Community Group
Leaders

Carrie N. (they/she)

Carrie N. is an educator, administrator and artist who has spent the last 23 years working in, and consulting with, education institutions, small companies, government and NGOs. Carrie has a BFA in Sculpture, an MA in Teaching and an MA in Media Studies. They are also completing a MA in Consciousness Studies and Transpersonal Psychology with a research focus on intersubjectivity in groups, and is currently enrolled in a MS in Organizational Change Management with a focus on authenticity in leadership.

Over the years Carrie has been involved in campus ministry, local church leadership and regional gatherings. They are a coach and a consultant with spiritual leaders and workers, artists, educators and business executives. Inquiry and curiosity are at the center of the work they do.

Darren Calhoun (he/him)

Darren Calhoun (he/him) is a justice advocate, worship leader, and photographer based out of Chicago. He works to bridge connections between people of differing perspectives through story and relationship. Currently, Darren leads worship at Urban Village Church and serves in multiple capacities with organizations like Evangelicals for Social Action, The Center for Inclusivity, and The Reformation Project. He also sings with a progressive Christian band called The Many. He’s facilitated workshops and led worship for many Annual Conferences. Darren brings with him an intentional focus on the church being inclusive of a diversity of people and expressions as an authentic reflection of the Kingdom of God. Lastly, Darren is an extrovert who loves hugs. Follow him on social media at @heyDarren or through his blog, DarrenCalhoun.com.

Rev. Samantha Hasty (she/her)

Pastor Samantha Hasty (she/her) grew up in Southern Baptist fundamentalism as a queer, neuro-spicy, outspoken woman and found her people along the way as she healed from spiritual traumas and reclaimed a faith that is all her own. She graduated from Earlham School of Religion in 2018 with a Masters of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry and is currently working on her Doctor of Ministry degree. Samantha is the very proud mama to Micaiah and wife of Kellie. She is the founding and current pastor at Pitch in Theology. Samantha is excited to journey with the QCF community as the Program Manager.

Sam Barnes (he/they)

Sam Barnes is an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, supporting the spiritual, social, and mental well-being of queer folks. Sam serves as the leader for the Young Adult Caucus at DignityUSA, an affirming LGBTQ+ Catholic organization, and previously served as the Youth Coordinator for PFLAG in Fairfax, VA. In his free time, Sam enjoys reading (voraciously), rock climbing (foolishly), and finding new coffee shops (eagerly).

Rev. Dr. Daniel Rodriguez Schlorff (he/él/siya)

I’m the Senior Minister of Third Congregational Church in Middletown, CT as well as a church planter, musician, author, and spiritual director. I’m biracial (half Filipino and half white), pansexual, and a cisgender male. My ministry began as a local minister in the Church of the Nazarene in 2000, but I soon found that my call to authentic sexuality was as strong as my call to ministry. And so, I looked everywhere—and struggled—to find an accepting spiritual home. Meanwhile, my own self-acceptance hung in the balance. Reading the works of John Boswell and Michel Foucault saved my life… and my faith. Other study I completed was the Certificate of Sexuality and Religion and the Doctor of Ministry at Pacific School of Religion, and my prior education was earned at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, Meadville/Lombard, and Olivet Nazarene University. Father to two Pittie rescues.

Rev. Dr. Jason Wellman (he/him)

Jason Wellman is a pastor, professor, and writer committed to building communities rooted in compassion, justice, and authentic faith. He serves as the senior pastor of Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church in Hilliard, OH. His work often explores themes of grace, belonging, healing, and the ways faith intersects with everyday life. Jason has taught at various seminaries, primarily in the practical theology and pastoral ministry departments, as well as coaches and mentors pastors. Jason is especially passionate about creating spaces where all people feel seen, valued, and welcomed. He is the proud father of four teens and a dog named Phoebe.

