Speaking Team
Janette Bentley || Dr. Bentley, with over three decades in mental health, specializes in aiding families and individuals with autism and dual diagnoses, extending her expertise to various sectors including state and military services. She founded Oh Grace Ministries, Inc. to support people of color and the faithful through emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges, offering services like wellness retreats and seminars. Her Power of Prayer ministry connects believers daily via Zoom, underscoring her commitment to blending mental health support with spiritual enrichment.
Tait Berge || Tait Berge is a writer, Advocate, and theologian, as well as a Ministry Advocate for Mephibosheth Ministry, where he’s been associated with for more than twenty years. Tait lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Kelly, and has published hundreds of articles and four books. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Leadership and Ethics from Nazarene Bible College and currently attends Asbury Seminary for a master’s degree in theology.
KJ Boland || KJ is a New Jersey native and a graduate of Penn State University. Originally hired by Masterpiece Alliance in 2022 as a staff associate, in 2023 KJ was promoted to the position of Director of Ministry. There she serves the community of adults with disabilities in the Roanoke Valley by helping to create opportunities to foster rich, life-giving, inclusive friendships and community.
Joan Borton || Jerry and Joan Borton have engaged with disability most of their lives. Jerry was born with cerebral palsy and Joan grew up in a family who volunteered with adults with intellectual disabilities. The Bortons married in 1995, and together they co-founded Luke 14 Exchange, Inc. Joan is an award-winning author and recently published the book MarriageAbility: Embracing the Richness of a Marriage Affected by Disability. Jerry is a well-respected mentor and speaker in the areas of leadership and disability.
Jerry Borton || Jerry Borton has been a disability advocate and minister for over forty years. He was born with cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair. Jerry’s passion is leadership and mentoring people with disabilities. Jerry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Christian Education and a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership. Jerry is co-founder of Luke 14 Exchange, along with his wife Joan.
Kim Botto || For the past several decades, Kim has led children’s and student ministries at the local church while also leading initiatives around adoption and foster care. Kim’s passion is creating fun and safe environments for all kids—regardless of their personality, unique needs, or energy level—so they can better experience God and grow in their faith. Through speaking, writing and coaching Kim works with parents and church leaders to equip volunteer teams, strengthen families and support parents.
Catherine Boyle || Catherine has been impacted by mental health issues her entire life, including her own struggles with anorexia, bulimia, anxiety and depression. Catherine has led and started various ministries, all focused on eating disorders and mental health issues. Prior to working in ministry, Catherine served as an executive at a large U.S. bank. Catherine has been interviewed for her ministry work on radio, television and in online magazines. Catherine earned a BBA in Accounting and an MBA, is married to husband Barney, and has two adult children.
Christine Boyle || Christine Boyle is the mother of two adult children with disabilities, Courteney and Kevin. Courteney went home to Jesus in 2021 at the age of 21. Kevin came into the Boyle family in 2013 after a long adoption process from El Salvador. Christine is the host of “Invited In with Chrstine Bolye -Where Disability & Faith Meet” podcast, a Disability Advocate and a Motivational Speaker. She brings over two decades of stories, experiences, highs and lows that she loves to use to encourage others. She is a strong, tenacious advocate, as she recognizes that not much comes easy in the world of disability! All the while, her joy, enthusiasm and hope is absolutely evident and contagious! Christine is on staff with the global ministry, Young Life Capernaum, ministering specifically to kids & young adults with disabilities on the Cleveland, Ohio area. Her home is often filled with her Young Life Capernaum friends, learning about Jesus together!
Jim Bracelin || Jim Bracelin was raised in a Christian home. From the time of his salvation at age six, his desire was to make Christ known to those who have never heard (seen) the Gospel. He met his wife, Terry, in Bible College, and they have ministered for the past forty-three years in various capacities. From an assistant Pastor, to a senior pastor, and as missionaries to the Deaf for the past twenty-four years. He is the Vice-President of Silent Word, and he and Terry serve as the Northeast Directors of the ministry.
Kimberly Britt || Kimberly Britt, LPC, works as the Executive Director of Anchor International. As a peer leader, Kimberly has lived experience with several mental health struggles, including anxiety, ADHD, and disordered eating. She holds a bachelor’s in Video & TV Production from Emerson College and a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University. Kimberly was born and raised in Mississippi and now lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and three young daughters.
