Our Team
Our Sharing Faith Initiative team is a vibrant blend of creativity and capability — both fun and functional. We bring passion to every project and positivity to every interaction, and we work hard together to serve all of our participants.
The Sharing Faith team is very blessed to be additionally supported by the staff of Austin Seminary, who have provided guidance and assistance throughout implementation of our programs.
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Rev. Dr. Carolyn Helsel
Project Director
Dr. Carolyn Helsel, Associate Professor in the Blair Monie Distinguished Chair in Homiletics at Austin Seminary, is in charge of designing and implementing Sharing Faith Initiative. In her spare time, Carolyn enjoys walking around Lady Bird Lake, crosswords and Sudoku puzzles, and watching movies with her family.
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Amanda Herridge
Associate Director
As Associate Director of Sharing Faith Initiative, Amanda Herridge oversees key program activities and supports the work and development of both grant projects. When she’s not working, Amanda enjoys making pottery and hanging out with friends.
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Kelley DeCleene
Program Coordinator
Kelley DeCleene is in charge of operations and communications for Sharing Faith Initiative, ensuring the successful execution of both grant programs’ many offerings. When she’s not working, Kelley enjoys spending time with her family, watching musicals, and scrapbooking.
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Rev. Dr. Mark Jefferson
Cohort Coach
Dr. Jefferson is the Associate Professor in the John Gladstone Chair of Preaching and Worship and the Dean of Sarah Daley Nickerson Chapel at Acadia Divinity College in Nova Scotia. He joins our programs as one of the cohort coaches alongside Dr. Helsel.
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Kenzie Tuttle
Student Assistant
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Usama Malik
Media Specialist
Usama is the Senior Associate for Communications and Marketing at Austin Seminary. In his role with the Sharing Faith Initiative,