Jarrett Meek, MDiv, Founder, Executive Director/Pastor at Mission Adelante, Inc.

Jarrett is the founder of Mission Adelante. A graduate of Midwestern Baptist Seminary, Jarrett served for several years on the staff of Heartland Community Church in Overland Park before moving to Bolivia with his wife Kristen and two daughters to work as missionaries. When they returned they found a mission field right here at home. Now the Meek family lives in Kansas City, Kansas. Jarrett is passionate about disciple-making, biblical justice, and gardening.  

Ariel Griffin, M.A. Global Policy, MSE, Secretary, Program Officer, Children International, Youth Minister at Kairos Church

As a 2011 Mission Adelante ESL intern and a former LIT volunteer, Ariel Griffin is passionate about access to education, immigrant rights, and REI (race,equity, and inclusion). Additionally, Ariel Griffin taught for seven years in private, charter and public schools in various countries and U.S. states. While teaching, she served on a district- wide committee for Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) and the school site team for AVID – a national program committed to closing the achievement gap in education. Ariel holds two master's degrees - teaching and global policy studies (international development). Now, Ariel works as a Program Officer for Education at Children International, which allows her to combine her policy education along with her practical experience in the classroom. Since 2020, she has led the organization in its global Digital Learning work so that children all over the world have access to quality virtual learning programs. Apart from her professional experience, Ariel serves with her husband as a youth minister for Kairos Church (Grandview, MO). On Saturday mornings, you can usually find Ariel going on a stroller run or bike ride with her two year old in South KC.

Israel Guillermo, M.A. Project Management, Director, Application Developer at Crema

Israel graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University with a Bacherlor’s degree in Business Administration. While working in insurance for over six years, Israel also pursued his passion for technology by teaching himself programming and seeking additional education. He then transitioned into an application developer role in 2020. Israel was born in the small town of Tres Valles in Veracruz, Mexico. Having experienced the difficulties of learning a new language, adjusting to a new culture and living in a different country, Israel is passionate about supporting, serving and including the immigrant community. He enjoys photography, hiking, being outside and playing in his church’s worship team. Israel and his wife, Danielle, live in Olathe.

Steve Steddom, PhD, Director–Philanthropy and non-profit consultant, Steddom Advisors, LLC.

Steve Steddom is a nonprofit management consultant specializing in organizational leadership, philanthropy, and strategic effectiveness. He brings more than three decades of experience spanning corporate, nonprofit, and faith-based sectors.

For 18 years, Steve served as Executive Director of the Harry J. Lloyd Charitable Trust, where he guided the foundation’s grantmaking strategy, strengthened partnerships across global ministries and research institutions, and helped expand the Trust’s long-term impact. Prior to his work in philanthropy, Steve spent 19 years with Westlaw-Thomson Reuters in a range of marketing, management, and client development roles, where he gained deep experience in strategic planning, organizational systems, and relationship management.

Steve holds a PhD from Middlesex University, London, and an MBA. His academic research explores the intersection of faith and philanthropy among the millennial generation of the evangelical church in America—focusing on the formative characteristics and motivations that shape their understanding and practice of generosity.

Steve and his wife, Kelly, have two adult children and three grandchildren, with two more on the way. So, yes, he is old!

Todd Jones, Director of Corporate Underwriting, SVP

Todd works in the underwriting department for a national title insurance company.  He has been involved with Mission Adelante for approximately 20 years.  He first became involved as an ESL conversation partner.  Todd comments, “Serving at Mission Adelante has been one of the best experiences of my life.  It is the perfect opportunity to do something helpful while loving our neighbors.” Todd and his family moved to the Adelante neighborhood over 10 years ago, and they love it.  He thinks you should move here too!

Wendy English, CEO, The Growth Coach of Kansas City South

Wendy is a Kansas City transplant from the great state of Oklahoma. As CEO of The Growth Coach of Kansas City South, she empowers individuals and business owners to reach their full potential through clarity, accountability, and personal growth. She deeply loves the mission of Mission Adelante and is passionate about creating a world of belonging for all people, for we are each created in the image of God. People-focused and relationship-driven, Wendy values inclusivity, empathy, and connection. She strives daily to live out her faith — not just as a hearer of God’s Word, but as a doer.

Amy Hill, M.A. Education Technology

Amy lives in Olathe, Kansas with her husband and two sons.  She graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, as well as a Master’s Degree from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Education Technology.  After teaching fourth grade for several years, she pivoted to raising her two boys. As they have grown, she is able to dedicate more time to volunteer ministry roles. She currently teaches an ESL class at Mission Southside and serves on the Board of Trustees at her church, Trinity Fellowship. Amy has a passion for connecting with others, fostering multiethnic spaces, and pursuing flourishing for all people.  She loves spending time at the lake, hiking, and reading.  Her family thinks she has way too many books and plants.