Shaun Brooks || Dr. Shaun Brooks is currently the Disabilities Ministries Coordinator for the Georgia-Cumberland Conference and also serves as the Senior Pastor for the Atlanta All Nations SDA Church. Shaun is an author, writer, and motivational speaker who is passionate about developing an inclusive ministry for those with Disabilities; which was the focus of his Doctor of Ministry degree (Andrews University, 2019). Shaun and his wife Stacy have four wonderful children, Annabelle, Leilani, Caleb and Isaac, and enjoy family trips, meeting new folks, and building friendships for eternity.
Linda Bunk || Linda Bunk is a Christian afflicted with Bipolar and Aspergers. Jesus has transformed her life. She 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. She lives on mission in the Northern Virginia area.
Erik Carter || Erik Carter, Ph.D., is Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities at Baylor University. His research and writing focus on principle-driven and research-based strategies for promoting full participation, relationships, and valued roles for children and adults with developmental disabilities. He serves as Executive Director of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, which aims to promote the thriving of people with disabilities and their families. Dr. Carter’s scholarship addresses the spiritual lives and flourishing of people with disabilities and their families, the ministry practices and postures of local congregations, and faith-based partnerships with disability service systems.
Wayne Chasteen || Wayne Chasteen is the founder of Rhyme & Reason, a music ministry that traveled nationally and internationally for many years. He pastored full-time for ten years, then toured for 16 years. Their ministry consisted of writing and recording music to release to radio and performing concerts all around the world. In addition to their concert ministry, Wayne preached 20+ revivals a year as an evangelist, and was a noted conference speaker. God called the team back off the road in 2012 to plant Christ First Church as a ministry of Rhyme & Reason. During his years on the road, Wayne noticed some very specific groups of people missing from mainstream churches across the country, so Wayne’s vision for CFC was to build a church where those often left out of church had the opportunity to be part of a local body of believers. Wayne has a gift for looking for the ability in every person and Christ First Church is a large vision concept that God is building using many who have struggled to find a church home before attending CFC. With more than half of the congregation now affected by disability or care giving in some way, Wayne has begun sharing what he has learned about creating a congregation of belonging with other pastors.
Steve Chatman || Steve serves as Vice President of Rising Above Ministries in Cookeville, TN. He and his wife Lori have 5 children including two daughters with Down Syndrome. He spent nearly 30 years in pastoral ministry before joining Rising Above in 2022. As VP of Rising Above, he oversees the family engagement ministry and connects with community leaders to help them better serve the special needs community…and he takes the office trash out on Thursdays!
Sarah Coffey || Sarah Coffey is the Programs Director with 99 Balloons where she equips & encourages churches and communities in the work of building inclusive communities so that every person is fully part of all they do. A friendship at 9 years old (and continued friendships along the way) led her to be part of Special Olympics, and then work in Special Education, to becoming a caregiver for some of her closest friends experiencing disability, and leading + consulting disability ministries. Sarah and her husband live in Northwest Arkansas with their two dogs! Her biggest hope is that people may grow in proximity with one another and recognize the mutual value in our shared stories.
Zach Coffin || Rev. Zach Coffin has been pastoring since he was 19 years old and preaching since he was 16 years old. With an extensive background in ministry and leadership, Zach has served in various capacities, including children’s pastor, youth pastor, and next-gen pastor, in churches of all sizes across the country. His commitment to empowering individuals and churches to embrace a Holy Spirit-led life and ministry is evident through his passionate preaching, thought-provoking teachings, and presence-driven coaching. He has two bachelor’s degrees in Christian Ministry and Christian Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. A master’s degree in Pastoral Theology from Kingswood University, with his final project focusing on “Living for Revival.” Connect more at zachcoffin.com
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 she learned to use art as a way to communicate her thoughts and emotions. As an adult, her personal struggles with mental illness motivated her to assist others on their journey to wellness and using her own experiences, she assists others in learning coping and self-help strategies.
Robert Crosby || Robert Crosby, PhD, is the executive director of Reach Hurting Kids Institue and Professor of Psychology at California Baptist University. A former youth pastor with over twenty-five years’ experience in children’s and youth ministry, he is a leading scholar in the field of children’s ministry research. Dr. Crosby is the co-author of “Trauma-Informed Children’s Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids.”
Lori Crosby || Lori Crosby, MFT, RPT-S, is the content director of Reach Hurting Kids Institute, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor who specializes in treating children who have experienced trauma. She is the co-author of “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 that is passionate about sharing logical and practical behavior analytic strategies to better equip others to include everyone.
Becky Davidson || Becky Davidson is the Co-founder and President of Rising Above Ministries. 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. Becky and her adult son with special needs, Jon Alex, live in Tennessee.
Laura Deeken || Laura Deeken is a speech-language pathologist and owner of The Adapted Word, which provides tips and digital resources for children with disabilities. When she’s not researching language disorders, Laura loves creating curriculum, volunteering in her church’s disability ministry, and going to musicals.
