Staff

Abby has been on staff with Embrace since the program began in 2012.  Embrace was always a dream of Abby’s to create a place where those affected by disabilities can learn about Jesus and also work with local churches to create a welcoming, inclusive environment for those affected by disabilities and their families.  She loves the community and relationships that have been formed within Embrace over the past 8 years.  The programs have grown and developed into something bigger and better than Abby ever imagined they could when Embrace first started.  She loves her Embrace friends and the joy they bring to every event we host for them and their families.  It has been a joy to watch a dream I had in college come into existence and grow into something that has begun to transform a community.  Abby came into Embrace a B.S. in Special Education from Geneva College and  20+ years of working with those affected by disabilities and 6+ years of Special Education teaching experience.  She brings experience, creativity in program development and a heart of compassion for all people to the Embrace team.  

Abby serves at UNITED Church as the Special Needs Team Leader and is also involved in small groups through UNITED.  Abby is a member of the Delaware Afterschool Network (DEAN) and she has been a member of State Council of Persons with Disabilities.  She has served the past 7 years with Joni and Friends Mississippi as a teacher and behavior specialist at their Family Retreats.  She also collaborates with numerous organizations, businesses, schools and churches across the state that serve those affected by disabilities and their families.

Stephanie joined the Embrace team in March 2020, as Embrace Afterschool Program staff and stepped into the role of Program Assistant in July 2020. She comes to Embrace with a passionate heart and willingness to love and serve our Embrace kids and their families with a joy that is contagious. Stephanie is energetic, eager to learn and understand and a heart of gold. Stephanie comes to us with a vast array of experiences such as event planning, management, administrative skills and more. Stephanie loves that Embrace provides an amazing opportunity for families to come together and learn about Jesus, while also gaining a whole new community of love and support that will last a lifetime. She currently works full time as a paraprofessional at Kent County Community School. She serves at UNITED Church as part of the Special Needs team at the Dover Campus.

Rick is a PT Associate Pastor of Youth at Grace Presbyterian Church and has been partnering with Embrace as a Youth Pastor for eight years. He loves to exhort individuals and volunteers to grow in faith, to have fun, and to laugh. Rick lives right across the street from his three grandsons.

After Care Staff