Since her medical crisis in 2021, Sophie has fought hard toward recovery, discovering along the way that healing is an ongoing journey. Through every challenge, her faith has remained her foundation, reminding her that even the deepest valleys can become places of growth, purpose, and hope. 

Sophie has become a passionate advocate and voice for the voiceless through her work with young children with autism. Her compassion and heart for others shine through both her personal and professional life. She is especially passionate about investing in high school students, openly sharing her testimony to encourage others and demonstrate how God can work powerfully through hardship and brokenness. 

She spends evenings and weekends with a close-knit group of friends who she credits with helping her to move forward in life. They love her where she is at and cheer for her on the hardest days. 

Sophie continues to defy early expectations placed on her life. She recently ran a marathon, went skydiving, hiked through Colorado, and crossed numerous adventures off her bucket list. She is living proof that God’s plans are far greater than any prediction. 

Melissa lives in Kansas City with her husband, Kevin, of thirty-three years. She treasures evenings spent Face Timing her grandbabies, connecting with her three daughters, and unwinding after her workdays with K–8th grade students at a local charter school. 

With more than thirty-five years in social work, Melissa has dedicated her life to advocating for others and championing the underdog. Known for encouraging people to step into freedom and pursue justice, she is passionate about helping others find their voice, overcome obstacles, and live with courage and purpose.