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 several businesses and non-profits throughout the United States and Eastern Europe. Over the past two decades, Timofey has been practicing and teaching healthy leadership principles to non-profit and business leaders worldwide. The aim of Timofey’s leadership training and workshops is to give pastors and leaders practical ways to make their organizations and communities spaces where people with disabilities would find a place to belong. Timofey is a husband, a father of four, a ministry leader, and an entrepreneur. He resides in Washington, DC.
Levi Duggan || Levi Duggan is a commissioned elder in the United Methodist Church in Oklahoma. He previously served as a foster care director and a businessman. He is currently the church planter of Ceili Community, a new church in Oklahoma City with a mission to be ability inclusive. He lives in the OKC metro with his wife, and together they share five children. He has a parent of children with diagnosed disabilities and special needs.
Kayla Eastman || Kayla Eastman is a Disabled Church leader and advocate for accessibility within faith communities. Kayla has always been concerned with accessibility and inclusion, but that passion was compounded when she herself became Disabled at age 19. She now uses her experience as a Disabled Christ-follower in tandem with her calling to the local Church to provide a unique and personal lens for other church leaders who are seeking to open their doors wider to the Disabled community. In her spare time Kayla is usually found exploring new coffee shops, reading new books, or traveling to new cities – all alongside her service dog, Tallon.
Kristin & Todd Evans || Kristin Faith Evans, MA, MS, LMSW and Todd Evans, PhD, MA Dr. Todd and Kristin Evans are award-winning authors, speakers, and parents of two children with complex needs. Their new book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities, will release by Baker Books in May 2024. They both earned their MA in Christian Educational Ministries at Wheaton College in Illinois and have served together in full-time ministry in church, camping, and retreat settings. Todd received his PhD from Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering and currently manages his own business, and Kristin earned her MSW from the University of Tennessee and is a Licensed Masters Social Worker experienced in couples, child and family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling.
John Felageller || John Felageller is the Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equip and train them to help the disabled in their communities. 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 Round Lake, IL and is a single father to his son Christopher (ASD). He is a public speaker, multiple podcast guest, and 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
Alfonso Feria || Al served in cross-cultural ministry in France (20 years) & Ivory Coast (2 years). His world turned to disability ministry when his youngest child JP was diagnosed with autism under age 3 in 2014. This led his family from Paris to northern New Jersey, where he gained knowledge & experience with disability ministry. Surprisingly in early 2023, God gave him a vision for helping facilitate disability ministry in France. He founded JP’s Ability Hope in November 2022 in order to focus purely on disability ministry.
Beth Golik || Beth Golik is part of the Key Ministry team, an organization that provides knowledge, innovation, and experience to the worldwide church as it ministers to and with families of kids with disabilities. She is a co-host for Key Ministry: The Podcast and hosts monthly video roundtable discussions for ministry leaders across the country. Beth also serves as the Director of Disability Engagement at Bay Presbyterian Church in suburban Cleveland, Ohio.
Melanie Gomez || Melanie Gomez and her husband of 30 years have two grown sons, the youngest of whom was born with a rare genetic disorder. In addition to working full time as a Talent Development Manager for a large global corporation, she founded Redefine Special to share encouragement and hope to young special needs families. A continuation of this work has led to authoring Bundle of Joy and Building Family Unity While Navigating Special Needs.
Rebekah Gouch || Rebekah Gouch serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications at The Banquet Network. Rebekah was blessed to grow up in a household with a brother who has special needs. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Liberty University. Rebekah is passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to best be the hands and feet of Christ.
Stephen Grcevich || Dr. Stephen Grcevich (MD, Northeast Ohio Medical University) is a child and adolescent psychiatrist serving as President and Founder of Key Ministry. Dr. Grcevich is the primary spokesperson and vision caster for Key, leads efforts to build collaborations with pastors, leaders, and other ministry organizations and serves as Program Chair for Disability and the Church, Key’s national disability ministry conference. His writing on disability ministry-related topics has been featured by Breakpoint, the ERLC, D6, Outreach Magazine, the American Association of Christian Counselors and the National Association of Evangelicals. His book, Mental Health and the Church (Zondervan, 2018) presents a strategy for evangelism and outreach with individuals and families impacted by mental illness. In addition to his work for Key Ministry, Dr. Grcevich is an experienced clinician, researcher, and medical school professor with over 35 presentations at major medical conferences, a past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and a participant in the 2019 White House Summit on Mental Health.
