our conference speakers
Our speakers serve on the front lines of spiritual care, in churches, hospitals, prisons, campuses, and communities across the country. They are preachers, chaplain educators, therapists, and justice-minded leaders who understand what it means to carry other people’s stories while trying to hold onto their own. They’ll offer honest wisdom, grounding practices, and real talk about burnout, boundaries, grief, joy, and sustainable ministry so you don’t have to navigate this work alone.
Plenary Topic: Wells of Joy
Jessica Young Brown, Ph.D.
Dr. Jessica Young Brown is a licensed clinical psychologist who works as a clinician, educator, consultant, and speaker. She is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. There, she teaches in the area of applied psychology and coordinates undergraduate internship experiences. Her research and clinical work focus on making mental health accessible and equitable for people in marginalized communities, and equipping mental health professionals to better serve these communities.
Dr. Brown’s areas of consultation include the impact of racism and race-related stress on mental health, transgenerational and cultural trauma, and the intersection of faith and mental health. In addition to various peer-reviewed and popular media articles, Dr. Brown is the author of Making Space at the Well: Mental Health and the Church and an editor of two volumes: Raising Faithful Kids: This is the Stuff of Faith, and Growing Together: Insights and Practices for Raising Faithful Kids, all published through Judson Press.
Plenary Topic: Emotional Intelligence as a Spiritual Discipline
Rev. Dr. Nathaniel D. West, LPC
Dr. West earned the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from Christopher Newport University, the Master of Divinity degree at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, the Master of Arts in Christian Education degree at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, the Masters in Professional Counseling degree at Liberty University, and the Ph.D. in Education at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Previous ministry positions include the Senior Pastor of Real Life Ministries, Minister of Christian Education at Trinity Baptist Church and the Executive Minister at Trinity Baptist Church. Dr. West is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and he currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Christian Education at the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology.
Sankofa Conference on Mental & Emotional Wellness for Pastors, Clergy, and Chaplains.
Dr. West is co-editor of the book, From Lament To Advocacy: Black Religious Education and Public Ministry.
Plenary Topic: Leading While Bleeding and Healing at the Same Time
Bishop Dr. Vanessa M. Brown
Ordained Pastor, Radical Inclusionist, Social Justice Activist, Digital Creator
Luke 1:45 “And Blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
Bishop Vanessa M. Brown is the Senior Pastor of Rivers of Living Water UCC of NY and NJ. She is an ordained minister of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries and an authorized minister in the UCC.
She earned her Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity from New York Theological Seminary. She also serves as the Chair of New Church Development of the Central Atlantic Conference of the United of Christ and on the William R. Johnson Scholarship Fund.
Most recently she was inducted into the Morehouse College 38th Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers and Laity.
Her research and academic interests live at the intersections of sexuality, social justice and digital interactive media. She is the creator and host/moderator of Beyond The Gatekeepers ™ a weekly broadcast discussing current events through a theological and justice-informed lens, bridging the gap between church and community.
The Reverend Dr. Vanessa M. Brown is an uplifting addition to our most pressing national discussions of religion, sexuality, gender and race. At a time in history when Black and Brown Queer bodies are under siege, Dr. Brown has committed her research and platform to a nuanced exploration of the most marginalized among us.
Plenary Topic: The Entanglement. The Complexities of Self-Care for the Caregiver
Rev. Dr. Wm. Marcus Small, LCSW
Reverend Dr. William Marcus Small is the Senior Pastor of New Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia.
Dr. Small is a gifted, sought-after preacher, teacher, and lecturer and has been awarded numerous honors and commendations for his commitment to ministry, education, and social justice. In addition to serving the church, Dr. Small is a Clinical Social Worker under supervision to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia. Dr. Small currently serves as a Mental Health Counselor at Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk, Virginia, providing mental health services to incarcerated individuals. Dr. Small is a Pastoral Counselor and PreMarriage workshop facilitator at Tidewater Pastoral Counseling Services in Norfolk, Virginia. His first publication “Becoming Married, Staying Married: A Guide for African American Couples” (Westminster John Knox Press) is a book designed to provide guidance for couples as they work through the early stages of the marriage process.
