SPEAKERS
We were able to have gathered an incredible group of world changers to lead us at last year's Together Conference 2022: Pursue.
MAKE SURE TO CHECK BACK SOON TO MEET YOUR 2023 SPEAKERS!
RYAN WOLFE
PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR @
ABILITY MINISTRY
Breakout Sessions: Pandemic Proof Curriculum | Disability Myth Busters | Disability is Beautiful
Ryan Wolfe is the President and CEO of Ability Ministry, a non-profit organization that provides homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ability Ministry also works with religious organizations, helping them to establish and advance Disability Ministry programming and outreach. In addition to being an author and featured speaker, Ryan is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities. His personal mission is to fight not only for inclusion but also for meaningful opportunities of belonging.
DR. LAMAR HARDWICK
LEAD PASTOR @
TRI-CITIES CHURCH
Breakout Sessions: Disability, Dignity, and the Image of God
Lamar Hardwick (DMin, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary), also known as "the autism pastor," is the lead pastor at Tri-Cities Church in East Point, Georgia. He is the author of Epic Church and the best-selling I Am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor. In 2014, after years of silently struggling with social anxiety and sensory processing disorder, and a host of other significant issues, Hardwick was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of thirty-six. He now provides workshops, seminars, and consults with local churches. His latest book, Disability and The Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion (InterVarsity Press 2021) was the 2021 IVP readers' choice award winner. Lamar lives in Newnan, Georgia, with his wife, Isabella, and their three children.
BEN HARTRANFT
PRESIDENT @
BENERGY1 PRESENTATIONS
Breakout Sessions: Never Let Go of Your Dreams | We're All in This Together - A Family Perspective
Ben Hartranft is a 24-year-old young man who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2. At that time, he knew only 20 words and everything was a safety issue. Ben has exceeded all expectations and is strengthened by his faith in God and the people He has placed in Ben’s life. He received his diploma, has several part-time jobs (Philidelphia Eagles Game Day Staff and Dorney Park in Pennsylvania), earned his driver’s license, and treats everyone he meets like a rock star. Ben has had the amazing experience of being the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Challenge Ambassador and the extraordinary opportunity to carry the Lombardi trophy to start the ring ceremony for the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. Ben’s dream came true in October 2018 when he was invited to be a guest on the Ellen show to promote Autism Awareness and funding for research. Ben loves being an advocate for Autism Awareness and wants to take awareness to action.
ANITA METCALF
SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY TEAM LEAD @
WEST RIDGE CHURCH
Breakouts: Creating Community Events
Anita Metcalf has served as a Team Lead in the Special Needs Ministry at West Ridge Church in Dallas, GA for 10 years. She volunteers as the Events Key Leader and is responsible for the Saturday Breakaway Respites and the Night of the Stars Prom. Anita also volunteers as the Special Needs Key Leader for Hope for Christmas and with CAYA's Summer Lunch Program. She retired from AT&T with 32 years of service and worked with the Paulding County School District as a substitute teacher. Anita has a passion for creating events for the special needs and disability community.
JILLIAN PALMIOTTO
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR @
TOGETHER WE CARE
Breakout Sessions: How to Start a Special Needs Ministry | Special Education Programs for Private Schools | 4 Appropriate Environments for Special Needs Ministry
Jillian Palmiotto is the Founder of the Together Conference and the Executive Director of Together We Care, a nonprofit organization that focuses on meeting the everyday needs of families impacted by disability as well as 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. 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 9 years. Jillian is married to her husband, Anthony, and they have 2 children, Samantha and Nicholas, and two furbabies, Noelle and Beau.
TONYA NASH
PRESIDENT @
AUTISM FAITH NETWORK
Breakout Sessions: Promoting Autism Awareness in Your Faith Community
Tonya Nash is the founder and Board President of the Autism Faith Network. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to promote autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in local and faith-based communities all over the world. Since 2016, the Autism Faith Network has served over 35 churches, with thousands of people learning about autism at church. Tonya is a public health consultant with over 20 years of experience in health promotion and advocacy. She has participated in numerous podcasts, speaking engagements, conferences, and webinars designed to educate and inspire audiences from diverse backgrounds. Tonya and her husband Jamie have two amazing sons who are autistic. Her youngest son was also diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy in 2020. As a mother and caregiver, Tonya is passionate about empowering and equipping churches to minister to families affected by disability.
