Dr. La-Juan Bradford is the Director of Disability Services at Lee University, where she is in her 16th year of service. She is also the coordinator of sign language classes at the university and teaches classes on Deaf culture. In addition to her work at Lee University, she is the leader of the Deaf Ministry at North Cleveland Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee. Her Deaf ministry is to serve the local Deaf community and to give student interpreters an opportunity to sign with the Deaf Community. She takes students to varied Deaf events, including mission trips to Jamaica Deaf Village each summer.

Quintina Briscoe, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder of Pediatric Speech Lab, a multidisciplinary practice located in Waldorf MD. She is also the founder of "Barriers to Bridges", an inclusive ministry training program for language and communication, as well as "Empowered Parent Circle", a wraparound support membership for parents of children with special needs. She graduated with her bachelors degree from the University of DC and her Masters degree from Howard University. With over a decade of experience with ABA and Speech Pathology, she specializes in bridging the gap for individuals with autism and other communication challenges. Quintina is highly skilled in training staff and team members to teach language and communication strategies for both verbal and nonverbal individuals, including the effective use of AAC devices and nonverbal communication techniques. Her compassionate and innovative approach has transformed countless lives, establishing her as a trusted advocate and leader in the field and to the Special Needs population.

Nan Britt is a passionate educator and advocate for individuals with disabilities, supported by 25 years of experience and training. Nan has a Masters in Education with an emphasis in autism spectrum disorders from the University of Georgia. Her career in special education led her to pioneer and launch a special needs ministry at Bethlehem Church in 2014 called Bethlehem Buddies, growing from one family to currently serving 350 families through Sunday worship, Dream Team weekly serving for adults with disabilities, respite events for families, and small group communities for parents/caregivers. In 2025, Nan launched Buddies Network with the purpose of equipping and helping other churches around the state of Georgia launch and lead a special needs ministry for their congregation and community. In just one year Buddies Network has gained momentum with over 35 churches joining this community, with the goal of welcoming and including people of all abilities into a faith community! Nan is passionate about creating inclusion opportunities and championing individuals with disabilities as equal, valuable, and contributing members of the body of Christ and society.

Jeanetta Bryant is a dynamic and compassionate leader in the special needs community. With over 10 years of experience in the industry and 4 years with Abilities Workshop, Inc. Her journey into this field began when her daughter was diagnosed with a medical condition. Over the last decade, Jeanetta has witnessed her child defy the odds and overcome their diagnoses, inspiring her to become an advocate, author, and speaker. She has written books, developed learning apps, and founded a non-profit organization to provide resources and support to families in need. She is known for her honesty, thoughtfulness, compassion, quick decision-making abilities, and her willingness to constantly learn and adapt to different audiences. At Abilities Workshop, Inc., Jeanetta works with parents, pastors, and teachers to help children with special needs reach their full potential. She is committed to working together with others to provide support, resources, and hope to those who need it most.

Ken Chatham brings over a decade of ministry experience with a heart for building strong teams, discipling leaders, and communicating truth with clarity and purpose. Known for his relational approach to pastoral care, counseling, and community outreach, Pastor Ken is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. His ministry is rooted in authentic relationships and practical leadership, and he is deeply committed to equipping others for spiritual maturity and impactful service. Pastor Ken looks forward to sharing wisdom and encouragement around leadership, faith, and lifelong spiritual growth.

Steve Chatman and his wife Lori have five children, two of whom have Down Syndrome, and four grandchildren. Steve is with Rising Above Ministries, which provides support, encouragement, resources, and community to families caring for individuals with disabilities. They also help educate and train local churches in disability ministry. Prior to Rising Above, he spent 30 years in local church ministry, and at 55, he still loves McDonalds.

Sylvia Cook currently resides in Dallas, Ga with her husband, Ron, and their pet, Aubry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Texas and a Master’s Degree in Reading and Literacy from Walden University. After 29 years in education, she is now retired and channels her experience and passion by volunteering with the Specials Needs Adult program at West Ridge Church. She also directs the World Changers Discipleship Group, a faith-based program which promotes healthy social skills and practical life skills for Adults with Special Needs.

