wife Karen have been married for thirty-five years and have five biological children, seven grandchildren, and have adopted seven children who have a variety of significant disabilities. Their kids range from 33 down to 11, and they still have the youngest six boys living at home.
Matthew Belwood || Matthew Belwood, born in Evansville, IN, thoroughly enjoys life as a dad to two incredible boys. A graduate of Kentucky Christian University, he holds both BS and MA degrees specializing in Bible, Youth Ministry and Counseling and currently serves as the National Ministries Lead for YFC Deaf Teen Quest. Matthew's passion is to see teams of caring Christian adults come alongside Deaf and Hard of Hearing teenagers in authentic Christ-sharing relationships.
Shannon Blosser || Shannon Blosser is the pastor of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church (Huntington, WV) and an advocate for autism inclusion in the small church. He is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and has served churches in West Virginia and Kentucky. He writes on autism inclusion-related topics at shannonblosser.com and on his Facebook page, Autism Inclusion Mission. He is married to Abbi and they have two children, one of whom has special needs.
Thomas Boehm || Thomas L. Boehm, MDiv, PhD, is the Director of the Wheaton Center for Faith and Disability focused on making disability discourse biblical, normative, and transformative for all. His research and writing focus on building inclusive community within schools and congregations to improve family quality of life for both people with and without disability. Thomas also serves as the Ann Haskins Associate Professor of Special Education, the Coordinator of the Special Education Program at Wheaton College, and is the founder of the nonprofit Faith for ALL.
Jerry Borton || Jerry Borton was born with cerebral palsy and has been involved in disability ministry for over four decades, including work in the disability advocacy movement. Jerry holds a master's degree in organizational leadership and is an ordained minister. Today, Jerry spends his time mentoring people with disabilities through Luke 14 Exchange.
Joan Borton || Joan Borton has been a caregiver since her college days. Now, married to Jerry, who was born with cerebral palsy, she understands the family side of caregiving as well as the professional. Joan shares with humor and compassion. There is little she enjoys more than listening to the stories of and encouraging her fellow caregivers.
Kim Botto || For the past several decades Kim has led kids and student ministries at local churches, while also leading initiatives around adoption and foster care. She has trained ministry leaders, parents, educators and others who work with kids on trauma-informed and resilience-focused practices. Her passion is equipping teams to create fun, safe and welcoming environments for all kids, regardless of their background, behavior or unique needs, so they can know Jesus and grow in their faith. Kim and her husband Mark are the parents of 5 kids, and grandparents of 10.
Catherine Boyle || Catherine Boyle serves as Mental Health Ministry Director for Key Ministry. Prior to joining Key Ministry, Catherine helped start two different ministries serving individuals with mental health needs, in part based on her own experiences with anorexia, bulimia, depression and anxiety. Prior to her ministry work, Catherine was an executive in a large US bank. Catherine is married and has two adult children.
Linda Bunk || Linda Bunk is a Christian afflicted with Bipolar Disorder and Aspergers (Autism Level 1). Jesus has transformed her life. Linda wants others suffering with mental illness or Aspergers to experience His saving grace. She is His bondservant for His Kingdom Building. She is living for Christ. She was dead but now she is alive in Christ. Linda lives on mission in the Northern Virginia area.
Tim Bussey || Pastor Tim Bussey has served as the Pastor of Disability Ministry at First Christian Church of Canton since 2019. Pastor Tim’s responsibilities with the Disability Ministry include the weekly “Shine” class for children and “Kingdom Builders” class for adults, the monthly “Recess” respite night ministry, and a monthly recreational event for adults. Highlights of the year of ministry include the annual “Café Disco” event and the annual “Disability Ministry Celebration Service,” when individuals with disabilities lead the entire congregation in worship on Sunday morning. Pastor Tim is a graduate of Kentucky Christian University. He and his wife Jessica are the parents of four young adult children. Pastor Tim is an avid sports fan, and enjoys cheering for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns, as well as walking outdoors. He and his wife enjoy experiencing cruises together. One goal that Pastor Tim has is to enjoy a Michigan vs. Ohio State football game in person. A few words that those close to Pastor Tim use to describe him are “personable, energetic and fun-loving.”
Erik Carter || Erik Carter's passion is helping churches and communities become places of contribution and belonging for individuals with disabilities and their families. At Baylor University, he serves as the Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities and Executive Director of the Baylor Center on Developmental Disabilities. His research and writing addresses the spiritual lives and flourishing of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the practices and postures of inclusive churches, and faith-based partnerships with disability service systems.