Scott Habeeb || Scott believes God uses the disabilities world to show people how He intended humans to interact with one another – with a complete lack of pretension and nothing but love! As the executive director for Masterpiece Alliance, Scott and his team are building a community for people of ALL abilities in Virginia’s Roanoke Valley, while also helping local churches build spaces of belonging and meaningful roles for people with disabilities. Beyond Masterpiece Alliance, Scott is a parent to an adult child with autism, a volunteer Capernaum leader, and a veteran public school educator. In each of those roles, God has used the disabilities world to reveal His goodness to Scott and his family. Scott and his wife, Julie, reside in Salem, Virginia, have been married for 29 years, and have 4 children and 2 grandchildren.
Misty Harper-Anderson || Misty oversees day-to-day strategic operations at Walk Right In Ministries, provides supervision for the ministry team, develops relationships with partners, and participates in ministry to caregivers. She holds a Master of Divinity from Grand Canyon University and is a certified Prepare and Enrich Facilitator, having worked with both engaged couples as well as those who have been navigating marriage for years. She is passionate about Christ-like, servant leadership. Outside of Walk Right In Ministries, she also teaches at Bethel University, speaks at various events, and enjoys sharing about life’s journey via photography and blog writing. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys time with her husband and their family.
Jill Hartsfield || Jill Hartsfield is the Programming Director for the Embrace Community Day Program at Brentwood Baptist Church just outside Nashville, TN. Jill received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Special Education from The Florida State University, specializing in teaching students on the Autism Spectrum. She taught special education in the public school system for 5 years before jumping into full-time disability ministry. Jill and the Embrace Ministry Team have a passion for reaching church and community members impacted by disability by creating a place for people of all abilities to build community, serve, and grow in Christ. Out of this desire, Jill and her team built the Embrace Community Day Program which currently serves over 35 adults impacted by disability each week on the Brentwood Baptist Church campus.
Dan & Stephanie Holmes || Rev. Dan and Rev. Dr. Stephanie Holmes share from their lived experience as parents of kids with needs and differences (ASD/ADHD) as well as their professional lives coaching marriages and families impacted by special needs. Dan was later in life diagnosed on the spectrum, which formed their focus on marriage on the spectrum. Dr. Holmes combines her previous professional counselling experience and lived experience to provide hope for the journey ahead. Their family wrote a book together from a four person perspective, “Embracing the Autism Spectrum: Finding Hope & Joy Navigating the Neurodiverse family system.”
Charla Holst || Charla Holst, OTR/L, serves as founder and President of Overcomer Ministries, Inc. where she provides Christ-Centered Occupational Therapy Consultation, training, sensory regulation tools and resources to churches, ministries, and the public to overcome obstacles to Jesus. Her vision is for people of all abilities to have access to learn about Jesus, worship with fellow believers, grow in discipleship and serve in ministry. Overcomer Ministries, Inc. has recently become an official Shine On: Tim Tebow Foundation Contributor. During her 30-year career, she has authored 3 books: Empowering Occupational Therapy, All That I Want To Be and Control Is My Goal. Charla and her husband Dave have 2 adult children and they have worked together in ministry for over 3 decades of marriage. She is an active member of her local church as Disability Ministry Leader and Children’s Bible Study Teacher.
Stephanie Hubach || Stephanie Hubach is a Research Fellow in Disability Ministries and a Visiting Instructor in Educational Ministries in affiliation with Covenant Theological Seminary. From 2007-2016 she served as Mission to North America’s Special Needs Ministries Founding Director. Mission to North America (MNA) is associated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Steph currently serves on the Key Ministry Board of Directors, the Wheaton Center on Faith and Disability Advisory Board. Steph is the author of Parenting & Disabilities: Abiding in Gods’ Presence (P&R Publishers, 2021), and Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability (P&R Publishers, 2006; Revised and Expanded 2020). Steph and her husband Fred have been married for 40 years. They have two deeply loved sons: Fred and Tim, the younger of whom has Down syndrome.
Stephen “Doc” Hunsley || Stephen “Doc” Hunsley, M.D. is the Executive Director and founder of SOAR Special Needs in Kansas. SOAR serves over 1000 individuals with disabilities through regular respite events and the Nation’s largest Disability Summer Day Camps. Doc is assisting over 550 churches globally in starting a Disability Ministry. Doc also organizes the Wonderfully Made Conference held every October in Kansas City. Doc is a retired pediatrician while his wife, Kay, continues practicing pediatrics. 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.
