Community Group
Leaders

Nancy Janisch (she/her)

I am a recently retired campus minister for a multi campus, multi denominational, progressive, fully LGBTQIA welcoming campus ministry.I am interested in supporting and accompanying people as they explore the relationship between their lived experience, faith and the world. I hope to be a strong and fierce ally for my LGBTQIA siblings.

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.

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.

Paula Brotherson (she/her)

Paula (she/her) is a leader in her church’s women’s ministry and leads its bible studies. She is married with two children ages 30 and 25. She grew up catholic and then found her church home at an evangelical protestant church in the San Francisco Bay Area. When her daughter came out as a transgender gay woman it rocked Paula's faith initially, but she is learning to trust God and fully affirm her daughter. Paula is a CPA by trade and when not working, she enjoys working out, running and cycling.

Tonya Edmisten (she/her)

I am a huge ally, advocate, and mom of a LGBTQ+ kid. My heart is to build safe community for LGBTQ+ and their families. I want to do all I can help parents, families, and churches to move towards full inclusion and to see the Bible as fully affirming. I have led parent groups in the past with QCF and other organizations.

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.

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.

Ashley Bowman (she/her)

Ashley Bowman is awaiting her first call as a pastor in the ELCA church. In addition to ELCA, she has been a part of RCA, Presbyterian, Evangelical and various interfaith and ecumenical groups. As a LGBTQ person, Ashley has worked and volunteered in a variety of settings to foster queer community. In various workplaces and churches, she has created queer and ally communities when there was a need. Channeling her passions for social justice and addressing religious trauma, Ashley wrote her master's thesis on gender- based violence and child abuse within Christian community. She hopes to publish her research soon. Ashley enjoys the spiritual practice of birdwatching, and finds her closest connections to God while backpacking. Having spent 15 years away from organized church, Ashley is particularly passionate about meeting people where they are, in whatever form of community best serves them.

Brie Yoder (she/her)

I live in rural Ohio (large Amish population nearby) with my spouse, teenager, 1 dog and 3 cats. I am a member of a local Mennonite church, and in my day job I’m a software developer, working from home full-time. I am pansexual and genderfluid, and some fun things I enjoy include running half marathons, roasting coffee, rye whiskey and playing poker. I also host a monthly LGBTQ-affirming gathering at my 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.

Asa David Coulson (he/him)

Asa is an Episcopal priest currently serving at Grace Church in Madison, New Jersey (a NYC suburb) and has been engaged with the QCF community for more than 15 years. Prior to his priesthood, Asa was active in leadership at Methodist, Pentecostal, and Presbyterian churches. Before entering parish ministry Asa was an executive with both retail and publishing companies in Saint Louis and Nashville, as well as an oncology chaplain and grief counselor outside Philadelphia. As an Associate of the monastic Order of the Holy Cross he is drawn to help others discover the joy of spiritual formation and community.

Asa earned his Master of Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary, completed a postgraduate program at Bexley Seabury Theological Seminary, and his internship and residency programs at Penn State Medical Center. Asa is currently a doctoral student at Drew University, in the writing and research phase.

Asa is a huge soccer fan, an admitted LEGO addict, and a camping/hiking enthusiast, having visited scores of locations in the National Parks System. Asa lives with his adorable canine kid, a 9 year old vizsla named Asher Dominic. Keep up with Asa and Asher on Twitter and Instagram by following @KingAsa.

Jon Carl Lewis (he/him)

Jon Carl Lewis (he/him) is a spiritual guide helping queer and progressive Christians discern healthy sexual/relational practices and attitudes for themselves, those they love, and the communities in which they live out their gospel-shaped life. A candidate for the Master of Arts in Public Ministry at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, he brings theological and spiritual curiosity—as well as a geeky love of peer-reviewed science and a bit of voyeurism around the beautiful diversity, complexity, and fluidity of real people’s lived sexual/spiritual experiences—to explore healthy, justice-oriented, Jesus-centered and joyful ethical stances around sexuality, relating, and the body.

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.

Delia Sosa (they/them)

Delia Sosa (they/them) is a fourth-year medical student, a transgender and intersex advocate, and an LGBTQIA2+ educator. They are the Executive Director of the national Medical Student Pride Alliance and an executive board member of the Association of Native American Medical Students representing the Midwest. Delia has co-authored policy for the American Medical Association to strengthen protection for gender-affirming care across the United States and policy for their state medical association to prevent unnecessary surgeries on intersex youth and infants, improve insurance coverage for IVF, and protect DEI in medical schools.. Delia spends their free time creating educational resources and social media educational tools for healthcare providers and staff on how to care for LGBTQIA2+ patients.

