Melody Escobar
Melody Escobar, Ph. D., is an Associate Research Scientist at the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing. Her research and publications in Christian spirituality and practical theology focus on families who experience disability, innovative models of ministry, and curricula advancing inclusion and belonging in academic and spiritual life. She lectures in religion and disability and […]
Janell Petersen
Janell Petersen is a licensed minister, holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Central Bible College (now Evangel University) and has over 20 years of experience serving in ministry as a pastor and a leader. She lives in Omaha, NE, with her husband and two children, one of whom has multiple disabilities. Janell’s personal journey […]
Alfonso Feria
Al came to personal faith in Christ as a child. He began college studying Computer Science at the University of Michigan. However, he sensed a call into full-time ministry in 1981 at age 20 while doing theological studies in New Jersey. This call gained clarity as one to serve as a cross-cultural missionary outside the […]
Minsoo Kim
Minsoo Kim is a Ph.D. candidate at Liberty University and a Special Needs Ministry Intern at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Christian Leadership and Spiritual Formation with research centered on belonging, disability ministry, and how Southern Baptist churches embody the Great Commission in welcoming individuals of all […]
Marcus Smith
Marcus Smith is a Deaf ministry leader, educator, and advocate whose work centers on creating bold, accessible spaces for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Born and raised in Baltimore, Marcus navigated both the Deaf and hearing worlds, shaping his commitment to bridge communication barriers with clarity, empathy, and truth. He serves as an Educator supporting Deaf […]
Kristin Langford
Kristin Langford serves as Ministry Coordinator at With Ministries, walking alongside churches through the Worship As One project to nurture belonging for children with disabilities. She draws on 20 years of Children’s Ministry experience at Stonebriar Community Church to develop tools and insights that support inclusive ministry.
Victoria White
Victoria White is a speaker, author, and advocate for ministry with people of all abilities. Through her church, The King’s Table Ministries, and The Banquet Network, she applies her personal and professional experiences in ministry, education, disability, leadership, curriculum development, and Scripture study to empower Christ-followers in disability engagement.
Andrew Barron
Andrew Barron was an adjunct faculty member at the Centre for Spirituality, Disability, and Care at Martin Luther University College, a federated college of Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. He has taught disability and theology at Ambrose University in Calgary, Alberta, Tyndale University in Toronto, and Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto, where […]
Brooke Garcia
Brooke Garcia earned her degree in Recreation Therapy from Indiana University and spent a decade serving as a Recreation Therapist before the Lord called her to launch a disability ministry at White River Christian Church in Indiana. After moving to Florida with her husband to raise their two boys, Brooke now serves as the Disability […]
Denea Marable
Autistic Author, Bible Teacher and podcast host of The Faith Filled Mom Podcast, Denea Marable, loves teaching people how to study the Bible and encouraging autistic individuals to love and accept themselves. She is currently studying Biblical Studies at Birmingham Theological Seminary and a disability rights advocate. As a non-profit guest speaker, writing contributor and […]