Our Center continues to grow in remarkable ways—in the expertise of our team, in the breadth of our work, and in the partnerships that strengthen it. We remain grateful for the opportunities and resources God continues to provide for this Bold Pursuit at Baylor.
In just the last three months, we have welcomed five new staff members to the Center. Each brings new expertise and experience that is already strengthening our work. We have also celebrated two important leadership transitions. Dr. Kristen Padilla has stepped into a new role as our inaugural Director of Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement. This position builds on her longstanding commitment to forging relationships with families and organizations across our state and beyond. Dr. Sarah Mire, a longtime faculty affiliate of the Center, will serve as our first Director of Research. As a leading scholar in her field, she will help strengthen and grow our interdisciplinary research portfolio across Baylor.
This growth is about much more than adding people or projects. It expands what we are able to contribute. A stronger team allows us to pursue ambitious research, deepen our partnerships, and extend the impact of what we are learning. Most of all, it enables us to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
I am grateful for the remarkable people who bring their unique gifts to this work. And I am encouraged by the many colleagues, partners, families, and friends who continue to shape and strengthen what we do.
— Erik Carter
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CENTER RECOGNIZED BY NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONGRESS: Our Center was honored at the 2026 National Down Syndrome Congress Big Game Ball in Atlanta. This annual event celebrates the work of individuals and organizations advancing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It raises scholarship funds to help young adults with Down syndrome attend college. As we work toward building an inclusive postsecondary education program at Baylor, we are grateful for those helping make this new vision possible—and we welcome others who want to help make it a reality. Read more.
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CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting our growing efforts to better support Spanish-speaking communities impacted by disability. Kristen Padilla was recently invited to speak with the Hispanic Leaders' Network, where she shared how listening to families and building strong community partnerships are shaping the Center’s approach to research and programming. We are committed to culturally and linguistically responsive practices, as well as helping advance these practices across the disability field. Read more.
- MEET OUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS: We are pleased to introduce five new staff members who joined the Center this summer. Each brings wonderful gifts and experiences to our work. We hope you will take a moment to get to know them.
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Mindy Cook (Director, Disability and Mental Health Storytelling Initiative): Mindy brings a wonderful blend of creativity and purpose to our storytelling work, drawing on her years of experience in nonprofit communications and documentary filmmaking.
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Michaela Haynes (Assistant to the Executive Director): Michaela brings the gift of making complex work run smoothly, along with heart for ministry and serving others.
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Holly Knott (Program Coordinator, Collaborative on Faith and Disability): Holly’s experience as an educator and church administrator gives her a deep appreciation for supporting congregations to become places of belonging.
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Gavin Ostertag (Program Associate, Bridges to Belonging): Gavin’s background in theology and spiritual formation will help us equip congregations to widen their welcome for youth with disabilities.
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Katie Windham (Director of Operations): Katie brings higher education leadership experience and a passion for building the systems and relationships that will help our Center grow and flourish.
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We anticipate posting two additional positions in the coming weeks, so be sure to check our website frequently.
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FAITH AND DISABILITY INSIGHTS: Our work at the intersection of faith, disability, and belonging was featured in a recent podcast and news story. Jason Le Shana, program director for our Collaborative on Faith and Disability, joined the Every Child Belongs podcast to discuss how churches can cultivate deeper belonging. The Baptist Standard featured our recent Worship As One Summit focused on the leadership and gifts people with disabilities bring to congregational life. Want to follow this work more closely? Fill out this form and select “faith” as topic of interest.
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CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY: This fall, we are offering many ways for people with disabilities and their families to connect, learn, and find support. From counseling and family programs to employment opportunities, community gatherings, and research studies, there are various ways to engage with the Center and one another. Learn more.
- NEW CLINIC EMAIL ADDRESS: Have questions about our clinical services? The Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing Clinic has a new dedicated email address. Reach our Clinic team at bcdf_clinic@baylor.edu to learn more about available services and supports.
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Our monthly Spanish support group will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of learning, culture, and community on Oct. 15 as we continue creating opportunities for families to connect, share, and support one another.
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Together, let’s build a world where people of all abilities can flourish.
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