Lisa Jamieson || Lisa Jamieson is an author and pastoral counselor to caregivers and their families. She co-founded Walk Right In Ministries, a non-profit interdenominational organization helping caregivers in families with disability walk abundantly in life, faith, and relationships. She is passionate about helping caregivers experience soul-fueling lives in their calling. Lisa and Larry have three grown daughters. Their youngest, Carly, has Angelman Syndrome and lives at home with them in Minnesota. Her books and Bible studies include Finding Glory in the Thorns and Jesus, Let’s Talk
Cortney Jenkins || Cortney Jenkins is a former special education teacher who originally went to school for Biblical studies. She has combined her passion for Biblical literacy with her experience in special education to create Awe & Wonder’s Adapted Bible Curriculum. She is committed to making the Gospel message accessible to everyone. Cortney serves on staff alongside her husband at Element Church in Forest City, NC where they live with their two children.
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 disabilities and has worked in ministry for over 2 decades now.
David 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 18 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 from NOVA and an AS in Fire Science and a BS in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University. David is also a certified trainer in Risk Management, Incident Management, Leadership, Hazardous Materials, and Therapeutic Options.
Tom Jones || Tom is the executive director of the Faith Inclusion Network. He was the founder and executive director of Sharing Hands A Respite Experience (SHARE), a nonprofit that provides support programs for families of children with disabilities. Tom has taught elementary special education for 25 years in the Midland Independent School District. He is an ordained minister in charge of Stephen Ministry, and Inclusion Ministry at First Christian Church in Midland, Texas.
Amy Kendall || Amy Kendall is the NextGen Disabilities and Mental Health pastor for almost 17 years at Saddleback Church and oversees these ministries at all their campuses both locally and internationally. Before working at Saddleback, she worked for 10 years in the educational sector as a behavior specialist, specializing with children on the autism spectrum. Amy graduated from Pacific Christian College with her BA in Ministry and from Hope International University with her MA in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling. Amy also has an adult son with multiple disabilities and believes that she is a better pastor because she got the blessing to be his mom.
Rev. Dr. Milton Keys || Reverend Doctor Milton Keys was born with cerebral palsy. Despite being given a two-year life expectancy and expectation of severe cognitive disabilities Milton has earned three degrees. He is an accomplished musician and producer, preacher, and teacher. Keys has produced and released 15 musical albums, 4 plays, one ballet and held 8 youth summits. Milton’s passion for education is realized through his work developing young artists and as Chief Technical Officer and Instructional Coach at Indy Urban Youth Music Academy. Keys became an ordained minister in 2007, received a Masters of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in May 2017 and his Doctorate in Ministry from Christian Theological Seminary in May 2022.
Lori Konopasek || Lori is the Vice President of Student Affairs at Shepherds College, a three-year post-secondary college for people with disabilities. She has been working in the disability field for over 18 years and is an advocate and promoter of employment, increased independent living, and educational opportunities for people with disabilities. Lori is also a mom to a son with disabilities.
Marie Kuck || Marie Kuck is Co-founder of Nathaniel’s Hope, a ministry that celebrates kids with special needs (VIPs) and equips the local church for ministry to this community. As a Mom to a VIP in heaven, author, and former youth pastor, Marie is passionate to help you minister to God’s unique kids and their families. Marie and her husband are also building a place called “HOPETOWN,” an inspiring and inclusive “live, work, play” community that will serve kids, adults, and families living with disability.
Terisha Lee || Terisha Lee holds a masters degree in child and family studies with an emphasis in parent education and has earned a PhD in practical theology. Terisha’s mission is to facilitate conversations surrounding Faith, Race, & Disabilities in an effort to foster stronger relations between the academy, community & the church. This Kentucky native now resides in south Florida with her husband and 3 children.
Lisa Mattheiss || Lisa Mattheiss has served for over 25 years as ministry leader, advisor, and advocate. Parent of an adult daughter with spina bifida, Lisa is also the Founder/Executive Director of LifeLine, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit parachurch organization that encourages families and equips churches through support, education, and resources. Lisa 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 has also served Christ First Church for the last 7 years as Special Needs Ministry Coordinator, integrating ministry to and by those with disabilities throughout all existing and new programs of the church.
Donna McCrary || Donna McCrary is a disability advocate. She understands the need to push the agenda for all people to be included in our churches, communities and schools. She has written numerous articles and has made several presentations on ways to include the disability community with the local church. Dr. McCrary is a university professor and Sunday School teacher.
Amy Meekins || Amy Meekins is an author, speaker, YouTuber, and the administrative assistant at 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 28 years. To learn more about Amy go to AmyChristineMeekins.com, HeartReCharge.com, and Champions4Parents.com.