EMILY SAUM
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY ASSISTANT @
MOUNT PARAN CHURCH
Breakout Sessions: Inclusion in Children's Ministry
Emily Saum has spent her entire life involved in kids ministry in many different ways. Growing up, her family served as itinerant children's ministry evangelists. She spent many years at children's camps and various churches during her childhood. Much of her life was spent working at an orphanage in Uganda where she lived full-time for several years, serving as the resident director. Emily has been on staff at Mount Paran Church for the last 4 years as the Associate Children's Pastor. She has a passion for outreach and discipleship and teaching children how to serve in their community and grow in their relationship with Jesus. Emily has a strong desire to see children's lives forever changed through the gospel of Jesus Christ and for them to experience the power of God at a young age.
ABIGAIL BURLE
FOUNDER @
LOVE YOUR STORY
Breakout Sessions: Learning to Love Your Story
Abigail is passionate about creating spaces of belonging and advocating for every person to have a seat at the table. She is an ex-middle school math teacher turned stay-at-home-mom to five-year-old triplets. When she isn’t writing, speaking, or playing with her kids, you can find her reading, using her metal detector, or singing at the top of her lungs. She is an expert at making salsa and is a loud laugher. She believes education and laughter will help the future be accessible and inclusive.
DAN HARTRANFT
VICE PRESIDENT @
BENERGY 1 PRESENTATIONS
Breakout Sessions: The Other 99 Sheep - A Sibling's Perspective | We're All in This Together - A Family Perspective
Dan Hartranft is the middle child in a sibling sandwich of 3 boys. He has a passion for creation, both the Lord's nature and man-made technology. Dan chooses to build something a little different. He enjoys sharing the message that we are made in the Lord’s likeness and His systemic creation leaves us with our own passion to create. Some people build computers, some people build homes, but Dan likes to build dreams. He is a master at meeting people where they are, finding out what their dreams are, and figuring out how he can help them accomplish those dreams. His college education lends to his ability to help lead and develop others. He has spent years working with neurotypicals and neurodivergent adults helping them reach their own goals and dreams. Culminating in Benergy1 Presentations, the most ambitious dream to help build, Dan provided his brother with all the equipment and material for his road to success. Benergy1 Presentations is the first of many roads that Dan will help to build for others. He believes that accomplishing your dreams is amazing, but doing it with someone by your side cheering you on is way more fun.
ELIZABETH BARNETT
CHURCH RELATIONS DIRECTOR @
SOAR SPECIAL NEEDS
Breakout Sessions: Marketing and Recruiting for Your Ministry | Creating a Biblical Community for Adults with Disabilities | Weekend Buddy Training
Elizabeth Barnett serves as the Church Relations Director for SOAR Special Needs in Lenexa, KS. She is passionate about encouraging ministry leaders to make the Gospel accessible to all people. SOAR has assisted over 500 churches throughout the United States and more than eleven countries in starting or strengthening their disability ministry. Elizabeth also enjoys trying out new coffee shops and traveling.
HEATHER CROAS
PEER SPECIALISTS &
PUBLIC SPEAKER
Breakout Sessions: Reframing Your Perspective
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. 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, and 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 across North Georgia and works to illuminate a side of mental illness that is often not portrayed in the media.
JEFF JANSMA
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR @
CHURCH ON MAIN
Breakout Sessions: Inclusion Facility Tour | Programming for Adults with Disabilities
Jeff Jansma is the Community Engagement Director of Church on Main in Snellville, GA. As a parent of a special needs adult son and full-time Ministry Director, Jeff is uniquely qualified to understand the needs of not only the adult special needs population but also the parents' needs. Jeff is an advocate, consultant, volunteer, board member, and coach of Gwinnett Masters Special Teams and Greater Atlanta Pathways, Inc. He has been a program director, development director, and public relations specialist in other non-profit organizations benefiting people with special needs and disabilities.