Wayne Chasteen || Wayne Chasteen answered the call of ministry in 1985 and was a full time pastor for ten years. In 1996, he founded the evangelistic music ministry, Rhyme & Reason. Today, Wayne is a highly sought after Bible conference speaker and evangelist. He and his music team Rhyme & Reason traveled extensively around the world singing and sharing the message of Christ. In 2001, Rhyme & Reason became Artist Associates with the Christian humanitarian organization World Vision. Since that time, the ministry of Rhyme & Reason has affected more than 25,000 lives around the world through procurement of child sponsorships. In 2012, Wayne Chasteen and Rhyme & Reason once again answered the call of God to expand their ministry adding Christ First Church to their ministry effort. Together Rhyme & Reason, World Vision, and Christ First Church have the potential to effect change in the world through the work and help of the Holy Spirit.
Steve Chatman || Steve Chatman is a special needs dad and serves as Vice President of Rising Above Ministries, a non-profit ministry dedicated to providing families impacted by disability/special-needs around the world with support, encouragement, resources, and community. Prior to joining Rising Above, Steve served as the family pastor at his church for 20 years. He has a passion for encouraging and resourcing families touched by special needs, as well as helping churches discover how to better love and serve these families. He and his wife Lori have been married for 25 years and have five children and four grandchildren.
Michael Crawford || Michael Crawford serves as the Pastor and Director of the Special Needs Ministry at Grace Church, and is the sibling of someone with a disability. This experience has planted in Michael a passion to see churches walk alongside families impacted by disabilities to meet the unique challenges they face. Michael also has a desire to find creative, outreach-based ways to draw families from the broader community who could benefit from a Special Needs Ministry.
Heather Croas || Heather Croas is a Certified Peer Specialist and a Whole Health Action Management Coach who resides in Cartersville, GA. Diagnosed with a mental illness at an early age, Heather was able to find solace through the lens of a camera, and learned to use art as a way to communicate her thoughts and emotions. When she was just 8 years old, she discovered her love for photography and capturing moments that brought her comfort, and gave her the courage to fight and overcome challenges. As an adult, her personal triumph over mental illness motivated her to assist others on their journey to wellness. Using her own experiences, she assists others in learning coping and self-help strategies. Through her public speaking platform, Heather speaks her truth to audiences, and works to illuminate a side of mental illness that is often not portrayed in the media.
Lori Crosby || Lori Crosby, MFT, RPT-S is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor who specializes in treating children who have experienced trauma. She has served in children’s and youth ministry for over twenty years, and she recently co-authored Trauma-Informed Children’s Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids.
Robert Crosby || Robert Crosby, PhD | Professor of Psychology, California Baptist University is the Executive Director of Reach Hurting Kids Institute. A former youth pastor with over twenty-five years’ experience in children’s and youth ministry, he is the world’s leading scholar in the field of children’s ministry research. He recently co-authored Trauma-Informed Children’s Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids.
Tiffany Crow || Tiffany Crow (MA, BCBA, LBA) is Behavior Analyst who provides ABA therapy to families, individuals and staff in the clinical setting. Tiffany also provides behavioral consultations within school districts, religious organizations and nonprofits. Tiffany is Owner and Clinical Director of Intentional Actions: A Behavior Analytic Approach, LLC. Tiffany has worked in public education as a general education teacher, a special education teacher, a member of a multi-campus Autism team, as well as a consultant. Tiffany is an international speaker who is passionate about sharing logical and practical behavior analytic strategies to better equip others to include everyone.
Brian Dahlen || Brian Dahlen is host of “Mornings with Brian” on Moody Radio Cleveland. He’s also the Creator and Host of “The Grandfather Effect” Podcast. Brian became a Cleveland morning show host after working at Moody Radio Chicago as a radio host, producer, and cohost of a weekly podcast. Brian caught the radio bug while teaching history at a high school near Minneapolis, where he was cohost and producer of a weekly radio program. After teaching for six years and graduating with a master’s degree in education, Brian lives with his wife and five children in rural Northeast Ohio.
Becky Davidson || Becky Davidson is the Co-founder and President of Rising Above Ministries, a multi-dimensional outreach to families impacted by disabilities. Rising Above serves and encourages each member of the special-needs family by providing small group studies, virtual retreat experiences, community groups, and encouraging video messages all available through an interactive app. Becky is passionate about supporting and encouraging special-needs families. She co-authored Common Man, Extraordinary Call: Thriving as the Dad of a Child with Special Needs, with her late husband, Jeff Davidson. Their story is also featured in Tim Tebow’s new book, Mission Possible.
Becca Diley Triplett || Becca Diley Triplett is the founder of Hope Signs, a non-profit equipping national Deaf leaders in Haiti, Guatemala, Honduras, and other developing countries since 2015. In 2019, she partnered with Converge International Ministries to come alongside churches to catalyze global partnerships that will spur gospel movements among Deaf people groups in the U.S. and worldwide. As a native ASL user, sign language professional, and Deaf educator, Becca identifies with and understands Deaf culture. Becca is a Jacksonville native and earned her graduate degree in Deaf Education from the University of North Florida. She is passionate about engaging Deaf Christian leaders to equip, empower, and send others strategically to reach the largest unreached and unengaged people groups. She loves making memories with her husband, two children, two kitties, and giant Bernese Mountain Dog!
