Abel Speaks Team

We are dedicated individuals who empower families facing life-limiting diagnoses with unwavering support and compassion.

Taylor Walker

Taylor Walker

Director of Family Care

Hi, I’m Taylor. I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I’m so thankful that my role as Family Care Director allows me to meet and support families walking through some of life’s hardest seasons. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.

At home, I’m married to Matt (17 years and counting) and mama to three: Vera (8), Jack (4), and our middle child, Copeland, who went to be with Jesus in December 2019. His life continues to shape our family’s story in profound ways, teaching us to lean on God’s grace and find joy even in the midst of sorrow.

Most Saturdays, you’ll find me with a cup of coffee, chasing or snuggling kids, reading a book in bed (bonus points if I can sneak in a nap), or cooking a big meal for the people I love. I’m always experimenting in the kitchen or adding yet another book to my already overflowing shelf.

Walking with families through this season has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I don’t take that for granted.

Matt Walker

Matt Walker

Executive Director

Hi, I’m Matt. Originally from Flint, Michigan, I now live in Tulsa with my wife, Taylor, and our kids. As Family Care Director at Abel Speaks, I have the honor of walking alongside families as they navigate the tender and often sacred moments of a life-limiting diagnosis—offering presence, perspective, and compassion along the way. At home, life is centered on faith, family, and simple joys—like grilling a good meal, enjoying time outdoors, or watching our kids laugh around the dinner table. I’m a lifelong Michigan sports fan, and music has always been a meaningful outlet for me, whether it’s playing guitar or just listening to songs that speak to the soul. More than anything, I value relationships—taking the time to listen, share, and walk together through life’s joys and sorrows.

Kimberly Bradley

Kimberly Bradley

Director of Operations

Hi, I’m Kimberly Bradley, Director of Operations here at Abel Speaks. I’m originally from West Virginia and married my husband Garrett in 2019. In 2021, we walked through the life and loss of our daughter, Virginia Faith, at 34 weeks after a life-limiting diagnosis of triploidy. Abel Speaks came alongside us in that sacred season—now it’s my joy to give back through this ministry.
In my role, I get to bring structure to sacred work—building systems, streamlining processes, and creating space for our team to thrive. I do it all with one prayer in mind: that grieving parents would know their child’s life holds eternal value.
Before joining Abel Speaks, my background was in events, operations, and small business management/consulting. I never imagined this role, but I can see clearly how God prepared me for it. I’m passionate about people feeling seen, teams moving with clarity, and honoring the Lord through excellence behind the scenes.
Most Saturdays, you’ll find me enjoying coffee with Garrett, starting a new project, or heading out on a mini road trip that ends with a good movie. We’ve got two scruffy Scottish Terriers—Chelsea and Duncan—and we’re preparing to welcome another baby girl in September 2025.
I collect mid-century modern pieces and original art from the gallery where Garrett and I met—my favorite kind of souvenir. I believe beauty and meaning often go hand in hand, and I hope every corner of this ministry reflects the love of a God who sees, remembers, and redeems.
We cherished every moment we had with Virginia Faith. Though her time here was brief and spent comfortably in my womb, her life still speaks, and we trust she is whole and held in the presence of Jesus. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18), and we’ve seen that to be true.

Hi, I’m Taylor. I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I’m so thankful that my role as Family Care Director allows me to meet and support families walking through some of life’s hardest seasons. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.

At home, I’m married to Matt (17 years and counting) and mama to three: Vera (8), Jack (4), and our middle child, Copeland, who went to be with Jesus in December 2019. His life continues to shape our family’s story in profound ways, teaching us to lean on God’s grace and find joy even in the midst of sorrow.

Most Saturdays, you’ll find me with a cup of coffee, chasing or snuggling kids, reading a book in bed (bonus points if I can sneak in a nap), or cooking a big meal for the people I love. I’m always experimenting in the kitchen or adding yet another book to my already overflowing shelf.

Walking with families through this season has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I don’t take that for granted.

Hi, I’m Matt. Originally from Flint, Michigan, I now live in Tulsa with my wife, Taylor, and our kids. As Family Care Director at Abel Speaks, I have the honor of walking alongside families as they navigate the tender and often sacred moments of a life-limiting diagnosis—offering presence, perspective, and compassion along the way. At home, life is centered on faith, family, and simple joys—like grilling a good meal, enjoying time outdoors, or watching our kids laugh around the dinner table. I’m a lifelong Michigan sports fan, and music has always been a meaningful outlet for me, whether it’s playing guitar or just listening to songs that speak to the soul. More than anything, I value relationships—taking the time to listen, share, and walk together through life’s joys and sorrows.