BRIAN PAGE
SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT @
SHEPHERDS COLLEGE
Breakout Sessions: Partnering with Adult Programs | Post-Secondary Programming for Adults with Disabilities
Brian Page grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and is the son of a physician father and college professor/social worker mother--so caregiving is a part of his DNA. He has been married for 35 years to Dr. Natalie Page and serves on several Boards, one of which is Elim Christian Services, a school that supports children and adults with disabilities. The Pages have three adult children: HC, Benjamin, and Autumn Grace. Benjamin is their special needs miracle son, a graduate of Elim Christian School, and a technology/culinary graduate of Shepherds College, a faith-based three-year residential college serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is a business/marketing graduate of Tennessee State University, has an MBA from Regent University, and is a licensed and ordained chaplain. Brian is a tremendous communicator, engaging trainer, and pastor. Brian has served as Senior Vice President of Advancement and currently serves as Special Advisor to the President at Shepherds College. He is also the Vice President of Development and Communications for All Chicago. Brian had a successful career in commercial and personal banking, financial planning, and investment management--before moving into the non-profit world as a Regional Vice President for Prison Fellowship and then an Executive Director for several YMCA's. Brian is a huge sports fan, enjoys traveling, connecting with strangers, and laughing with family and friends. Most importantly, he is a passionate follower of Jesus and a big-time advocate for the special needs community.
DAVID WHITE
FOUNDER & CEO @
DPWCREATIVE
Breakout Sessions: Jordan's Remarkable Journey
David White is a recently retired engineer who lives with his wife Patti in Blairsville, Georgia. He is the father of Jordan White, a high-functioning autistic thirty-year-old son who graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in computer science. He and his wife Patti are advocates for Jordan as he continues his path toward full independence. David is passionate about helping churches discover ways to help support parents who have children with special needs and disabilities so that the entire family can have a faith community to belong to. In his free time, David enjoys family activities, hiking, and being outdoors in the beautiful north Georgia mountains.
GLENN HARTRANFT
TREASURER @
BENERGY1 PRESENTATIONS
Breakout Sessions: Journey to Joy Through Autism | We're All in This Together - A Family Perspective
Glenn Hartranft is the father of 3 sons and has been married to Sandy for over 31 years. Glenn graduated from Temple University with a BA in business and LaSalle University with an MBA. He works at SAP National Security Services in Newtown Square, PA in software development support. He enjoys doing projects around the house, taking walks with Sandy, and is actively involved in several men’s groups including one for families with special needs children. He is the one who thinks outside the box and provides creative problem-solving to the many issues that have touched their family. Glenn’s passion is to be able to share with other families that are on the journey of raising a special needs child.
JAY PERKINS
CEO @
SENSORY ROOM SOLUTIONS
Breakout Sessions: Creating Sensory Spaces
Jay Perkins has specialized in sensory spaces since 2008 when he built a sensory gym for children with special needs. Since then, he has become a premier designer of sensory rooms in churches and schools. His signature designs are unparalleled in the industry, and his services include the design, installation, and training of a one-stop-shop for sensory rooms. The Perkins have a special needs daughter who greatly benefitted from sensory rooms in her childhood, as they were a place for respite that gave her the emotional stability to successfully navigate her school day. Jay’s interest in building sensory rooms in churches developed when his own church found ways for special needs children to come to church, which then allowed his family to worship together. Until then, one parent had to stay home with his daughter. Jay designed and built the sensory rooms At Church on Main and helped Mount Paran Church with its development.
JORDAN WHITE
CO-FOUNDER @
DPWCREATIVE
Breakout Sessions: Jordan's Remarkable Journey
Jordan White is a Christ-follower, an adult with Autism, and the co-founder of DPW Creative. He is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a B.S. in Computer Science. Jordan has 6 years of experience in software development and is now an entrepreneur. He likes hiking, tubing, and experimenting with his computer. Jordan also enjoys movies and TV shows and he loves to connect with the behind-the-scenes creators of films such as Jerry Rees, one of the animation producers for Space Jam and computer graphics creators for Tron.
KEN CHATHAM
MIDDLE SCHOOL
PASTOR @
MOUNT PARAN CHURCH
Breakout Sessions: Inclusion in Youth Ministry
Ken Chatham is currently the Middle School Pastor at Mount Paran Church in Atlanta, GA. Since joining the staff at Mount Paran in 2012, Ken has served in many different areas, including coordinating local outreach ministries, leading short-term missions, and pastoral roles in youth ministry. Ken is passionate about using the gift of evangelism to reach the families within our city and the youth of this generation with the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ.
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JEANETTA BRYANT
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR @
ABILITIES WORKSHOP
Breakout Sessions: Understanding the Grief of a Diagnosis
Jeanetta Bryant is the Founder and Executive Director of Abilities Workshop, Inc. in Orlando, FL. The purpose of Abilities Workshop is to provide an educational platform and informational clearinghouse, mentoring, training, and support for parents, pastors, and teachers to empower families to successfully navigate their child’s special needs journey for optimal success. Jeanetta was named the Top Autism Advocate in 2021 by Exceptional Needs Today. She is the mother of two children, one who lives with Autism. She is an author and developer, who has recently acquired Bright Feats, a directory that helps thousands of families find support and services.