Stephen L. Culver is a proud native of Atlanta, Georgia. He has a heart and passion for children, especially those with disabilities. Stephen currently serves as the Minister of Music and a youth leader at his church, Great Faith Cathedral Church of God in Christ, located in Mableton, Georgia. He enjoys singing, playing the keyboard, writing plays, and choreographing step and mime routines in an effort to keep young individuals motivated. Stephen has over 25 years of experience dealing with severe behaviors. He devotes his time to assisting individuals in every area of special education. He currently serves as a Support & Services Administrator for the school district he works for. His willingness and heart to serve all children is what drives his desire for all individuals to be included. He believes that there is no such thing as running out of strategies to ensure that the educational, social, and emotional needs of everyone are met.

Amanda Dollar was born and raised in West Georgia and is a devoted wife, mother of two, and committed ministry leader with a passion for disability inclusion. Guided by her faith and a servant-leader mindset, she has served in volunteer leadership within her church’s special needs ministry since its inception, helping to shape and sustain inclusive ministry practices. Amanda is deeply committed to building welcoming, Christ-centered environments where individuals from pre-K through adulthood are equipped, supported, and empowered to thrive. With intentional leadership, compassion, and vision, she works to meet diverse needs while cultivating communities where every individual is valued, engaged, and fully included in the life of the church.

Hollie Feathers is the Director of Together We Worship, a program of Together We Care, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals and families affected by disability. She works closely with special needs families through Together We Apply, helping guide them through the Katie Beckett application process, and consults with churches to establish and grow inclusive special needs ministries through Together We Worship. In addition to her professional roles, Hollie volunteers within the special needs ministry at her home church, equipping faith communities to better reflect the love of Christ through accessibility, understanding, and intentional support. Hollie holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and spent many years teaching in the classroom before transitioning into ministry leadership. She previously served on staff at Linked UP Church, where she helped support the children’s ministry and later pioneered the development of the church’s special needs ministry. Married for 16 years and a mother of three, Hollie brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. After her son was diagnosed with autism and additional disabilities at age three and a half, Hollie felt a clear calling to walk alongside families navigating life impacted by disability. Her passion is rooted in faith, service, and a deep commitment to helping families feel supported, seen, and valued while sharing the hope and love of God.

John Fela (M.Ed) is a national disability advocate, working with both faith based and non-faith based disability organizations. He previously worked for Joni and Friends, a global disability ministry. Prior to that, he spent almost 20 years in education, serving in a variety of roles as a classroom teacher in both public and private school settings, as well as being a mentor teacher and school director. He holds certifications in both Montessori and traditional teaching methods, and trained in a variety of specializations, including ESL and Special Education. He is a public speaker, blogger for a variety of disability advocacy platforms, and author of Faith Like My Father, a memoir of his journey as a parent of disability. John lives in Lyons, IL with his wife, Faith, and is father to his son Christopher (ASD/NS). Follow John on his website: www.johnfela.com

Bill Gaventa is an author, speaker, trainer, and consultant primarily in the arena of faith and disability. He is the founder and Director Emeritus of the Institute of Theology and Disability He was the Director of Community and Congregational Supports at the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities in New Jersey from 1995- 2013. Primary areas of experience and expertise include spiritual and faith-based supports with people with disabilities, training for clergy, seminarians and community services staff, aging and end of life/grief issues in intellectual and developmental disabilities, cultural competence, and community building. He served as the President of American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 2016-2017, and the first President of the Disability Ministry Network in 2023. He was Editor of the Journal of Religion, Disability and Health for 14 years, and is author of Spirituality and Disability: Recovering Wholeness published by Baylor University Press in 2018. A new book on preaching and disability is in press (Eerdman’s) and will come out in 2025.

Dr. Stephen Grcevich, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who serves as president and founder of Key Ministry. Dr. Grcevich is the primary spokesperson and vision caster for Key Ministry and leads efforts to build collaborations with pastors, leaders, and other ministry organizations. His book, Mental Health and the Church, was published by Zondervan in 2018. 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.

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 1200 individuals with disabilities through regular respite events and Special Needs Day Camps. Doc is currently assisting over 625 churches locally, nationally, and globally in starting a Disability Ministry. Doc also organizes the Wonderfully Made Disability Conference, which is held annually every October in Kansas City. Doc is a USAF veteran and a retired pediatrician, while 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 allowed his family to learn from and love a child with autism.

