Grace in Real Time Paula Mazza

James C. Powell, MSW serves as the Youth and Preteen Director at his church, The Brooklyn Tabernacle in Brooklyn, NY.  He is the proud father of two sons ages 21 and 12.  Growing up in “The Projects” of Brooklyn, James has seen and experienced a lot of hurt and pain – that’s what made him want to pursue social work. But James has also seen and experienced the faithfulness of Jesus Christ throughout his life. James’ desire is for God to use him in order to inspire change in the lives of the younger generation.

Ross Cochran is the digital content producer at Awana and the host of the Resilient Disciples podcast. He lives in Chicago with his wife and their two young children. He has a heart for children, foster care, and erasing the stigma around mental health. In this episode, Ross shares about the role of comedy in his upbringing, his recent journey with depression, and the steps he is taking to have real conversations about vulnerability within his own family. 

Michayla White is Executive Director for the International Network of Children's Ministry. Michayla married her best friend and childhood sweetheart, and together they are raising two boys in the Chicago area. For almost 15 years, she has had the privilege of serving in children’s and family ministry in various capacities. Her passion is to ensure that all leaders who serve kids and families have what they need to shape the Church of today and tomorrow.  In this episode, Michayla shares how God has shaped her through her childhood experiences of being homeschooled and being raised in a Messianic church.  She offers up suggestions for how we can all extend grace to ourselves as we come alongside and serve others.

Dr. Deb Moncauskas is a professor at Bethel Seminary. She serves in the local church as a Children and Family Pastor, with over 30 years experience. Deb and her team currently lead the Engage Certificate program, a partnership between Bethel Seminary and INCM. In this episode, Deb shares her journey of faith, which includes childhood trauma, her familiarity with mental illness, and an incredible story of restoration.

Melissa Bolt is Associate Director of Family Wellness at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church in San Diego, CA. She is married to Bart and has three children: Aliya, Aiden, and Aaron. In this episode, Melissa shares her path to discovering what she is passionate about, her amazing God Story of motherhood, and her hopes for opening up conversations about mental health within the church.

Part Two of our interview with Mark Friestad, Pastor of Children's and Junior High Ministries at North Coast Calvary Chapel in San Diego, CA. In this episode, Paula and Mark dig deeper into dealing with anxiety on the job, share practical tips for taking down "imposter syndrome," and discuss the power of presence in coming alongside children and students.