Jennifer Donald || Jennifer Donald is a Special Education Case Manager for her local school district in Sweeny, Texas. She has a Masters in Special Education with a focus in Autism and ABA from Texas Tech and is currently working toward board certification as a BCBA. She consults with her church's Youth Pastor and Children's Minister on addressing behavioral and special needs. Jennifer has a passion for connecting special needs families to their local church and to the amazing love of Jesus.
Timofey Dovgalyuk || Timofey was born in Riga, Latvia and grew up in the Soviet Union. The Dovgalyuk family moved to the Washington, DC area in 1991. Following his graduation from the University of Virginia with a degree in Architecture, Timofey and his wife Andrea founded a company in the Northern Virginia area. Over the past two decades, Timofey has been leading a non-profit focusing on the acceptance of the special needs community in churches in Ukraine. Timofey is a husband, a father of four, a non-profit leader and an entrepreneur. He resides in Washington, DC.
Rebekah Dyer || Dr. Rebekah Dyer is a Full Professor in the college of education at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. The courses that she teaches focus on special education, both undergraduate and graduate. She is the current president of the AZ Neuro-Diversity Inclusivity Parent Teacher Student Association (NDI-PTSA). Dr. Dyer is passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities, specifically regarding inclusion in all settings.
Todd Evans, MA, PhD and Kristin Evans, MA, MS, LMSW || Todd Evans, MA, PhD and Kristin Evans, MA, MS, LMSW have been married twenty-one years and have two children with rare genetic disorders and complex needs, including medical, physical, mental health, and intellectual disabilities. As authors and speakers, they are passionate about empowering other parents of children with disabilities, church leaders, and counselors that serve caregivers. They both earned their Masters in Christian Spiritual Formation from Wheaton College, and have served together in church, youth, and retreat ministries. Kristin is a Licensed Masters Social Worker experienced in Christian, couples, child & family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling. Learn more about their ministry at www.DisabilityParenting.com.
Ryan Faulk || Ryan Faulk is passionate about seeing the church built up and equipped to serve people with disabilities. His key area of focus is on helping churches build healthy ministry structures and plans. He has served with the ministry of Joni and Friends for 5 years, and lives with his wife and son in Southern California.
John Felageller || John Felageller is the Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago. Previous to that, he spent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher and School Director. John lives in Highwood, IL and is a single father to his son Christopher, who has autism spectrum disorder. John is a public speaker, multiple podcast guest, regular contributor to Key Ministry’s Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty. Connect with John on his website: www.johnfelageller.com
Dr. Joe & Cindi Ferrini || Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini have been married 43 years, spoke nationally with Familylife Weekend to Remember Get-A-Ways for 20 years, have 3 grown children, are grandparents, and have co-authored Unexpected Journey: When Special Needs Change Our Course and Love All-ways: Embracing Marriage Together on the Special Neesd Journey. Unexpected Journey weaves their story of caring for their special needs son, and later caring for their parents in their declining years. Love All-ways shares specifics of the special needs parenting journey in the context of marriage. The reader will find their story woven between the lines of the Ferrini's, and others they've interviewed. For books, blogs, and more connect with them here: www.cindiferrini.com.
Larry Gadbaugh || Larry Gadbaugh is the Executive Director of Guidelight, which pursues Christ-centered transformation in the lives of those impacted by disability. He formerly served as CEO of First Image in Portland, Oregon from 2001-2022. Prior to that, Larry was a Pastor of Grace Community Church for 15 years. His M.A. is from Western Seminary (Portland, OR). He and his wife Diane have been married 45 years. They have 5 adult children and three grandchildren.
Brandon Gaskin || Brandon Gaskin is Deaf. Brandon is the founder and executive director of Deaf Millennial Project, an organization inspiring generations of Deaf believers to radically follow, apply, and practice the life of Christ. Deaf Millennial Project develops digital biblical content, events, and resources in American Sign Language that expose the message of the Gospel to Deaf people and impact the local church. It is Brandon's desire to see a Gospel movement happen within the Deaf community; he has joined the Converge Deaf Catalyst Team to train up new Deaf leaders and equip the global church to make Deaf disciple makers. You can often find Brandon exploring new coffee shops or walking his dog at the park.
Beth Golik || Beth Golik is the Operations Director for Key Ministry, an organization that provides knowledge, innovation, and experience to the worldwide church as it ministers to and with families of kids with disabilities. She hosts Key Ministry’s monthly Idea Share and the Disability Ministry Video Roundtable for church leaders across the country and is a co-host for Key Ministry: The Podcast. Beth also serves as the Director of Disability Engagement at Bay Presbyterian Church in suburban Cleveland.
