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.

Katherine Wolf is a survivor and advocate who uses her redemptive story to encourage those with broken bodies, brains, and hearts. She and her husband, Jay, live in Atlanta with their two sons, James and John. Together, they have co-authored two books: Hope Heals and Suffer Strong. Katherine’s first devotional collection, Treasures in the Dark, is now available.

Shane serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). He and his wife, Kasi, reside in Texas with their five children. He has been in ministry for over 20 years as a denominational leader, church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor. Shane is also a traveling communicator, evangelist, and Bible teacher. Every year, he speaks to over a hundred thousand people about the good news of Jesus Christ. He is the author of two books, 9 Common Lies Christians Believe: And Why God’s Truth Is Infinitely Better and Calling Out the Called: Discipling Those Called to Ministry Leadership. He also has a new Bible study called Revival Generation: Awakening to a Movement of God. Shane is also one of the hosts of The Gensend Podcast. Kasi Pruitt is a Follower of Jesus, Wife, and Momma to 6 children - four of whom are adopted. Speaker, Writer, and consultant for churches & ministries in Foster Care & Adoption, as well as serving people with unique needs. Kasi and her family reside in Rockwall, TX.

Kari A. Baker is a former financial services executive and business owner turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is the founder of KIND Families, a community of people who love Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences. She is the host of The KIND Families Podcast on Apple and Spotify. Kari became a KIND mom in 2014 when her son Brady was diagnosed with autism at age three. She started KIND Families to encourage, support, and inspire others to find God's purpose and promise in KIND-ness. Her first print book, Finding KIND, features a foreword written by Brady.

Joanna Blood has both a professional and an educational background in the field of Special Education. Following the completion of her graduate studies in Educational Psychology. Joanna worked for AGS Publishing, now Pearson, for seven years. In the course of these seven years, she trained professionals on curriculum. Joanna was a University supervisor and trainer for students at Texas A&M University. Joanna taught as a special education educator in the Williamson County school system for eight years. Currently, Joanna is the adult day program director at Brentwood Baptist Church in their Embrace ministry. Her personal and professional heartbeat is meeting the needs of those impacted by disability by modeling instructional materials and ministering in a way that will enable them to be successful in life.

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 was also Director of Training and Development at a Cincinnati nonprofit, working with multi-system involved youth. As an adoptive mom and advocate for kids and teens who have experienced trauma or are neurodivergent or disabled, her passion is creating spaces for all kids—regardless of their background, behavior, or unique needs—to belong, contribute, and grow. Through speaking, writing, and coaching, Kim works with parents, church leaders, and organizations to equip volunteer and staff teams, strengthen families, and support parents. She has a Master's in Family Ministry and a Master's in Business Administration, is a Trauma Free World Affiliate Trainer, a TBRI Practitioner®, and a frequent speaker on topics related to trauma, disability, and neurodivergence and the author of the new book Boundless Hope for Every Child and podcast host of Every Child Belongs.

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. With over a decade of experience, 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 to 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.

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.

With over 10 years of ministry experience, Pastor Ken specializes in team building, discipleship, and public speaking. He is passionate about fostering meaningful relationships through pastoral care, counseling, and community outreach. Pastor Ken is dedicated to empowering others and looks forward to sharing his insights on leadership and spiritual growth.

Steve 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.

Rachael has always wanted to help people live abundant lives. In 2007 she received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and set off on a career in private counseling practice to help people strengthen their relationships, especially their marriages. She and her husband serve in ministry at Gwinnett Church of Christ in Lawrenceville, GA. They have two awesome sons. Their oldest, Luke, was born with a severe congenital heart defect and faces difficult physical and cognitive challenges. Being the parent of a child with special needs often feels like walking through deep swirling water and scorching fire. It has sent Rachael searching for natural tools to help parents thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Her mission is to share those tools with other special needs families through counseling, workshops, YouTube, and social media.

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.

John Fela (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 Lyons, IL, and is married to his wife Faith and 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.johnfela.com

Beth Golik is the Director of Ministry & Training for Key Ministry, an organization that serves churches seeking to welcome and disciple children, teens, and their families impacted by disability, mental illness, and trauma. She is also the Director of Disability Engagement at Bay Presbyterian Church in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio.

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.

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, 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.

Jill holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Special Education from Florida State University, specializing in supporting students on the Autism Spectrum. After five years of experience as a special education teacher in the public school system, she made the transition to disability ministry in 2021. Jill is deeply passionate about helping churches create inclusive environments where individuals of all abilities can grow in their faith, find meaningful opportunities to serve and feel a true sense of belonging within their church community.

Rev. Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes shares her lived experience as a parent of kids with needs and differences (ASD/ADHD) as well as her professional life coaching marriages and families impacted by special needs. Dr. Holmes combines her previous professional counseling 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 theNeurodiverse Family System." She and her husband are a neurodiverse couple and wrote the newly released "Uniquely Us: Gracefully Navigating the Maze of NeuroDiverse Marriage: Autism-Faith- Marriage."

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.

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.

Brian is a Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, where he serves major donors on behalf of two special needs ministries: Elim Christian Services and Shepherds College. His professional passion is fueled by his personal experience advocating for their miracle son, Benjamin, who has an intellectual and developmental disability. Brian shares a message of faith, determination, and an unwavering commitment to providing every possible opportunity for his son. The Page's journey serves as a source of inspiration for families facing similar circumstances, emphasizing the transformative power of trust in God. Brian and his wife, Dr. Natalie Page, have been married for 38 years and live in the suburbs of Chicago. They have been blessed with Benjamin's older brother, Harold, younger sister, Autumn Grace, daughter in love, Sofia, and 10-month-old grandson, Harry.

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.

Jazmin Vitale has a background in Political Science and Economics, later earning an MBA to deepen her understanding of strategic business and communications. She began her career serving in the nonprofit sector with a focus on community development before discovering a passion for fundraising and development, strategic planning, and communications. In November 2024, Jazmin joined Developmental Disabilities Ministries (DDM), an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their highest levels of social, physical, emotional, and spiritual maturity. At DDM, she has embraced the mission and Christian values, finding deep fulfillment in advancing initiatives that provide quality care, housing, and community engagement for residents. Through her expertise in fundraising and strategic growth, she is committed to expanding resources, strengthening partnerships, and furthering DDM’s impact on those it serves.

Ryan Whitmire is a dedicated leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since 2017, he has served as the President and CEO of Developmental Disabilities Ministries (DDM). Under his leadership, DDM has expanded its reach, providing high-quality residential and navigation services to individuals with developmental disabilities across Georgia. With over 21 years of experience in COMP/NOW waiver services, Ryan has played a pivotal role in strategic planning, financial management, and program development, ensuring sustainable and impactful services for the people DDM supports. Ryan’s work is especially meaningful in helping adults with developmental disabilities, a population that often slips through the cracks after adolescence and high school. His commitment to supporting this underserved group has had a lasting positive impact, uplifting both individuals and the community at large by offering opportunities for independence and fulfillment. In addition to his role at DDM, Ryan is the current President of the Service Providers Association for Developmental Disabilities (SPADD), where he advocates for best practices, policy improvements, and provider education throughout the state. His expertise in nonprofit leadership, accreditation processes, and system-wide improvements has made him a trusted voice in the industry. Ryan is deeply committed to his community and faith. As an active member of The Jefferson Church, he serves as a door holder (volunteer) and is one of the leaders of the church’s golf connect group. His servant leadership approach extends beyond his professional work, fostering connections and support for individuals in both the disability services field and his local community.

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 for belonging.

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.