Building Bridges With Deacon Ali Clark
Faith has been woven into KenCrest's story from the beginning. Founded by Lutheran leaders committed to dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all, KenCrest continues to be strengthened by people who bring those values to life through service and leadership.
One way we honor that heritage is through Lutheran representation on our board. I'm pleased to introduce four new Lutheran board members whose experiences, talents, and values help strengthen KenCrest's mission. While each has a unique story, all share a commitment to creating communities where every person can belong and thrive.
Sara Calderon
Faith Snapshot
Favorite Hymn: There's a Wideness in God's Mercy
Scripture: Revelation 19:16
A member of Christ Ascension Lutheran Church in Chestnut Hill, Sara serves as Executive Assistant at Nueva Esperanza, Inc.
Sara was drawn to KenCrest because of its rich history and the legacy of the Lutheran women who responded to community needs with faith, courage, and compassion. While the organization has grown and evolved, she sees those same values reflected in its commitment to supporting people and families today.
"My faith reminds me that God is constantly at work through people," Sara says. "At KenCrest, I've seen vulnerability and challenge met with love and care, with skill, technology, and perseverance."
She is especially excited to help carry forward a mission that creates opportunities for people to thrive and be fully included in their communities.
Rev. Karen Nelson
Faith Snapshot
Favorite Hymn: Gather Us In
Scripture: Matthew 25:40
Pastor Karen serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairview Village and is also a marriage and family therapist.
For Karen, KenCrest's mission reflects a belief that is central to both her faith and professional work: every person's life has inherent value.
She is especially passionate about inclusion and accessibility, values that shape her congregation and have defined much of her ministry. Those same commitments drew her to KenCrest.
"I'm excited to support KenCrest's mission because it reflects a core belief of my faith: every person deserves love, dignity, and belonging," she says.
Karen views board service as an opportunity to help strengthen communities where people are valued not for what they accomplish, but for who they are.
Dr. Ellen Conroy
Faith Snapshot
Favorite Hymn: 10,000 Reasons
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
A member of Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church in Media, Ellen is a retired addiction psychiatrist.
Throughout her medical career, Ellen learned the importance of seeing people as whole individuals rather than focusing solely on challenges or diagnoses from a Lutheran nurse that stuck with her throughout her career. Those experiences continue to shape how she approaches service and leadership.
She was particularly inspired by KenCrest's culture of continuous improvement and its determination to provide the highest quality supports possible.
"I am inspired by the commitment to excellence I see across KenCrest," Ellen says. "Staff, leadership, and board members are continually asking how they can do better, reach further, and serve more people well."
As a board member, she looks forward to helping advance that spirit of innovation and excellence while staying grounded in values of compassion and respect.
Emily Eisenberg
Faith Snapshot
Favorite Hymn: Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me
Scripture: Luke 5:17-20
A member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mayfair, Emily is a special education teacher in autism support.
Emily first connected with KenCrest through its strong commitment to individualized support and inclusion. As an educator, she appreciates the organization's belief that people flourish when services are built around their unique strengths, interests, and goals.
"What stands out to me is that KenCrest doesn't take a one-size-fits-all approach," Emily says. "It looks for personalized solutions that help people be part of their communities in ways that reflect who they are."
Emily also sees a strong connection between KenCrest's approach and Lutheran values of community and collaboration. She is eager to meet more of the people connected to KenCrest and deepen her understanding of the organization's impact.
As these board members begin their service, we are grateful for the perspectives, expertise, and commitment they bring to KenCrest. Their leadership helps carry forward a tradition that has connected faith, community, and belonging for generations.
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