Tom & Julie Meekins || Tom, Julie, and Amy Meekins are the founders and directors of Champions4Parents.com which is a ministry dedicated to providing love, support, and resources to parents of individuals impacted by disabilities and also providing ministry folks with training, resources, and love, as those in ministry seek to support these families. Since Amy was born 28 years ago, they have been involved in disability ministry in one fashion or another. They started out 25 years ago hosting special needs conferences, spent years giving parent support across many channels, and added in equipping those who work with individuals with disabilities in churches. All of this culminated in officially starting the ministry and using each of their personal experiences and God-given gifts to support many aspects of the disability community.
Laura Mitchell || Laura Mitchell grew up in Illinois with a younger sister who has multiple physical and intellectual disabilities. She graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a double major in Mild and Intense Interventions and taught moderate to severe disabilities for six and a half years. During that time, she started serving as a volunteer in the disability ministry at Grace Church in 2008 and joined staff as the Disability Director in 2009. Laura and her husband, Jason, have two boys and live north of Indianapolis.
Jeffrey Moore || Jeff is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church whose passion is to bring a vision to fellow pastors for becoming churches that welcome and include people with disabilities as integral parts of the Body of Christ. He has taught and equipped pastors in Kenya and Ethiopia, as well as co-authored “The Family Table: The Place We All Belong” sermon series and study guide with the Rev. Dr. Karen Roberts. Jeff is married to Stephanie, who works with Special Education elementary students. Together they have four children.
Chris Morris || Chris Morris is a passionate mental health advocate dedicated to promoting understanding of mental health issues within the church. Because of a lifelong struggle with depression and suicidality, Chris became committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek after holistic health. As a writer and speaker, Chris has shared his personal story and insights with audiences across the country, inspiring many individuals to take control of their own health, break free from poor theological teaching placed upon them, and seek the support they need. He has published several books on mental health and his work has been featured in a number of media outlets, including CrossWalk, The Mighty, and Fathom Magazine.
Ruth Nelson || Dr. Ruth Nelson teaches at Bethel University in the undergraduate program in developmental psychology and disability studies. She is a nationally certified school psychologist whose research interests are in the areas of developmental disabilities, psychoeducational/psychosocial interventions for individuals with disabilities across the life span, helping pastoral staff respond well to women of faith with disabilities experiencing interpersonal violence and promoting inclusion and belonging in churches through listening to families and training pastoral staff and volunteers.
Jillian Palmiotto || Jillian Palmiotto is the Founder of the Together Conference and the Executive Director of Together We Care. Her nonprofit organization serves as a parachurch ministry that focuses on meeting the everyday needs of families impacted by disability and equipping organizations for disability inclusion. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Education and a MA in Inclusive Education. Jillian is also a licensed minister and serves as the special needs coordinator at West Ridge Church. Jillian is married to her husband, Anthony, and they have two children, Samantha and Nicholas.
Elizabeth Paul || Elizabeth is from the USA, and has been serving as a missionary in a Muslim country in Central Asia for nearly two decades, and serving people with disabilities in this location for over a decade. With her team, the prayer and vision is that spiritual communities (churches) would form as they serve the disability community through medical, education and social spheres. They work to mobilize and train the local church to participate in God transforming people with disabilities from objects of shame and curse to conduits of honor and blessing for their whole families, clans and villages.
Montreece Payton-Hardy || Montreece Payton-Hardy, with over 20 years in leadership, has honed her expertise in disability life experiences, mental health, and DEI, underpinned by her faith-based perspective. As a woman living with blindness and visual impairment and ADHD (and still believing God for healing), she is a writer, speaker, and certified Faith-Based Mental Health Facilitator. She addresses accessibility, belonging, inclusion, diversity, and equity (ABIDE) and mental wellness with a spiritual touch, blending advocacy and teaching. She has spoken in webinars for the National Career Development Association and the CPA Academy presenting Disability Education topics and the American Foundation of the Blind’s Blind Leadership Development Professional Fellowship Program. Montreece has written extensively on various topics, including Christian education, pedagogical Bible lessons (Children’s Sunday School), motherhood, parenting, marriage, mental health, inclusion, and access.
Sandra Peoples || Sandra Peoples (M Div, PhD student) is the disability ministry consultant for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, an adjunct professor for Liberty University, and the author of Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family. She and her family live outside of Houston, TX.