Brie Yoder (she/her)

Brie Yoder (she/her) is a trans woman and pansexual, and lives in rural Ohio next to a large Amish population, with her spouse, teenager, 1 dog and 3 cats. She grew up in the Mennonite tradition, and remains a member of a local Mennonite church, where she leads singing, fixes tech bugs, and leads children’s stories during Sunday worship. She usually occupies her days as a software developer, working from home full-time. Some of her hobbies include DJing, running, playing the violin, roasting coffee and playing poker. She also hosts a monthly LGBTQ+ gathering in her home.

delfin bautista (they/elle/delfin)

delfin is a native of Miami, FL, is of Cuban and Salvadoran heritage, and currently serves as the Director for the Lionel Cantu Queer Resource Center at UC-Santa Cruz. A social worker and activist theologian, delfin is passionate about intersectional justice and resilience, especially around the experiences of queer and trans people of color. delfin currently serves on the board of directors for enfleshed and has been involved with different groups such as Soulforce, Believe Out Loud, DignityUSA, and Call To Action.

Jess Ferris (she/her)

Jess is a lesbian who lives just outside Minneapolis with the love of her life. They have three kids at home, plus one dog and two cats. Jess is a general contractor and part-time teacher for elementary students at an outdoor academy. She is passionate about queer people learning our worth, feeling a deep sense of belonging through community, and understanding that our existence paints a larger, more colorful picture of the love of the Divine to the world and the church. Jess is a 5’ tall neurospicy Scorpio whose favorite things include traveling, walking, cheese, the enneagram, therapy, spending time outdoors - especially near water, grammar, eyeliner, meeting new people, and hosting the late-night after-party on the QCF Tuesday night MOM group, where she met her chosen family and her partner in the fall of 2022.

Tadd Sipes (he/him)

Tadd Sipes is a musician, a husband, a father, and a photographer.  Retired from his musical career, Tadd invests a lot of time in relationship building and in caring for those around him.  He is taking his photography more seriously than ever and is in the process of creating a business to sell his images.  

Steve Blinder (he/him)

Steve is the pastor at Brandon Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Florida and lived in a MOM for nearly 30 years before the marriage ended in divorce.

Bobbi Ullinger (her/she)

Bobbi identifies as a non-binary, gender fluid transwoman. Her pronouns are her/she, just like the chocolate bar. Bobbi met and married her wife, Cathy, in college, and they have lived in Kent, OH, home of Kent State University for 48 years. In 2007, Bobbi shocked Cathy with the news that she is transgender. Still very much in love, they worked to be committed to their marriage as Bobbi slowly transitioned over the following 15+ years. Bobbi has facilitated peer support groups for the transgender community both in person and online, as well as the Q Christian Fellowship community group for persons in mixed orientation marriages. She is on the board United Christian Ministries at Kent State University, and has spoken to both undergrad and graduate level college classes and church groups, and has lobbied local and state law makers for LGBTQ rights. As an active member of The Church in Silver Lake (UCC), Bobbi has lead Bible studies and book discussion groups, and is honored to preach at Sunday morning services a couple times a year. Bobbi is the proud parent of 5 adult kids (their youngest is gay), and Pap Paw to 7 grandkids. She is a retired firefighter/paramedic, and currently works for an audio production company where she makes rock bands loud.

Ashley Lynn Hengst (she/her/ella)

Ashley Hengst is a Cuban American passionate about helping ex-evangelicals unlearn the toxic aspects of the Christian faith. Ashley is the host of “The Unlearning Podcast” where she helps listeners unpack Scripture and the Christian life through the lens of liberation theologies. Ashley is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, the Academy of Art, and Claremont School of Theology. When she’s not working on her podcast or officiating weddings and funerals, Ashley enjoys time with her wife, Jen and their daughter.

Rev. Stephen Scott (he/him)

Rev. Stephen Scott is an Inclusive Catholic priest who combines theological study with a heart for pastoral care. He holds degrees from The Catholic University of America and Washington Theological Union, focusing on Pastoral Care, and completed seminary formation with the Inclusive Catholic Diocese of the Chesapeake Bay.

During his formation, Stephen worked alongside Catholic missionaries, developing his passion for spirituality and social justice. Ordained a Deacon in 2017 and a Priest in 2018, he now serves as Diocesan Chancellor and Pastor of St. John's Inclusive Catholic Community in Washington, DC. He has also participated in previous QCF conferences and Community Groups.