Peter Gordon || Peter is currently working as a campus pastor at Grand Valley State University at Allendale, Michigan. Jabez Ministries is a campus ministry with a specific focus to students with Disabilities. This ministry is needed, as it is unique and encourages a world and life view that prompts Christians with Disabilties to give their gifts to the body of Christ as ministers and leaders in the church. Peter lives with his wife, Alberta, in Alger Heights, MI and they attend LaGrave Ave CRC, both in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Stephen Grcevich, MD || Dr. Stephen Grcevich (MD, Northeast Ohio Medical University) serves as the founder and President of Key Ministry, a non-profit organization established to help churches welcome and include families of children with disabilities, with a special emphasis on inclusion of children with “hidden disabilities.” He is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who serves the primary vision caster and spokesperson for Key Ministry, and plays an important role in the organization’s efforts to develop collaborations with church leaders, professionals, and like-minded organizations. His first book, Mental Health and the Church, was published by Zondervan in 2018. In his professional life, Dr. Grcevich is an experienced clinician, teacher, and researcher, currently serving as Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Northeast Ohio Medical University. He has been invited to present at over 35 national and international medical conferences, was an invitee to the 2019 White House Mental Health Summit and is a past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Sevrin Hamilton || Sevrin Hamilton serves as the Program Manager at Guidelight, overseeing Family Retreats and Disability Trainings. Sevrin and his wife Megan have three children. Their youngest son has Down syndrome. Sevrin is passionate about keeping Christ and the Gospel preeminent in our lives. We are not defined by our differing abilities, but by the One who made us and redeemed us.
Pam Harmon || Pam Harmon serves in Young Life as the Director for Strategic Partners and Learning. Pam has worked for Young Life since the fall of 2000. Her first role in the organization was to start and establish both YoungLives and Capernaum in the Washington, DC region. Realizing her calling was to Young Life Capernaum, Pam has served as: Area Director, Eastern Division Coordinator, Co-Director, Executive Director, and Vice President. Pam brings with her a vast array of experience, serving youth with disabilities across the country, and has developed resources to help churches take next steps in becoming more inclusive and welcoming. She is actively involved in the Capernaum ministry in Nashville, served on the Advisory Committee for the special needs ministry at Brentwood Baptist church, and Chairs the Council at St. Mary's of Bethany. Pam's credentials include: Masters of Christian Leadership Degree from Fuller Seminary, Pasadena, CA and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Westmont College. Pam is married to Mark, and they live in Nashville, TN. They enjoy spending time with their 2 sons, 2 amazing daughters-in-law, and 2 energetic grandsons.
Stephanie & Dan Holmes || Stephanie and Dan Holmes are a coaches and ministers whose heart is to serve family systems with members on the autism spectrum. Their eldest daughter was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (Level 1 Autism) in 2005 and Dan was later diagnosed on the spectrum in 2019. Having had communication and marriage struggles, they now work together as a counselor/coach to serve marriages and families like them, and train pastors and ministries on serving families who are neurodiverse. Stephanie has a doctorate in education and Master's in counseling and Dan has a Master's in Computer Science. Both are ordained ministers and have a podcast ministry called NeuroDiverse Christian Couples, found at https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/neurodiverse-christian-couple
Stephanie Holmes || Stephanie C. Holmes graduated from Campbell University summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1994. She then completed her Master’s in Counseling summa cum laude through Liberty University and was a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of NC in good standing from 2001 through 2009. Upon moving to Georgia, with a desire to reach more people through tele- counseling, Stephanie obtained other certifications to pursue her calling of working with marriage and families with special needs nationally and internationally. Her highest held degree is an Ed.D from Abilene Christian University, where she graduated with distinction upon completing her dissertation, “Creating an Inclusive Climate for Students on the Autism Spectrum.”
Charla Holst || Charla Holst, OTR/L, is an Occupational Therapy Consultant to ministries, churches and schools with 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, 17 in the public schools. She is the founder of TheraPower LLC and Overcomer Ministries, where she provides training in sensory regulation, behavior, accessibility, accommodations and empowering people of all abilities to unleash their full potential. Charla has authored 3 books: Empowering Occupational Therapy, All That I Want To Be and Control Is My Goal. Charla has worked in ministry for over 3 decades with her husband, Dave.
Doc Hunsley || Stephen “Doc” Hunsley, M.D. is the Executive Director and founder of SOAR Special Needs in Lenexa, Kansas. SOAR (Special Opportunities, Abilities, and Relationships) serves over 1000 individuals with disabilities through regular respite events and Special Needs Day Camps. Doc is currently assisting over 500 churches locally, nationally, and globally in starting a Disability Ministry. Doc also organizes the Wonderfully Made Disability Conference held annually every October in Kansas City. Doc is a retired pediatrician; his wife Kay continues practicing pediatrics. They are proud parents to three beautiful children: Luke, Mark, and Sarah. The Hunsley’s middle child, Mark, is presently running the halls of heaven. During Mark’s five-year earthly stay, he gave his family the opportunity to learn from and love a child with autism. You can follow SOAR on Facebook or connect with Doc on Twitter: @DocHunsley SOARSpecialNeeds.org.