Alexai Perez || Alexai Perez is a disability advocate and co-founder of Accord Life Leaders, a para-ministry that disciples and mentors adults with disabilities to enable them to use their gifts to accomplish the work God wants them to do at church, in the workplace, on the mission field, and across all aspects of life. She is a wife and mother of five children. Her oldest daughter is blessed with Down syndrome and autism and serves as the primary inspiration for Perez’s kingdom work. Perez received a Certificate in Disability Ministry from United Theological Seminary in 2021 and currently works as the Administrative Coordinator at the Autism Society of Florida.
Jolene Philo || Jolene Philo is the parent and daughter of loved ones with special needs and disabilities. She is a former educator who created inclusive classrooms for all learners for 25 years. She’s the author of several books for families impacted by disability including Does My Child Have PTSD? She also co-author Sharing Love Abundantly with Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages® for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities with Dr. Gary Chapman. Her award winning blog, www.DifferentDream.com, provides encouragement and resources for caregiving families. See Jane Dance!, the third book in her mystery series that features characters with disabilities, was released in October of 2023.
Cynthia Pounds || Cynthia Pounds is a wife and a mother from the East Texas area. She and her husband, Will Pounds, have an adult son, Haydon, and a teenage daughter, Caroline. Both of their children are affected by disabilities. While she enjoys being outdoors and learning new things, her passion is caring for families impacted by disabilities and helping others learn how to support others similarly. Cynthia has served in the children’s ministry at her church for the past 9 years in various roles. In 2019 with the Lord’s calling and direction, Cynthia launched the Action Special Needs Ministry of Harmony Hill Baptist Church. She continues to lead and strengthen this ministry and is also currently an assistant to her children’s minister. Recently she was given the opportunity to begin serving with the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention as a disability ministry regional specialist. She is excited to see the awareness of the need for disability ministry rise and to help others take steps to make the Gospel more widely accessible to all people.
Saurym Quezada || Saurym Quezada is a licensed teacher in K-6th Elementary Education and K-12th Exceptional Student Education with an Autism endorsement; certified in Advanced TEFL/TESOL, and job development services through the Division of Blind Services. She has over 7 years of experience in both general and special education instructional practices across Pk-12th primary and secondary classrooms locally and internationally. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and a master’s degree in special education from Florida Atlantic University. She is currently a doctoral student and graduate research assistant at Florida State University (FSU). Her research interests include transition across the lifespan, comorbid developmental disabilities (e.g., autism and blindness), inclusion/belonging, and international special education.
Karen Roberts || Rev. Dr. Karen Roberts leads the Disability Ministries of First Presbyterian Church (EPC) of Aurora, IL providing pastoral care for individuals and families affected by disability in the congregation and community. Karen directs the Church Initiative for Living with Hope, an international ministry that brings the gift of mobility and the hope of Christ to people with disabilities in Kenya. She is the author of Shout for Joy and Beyond Our Church Walls, published by Joni and Friends. She co-authored “The Family Table” The Place We All Belong” sermon series and study guide with the Rev. Jeffrey Moore.
Barry Rodriguez || Barry Rodriguez is the lead pastor of Grace Church in Noblesville, Indiana. He is a Bible nerd, world-traveler, and history buff. He is passionate about global justice, creation care, and the protection of the vulnerable. Barry and his wife, Olivia, have an organic animal rescue farm where they have adopted and fostered over 90 potbelly pigs, chickens, rabbits, and dogs.
Andrea Roseman || In 2012, God called Andrea to start Access Ministry at Lynwood Church, in Cape Girardeau. In the fall of 2022, Andrea accepted a position on staff at Lynwood, as the Access Ministry Director. In addition to leading Access, Andrea currently serves on the Grace Coffee + Café board of directors. Andrea was one of B Magazine’s 2018 Newsmakers of the Year, Zonta Club’s Women of the Year Nominees in 2020, and received the Outstanding Partners Award from Heartland Down Syndrome Association in 2022, for her work with individuals with special needs.
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. Sandison speaks at over 70 events a year including 20 education conferences. Ron and his wife, Kristen, reside in Rochester Hills, MI, with daughter, Makayla.
Linda Santana Arroyo || Linda Santana Arroyo is a wife, mom, and caregiver to her youngest adult daughter. She is a retired Elementary school teacher, certified life coach, and author of REST QUEST: Your Path to be Refreshed, Renewed and Revitalized…for Life. Linda is passionate about encouraging other caregivers overwhelmed with life’s demands to start their quest for rest, a personalized path toward daily renewal. Her hope is for many to experience strength in all realms of their everyday life: physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual.
TyiaLynn Scott || Alongside her husband, Beau, TyiaLynn Scott is the mother of three wonderfully unique children, ranging from college to elementary school. After years of struggling to learn how to manage her own daughter’s life-threatening condition, in 2015, she founded Critically Loved, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families of critically and chronically ill children navigate a difficult road. She has authored Critically Loved: a Bible study for parents of critically and chronically ill children, Beyond Measure a study in collaboration with MOPS, Int, and co-authored Building Family Unity While Navigating Special Needs.