When he's not working or at the parish, Stephen enjoys spending time with his partner, friends and family. He's an avid sci-fi/fantasy fan, enjoys the Golden Girls and cartoons, and has also gotten into Dungeons & Dragons.

Rev. Regan Saoirse (she/her)

"How may I contribute toward creating compassion and caring in a world that appears to be full of apathy?" That has been the leading question in my personal and professional life. Professionally, the answer for 18 years has been providing Spiritual Care, mostly in healthcare. I am also studying for a DMin in Interreligious Chaplaincy. I’m learning new ways to be a chaplain, actively and courageously with those challenging the status quo.

A Northland College and Eden Seminary Grad, I now work with my Conference in the UCC as a Consultant for LGBTQ Clergy. Following the path of Thich Nhat Hanh, my spiritual practice also includes Buddhism and Mindfulness.

May your path be free from the weight of others' apathy or hatred and full of grace and energy to love with action.

Brigitte Piskura (she/her)

Brigitte Piskura (she/her) is the face behind Bithiah Soulcare, a ministry for those who seek to be present to themselves, God, and others safely and authentically. She has ten+ years of experience in church and para-church ministry and will be certified as a Spiritual Director in June. Brigitte is passionate about the intersection of faith and identity and equipping her fellow LGBTQIA+  siblings to flourish spiritually. She is the queer half in a mixed-orientation marriage, a mom, stepmom, and dogmom. Brigitte invests in QCF as a Community Group leader, Conference Prayer Team leader, and panelist for breakout sessions. 

Tonya Edmisten (she/her)

My passion is helping parents and their whole families through the journey of when their kid or a loved one comes out. Our journey was lonely, painful, and filled with so much unknown; it is my hope to equip families so their journey can be one of celebration. I have read and studied so many resources hoping to have fruitful conversations with others that can help them move towards inclusion. We have built a large chosen family which has been so vital in our journey, not just our family, but also the ones we now consider family.

Paula Brotherson (she/her)

I am a mother, wife, and almost-retired finance professional, as well as a fitness enthusiast, follower of Jesus, LGBTQIA ally, and trusted friend. In this season of life, one of my greatest focuses is learning how to build healthy, adult-to-adult relationships with my two daughters and my husband.

While I would like to say that being a follower of Jesus is the most central part of my identity, the truth is that my faith has taken somewhat of a back seat lately. I am trying to approach that reality with honesty, while gently rebuilding and renewing my relationship with Him.

Alongside this, I am developing a deeper awareness of the experiences and pain of my LGBTQIA siblings in Christ, which has stirred in me a strong sense of calling to listen, learn, and engage more meaningfully.

Whether in my professional life, faith communities, or personal relationships, I have seen how quickly communication can break down when conversations become uncomfortable. I want to grow in creating space for dialogue that does not avoid tension, but instead engages it with compassion, humility, and respect. My hope is to help foster environments where difficult conversations are not about changing minds, but about entering into meaningful, even life-giving, exchanges that honor each person’s humanity.

I continue to pray for wisdom, discernment, and grace, knowing this is work I cannot do in my own strength.

Pat Craig (she/her)

Bio Coming Soon!

Richard Hinchman (he/him)

Richard Hinchman has a B.A in Sociology '77 & M. Div. '87 from Eastern University. He has been involved in LGBTQ+ organizations in the Philadelphia region for the past 35 years. Presently he is part of an welcoming & affirming Baptist church in Moorestown, NJ. He is currently provides LGBTQ+ diversity training in senior living facilities throughout NJ.  

Rev. Stephen Scott (he/him)

Rev. Stephen Scott is an Inclusive Catholic priest who combines theological study with a heart for pastoral care. He holds degrees from The Catholic University of America and Washington Theological Union, focusing on Pastoral Care, and completed seminary formation with the Inclusive Catholic Diocese of the Chesapeake Bay.

During his formation, Stephen worked alongside Catholic missionaries, developing his passion for spirituality and social justice. Ordained a Deacon in 2017 and a Priest in 2018, he now serves as Diocesan Chancellor and Pastor of St. John's Inclusive Catholic Community in Washington, DC. He has also participated in previous QCF conferences and Community Groups.