Josh Jacobs || Josh has been the NextGen Pastor at Smithfield Baptist Church (Smithfield, VA) for over 3 years and heads up "Belonging," the church's disability ministry. Before that, he pastored a church in Indianapolis. He has been married to his wife Trisha for over 24 years, and they have two amazing teenage daughters. Josh is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in Youth, Family, and Culture, with his research focused primarily on autism and youth.
Lisa Jamieson || Lisa Jamieson is a caregiver advocate and author of popular books and Bible studies, including Finding Glory in the Thorns and Jesus, Let’s Talk. Along with her husband Larry, Lisa co-founded Walk Right In Ministries in 2008, a non-profit interdenominational organization building faith and community with special needs families. Lisa serves caregiving families as an ordained pastoral counselor and certified Christian temperament therapist, with memberships in the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling and International Ministerial Fellowship. Lisa and Larry have three grown daughters. Their youngest, Carly, who has Angelman Syndrome, lives at home with them in Minnesota.
Jamie Jiang || Jamie has almost 15 years of experience in youth ministry through Youth for Christ and has been serving Deaf young people for 10 of those years with Deaf Teen Quest. She currently serves as the Ministry Leader for DTQ in Central Ohio while also working closely with the DTQ National Ministry Team to resource DTQ sites across the USA. Jamie is deeply burdened to equip and empower those who share her calling to build discipleship relationships with Deaf young people.
Dave Jones || David is a board member and instructor at Benevolence United. With a love for God and a passion for serving his community, David has worked as a Firefighter and EMT for over 16 years, and volunteered in church communities as a youth leader and children's ministry leader for over 10 years. David has personal experience with the hard work and great rewards of families with special needs. David holds an AS in Business Management, an AS in Fire Science, and a BS in Fire Administration. David is also a certified trainer in Risk Management, Incident Management, Leadership, Hazardous Materials, and Therapeutic Options.
Samantha Jones || Samantha Jones believes that every person is made in the image of God, valuable, and needed. Passionate about connecting others to a relationship with Christ and discipleship, she is the founder and CEO of Benevolence United. Samantha is also a proud parent of children with special needs and has worked in ministry for over 2 decades.
Oreada Kita || Oreada finished her studies on Finance & Accounting in 1999 at the Tirana University. Afterwards she continued her studies at the two year program of the Center for Christian Leadership, where she also worked for five years in administration, teaching and mentoring. She worked for 8 years in the Banking sector in various roles, as Process and Project Manager at the department, division and corporare levels. Since 2013, Oreada and her husband have lead ICF Tirana Church as founders and senior pastors. She founded and has led the Jonathan Center since 2008 and also various projects equipping new leaders for success.
Kristin Kondratowski || Kristin is an eternal optimist. She has spent over 20 years engaging in teaching, training, serving, and loving people inclusively. Her experience directing a special needs ministry sparked her passion to equip our communities to include families affected by disability and mental illness. She has had the honor of training summer camp programs, preschools, retreat centers, and churches. She has been a consultant for many local leaders and recently served on a panel for the Disability and Youth Ministry Conference at Princeton Theological Seminary. She and her husband are church planters with an innovative vision to feed hungry people through a meal, message, and a mission. Her teaching style is hands on, interactive, and full of sensory fun. Come ready to participate!
Walter Kondratowski || Walter Kondratowski is married to Kristin, and together they are raising four lovely daughters. They live deeply embedded in the Amish territory of Lancaster County. Leading up to and during the pandemic, Walter served at 190-year-old First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg as a youth leader and at four-year-old 938 Church as a worship leader, where he caught the vision for church planting. Through a partnership with 1001 New Worshiping Communities, Walter and his team planted Our Table, a church based on a meal, a message, and a mission. As a bi-vocational minister, he serves local churches specializing in worship and production ministries.
Debbie Kowal || Debbie Kowal has been volunteering in 139 Kids Ministry at The Refinery Church for several years. She has a heart for the Lord and for making sure that everyone in the church has a way to get to know Him, too. She is retired and lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband Scott.
Marie Kuck || Marie Kuck is Co-Founder of Nathaniel’s Hope, a ministry that celebrates and serves kids and adults with disabilities (our VIPs) and equips the community and churches with programs and tools to minister to VIP families. Marie and her husband, Tim, established Nathaniel's Hope after their son, Nathaniel, born with multiple disabilities, had a change of address and relocated to heaven at the age of 4 ½. “HOPE LIVES” is Nathaniel’s Story and written to help people/churches understand how to walk alongside a family impacted by disability. As a Mom to a VIP in heaven and former youth pastor, Marie is a passionate advocate for this community, working with churches around the country to build a Buddy Break respite network. The new dream in the works is to build HOPETOWN, an inspiring and inclusive “Live, Work, Play” community in Orlando that will serve kids and adults with disabilities and their families. Marie’s other passion is to embrace her new role as a Mimi.