Cortney Jenkins is the founder of Awe & Wonder: Special Needs Ministry Resources. She is a former Special Education teacher who now equips churches and families with resources to teach the Bible to students with disabilities. Cortney serves on staff at her local church in western NC, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Valeria Lobo is the director of Thrive Special Needs Ministry at First Baptist Church Woodstock. Before coming on staff as the director, Valeria worked at a day program for adults with special needs for three years. She has volunteered in the special needs ministry for several years, laying a foundation for understanding student’s needs and volunteer needs. First Baptist Woodstock serves students with disabilities of all ages by building relationships with them and helping them thrive as Disciples of Jesus Christ.

Wes Lutes has served in full-time ministry for 15 years, dedicating his life to the Christian formation of the next generation. He spent 14 years on staff at Mount Paran Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he served in various leadership roles, including Children’s Pastor and Youth Pastor. A graduate of Lee University (B.M.E., 2010) and Birmingham Theological Seminary (M.B.S., 2024), Wes is passionate about the intersection of theology, discipleship, and leadership development. Currently, he serves as the Campus Pastor at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he mentors students, fosters spiritual community, and encourages academic learning through the lens of Scripture. He is committed to helping students step into their God-given purpose, believing that higher education is not only a place of intellectual growth but also a space where spiritual transformation takes root. Wes is married to Missy, and they are raising three incredible children together. In addition to ministry, he enjoys engaging in creative projects, golf, and theological study, and he encourages the next generation to pursue a faith that is both deeply rooted and mission-driven.

Ashley M. May is a dedicated educator with 23 years of teaching experience and deep roots in the Paulding County School System. A former Abney Elementary student herself, she later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia, followed by a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Reading and Literacy and a Specialist Degree completed in Leadership. Celebrating her 20th year at Abney Elementary, Ashley now serves as a special education teacher in a self‑contained classroom, where she is passionate about supporting learners with diverse needs and creating a structured, compassionate environment for growth. Ashley is an active member of West Ridge Church, where she coaches in the 12:45 special needs service, extending her commitment to inclusion beyond the school setting. She is married to Josh May, and together they have one son, Hudson, who plays travel baseball. Outside of teaching, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, watching baseball, traveling, swimming, attending concerts, and exploring new places to eat.

Courtney Miller has spent more than 13 years founding and leading a Special Needs Ministry within her church, creating spaces where individuals of all abilities are known, valued, and fully welcomed. Recently a stay-at-home mom, she leads from a deep love for Jesus, her husband, and her three children, and from a conviction that every person is intentionally created in the image of God. Throughout her ministry, Courtney has served individuals across the lifespan, with a special passion for discipling adults with disabilities in an often overlooked season where meaningful connection and spiritual growth can diminish. She is committed to ensuring that individuals with special needs are not simply accommodated, but deeply included as an essential and vibrant part of the church and community at every stage of life. Her heart for inclusion is rooted in the belief that belonging is foundational to the Gospel and that when the church embraces every ability, the whole body is strengthened.

Tonya Nash is the founder and Board President of the Autism Faith Network. The 501c3 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 55 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.

Elizabeth Newman is the Program Director for Family Support with Together We Care. She is the author of two books written to support the unique needs community: A Long Way from Shattered Glass to Mosaic, Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and All in with The Almighty, Parenting Special Needs Children by Faith. She has spoken at special needs conferences as well as parent and teacher groups around metro Atlanta. She is a mother to four daughters. Her youngest was diagnosed with autism and epilepsy in 2001. Elizabeth's presentations generate awareness of the challenges families with special needs children face and offer perspective shifts that make all the difference in coping with these challenges.

Anthony Palmiotto is a devoted follower of Jesus with a deep heart for disability ministry and church inclusion. He serves as the Director of Development for Together We Care, a para-church ministry that partners with and equips churches to build sustainable, Christ-centered ministries that welcome individuals of all abilities. Anthony has served in numerous behind-the-scenes roles supporting the development of inclusive ministries and currently serves as a discipleship leader for adults with disabilities at his local church in Dallas, Georgia. He is passionate about helping every person experience belonging in the body of Christ and treasures his roles as a husband, father of two adult children, and servant leader in his church and community.