Hi, I’m Kimberly Bradley, Director of Operations here at Abel Speaks. I’m originally from West Virginia and married my husband Garrett in 2019. In 2021, we walked through the life and loss of our daughter, Virginia Faith, at 34 weeks after a life-limiting diagnosis of triploidy. Abel Speaks came alongside us in that sacred season—now it’s my joy to give back through this ministry.
In my role, I get to bring structure to sacred work—building systems, streamlining processes, and creating space for our team to thrive. I do it all with one prayer in mind: that grieving parents would know their child’s life holds eternal value.
Before joining Abel Speaks, my background was in events, operations, and small business management/consulting. I never imagined this role, but I can see clearly how God prepared me for it. I’m passionate about people feeling seen, teams moving with clarity, and honoring the Lord through excellence behind the scenes.
Most Saturdays, you’ll find me enjoying coffee with Garrett, starting a new project, or heading out on a mini road trip that ends with a good movie. We’ve got two scruffy Scottish Terriers—Chelsea and Duncan—and we’re preparing to welcome another baby girl in September 2025.
I collect mid-century modern pieces and original art from the gallery where Garrett and I met—my favorite kind of souvenir. I believe beauty and meaning often go hand in hand, and I hope every corner of this ministry reflects the love of a God who sees, remembers, and redeems.
We cherished every moment we had with Virginia Faith. Though her time here was brief and spent comfortably in my womb, her life still speaks, and we trust she is whole and held in the presence of Jesus. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18), and we’ve seen that to be true.

Brandi Edmonds

Brandi Edmonds

Family Care Coordinator

Hi, I’m Brandi Edmonds, Family Care Coordinator at Abel Speaks. Originally from Indiana, I moved to D.C. after college and have called it home ever since. I married my husband, Garrett, in 2022, and we welcomed our first daughter, Remi James, in 2023. Abel Speaks walked with us through her Hydrocephalus diagnosis, where she lived for 36 beautiful days before she was called home to be with the Lord. We’re joyfully expecting our second daughter, Scottie James, this August. We also have another very important family member — our mini dachshund, Griswold.Before joining the team, I worked in HR, but my heart has always been drawn to walking with people in life’s most meaningful moments. Most Saturdays, you will find me enjoying long coffee walks with my husband, visiting the local farmers’ markets, and having dinners with friends. I recently picked up needlepoint as a fun hobby. Additionally, I never turn down sunshine, a spontaneous trip, or a good cup of coffee — no matter the hour.I believe in showing up, slowing down, and finding joy in the small things.

Randi Ruiz

Randi Ruiz

Communications Coordinator

Hey, I’m Randi, and I’m the communications coordinator here at Abel Speaks. I live for making my Daughter, Truly June laugh, bringing people around a dinner table of home cooked food, and cultivating community alongside my husband. I have been in the world of commercial photography and videography for over 10-years and firmly believe preserving emotion through imagery, especially those of our loved ones that are no longer with us, is one of the sweetest gifts the Lord has given us this side of heaven. Most of my days are spent together with my little family in the kitchen, finding the freshest milk and produce from local farmers, or starting a new home project i probably won’t ever finish. Our life is full of big dreams, a well-lived-in house, and days filled with joy and an ever-changing schedule – I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

Amanda Carter

Amanda Carter

Keepsakes Coordinator

Hey, I’m Amanda, Keepsake Coordinator at Abel Speaks. With a background in business ops and family photography, I get to blend creativity and care into every keepsake we send—each one a tangible way for families to honor and cherish their children.

Most days, you’ll find me organizing our office, packing boxes like a seasoned postal worker, or hand-assembling keepsakes with Nelli, my trusty dog sidekick, nearby. When I’m not at Abel Speaks, I’m soaking up time with my three kids—Hunter, Kenna, and Ryann—and treasuring the little moments that make up this precious life.

Hi, I’m Brandi Edmonds, Family Care Coordinator at Abel Speaks. Originally from Indiana, I moved to D.C. after college and have called it home ever since. I married my husband, Garrett, in 2022, and we welcomed our first daughter, Remi James, in 2023. Abel Speaks walked with us through her Hydrocephalus diagnosis, where she lived for 36 beautiful days before she was called home to be with the Lord. We’re joyfully expecting our second daughter, Scottie James, this August. We also have another very important family member — our mini dachshund, Griswold.Before joining the team, I worked in HR, but my heart has always been drawn to walking with people in life’s most meaningful moments. Most Saturdays, you will find me enjoying long coffee walks with my husband, visiting the local farmers’ markets, and having dinners with friends. I recently picked up needlepoint as a fun hobby. Additionally, I never turn down sunshine, a spontaneous trip, or a good cup of coffee — no matter the hour.I believe in showing up, slowing down, and finding joy in the small things.