Katie Matthews || Katie is a mom of two, a pastor’s wife, the director of a special need's ministry called Bethany Blessings, and The Banquet Network’s Executive Director. She is passionate about bringing the gospel to families of individuals with disabilities and seeks to train other church members on how to minister to these families. Her desire is for the Church to love individuals who have disabilities on this side of eternity so that they too would one day meet Jesus face to face.
Lisa Mattheiss || Lisa Mattheiss has served for over 25 years as a ministry leader, advisor, and advocate, realizing that the most profound way to support families affected by disability is to build into the fabric of the community where families live their lives. Parent of an adult daughter with spina bifida, Lisa is also Founder/Executive Director of LifeLine, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit parachurch organization based in Chattanooga, TN that provides support, education, and resources to families and churches impacted by disability. She has been instrumental in the launch, development and growth of multiple church special needs ministries, training and equipping churches to increase access and inclusion for individuals with disabilities and their families in congregational worship, educational programming and fellowship activities. Lisa also currently serves on staff at Christ First Church (Lafayette, GA) as Special Needs Ministry Coordinator, integrating ministry to and by those with disabilities throughout all existing and new programs of the church.
Amy Meekins || Amy Meekins is an author, speaker, YouTuber, and the inspiration behind Champions4Parents.com. Being born with CHARGE Syndrome, no one knew how Amy would develop and what she would be able to achieve in her life. Her prognosis was “blind, deaf, mentally challenged, probably will not be able to walk, talk or eat by mouth.” She is grateful to God for all that He has allowed her to accomplish in her 27 years. To learn more about Amy go to Champions4Parents.com or heartrecharge.com.
Tom & Julie Meekins || Tom and Julie Meekins have been married for 43 years and are the parents of four adult children, the youngest of whom was diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome. They are the directors of Champions4Parents.com, which is a ministry dedicated to bringing hope, encouragement, and empowerment to parents--all parents--and especially those raising a child who has challenges. One aspect of the ministry is to help church staff and volunteers have tools to serve families affected by disability. They invite you to visit their website at Champions4Parents.com and email them at champions4parents@gmail.com.
Katherine Meiners || Katherine serves as the University Relations Manager for Joni and Friends' Global Missions and Internships Department based at the Christian Institute on Disability in Agoura Hills, CA. She attained her Master’s in Christian Ministry with a concentration in Biblical Studies from Grace University in Omaha, NE. The best part of her job is serving families living with disabilities and igniting the hearts of the next generation of disability ministry leaders and young professionals for the Kingdom of God.
Jeff Moore || Jeff has served as the Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Aurora, IL since January of 2007. Jeff’s passion is to dig into the Bible and explain it, verse by verse, because God’s Word is truth for faith and life, reminding us who we are as God's redeemed family. Over the last few years, joined by Rev. Dr. Karen Roberts, Jeff has equipped his congregation to welcome differently abled friends into their congregational life. One of the resources they have developed is a sermon series and study guide on belonging called, "The Family Table, the Place We All Belong." When Jeff's not leading and preaching, he enjoys the outdoors with his bride of 26 years, Stephanie, cheering on their four children in their pursuits, rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Cubs, reading biographies, and fly-fishing.
Jason Morrison || Jason is the Director of Marketing and Communications for Ability Ministry. He is also the co-founder of RISE Fitness, an inclusive fitness program in Louisville, KY. Jason also serves in the Shine Disability Ministry at Southeast Christian Church, where he has been teaching the teen disability class since 2020.
Brad Mowry || Brad Mowry is the Capernaum Coordinator for Young Life’s Eastern Division (see map). Brad has been on Young Life* staff since 1999. After teaching elementary school for 6 years, Brad has served Young Life as an Area Director in York, PA; Frederick, MD; and Grove City, PA. Brad began his current post, working for Young Life’s ministry to kids with disabilities, in August of 2014. Brad and his wife, Melissa, live in Grove City, PA and have 7 children. Their oldest child, Hannah, has cerebral palsy. Having a child with a disability has given the Mowrys a unique perspective on disability ministry and the indispensable need for all abilities to be represented in God’s Kingdom.
Brett Muscarella || Brett is married to his high school sweetheart and has two children. Brett's entire life was impacted in 2012 at the University of Rochester during a graduate class where an article was read about Dr. Erik Carter's research on disability and the church. At this moment, Brett felt a string in his soul to continue exploring the inclusive practices of the church. Brett has worked as a special education teacher and is the Director of Special Education for the Jamestown City School District in Jamestown, NY. Brett strongly desires to see every person worship, learn, and belong to the church community.
