2020 Keynote Speakers

Emily colson

Emily Colson is an author, a public speaker, and an advocate for persons with disabilities. In her book Dancing with Max – awarded “Book of the Year” by the Autism Society – Emily and her father, the late Chuck Colson, share the struggle and beauty of life with Emily’s son with autism, Max. Emily has told her story of hope throughout churches nationwide, as well as on numerous media outlets. She is passionate about engaging families affected by disability within the church. Emily currently serves on the President’s Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities and on several ministry boards including The Colson Center for Christian Worldview and Your Options Medical Pregnancy Centers. Emily has been a single mother for most of Max’s life, and currently resides in the New England area. Learn more about Emily by visiting her website, www.emilycolson.com.

rex and jennifer hudler

Rex & Jennifer Hudler: Rex Hudler is currently the Television Color Analyst for the Kansas City Royals Baseball Club. Rex played for 18 different teams during his 21-year professional baseball career (1978-1998), including a 1993 stint in Japan. In 774 career major league games, Hudler registered a .261 average with 56 home runs and 169 runs batted in.

Jennifer manages a busy household and Rex Hudler Productions. She is an alumnus of Capital University and the Ohio State University, where she majored in classical music and minored in piano. She is a singer/songwriter and has recorded two CDs of contemporary Christian music. Jennifer currently serves as vice president of Team Up for Down Syndrome (Rex and Jennifer’s foundation) and volunteers in their community.

Rex and Jennifer participate in many activities with their four children, Alyssa, Cade, William and David. They have been married since 1988. Learn more about Rex and Jennifer’s foundation by visiting the website: www.teamupfordownsyndrome.org

Dr. Stephen “Doc” Hunsley

Stephen “Doc” Hunsley, M.D. is the Executive Director and founder of SOAR Special Needs in Overland Park, Kansas. Doc started Grace Church’s special needs ministry in 2011, helping it to become a hallmark ministry for the church. SOAR (Special Opportunities, Abilities, and Relationships) Special Needs serves over 900 individuals with special needs through regular respite events and a Special Needs Day Camp as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Doc is currently assisting over 320 churches locally, nationally, and globally in starting a Disability Ministry. Doc founded and leads the Kansas City Special Needs Ministries Network, for area church leaders. Doc also organizes the Wonderfully Made Conference held annual every October in Kansas City. Prior to serving as a special needs pastor, Doc was a children’s pastor. Doc is a retired pediatrician while his wife, Kay, continues practicing pediatrics. They are proud parents to three beautiful children: Luke, Mark and Sarah. The Hunsley’s middle child, Mark, is presently running the halls of heaven. During Mark’s five-year earthly stay, he gave his family the opportunity to learn from and love a child with autism. You can follow SOAR on Facebook or Connect with Doc on Twitter: @DocHunsley. SOARspecialneeds.com