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 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. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Education and an 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.

Kyle Pease is a two-time IRONMAN World Championship triathlete and one of the world’s most inspiring disability advocates. Born with cerebral palsy, he has relentlessly strived for a life beyond his wheelchair, channeling his determination and passion for sports into groundbreaking achievements. With a career total of more than 125 races, including making history with his brother Brent Pease as the first push-assist brother duo to complete the grueling IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, Kyle shares his inspiring journey to empower individuals with disabilities everywhere. In 2011, Brent and Kyle launched The Kyle Pease Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that breaks barriers in the workforce and across society through sports and groundbreaking initiatives like its Inclusive Employment Program. The Foundation has championed hundreds of athletes across the United States and raised more than $10 million. It also offers support through programs such as scholarship opportunities, inclusive employment opportunities, purchasing adaptive sports equipment, and participation in educational campaigns about cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Kyle is the Chief Inspirational Officer of The Kyle Pease Foundation and works closely with its Inclusive Employees, donors, and supporters. He graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management, and his aim is to empower other individuals with disabilities to realize their potential and achieve their dreams.

Sandra Peoples is the disability ministry consultant for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention and an adjunct professor for Liberty University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the author of Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families. She and her family live outside of Houston, TX. You can connect with her at sandrapeoples.com.

Kaylen Purks (KP) holds a Master’s degree in ASL Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She currently serves as a Success Coach in the Student Success Center at Lee University and is a part-time faculty member teaching American Sign Language. In her role, Kaylen walks alongside students as they pursue academic excellence, personal growth, and meaningful purpose. Beyond the university setting, Kaylen faithfully volunteers as an interpreter at North Cleveland Church of God and actively serves within the church’s Deaf ministry. She is passionate about creating spaces where Deaf individuals are fully seen, valued, and included. Kaylen also mentors students at Lee University, investing in the next generation of leaders with intentionality and heart.

Larah Roberts is a Bible teacher, writer, and speaker passionate about helping Christian parents navigate their child’s autism diagnosis through the lens of the gospel. She is the founder of Raising Autistic Disciples, a gospel-centered community and resource hub for families raising neurodiverse children. She and her husband, Collin, co-wrote How to Advocate & Stay Christian, and her latest book, Letters to Lindsey: Seeing Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis Through a Gospel Lens Volume 1: Theology & Autism, offers biblical encouragement and practical hope for parents navigating life after diagnosis. Larah also serves as Chief Operating Officer of Key Ministry, a nonprofit organization that equips churches to welcome and disciple individuals and families impacted by disability, mental health, and trauma.

Hannah Speiller 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. Hannah is a pioneering member of the On and For a Purpose Program: a facilitator-led curriculum model for the IDD and LD community. Hannah continues to be a part of the planning and creation of SC expansion programs.

Mary Tutterow is the author of The Heart of the Caregiver study series - written for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities and emotions of caring for someone with disabilities, chronic illness or age-related issues. The most recent addition to the series is The Peaceful Caregiver Mary and her husband Winn have two adult children and live in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Their daughter, Mary Addison, has cognitive and physical challenges and an active seizure disorder. Together they also cared for Winn’s mother through cancer and dementia. Mary and her husband Winn founded Healing Farms 25 years ago to provide community participation for young adults with disabilities transitioning out of high school into joblessness and isolation. A former anchorwoman and marketing executive, Mary now leads online and in person small groups for parents and caregivers – as well as workshops, webinars and retreats. Mary has been featured on numerous podcasts, vlogs and talk shows.

Kent Wright, Jr. is a native of Hinesville, GA. He knows his true gift from God, which comes naturally when working with our special needs babies. Kent is currently a special needs coach at Mount Paran Church of God in the unlimited ministry, serving for 14 years supporting families. Kent is an Inclusion 2nd and 4th Grade teacher in the Marietta City School District. He has over 18 years of experience working with children with disabilities, especially in the areas of Autism and definitely Behavior. His passion and dedication to these children show in the classroom, at his church, at home, and in his community. The love of god and these children go hand in hand to serve families who need support, in which he continues to give his all in every capacity.