Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Commander Melody L. H. Goodwin is a graduate of Beulah Heights Bible College, earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree; the Interdenominational Theological Center, earning a Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) degree; Candler School of Theology at Emory University, earning a Masters of Theology (Th.M.) degree in Ethics; at Regent University she earned a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree; a Masters of Arts in Diplomacy (MDY) degree from Norwich University in Northfield, VT.; and she also did studies in Public Policy and Administration, toward a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, at Walden University.

She holds several Licenses and Certifications in the Equal Employment Opportunity Counselors Program; Conflict Resolution and Mediation; Trauma Incident Reduction; Critical Incident Stress Management; Myers-Briggs Type Indicator; Incident Command System; and the National Incident Management System. She is an ordained Elder (1983) and holds an Evangelist License in the Church of God in Christ, Inc.

Commissioned as a Navy Chaplain in 1984, she also was promoted to the staff officer rank of Commander. Commander Goodwin served on active duty in the United States Navy for 23 years. She has received several military awards. They include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; and the United States Coast Guard Commendation Medal.

She currently serves as the President of Goodpatrick Publishers and Good Patrick Ministries. Dr. Melody has also authored three books, Exciting Outlines that Preach, Teach and Reach, Helping Children Grow, Order My Steps: Things My Mother Told Me. Along with many articles, Church Leadership Curriculums for the Church of God in Christ, United In Christ, and Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (Southern District). For 31 years she was married until the Lord called him home in 2019. Dr. Bennie was a distinguished preacher, teacher, writer, and musician and the founder and president of Goodpartick Publishers and Goodpatrick Ministries.

Sheila is a dedicated educator, mentor, and leader with a heart for serving others. With over 30 years of experience in education, she has worked in all areas of special education, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless students. She currently serves as a Special Education Teacher, working with students with various disabilities, with autism being the most prevalent. Her passion for helping students reach their fullest potential is evident in her commitment to individualized instruction, advocacy, and unwavering support. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health Science and a Master’s degree in Special Education K-12, equipping her with the knowledge and expertise to meet the diverse needs of her students. Her mission is to not only educate but to encourage, uplift, and instill confidence in every child she teaches.
Sheila is deeply involved in her faith community. She is a committed praise team singer, using her gift of worship to inspire and uplift those around her. She also serves as a youth leader and teacher, passionately guiding and mentoring young people in their spiritual and personal growth.
Sheila has been happily married for 35 years and is the proud mother of three children and a loving grandmother. She believes her gifts of encouragement, teaching, and helping others are truly blessings from God. Her unwavering faith is the foundation of everything she does, and she remains devoted to making a difference in the lives of others through education, ministry, and service.

Stephen, is a proud native of Atlanta, Georgia, has a heart and passion for serving children, especially those with disabilities. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Special Education, equipping him with both a strong scientific foundation and specialized expertise in the field of education. Currently, he is a Doctoral Candidate in the field of Education with an emphasis on Special Education, further deepening his knowledge and commitment to advocacy in this area.
With over 25 years of experience working with individuals with severe behaviors, Stephen is dedicated to ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. He currently serves as a Support & Services Administrator for his school district, where he works tirelessly to implement inclusive strategies that foster success for all learners. His unwavering belief is that there is no such thing as running out of strategies when it comes to meeting the needs of every student.
Beyond his professional work, Stephen is also deeply involved in his faith community. He serves as the Minister of Music and a youth leader at Great Faith Cathedral Church of God in Christ, located in Mableton, Georgia. His love for music and the arts is evident in his dedication to singing, playing the keyboard, writing plays, and choreographing step and mime routines to engage and inspire young people.
Stephen is also a devoted husband to his wife, Terica Culver, with whom he has shared 16 years of marriage. Together, they are the proud parents of three beautiful children, who are the joy of their lives. His family, faith, and passion for serving others continue to fuel his mission of creating a more inclusive and supportive world for children of all abilities.

Ms. Ryan is a visionary leader driven by a deep passion for people and the transformative power of strong family connections. With an unwavering belief in the importance of fostering growth, resilience, and meaningful relationships, she is dedicated to creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen communities. Her compassionate approach, combined with her expertise, allows her to inspire change, bridge gaps, and champion the values that build a thriving and connected society 
Crista is a dedicated education specialist, Certified Registered Behavior Therapist, and founder of multiple businesses. With over 28 years of experience working with special needs children, seniors, and families. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies—encompassing education, counseling, and sociology- Crista has built a career centered on empowering individuals with diverse learning and behavioral needs. Because of her passion to impact people, she is currently pursuing a Master's of Special Education and a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analysis) certification to further enhance her ability to support individuals and communities.
> Beyond her professional achievements, Crista is a devoted wife of 32 years, a proud mother of three successful adult children, and a loving grandparent to four cherished grandchildren. Family remains at the heart of everything she does, fueling her lifelong commitment to advocacy, education, and community enrichment.
> Her faith serves as the guiding force in her life, shaping her purpose and decisions. Crista strives to leave a lasting imprint on the world, following in the footsteps of her mother, Miriam Ward Culver, whose legacy of love, strength, and service continues to inspire her. For Crista, the ultimate goal of this journey called life is to uplift others, foster meaningful connections, and create a lasting impact that echoes for generations to come.