Jillian Palmiotto || Jillian Palmiotto is the Founder of the Together Conference and the Executive Director of Together We Care, a nonprofit organization located in Atlanta, GA, that focuses on meeting the everyday needs of families impacted by disability and equipping organizations for disability inclusion. In 2016, Jillian launched the Together Conference after receiving requests to help other ministry leaders learn the how-tos for developing an inclusive ministry. What began as a small gathering of volunteers, church staff, and pastors has now developed into a nationally known conference. Together We Care is a parachurch ministry that strives to support church teams and support the families within those churches to create a roadmap of resources. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Education and a MA in Inclusive Education. She is also a licensed minister and served as the disability pastor at Mount Paran Church for seven years. Jillian is married to her husband, Anthony, and they have two children, Samantha and Nicholas, and two furbabies, Noelle and Beau.
Sandra Peoples || Sandra Peoples is a special-needs mom and sibling. She and her family live outside of Houston, TX. Sandra is currently a PhD student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the area of family ministry with an emphasis on inclusion for special needs families. She is the Special Needs Ministry Consultant for the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention and teaches a disability ministry cohort through Gospel Centered Family. She’s the author of Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family. You can connect with her at sandrapeoples.com.
Jolene Philo || Jolene Philo grew up in a caregiving family and raised a son with medical special needs. As a teacher, she created an inclusive classroom for children with disabilities for 25 years. Her books for the special needs and disability community include Does My Child Have PTSD? and Sharing Love Abundantly with Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages® for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities. She hosts the award-winning blog, www.DifferentDream.com. See Jane Run! and See Jane Sing!, the first two mysteries in her series featuring characters with disabilities, were published in 2022.
Peggy Ployhar || Peggy Ployhar, SPED Homeschool Founder & CEO, is a physicist turned home educator who left a lucrative career in the medical device industry to teach the struggling learners in her own home. Peggy founded SPED Homeschool in 2017 after working in the special education homeschooling industry for over a decade. Now, Peggy and her team empower families across the globe to homeschool students with diverse learning needs. She is certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors and trained as a Precept Bible Study leader. Peggy is also a professional aerial silks performer and instructor. In her free time, Peggy enjoys vegan/gluten-free cooking, paddle boarding, hiking and reading. She and her husband Doug live in League City, TX, and after 19 years of homeschooling have now graduated all three of their children from their home school.
Tanya Polstra || Tanya Polstra is the Executive Director of Silent Blessings Deaf Ministries. Before becoming Executive Director in June 2020, Tanya was a Sign Language Scripture Engagement Project Manager at the Deaf Bible Society. She also worked with Deaf children with disabilities for over eight years during her early career. She holds an MA in Disabilities Studies with an emphasis on policy and advocacy in ministry from California Baptist University in Riverside, California. She worked in International Service Projects, serving and sharing Gospel with Deaf people overseas in South America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Tanya received recognition and awards for excellent leadership and team building for her leadership skills. She has given workshops on the theology of Deaf experience, made in God's image, and ethics from both the Deaf and interpreter perspectives at community colleges, churches, and conferences. Tanya and her husband have been married for 12 years and they have three children. She loves to read books about leadership and trauma healing. She enjoys running and has run 25 half marathons and two full marathons.
Stephanie Powell || Stephanie Powell is a wife, mother of four and a special needs educator in Pensacola, FL. She has spent the past 15 years as a behavior technician, lifeskills teacher and adaptive music instructor. She has served in special needs ministry as both a volunteer and a lead teacher for around 9 years. She always enjoys spending time with her family, a good cup of coffee with her friends and a day at the beach when it’s warm.
Rev. Dr. Karen Roberts || Rev. Dr. Karen Roberts serves as the Pastor of Disability Ministries for First Presbyterian Church (EPC) of Aurora, IL. She provides pastoral support and care for individuals and families affected by disability in the congregation and community, as well as leadership to a growing disability ministry. Karen served for 8 years as the Academic Studies and Church Engagement Manager of Joni and Friends Chicago. Karen is the author of Shout for Joy and Beyond Our Church Walls, two booklets in the Irresistible Church series published by Joni and Friends.
Tony Roberts || Tony Roberts is a native Hoosier with a B.A. in English and theology from Hanover College and an M.Div. from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. He served in pastoral ministry for 18+ years while battling bipolar disorder. He is now the CEO and Chief Shepherd of Delight in Disorder Ministries, the author of When Despair Meets Delight and the producer and co-host of the podcast Revealing Voices.
Jim Roden || Jim has been the Lead Pastor at Journey Church Tucson for over 14 years. In that time, he has been a part of creating a disability inclusive culture which has resulted in church revitalization, spiritual growth, conversions, and baptisms. Journey Church has become known throughout Southern Arizona as the church that ministers to, with, and from those with disabilities. Jim recently completed a doctoral degree at Talbot Theological Seminary in planting and multiplying healthy churches in North America. His dissertation focuses on the relationship between disability ministry and church health. Jim and his wife Stacy are the blessed parents of four and proud grandparents of one.