Hey, I’m Randi, and I’m the communications coordinator here at Abel Speaks. I live for making my Daughter, Truly June laugh, bringing people around a dinner table of home cooked food, and cultivating community alongside my husband. I have been in the world of commercial photography and videography for over 10-years and firmly believe preserving emotion through imagery, especially those of our loved ones that are no longer with us, is one of the sweetest gifts the Lord has given us this side of heaven. Most of my days are spent together with my little family in the kitchen, finding the freshest milk and produce from local farmers, or starting a new home project i probably won’t ever finish. Our life is full of big dreams, a well-lived-in house, and days filled with joy and an ever-changing schedule – I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

Hey, I’m Amanda, Keepsake Coordinator at Abel Speaks. With a background in business ops and family photography, I get to blend creativity and care into every keepsake we send—each one a tangible way for families to honor and cherish their children.

Most days, you’ll find me organizing our office, packing boxes like a seasoned postal worker, or hand-assembling keepsakes with Nelli, my trusty dog sidekick, nearby. When I’m not at Abel Speaks, I’m soaking up time with my three kids—Hunter, Kenna, and Ryann—and treasuring the little moments that make up this precious life.

Board of Directors

For any board specific requests or concerns, please reach out to board@abelspeaks.org

Tim Whiteway

Board Chair

Peter Leestma

Board Treasurer

Peter serves in the U.S. Air Force as an Assistant Professor of Management at the U.S. Air Force Academy, teaching analytics, business, and leadership. He holds a PhD in Information Systems from Baylor University and an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School. As Board Treasurer, Peter brings financial expertise, leadership experience, and a deeply personal commitment to advancing Abel Speaks’ mission. He and his wife Kimberly are parents to five children, and their family’s journey with Abel Speaks after the birth of their son David in 2020 fuels his passion for supporting families facing life-limiting prenatal diagnoses.

Lauren Freauf

Board Secretary

Lauren holds a degree in Business Administration from Bellarmine University and has professional experience in the restaurant franchise and publishing industries. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she has lived in Texas since 2011. Lauren and her husband, Ross, were ministered to by Abel Speaks in 2020 following their son Ezra’s Trisomy 18 diagnosis, shaping her deep commitment to supporting families facing life-limiting prenatal diagnoses. She and Ross are parents to two living sons and are passionate about advancing the mission of Abel Speaks.

Justin Riner

 

Justin serves as the Assistant Principal at Wright Christian Academy in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with over a decade of experience in education, student support, and school leadership. He is passionate about caring for students and families in holistic and meaningful ways. After being ministered to by Abel Speaks following the loss of their son Theo in 2021, Justin and his wife now serve as a mentor couple, walking alongside families facing similar loss. His leadership, compassion, and lived experience deeply support the mission of Abel Speaks.

 

Peter Leestma

Board Treasurer

Lauren Freauf

Board Secretary

Justin Riner

Peter serves in the U.S. Air Force as an Assistant Professor of Management at the U.S. Air Force Academy, teaching analytics, business, and leadership. He holds a PhD in Information Systems from Baylor University and an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School. As Board Treasurer, Peter brings financial expertise, leadership experience, and a deeply personal commitment to advancing Abel Speaks’ mission. He and his wife Kimberly are parents to five children, and their family’s journey with Abel Speaks after the birth of their son David in 2020 fuels his passion for supporting families facing life-limiting prenatal diagnoses.

Lauren holds a degree in Business Administration from Bellarmine University and has professional experience in the restaurant franchise and publishing industries. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she has lived in Texas since 2011. Lauren and her husband, Ross, were ministered to by Abel Speaks in 2020 following their son Ezra’s Trisomy 18 diagnosis, shaping her deep commitment to supporting families facing life-limiting prenatal diagnoses. She and Ross are parents to two living sons and are passionate about advancing the mission of Abel Speaks.

Justin serves as the Assistant Principal at Wright Christian Academy in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with over a decade of experience in education, student support, and school leadership. He is passionate about caring for students and families in holistic and meaningful ways. After being ministered to by Abel Speaks following the loss of their son Theo in 2021, Justin and his wife now serve as a mentor couple, walking alongside families facing similar loss. His leadership, compassion, and lived experience deeply support the mission of Abel Speaks.

 

Ben Robin

Ben serves as a Staff Pastor and Elder at Trinity River Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, which he and his wife Anna helped plant in 2023. He previously worked as a software engineer and holds degrees in computer science, divinity, and systematic theology, including a PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. After being ministered to by Abel Speaks following the loss of their son, John Joseph Robin, Ben brings pastoral wisdom, theological depth, and a compassionate heart to advancing the mission of Abel Speaks.

Ben Robin

Ben serves as a Staff Pastor and Elder at Trinity River Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, which he and his wife Anna helped plant in 2023. He previously worked as a software engineer and holds degrees in computer science, divinity, and systematic theology, including a PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. After being ministered to by Abel Speaks following the loss of their son, John Joseph Robin, Ben brings pastoral wisdom, theological depth, and a compassionate heart to advancing the mission of Abel Speaks.

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