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.

  • Blonde woman in blue blouse with pearl necklane

    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. 

  • Brunette woman in dark blue dress

    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.

  • Woman in floral blouse smiling

    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.

  • A man in a navy suit, light blue shirt, and blue tie smiling outdoors, with a brick wall and greenery in the background.

    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.

  • Smiling person with short hair and glasses wearing a floral patterned top outdoors.

    Kenzie Tuttle

    Student Assistant

    Kenzie Tuttle is a first-year M.Div. student at Austin Seminary. In their role as Student Assistant, Kenzie provides support to the team in myriad ways, including assistance with the Listening Tour, workshop events, and office tasks. In their free time, Kenzie likes to crochet, have fun with friends, and find ways to laugh and enjoy the little things in life.

  • A man with glasses and a beard smiling outdoors, wearing a blue blazer and a black shirt with white text.

    Usama Malik

    Media Specialist

    Usama Malik is the Senior Associate for Communications and Marketing at Austin Seminary. In his role with the Sharing Faith Initiative, he takes photographs and videos at events and during the Listening Tour. In his spare time, Usama likes going on long walks.

Click here to contact us