Jason is a writer and speaker who encourages families and equips church and organizational leaders on their foster care and adoption journeys.

He currently serves as the Director of Church Mobilization and Engagement with Christian Alliance for Orphans. In his work he develops resources, coaches leaders and teaches in a variety of contexts on church-based ministry structures, organizational leadership and strategy. He is also a sought-after speaker for churches, retreats, conferences, and events for foster and adoptive parents as well as for those considering getting involved.

Prior to his work at CAFO Jason spent 14 years in church staff ministry, including planting and pastoring a church in Houston. It’s there that his family’s foster care journey began.

Jason and his wife, Emily live in Texas with their daughters. He has authored 4 books: Reframing Foster Care, Everyone Can Do Something, ALL IN Orphan Care and Effectively Engaging Churches. You can find many of his resources at www.jasonjohnsonblog.com.

Maranda and Darien Karenbauer are an adoptive mom and teen adoptee duo joining the 2024 Mobilize OH speaker line-up. Maranda is a wife, foster and adoptive mom, and an impactful voice in the space of foster care and adoption on social media. Darien is a former foster youth, teen adoptee, EMT, dad, and all around bright light in the space of sharing his story and advocating for the teen voice in care. Hearing their story will surely bless you – wherever and however you’re currently serving in the space of foster care.

Blake Boyer is a social worker, content creator, and consultant best known for her Instagram account @christiansocialworker. Blake has spent 7 years working in public child welfare at both micro and macro levels. As an MSW and TBRI Practitioner, her passion is helping foster and adoptive families learn how to parent youth with complex trauma from both a trauma informed and biblical lens.

Stephanie Ellison’s story will grab your heart, squeeze it, and leave you inspired and empowered. As a former foster youth, she was in and out of the system for over 15 years. She never imagined her life would amount to anything due to a lack of stability and security. As a kid, she had believed the false truths of the disturbing examples surrounding her.

Stephanie learned through “outsiders,” as she refers to them, that there was another way of life, a healthier way. These educators, community members, and friends encouraged her to see the value she had to offer the world. Through hard work and perseverance, she rose above the dark challenges.

Through mentorship and her community’s help, she became the first in her family to graduate from high school and college. She earned a Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Tx.

Stephanie was extremely grateful for everyone who helped her navigate her way through life and wanted to help other youths navigate their path.

In 2002, she began sharing her turbulent story of hope, forgiveness, and the power of education with youth, parents, and educators. Intending to help others see the good in the world, no matter what circumstances they face.

Today, Stephanie is an elementary school behavior specialist, inspirational speaker, children’s book author, activist, and host of Fostering Hope with Stephanie Ellison. Above all, she believes her most important role is as a wife and mother.

Stephanie is an activist for the voiceless and aims to be a light in the darkness by shining hope.