When he's not working or at the parish, Stephen enjoys spending time with his partner, friends and family. He's an avid sci-fi/fantasy fan, enjoys the Golden Girls and cartoons, and has also gotten into Dungeons & Dragons.

Mick Atencio (they/them)

Mick Atencio (they/them) is a queer, neurodivergent, and trans nonbinary artist and theologian. They are passionate about queer liberation, care for neighbor, and honoring the creative spirit in every person they meet. Mick graduated with their Masters of Divinity degree at Virginia Theological Seminary in 2024, with their thesis and cumulative capstone focusing on the elemental forces in biblical creation narratives and poems. They love worship music, visual art, and poetry, have been published by Wipf & Stock, enfleshed and Sojourners, and currently reside in Chicago, Illinois with their husband Mitchell. In their free time, Mick enjoys baking, thrift shopping, learning how to play tennis, and creating art in various mediums

Jacob C. (he/him/él)

Jacob (he/him) is located in Guadalajara, Mexico and has strong passion for LGBTQ+ inclusion at Christian church. He has participated as volunteer in different QCF initiatives to translate resources into Spanish. Also, he has led corporate initiatives to support career development for the LGBTQ+ community. One of his dreams is to create safe spaces in Latin America for LGBTQ+ Christians. 

Jacob (él) vive en Guadalajara México y tiene una gran pasión por la inclusión LGBTQ+ en la iglesia cristiana. Ha participado como voluntario en diferentes iniciativas de QCF para traducir recursos al español. Asimismo ha liderado iniciativas corporativas para apoyar el desarrollo profesional de la comunidad LGBTQ+. Uno de sus sueños es crear espacios seguros en América Latina para cristianos LGBTQ+.

Tonya Edmisten (she/her)

My passion is helping parents and their whole families through the journey of when their kid or a loved one comes out. Our journey was lonely, painful, and filled with so much unknown; it is my hope to equip families so their journey can be one of celebration. I have read and studied so many resources hoping to have fruitful conversations with others that can help them move towards inclusion. We have built a large chosen family which has been so vital in our journey, not just our family, but also the ones we now consider family.

Matt Coffman (he/him)

Matt is a clinician by training with a degree in Bible, a pairing that shapes how he listens as much as how he communicates. He co-founded a virtual mental health practice and builds software for small healthcare practices, mostly out of a stubborn interest in making care easier to reach. More than anything, he wants people to leave his presence feeling cared for and valued, and he brings that same intention to this group. Off the clock, Matt collects fountain pens seriously enough to attend a pen show every year, and he runs perpetually warm, which makes him a devoted evangelist for air conditioning.

Leeza Finch (she/her)

When not participating in QCF groups Leeza enjoys swinging on her porch swing, snuggling with her cat, and writing fanficiton.

delfin bautista (they/elle/delfin)

delfin is a native of Miami, FL, is of Cuban and Salvadoran heritage, and currently serves as the Director for the Lionel Cantu Queer Resource Center at UC-Santa Cruz. A social worker and activist theologian, delfin is passionate about intersectional justice and resilience, especially around the experiences of queer and trans people of color. delfin currently serves on the board of directors for enfleshed and has been involved with different groups such as Soulforce, Believe Out Loud, DignityUSA, and Call To Action.

Elias Arrington
they/them
2 Seasons

Wanda Floyd
she/her
1 Season

Sarah Gruenewald
she/her
1 Season

Jazzy Harrison
she/her
3 Seasons

Brittney Jackson
she/they
2 Seasons

Aimee Kelley
she/they
1 Season

Carter Kelly
he/they/she
9 Seasons

Tony Lancaster
he/him
11 Seasons

Jon Morgan
he/him
4 Seasons

Davíd E. M. Pérez
2 Seasons

Brigitte Piskura
she/her/they/them
13 Seasons

Linda Robertson
she/her
15 Seasons

phoenix sanders
12 Seasons

Michael Vollbrecht
he/him
6 Seasons

M.J. Weissenberger
she/her
11 Seasons

Andy Wells
he/him
5 Seasons

Cassandra Whisenant
she/her
3 Seasons

Steve Wiseman
he/him
3 Seasons

Interested in leading a Community Group?

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