Dr. Small’s academic accolades include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Religion from Virginia Union University, a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, a Master’s degree in Sacred Theology from Drew University, a Doctor of Ministry degree with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. Dr. Small serves as Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.
Worship Preacher
Rev. Dr. Reginald W. Williams, Jr.
Since September of 2008, Dr. Williams has been the proud Pastor of the First Baptist Church of University Park, IL.
Dr. Williams is a graduate of Florida A & M University (cum laude), the University of Wisconsin Law School, and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University where he earned his Master of Divinity (2002), and Doctorate of Ministry (2017).
Dr. Williams served Trinity United Church of Christ as the Associate Pastor for Justice Ministries from 2002-2008.
Dr. Williams is the author of Moving The Masses: Pillars of Prophe c Preaching (Judson 2021) and co-author of To Serve This Present Age: Social Jus ce Ministries in the Black Church (Judson 2013).
Dr. Williams serves as an adjunct professor at McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago Theological Seminary, and Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in the areas of Preaching and Social Justice Ministry and as a D.Min Scholar Practitioner at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.
Worship Preacher
Rev. Dr. Ebony D. Only
The Reverend Dr. Ebony D. Only is a dynamic preacher, Board Certified Chaplain, and transformational leader committed to the mental and emotional wellness of spiritual leaders. She serves as Executive Pastor at First Baptist Church of University Park, Community Chaplain & Director for Community Engagement at Bishop Anderson House, and Adjunct Professor at McCormick Theological Seminary. Dr. Only holds a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Union University's Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology and is currently preparing to be licensed in Marriage & Family Therapy with a specialization in Trauma Informed Systemic Therapy.
Dr. Only is the author of Balance & Bloom and Self-Care Journey and The Soul's Oasis: Navigating the Divine Path of Self-Care for Clergy, both offering practical solutions for radical self-care for clergy who feel the weight of their pastoral demands. Her groundbreaking work in community care and trauma-informed ministry has earned her the ABCMC James B. Ashbrook Award in Pastoral Care & Pastoral Theology. Through her consulting firm, OnlyOne Consulting, she provides training and consultation to religious organizations seeking to become more trauma-informed and justice-oriented.
A native of Chicago's Englewood community, Dr. Only travels extensively as a keynote speaker and training facilitator, educating spiritual care providers, clergy, and lay leaders on the complex intersections of theology, mental health, and healing. She is a 2023-2024 Chicago Commons Fellow and 2025-2026 Thrive International Fellow, bringing both theological depth and therapeutic expertise to bridge the often-separated worlds of pastoral ministry and mental health care.
Worship Preacher
Rev. Dr. Gail Rice
Rev. Dr. Gail L. Rice is an anointed preacher, pastor, and psalmist. She extensively preaches and teaches for workshops, conferences, retreats, and worship services. In many instances, she has stood in pulpits as the first woman to preach, breaking glass ceilings in places that historically did not accept women preaching. Currently, she serves as Associate Pastor of Ministry Development at Freedom Baptist Church, Hillside, IL where Rev. Dr. Craig Melvin Smith is Senior Pastor.
She is the founder of Fresh Fire Ministries and Curator of The PreacHer Collective, a ministry that gathers and equips preaching women to empower and strengthen their authentic preaching voice and to thrive in ministry.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, Summa Cum Laude from Concordia University River Forest (2001), a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (June 2006), a Master of Divinity (2014), and was conferred the Doctor of Ministry degree with distinction on June 10, 2023, from Northern Theological Seminary.
Dr. Gail is a bi-vocational preacher! She is the Senior Director of Content and Programming for a healthcare information technology association conference, where she has been employed since 2001; Adjunct Professor of Preaching and Communication at North Theological Seminary since 2021, and a member of the Board of Trustees since April 2024.
One-On-One Conversation with "Dr. Danie"
Rev. Nicholas Grier, Ph.D.
Nicholas Grier's writing, speaking, counseling, and community leadership privileges the experiences of marginalized and oppressed people in society. He is an Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Spiritual Care, & Counseling at Claremont School of Theology, Adjunct Professor of Law at Willamette University College of Law, and Founder of Coloring Mental Health Collective, LLC.
Grier is author of the book Care for the Mental and Spiritual Health of Black Men: Hope to Keep Going and numerous other publications.