Ron Sandison || Ron Sandison works full time in the medical field and is a professor of theology at Destiny School of Ministry. He is an advisory board member of the Art of Autism and the Els Center of Excellence. Sandison has a Master of Divinity from Oral Roberts University and is the author of A Parent’s Guide to Autism: Practical Advice, Biblical Wisdom published by Charisma House and Views from the Spectrum. He has memorized over 15,000 Scriptures, including 22 complete books of the New Testament. Sandison speaks at over 70 events a year, including 20 plus education conferences. Ron and his wife, Kristen, reside in Rochester Hills, MI, with daughter, Makayla. His website is http://www.spectruminclusion.com. You can contact him at sandison456@hotmail.com.
TyiaLynn Scott || TyiaLynn Scott is the mother of three wonderfully unique children, ranging from college to elementary school. Alongside her husband, Beau, she’s continually working on abiding in her Creator, investing in her children and savoring friendships. Professionally, TyiaLynn was co-owner of a small consulting firm for sixteen years. Then in 2015, she shifted her focus and founded Critically Loved, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families of critically and chronically ill children navigate a difficult road. Her own daughter was diagnosed with life-threatening internal bleeding at age 5, and it took TyiaLynn years to learn how to practically manage her daughter’s healthcare. Not wanting other parents to struggle like she did, TyiaLynn now puts all her professional energy into Critically Loved, where she works full time. She has authored Critically Loved: a Bible Study for Parents of Critically and Chronically Ill Children and Beyond Measure, a study in collaboration with MOPS, Intl., as well as co-authored Building Family Unity While Navigating Special Needs with Melanie Gomez.
Barb Stanley || Barb Stanley is the Founder and President of Wonderful Works Ministry, an online disability ministry resource center that specializes in creating volunteer-friendly training videos. She has a background in church administration, ministry mobilization and also started her church’s disability ministry, 139 Kids. Barb grew up with a brother who has Autism and is a passionate advocate for disability ministry. She lives in Ohio with her husband, Brandon, and two teenage sons. To learn more, visit wonderfulworks.net
Tasha Taylor || Tasha Taylor serves as the Young Life Capernaum Coordinator for the Midwest and Chicagoland. She has been involved in outreach ministry thru Young Life for 19 years. She received her Master of Arts in Christian Studies and Graduate Certificate in Disability and Ministry through Western Theological Seminary. Through her job, volunteer work, and studies, she is passionate about creating spaces of belonging for teens and young adults on the margins, specifically at the intersections of disability.
Chris Thompson || Chris firmly believes he was put on this earth to minister to youth and their families. He has 12 years of experience in youth ministry in both small and medium sized church contexts. Chris is a father of two children, a five year old daughter and a one year old son, who keep him on his toes, and has been married to his wonderful wife Samantha for 7 years. In his down time, he loves to write short stories, make 3D puzzles, and go camping. Chris is also a current DMin student at Fuller Theological Seminary in their Youth, Family, and Culture program.
Kim Thorpe || Kim has always had a heart for the special-needs community and has been working for Rising Above Ministries since February 2018, currently serving as the communications and online manager. She oversees all of Rising Above's online community groups that meet weekly. Also, as a part of the marketing team, she handles weekly encouragement newsletters, blog, website updates, and the Rising Above App. Kim works together with the Rising Above team to train churches on how to start and maintain a healthy special-needs ministry. She also coordinates the special-needs ministry at The River Community Church in Cookeville, TN.
Amy Troyer || Amy is the Director of the special needs ministry at The Chapel--Green Campus in Ohio, and the author of It’s More Ups Than Downs. Amy and her husband Mark have been married for 28 years and have two children, Abby and Ryan. After Ryan’s birth in 2001 and the diagnosis of Down Syndrome, God created a passion in Amy to reach out, love and share with new parents the wonderful blessings that come from having a child with Down Syndrome and other varied abilities. There are many moments of ups and downs on this journey, but there are so many more ups!
Jenni Von Tobel || Jenni Von Tobel currently serves as the Director of Disability & Inclusion Ministries for Willow Creek Community Church and its campuses in the Chicagoland area. She has been serving individuals and families affected by disability for over 28 years in a variety of settings and is passionate about helping churches be more inclusive and accessible.
Sara Webb || Sara Webb serves the mission of Young Life as the Capernaum Coordinator for Learning and Discipleship. For 25 years, Sara has been involved in ministry with teens and young adults on the margins. Sara has a passion for belonging, justice and is a lifelong learner.
Victoria White || Victoria White learns from best practices in inclusive education to support congregations building belonging with people of all abilities. Combining the resources of Friendship Ministries and All Belong Center for Inclusive Education, she speaks, writes, consults, and promotes inclusive worship across the country.
