Our Board

Stephanie Smith is a strategic and mission-driven financial leader with over 15 years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, and nonprofit leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Kentucky, an MBA from Eastern Kentucky University, and is a licensed CPA.

Her professional background spans both corporate and nonprofit sectors. She has worked in global financial reporting, SEC compliance, and consolidations at Tempur-Pedic, and served as Controller at Epipheo, a Cincinnati-based creative agency. Stephanie has also provided accounting consulting and bookkeeping services to a variety of small businesses and nonprofits, helping them build strong financial systems and achieve sustainable growth.

Currently, Stephanie serves as Director of Finance at Chick-fil-A Newport Pavilion, where she oversees budgeting, payroll, employee benefits, and all financial operations. In addition to her professional roles, she is the Founder and CEO of Kingdom Inclusion, bringing her leadership, financial expertise, and personal passion for inclusion to every aspect of her work.

Stephanie’s drive to create inclusive spaces is rooted in her own story—she is the proud sister of Shelley, who has cerebral palsy. Growing up in the disability community shaped Stephanie’s deep understanding of both the challenges and the immense value individuals with disabilities bring to every environment. This lifelong perspective continues to inform her leadership and inspire her commitment to building communities where everyone belongs.

Marcus Gardner brings over two decades of transformational leadership in both corporate and nonprofit spaces, with a deep commitment to servant leadership, strategic growth, and community impact. As Executive Director of Gorman Heritage Farm, and Founder & CEO of The Gardner Group, Marcus has consistently empowered teams and organizations to thrive—whether by launching new initiatives, strengthening internal culture, or growing revenue and engagement.

Throughout his career, Marcus has led with vision and heart. He has served as CEO of one of the fastest-growing churches in the country, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and supported over 1,000 volunteers in building vibrant, purpose-driven communities. From raising $9 million in capital campaigns to growing church attendance 15x, his track record reflects innovation, trust-building, and an unwavering focus on people.

Marcus is especially gifted at developing leaders, resolving organizational conflict, and fostering inclusive environments. He’s collaborated with C-suite executives across industries to craft solutions that drive growth and performance. His leadership has transformed businesses, nonprofits, and faith communities alike.

Kingdom Inclusion is honored to welcome Marcus to the board in April 2025. His expertise in strategic planning, nonprofit development, and human-centered leadership will be a vital asset as we continue building a more inclusive and faith-filled future for teens and adults with special needs.

Cindy Hammerstram is a foundational force behind Kingdom Inclusion, bringing a unique blend of financial expertise, nonprofit leadership, and heartfelt dedication to inclusion. As a founding board member, Cindy played a vital role in helping establish Kingdom Inclusion’s 501(c)(3) status and laying the groundwork for its long-term sustainability and impact.

Cindy currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati, where she has led financial strategy and stewardship for over a decade. Her career spans more than 40 years and includes senior leadership roles at Paycor, Osborn Enterprises, and Arthur Young. From managing accounting teams to overseeing complex business analysis and tax operations, Cindy's financial acumen is matched by her unwavering commitment to service and community impact.

A Certified Public Accountant with a degree from the University of Kentucky, Cindy is known for her strategic insight, integrity, and compassion. Her experience in both corporate and nonprofit sectors allows her to bridge mission and operations—ensuring Kingdom Inclusion’s growth is as sustainable as it is meaningful.

Cindy’s passion for Kingdom Inclusion stems from a deep belief that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves to experience belonging, purpose, and joy. Her ongoing leadership helps ensure our mission is not only possible but well-supported for years to come.

Steve Lane brings decades of leadership, logistics expertise, and a deep personal commitment to inclusion to the Kingdom Inclusion board. With a B.B.A. in Accounting from Ohio University and an M.B.A. in Management from Marshall University, Steve's professional journey spans over 40 years across the petroleum, chemical, and logistics industries. He held key leadership roles at Ashland Petroleum, Ashland Chemical, Valvoline, Lexmark, and Alltech, where he managed operations, transportation, and global logistics. He later served Fayette County Schools as School Bus Transportation Manager and Director of Maintenance, ensuring safe, reliable transportation for students.

Steve’s leadership extends beyond the workplace. He served in multiple roles with the Council of Logistics Management and completed numerous training and development programs, including Dale Carnegie, Toastmasters, and Franklin Time Management.

But Steve’s most profound qualification is personal: he is the proud father of an adult daughter with special needs. For over 44 years, Steve has been a passionate advocate, ensuring his daughter thrives in church activities, community programs, and volunteer opportunities. He has also volunteered for events like Win-O-Lympics, celebrating the talents and joy of children with special needs.

As a founding board member of Kingdom Inclusion, Steve combines his professional expertise with a lifetime of advocacy to help build a more inclusive and welcoming community for individuals of all abilities.

 Kim Botto is a devoted children’s-ministry leader, adoption and foster care advocate, author, speaker, and trauma-informed care trainer with decades of experience serving vulnerable kids and families. 

Over the course of her ministry career, Kim served for 16 years with a major multi-site church, supporting one of the nation’s fastest-growing congregations and helping lead efforts to create welcoming environments for children from all backgrounds. She also served as Director of Training and Development at a Cincinnati nonprofit serving multi-system-involved youth, where she helped equip educators, volunteer teams, and parents to serve kids with complex backgrounds and needs. 

Kim is a certified Trauma Free World Affiliate Trainer and a TBRI Practitioner, and she has trained thousands of children’s ministry staff, parents, and organizational leaders on how to engage neurodivergent kids and teens with empathy, respect, and trauma-informed care. 

As a mother of five, grandmother of eleven, and adoptive parent to children with special needs, Kim’s personal story fuels her passion for inclusion. Her heart for ensuring that every child — regardless of background, behavior, or ability — has a safe, welcoming place to belong, aligns deeply with Kingdom Inclusion’s mission to build inclusive, hope-filled communities.

On the board, Kim brings strategic insight into children’s ministry, foster/adoptive family support, trauma-informed practices, and inclusive program design. Her lived experience, professional training, and decades-long ministry leadership equip her to help shape programs and environments where ALL kids and families can thrive.

Amy Showalter is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and leadership consultant who helps organizations strengthen relationships, build influence, and create meaningful impact in their communities. Throughout her career, she has worked with businesses, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations across the country, equipping leaders and volunteers to engage others with confidence and purpose.

Amy is the author of The Underdog Edge and has spent years helping people discover how everyday relationships can create lasting change. Her passion for connecting people and building community is what first drew her to Kingdom Inclusion.

After what she describes as a “phenomenal experience” serving as a buddy at The Great Banquet in 2023, Amy became deeply involved in the organization. Today, she volunteers at monthly hangouts and Sunday morning Bible study, serves on the Outreach Committee, sponsors The Great Banquet Formal Attire Giveaway, and serves on the Board of Directors.

Amy and her husband, Randy, reside with their dogs Eli and Finn in Cincinnati. Finn is a retired therapy dog. For 12 years he and Amy regularly visited families at the Cincinnati Ronald McDonald House and children in the “Barks and Books” reading program at the Clermont County Library.

Her heart for belonging, connection, and ensuring every person feels seen and valued aligns closely with Kingdom Inclusion’s mission to create inclusive, faith-filled community for individuals of all abilities.