Grier enjoys nurturing communities of care to promote human flourishing. He works to engage faith communities, clinical counseling practice, academic institutions, organizations, and the public on issues related to justice, liberating faith, community organizing, and emotional well-being. As a professor, Grier works to inspire leaders with tools to nurture care and justice in society.
Nicholas Grier earned a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) degree from the Schwab School of Music at Columbus State University, Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University, and a certificate in psychotherapy from The Center for Religion and Psychotherapy of Chicago.
One-On-One Conversation with "Dr. Danie"
Dr. Pamela Ayo Yetunde, J.D., M.A., Th.D.
Pamela Ayo Yetunde, J.D., M.A., Th.D. is a justice-oriented pastoral counselor who uses "practical pastoral theolyricology" in her work. Ayo is an award-winning author who wrote Dearly Beloved: Prince, Spirituality, & This Thing Called Life. In response to the increasing oppression of Black women in power, Ayo developed a course for spiritual directors called "Year of the Black Woman" where she utilized India.Arie's body of work. You can learn more about Ayo by visiting www.pamelaayoyetunde.com.
One-On-One Conversation with
"Dr. Danie"
Rev. Dr. Lee H. Butler, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Lee H. Butler, Jr. is president of Iliff School of Theology. Dr. Butler comes to Iliff School of Theology from Phillips Theological Seminary, where he served as the Vice-President of Academic Affairs.
He is an active publishing scholar. He is the co-editor of The Edward Wimberly Reader: A Black Pastoral Theology (Baylor University Press, 2020); author of Listen, My Son: Wisdom to Help African American Fathers (Abingdon Press, 2010), Liberating Our Dignity, Saving Our Souls (Chalice Press, 2006), A Loving Home; Caring for African American Marriage and Families (Pilgrim Press, 2000), and numerous articles published in many books and professional journals on the subject of pastoral care and pastoral psychology.
Dr. Butler received his PhD and Master of Philosophy in Psychology and Religion from Drew University. He holds a Master of Theology in Pastoral Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary), and a BA in Religion from Bucknell University.
One-On-One Conversation with "Dr. Danie"
Dr. Nisa Muhammad
Dr. Nisa Muhammad is the Assistant Dean for Religious Life. She is responsible for programming that serves the faith, service, and justice needs of the Howard University community. Dr. Muhammad organizes Muslim worship services and answers questions about challenges from race to religion to relationships. She is also the advisor to the Muslim Students Association, the Youth Justice Advocates, the Nepalese Students Association and the Chess club. Dr. Muhammad is on the executive boards of the ACSLHE (Association for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Life in Higher Education) and the Institute for Muslim Mental Health. She is the past president of the Association of Muslim Chaplains
One-On-One Conversation with "Dr. Danie"
Rev. Stephen J. Thurston, II
Rev. Stephen J. Thurston, II serves as Senior Pastor of New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. For the past two decades, Rev. Stephen Thurston has empowered and equipped individuals to reach their full potential by leading them to change what's within in order to change what's around. A native of Chicago, IL, Stephen gained his intellectual prowess at some of the most respected academic institutions in the world, including Oxford University, Northwestern University, Mercer University, and Morehouse College. Stephen's ability to translate practical principles to divergent demographics has enabled him to speak to audiences across the globe leaving them challenged, changed, and charged.
"Your legacy will be labeled either by the problems you create or the problems you solve" - Stephen Thurston
Legal Issues in Sacred Spaces
Natasha L. Robinson, JD
Natasha L. Robinson, JD, is a visionary legal educator, retired attorney, and founder of Legaleaze Please!, where she transforms complex law into liberating knowledge for everyday people. Known as a “Legalogian,” she blends legal fluency with cultural, historical, and spiritual insight to equip communities—especially faith-based institutions—with the tools to navigate systems with clarity and courage. Her award-winning work amplifies justice, accessibility, and empowerment, inspiring learners to become informed advocates and scholar-activists. A sought-after presenter, Natasha’s teachings illuminate the intersections of law, identity, and liberation, offering audiences both practical strategies and a profound sense of collective possibility through communal imagination.
"Your legacy will be labeled either by the problems you create or the problems you solve" - Stephen Thurston