Andy Wells (he/him)

Andy lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. He enjoys aviation, boating, and music, and has an active role at his church, St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco. His favorite activity outside of work is to help people reconcile their faith and sexualities.

Andy is the author of “Tried to Be Straight – Options for Gay Christians,” a book written to conservative LGBTQ Christians looking for a way to reconcile their faith and orientations. He has a Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics from Biola University.

Starchild Druid (they/them)

I am a pastoral counselor, poet, and musician based in Williamsburg, VA. I have released two poetry books: Becoming God (2022) and Almah (2023). 

Jazzy Harrison (she/her)

Jazzy Harrison (she/her) is a Nanny, Newborn Care Specialist, and writer out of Atlanta by way of California. Involved with QCF for the last five years, she co-leads the Poetry small group with Starchild.

Helen Samai Nagelhout (she/her)

Hi there! I'm Helen Samai, from the Netherlands. I love reading, knitting, being outside and talking about meaning-making. I’m a master student at the University of Humanistic Studies, working towards becoming a Humanist chaplain/counsellor. I'm involved with the Lutheran Church here in the Netherlands. I always say that I’ve experienced two coming outs: once when I was seventeen, telling my parents I was Bi. And once when I was 21, telling them I’d come to faith! In my journey into faith I’ve been blessed with affirming and uplifting churches and communities along the way. I come from a hiking loving family and I have felt time and time again the beauty of having someone to walk with you for a little while. I look forward to being a part of your journey here at QCF!

Merry (she/her)

Hi, I'm Merry from Poland! I was born and raised Evangelical Christian, with all the good and bad that entails! I've been on a journey to reconstruct my faith for a few years, having come out to my family and some friends as queer. I am an active member of a local affirming church, where I play guitar and sing. Professionally, I work in administration and tutor children in English. I love nature, knitting, cats, and tea!

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. 

Andy Bearden

I grew up in the church and that was my problem. I never knew who Jesus was until later in life. Married to an amazing man for 10 years. Father of 3 grown children that are extraordinary. We own a business in Texas.

Victor De Los Santos (he/him)

With a passion for helping others and a commitment to his faith, Victor B. De Los Santos, aka 'The Monocle Guy,' has made a meaningful difference in his community. As a nonprofit executive leader with over 29 years of experience, he has dedicated his life to empowering individuals and bringing positivity into the world. Victor's personal ministry focuses on healing and support for those who have been harmed by their past faith communities, using peer group work, meditation, prayer, and healing through laughter to bring hope and light to those in need.

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

Stephen Scott (he/him)

Rev. Stephen Scott 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 and family. He's an avid sci-fi/fantasy fan and loves cartoons.

Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs (they/them)

Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs (they/them) is a queer, non-binary minister, poet, and activist dedicated to radical love, care, and sanctuary movements. They are passionate about disrupting systems of oppression and creating spaces for healing and justice.

Phoenix currently serves as minister of the Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley in Pennsylvania, following a year-long chaplaincy residency at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. They also co-host the podcast Revolutionary Prophecy. Their ministry centers on facilitating congregational transformation through love, equity, and mission-driven decision-making.

In addition to their ministry, Phoenix enjoys writing poetry, traveling, engaging in theater, savoring vegan food, and sharing coffee with friends—bringing creativity, joy, and authenticity into all they do.

Elliott Barnhill
he/him
7 Seasons

Sarah Gruenewald
she/her
1 Season

Brittney Jackson
she/they
2 Seasons

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
12 Seasons

Linda Robertson
she/her
15 Seasons

Rev. Dr. Daniel Rodriguez Schlorff
he/him
14 Seasons

phoenix sanders
11 Seasons

Anthony Vernon
he/him
3 Seasons

Michael Vollbrecht
he/him
6 Seasons

M.J. Weissenberger
she/her
8 Seasons

Cassandra Whisenant
she/her
3 Seasons

Steve Wiseman
he/him
3 Seasons

Interested in leading a Community Group?

Click the button to learn more and fill out the application! A Q Christian Staff member will be in touch soon!