KATIE MATTHEWS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR @
THE BANQUET NETWORK
Breakout Sessions: Pursuing Your Pool of Bethesda
Katie Matthews is a mom of two, a pastor's wife, The Banquet Network’s Executive Director, and the director of a special needs ministry called Bethany Blessings. She is passionate about bringing the gospel to families of individuals with special needs 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 different needs as best we can on this side of eternity so that they would one day be able to meet Jesus face to face.
KENT WRIGHT
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Breakout Sessions: Managing Difficult Behavior
Kent Wright Jr. is a special education teacher in the Cobb County school district who is following his calling to work with students who have many exceptionalities. He has a naturally calm spirit which is a true gift for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. He has been serving in the special needs and disability ministry for 13 years. He finds joy in bringing comfort to parents who are no longer nervous when they drop their kids off for church. He currently works for Marietta City Schools and teaches children with special needs at the elementary level. He has realized, as years have passed, how his God-given gift has touched so many children and parents. He continues to serve in the Unlimited Ministry at Mount Paran Church and serves in the schools as a guiding light to minister to the kids. He is currently working on his 2nd master's degree in Special Education with a focus on Science. He also holds an M.A. in Special Education. One of Kent's strengths is in dealing with behaviors in the areas of emotional behavior disorder, autism, and whatever else God puts in his path. He learned from his brother, whom he considers the best in his field. Kent's brother has been his mentor and still is to this day. Like sports and music, he has a passion for special needs in his heart and because of God, he has found a way to be a support for others.
KIM WEINREB
FOUNDER & CEO @
TRANSITIONALLY SPEAKING
Breakout Sessions: Transitionally Speaking
Kim Weinreb is a mom of a 23-year-old son with special needs, advocate, and owner of Transitionally Speaking, LLC, which provides one-on-one transition meetings for parents to help guide them from child to adult services. Kim has taken on many leadership and advocate roles over the years such as being the Co-founder of Georgia Therapy Moms, a Douglas County support group; helping to bring Special Pops Tennis and Challenger Baseball to Douglas County; and leading a parent support group at her son's school, ClearWater Academy, for 12 years. Kim is passionate about supporting other parents navigate the transition journey so they don't have to do it alone.
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RYAN WHITMIRE
PRESIDENT & CEO @
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY MINISTRY
Breakout Sessions: Caring Beyond Youth Ministry
Ryan Whitmire joined the DDM staff in December 2017. As a “preacher’s kid,” he grew up in Lithia Springs, Georgia. Ryan is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees. It was in the movement studies clinic at UGA where he first developed a passion for working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has over 19 years of experience with Georgia’s Medicaid Waiver Program and has served in various roles in non-profit organizations, including case manager, program director, and administration. Ryan, his wife, Melissa, and daughter, Lily, live in Jefferson, GA. They are members of Jefferson Church. Among his many interests are surfing, scuba diving, traveling, and UGA football.
LYNN WILKERSON
SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTER @
JOHNSON FERRY BAPTIST CHURCH
Breakout Sessions: Discipling People with Disabilities | Finding and Keeping the Best Volunteers
Lynn Wilkerson is the Special Needs Minister at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, GA where she has served for 7 years. The Shine Ministry includes individuals from preschool through adults. Lynn passionately believes everyone should have the privilege of hearing the gospel and being discipled. Lynn is happily married to her husband Thomas and they have two children, Emily, a freshman at UGA this year, and Isaac, a sophomore in high school. Isaac is Lynn's inspiration for leading The Shine Ministry because he is on the autism spectrum.
STACY GEORGES
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR @
SPECIAL NEEDS RESPITE
Breakout Sessions: Respite Care as a Preventative to Suicide | Creating a Parents' Night Out Event
Stacy Georges holds a B.A. from Purdue University in Therapeutic Recreation and has served the Metro Atlanta area for 14 years by providing support for our special needs community through respite care. Stacy is passionate about supporting the marginalized members of our community and believes that the disability community is the most underserved in any community, especially in faith communities. In 2017, Stacy founded Special Needs Respite, a nonprofit organization that provides funding to families that need respite care. Since its inception, Special Needs Respite has provided over $85,000 of scholarships to assist families in paying caregivers who provide much-needed respite care for Metro Atlanta families.
