Stacehelle hails from the westend of Louisville, Kentucky and has a strong commitment to bridging the gap between community and resources, through a biblical foundation rooted in justice work and reconciliation.

Stachelle emerged as a fearless leader during the 2020 Protest, being named “The People’s Pastor”. She loves her city and uses innovative, energetic approaches to help lead transformational efforts in community engagement, collaboration, and services to under-resourced communities.

She is the Founder and Executive Director of The Hope Buss, a 501(c)(3) organization that operates 5 initiatives with the goal of addressing food insecurity, violence prevention, health and wellness, emergency services and community engagement. Her love for music begin at the age of 7. She has served alongside several organizations in Louisville, and for the last 12 years has held a voluntary role as the Assistant Band Director for Central High School, which she describes as “her pride and joy.” She serves on 4 boards and is always looking for new innovative ways to get involved.

Under her leadership, The Hope Buss, has served thousands of people and expanded their reach, creating the Hope Village, transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, which launched in April of 2022. She is a Program Advisor with Interfaith Paths to Peace and will help lead their initiatives around anti-violence work in the Shawnee Community, as well as work with faith leaders in addressing violence and other root causes of some of Louisville’s most prevalent issues affecting residents today.

In August of 2022, Stachelle became a PHD student at Bellarmine University, pursuing her Degree in Education and Social Change.

Anitra is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate and a graduate of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. A true Daddy’s Girl at heart, the death of her father had a significant impact on both her mental health and her understanding of faith. She quickly came to learn that everything that had worked for her in dealing with the death of other family members was no longer working. That experience drives her commitment to eliminating barriers and reducing the stigma of seeking therapy, specifically for those who have a strong connection to their faith practice. Anitra specializes in treating couples and families of adolescents and teens, with an emphasis on grief and trauma among Black, Brown, and LGBTQ populations.

Anitra is married to her college sweetheart, Harold Allen. They met at Tulane University where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Their blended family includes an adult son, a college student, a high school student, and no pets.

Kaila Adia Story is an associate professor in the Departments of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Pan-African Studies, as well as the Audre Lorde Endowed Chair at the University of Louisville. She is also the co-creator, co-producer, and cohost of Louisville Public Media's “Strange Fruit: Musings on Politics, Pop Culture, and Black Gay Life,” a popular award-winning, 8 year running podcast. Her research examines the intersections of race and sexuality, with special attention to Black Feminism, Black Lesbians, and Black Queer identity. Dr. Story was named as an LGBTQ+ community leader and change maker as a part of NBC’s inaugural #Pride30, as well as and recently, Dr. Story was chosen as the 2022 Champion of Pride for the state of Kentucky by The Advocate

Jonathon has over 18 years of combined experience in Social Work and Behavioral Medicine. He received an Undergraduate Degree in 2004 from Spalding University with a Certification in Public Child Welfare. He received a Master’s of Science and Social Work (MSSW) in 2007 from Spalding University where he received the MSW Transformational Learner Award. His work history in providing services to individuals, families and the community has allowed him the opportunity to work with diverse populations in multiple settings that includes The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), Acute

Behavioral Health Hospital Settings, Addiction Services, Community Mental Health Agencies, School-Based and In-Home Services, for patients who are homebound and home limited, and Jefferson County Public Schools.

For at least 10 years he has done direct patient care with adolescents and young adults. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Baptist church for over 20 years.

At St. Stephen’s his ministry involvement includes:

1. Co-facilitating an Adult Sunday School for 18 years

2. Member of the Tabernacle Choir

3. Member of the Prayer Ministry

4. Member of the Prison Ministry

5. Member of the Men’s Choir.

6. Member of the Deaf Ministry

7. Working part-time with New Member’s and Assimilation Ministry during undergraduate.

Jonathon join Bates in 2017. He has completed New Members and Master Life. He is currently involved with:

1. Co-facilitating teacher in the Men of Bates (MOB)

2. Assist with Congregational Care

3. Assist with Grief, Loss, Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) Ministry