Joel Sheagren || Joel brings over 30 years of production and filmmaking experience, including a CLIO, a film on Hulu, and 21 years of FASD parenting. Joel is motivated by strong stories, compassion, and empathy toward people diagnosed with FASD and those who love them.
Hannah Speiller || Hannah joined the Shepherds College team in 2017 as the Lead Instructor and again in 2022 as an Instructional Designer for SC Online. Hannah has extensive experience in creating engaging, accessible, and effective lessons for all learners. Hannah was an integral part of the development and implementation of Shepherds College’s remote learning program in 2020, which resulted in the creation of Shepherds College Online.
Barbara 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 sons. To learn more, visit wonderfulworks.net
Sydney Stelmaszek || Sydney and her husband, Brett, live in Pittsburgh, PA with their three boys, Isaac (12), Judah (10), and Emmitt (5) who has a rare genetic condition known as SynGAP1. He was diagnosed at 18 months after nearly a year of searching for answers while living in southern Africa. After moving back to the USA in 2019, Sydney continues to work with Life Child Africa Foundation as their USA Fund Developer. She is active in the Syngap Research Fund community as a Board Member and through fundraising, patient engagement and research advocacy.
Aimée Stork || Aimée Stork is an educator passionate about helping others to understand how our brains learn best and how to capitalize on the unique ways that each of us think and learn. She spent 15 years in public education as a teacher and teacher coach before becoming Senior Manager of Online Education at Joni and Friends, a global disability ministry. She lives with her husband Todd in Ventura, California, and loves to see their three adult children and two grandchildren any time she can.
Amy Troyer || Amy is the Special Needs Ministry Director at The Chapel in Green, Ohio. She is a consultant to churches and provides training for ministry leaders and volunteers who want to include people of All Abilities better. Amy is the author of “It’s More Ups Than Downs”. She has been happily married to her husband, Mark, for 29 years, and they have two beautiful children, Abby and Ryan. After Ryan’s birth in 2001 and his diagnosis of Down Syndrome, Amy had a calling placed on her heart to help and encourage new parents with children with varied abilities. She shares the beautiful blessings of having a child with Down Syndrome and highlights the ups and downs of this journey, emphasizing that there are always more ups.
Mary Underwood || Mary Underwood is a blogger and speaker based out of Northern VA. She is the creator of What Empty Nest where she provides encouragement and resources to caregivers who find their “nests” are not-so-empty. She is no stranger to caregiving and has volunteered in special needs ministry for the past decade as well as having friends and family affected by disability and mental health issues.
Dan Vander Plaats || Dan Vander Plaats is the Vice President of Development for Acts 29 a global network devoted to church planting. In 2009 he developed “The 5 Stages: Changing Attitudes” to help churches and individuals assess and change their attitudes toward people with disabilities which is currently under the stewardship of the Center for Faith and Disability at Wheaton College. Dan is the author of “Changing Attitudes about Disability” and a co-editor of “Everybody Belongs, Serving Together: Inclusive Church Ministry with People with Disabilities”. He is married to Denise (Hiemstra) and is father to Ben and Emma.
Leah Whicker || Leah Whicker is the Special Education Consultant for Wonderful Works Ministry, an online disability ministry resource center, that helps equip churches to serve families affected by disability. She has a background in education and has professional experience as an Intervention Specialist. She also serves in her church’s disability ministry, 139 Kids, and is passionate about equipping churches to have their own disability ministries. Leah is married, and she and her husband, Chris, have two school-aged children.
Victoria White || Victoria White serves as Program Director at With Ministries. Her experience and passion in education and ministry collide in her writing, speaking, consulting and training for congregations, equipping them to build belonging with people of all abilities.
Sherri Wirt || Sherri Wirt is a ministry inclusion consultant and piano teacher from Saint Louis, MO. She and her husband, Rusty, have been in ministry for 30 years and are parents to Samuel (20) and Star (18), both of whom live with disabilities. In her spare time, Sherri enjoys playing and signing for the worship team, working with the children’s ministry, and can often be found reading late at night.
Ryan Wolfe || Ryan Wolfe, the President of Ability Ministry, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the emerging field of Disability Ministry. He completed 15 years of local church ministry at First Christian Church in Canton, OH where he was the full-time Disability Ministry Pastor. He spent time as a Church Consultant for Key Ministry and is also a featured speaker.