DR. STEPHEN GRCEVICH
PRESIDENT &
FOUNDER @
KEY MINISTRY
Breakout Sessions: Mental Health Inclusion | Including Kids on the Spectrum
Stephen Grcevich, MD is President and Founder of Key Ministry, a Christian non-profit established to help churches minister to families of children with disabilities, emphasizing the inclusion of children with “hidden disabilities.” He is a child psychiatrist with 30+ years of clinical, teaching, and research experience. His first book, Mental Health and the Church was published by Zondervan in 2018 and provides a handbook for church leaders to better understand how to minister to people with mental health diagnoses.
KYLE PEASE
FOUNDER @ KYLE PEASE FOUNDATION
Breakout Sessions: Serving with a Disability | Creating Places Where People with Disabilities Belong
A four-time IRONMAN triathlete, Kyle Pease has a career total of more than 75 races. Since 2011, he and his brother, Brent, have competed in races across the country, most recently becoming the first brother duo in history to complete the grueling IRONMAN World
Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Born with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Kyle has strived for life beyond his wheelchair; and he has achieved that and so much more. Kyle graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.S. in Sports Management, and is the founder of the Kyle Pease Foundation, a successful motivational speaker, and spends his time as a full-time greeter at Piedmont Hospital in his
home town of Atlanta.
SANDY HARTRANFT
AUTHOR & SECRETARY @
BENERGY1 PRESENTATIONS
Breakout Sessions: Journey to Joy Through Autism | We're All in This Together - A Family Perspective
Sandy Hartranft has been an RN for over 39 years and a CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist) for the past 28 years. She now works at the very hospital that diagnosed Ben with autism at the age of 2. She is the proud mom of 3 wonderful grown sons, an avid reader, loves to cross-stitch, and travels with her family. Sandy is always willing to talk to other families about their experiences and hopes to encourage others the same way she was encouraged on her journey. Sandy’s first book “Swinging From the Chandelier: Finding Joy in the Journey through Autism” is a memoir taken from the many journals she kept over the years raising her 3 boys and the wild ride it has been.
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STEPHEN CULVER
BEHAVIORAL SPECIALIST @
COBB COUNTY SCHOOLS
Breakout Sessions: Managing Difficult Behavior
Stephen L. Culver is a proud native of Atlanta, Georgia. He has a passion for children and loves working with the youth ministry at church. Stephen also serves as the Minister of Music for Great Faith Cathedral Church of God in Christ, located in Mableton, Ga. He enjoys teaching voices, singing, playing the keyboard, writing plays, and choreographing routines for miming and stepping in order to keep children motivated. Stephen's passion for children extends to ALL children, especially children with special needs. For the past 27 years, Stephen has devoted his time to assisting children in all areas of special education. He currently serves as one of the Support and Services Administrators in the district. His willingness and ability to serve all children, especially those with disabilities, will impact generations to come by successfully meeting their educational, social, and emotional needs.
STEPHEN TAYLOR
FOUNDER & CEO @
ACCESSABILITY4ALL
Breakout Sessions: Is Your Church Accessible? | Creating Community Outside the Church
Stephen Taylor is the founder and Executive Director of SNs360 (SNs360.org), which exists to educate faith communities on the inclusion of the disability community in their mission fields. Previously, he was the Special Needs Pastor at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church in Johns Creek, a suburb of Atlanta. He is passionate about educating the world, and the Church about the values and gifts of those with disabilities. Stephen is a graduate of Candler School of Theology at Emory University and is writing a book, Disabled in America. Stephen is a lifelong resident of Cobb County. He is a Star Wars fan, and the father of two teenagers. He has been profoundly deaf since birth. Stephen will be leading breakout sessions to help leaders understand better ways of making their faith community accessible and the importance of creating community outside of the church.
ALLIE MCCARTY
COMMUNICATIONS & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR @
THE BANQUET NETWORK
Breakout Sessions: Pursuing your Pool of Bethesda
Allie serves as The Banquet Network's Communications and Operations Manager. Prior to joining The Banquet Network, Allie worked as a Skill Building Specialist with adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and she has also served at Arrowhead Bible Camp for individuals with disabilities in Brackney, PA. Allie loves pursuing God's beloved children and equipping the local church to welcome individuals and families affected by disability into the full life of the church.