
Meet Our Team
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Founder & Executive Director
Onjalai Brown
Anyone who knows me probably heard my laugh or saw my smile first. I am a joy oozer, yielded vessel, exhorter, and Godly unifier - seeking to love and make space for all image bearers of Christ. God has called me to teach, lead, and disciple women back to His heart. I want anyone who encounters Awaken to get a glimpse of the immense love of Jesus and find a community of sisters who are ready to advance the Kingdom of God together. God has granted me the honor of stewarding this ministry and I am going to live out my days pointing everyone I encounter to Him and surrendering my path to Him. I dare you to trust Him and let him change your life for the rest of your life. Let’s go…the best version of yourself awaits!

Director of Operations
Tacia Scott
If you ever hear a random song being hummed or sung, it is probably me… I always have a song in my heart. I love being around women who are encouraging and have the love and joy of the Lord, and I want to help spread that experience to other women. I never thought I would be a part of any ministry, but the Lord knew all along! So I decided I was on board for whatever He has for me no matter what. It is such a blessing to witness the power of the Lord in action and witnessing women change and going out to change the world as a result. The Lord has given me the gift of faith and I will believe in the power of the Holy Spirit as long as I have breath. I do not know what God has for me in the future, but He has my “yes”.

Director of Ministry Relations
Toni Ellis
As you can see from my photo, I smile big but I love even bigger! You may hear my laugh and see me lingering in conversation after any gathering. I am an encourager, a lover of God's word and a hope influencer. I am called to speak life into those who may feel unworthy or unloved and to pray boldly for those around me seen and unseen. I am anchored to the Source, Jesus Christ, and invite others to get into the boat where Jesus is. I love to hear the heart of women, the up’s, downs and in between. Being a witness to the change and growth of my sisters in Christ is a beautiful privilege that I will never get tired of. Seeing women fall in love with Jesus and Awaken to their God given purpose is pure joy and I am here for all of it!!!

Director of Discipleship & Leadership Development
Chervonne Burleson
I am a silly woman with a kind heart and I give the best hugs! I love being a part of something that gives, enriches or creates! My gift lies in my spirited, joyous nature, which I am compelled to use as a catalyst to unite women in faith and fellowship. My journey with Awaken began with an experience that transformed my life—an event that awakened my spirit to true sisterhood, the limitless love of God, and a revelation of my true identity as designed by Him. I want other women to encounter the same sense of belonging, divine love, and renewal that will reshape your understanding of who you are and who you are meant to be!

Catering & Hospitality Coordinator
Mechelle Kirkland
I'm a daughter, mother, sister, friend and blessed to be a Mimi to my grandkids. My heart has been on fire for the Lord since the day I said “Yes” to his love. I love to feed people with natural food and be a witness to how they are fed through their relationship with Jesus. My spiritual journey has changed me and given me a new life. Now I love getting to watch women grow and truly know the Lord and his love for each of them. I'm so excited to watch God do what he does as he brings us together to uplift one another. It’s a privilege to come alongside my sisters in Christ and to see hearts ignited and awakened in this ministry is a dream! Can someone pinch me? This is real life ladies! I'm ready...are you?
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Social Media Manager
Katalina Patino
At Jesus’ feet is my favorite place to be but even so, loving on and experiencing life with His people is always on the top of my list! God has called me to be his voice and his hands in this world. I have never been more on fire to see other people encounter God the way I have. I love seeing the way people’s lives change when Jesus walks in the room. He has made me with so much love, energy and creativity that is now being used for His kingdom! I am also a momma to a little boy who has been the biggest blessing I could ever ask for! I'm walking in expectancy for the Lord to do mighty things in our lives through trust & faith!

Ministry Relations Coordinator
Krishaun Holbert
I’m truly childlike at heart. I love exploring different parts of the world, large bodies of water, and making unforgettable memories. Beyond the thrills and excitement of life, my true joy comes from serving others in any form or capacity. If you spot me, it’s usually behind the scenes lending a helping hand, or putting the finishing touches on a task.
God has given me a unique calling and gift to love His people through service. Through my walk with the Lord, I have experienced His supernatural and unconditional love in a way that overflows, compelling me to share it with everyone I encounter.
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With a background in healthcare, specifically pediatric nursing, I’ve developed a keen ability to relate to people by seeing the child in everyone I encounter. I often find myself asking: Why do they do what they do? Why do they speak the way they speak? What need are they trying to get met? And what matters most to them right now? I believe that Godly love and serving means interceding in the spaces where we can be the most effective, and in this way we truly become the hands and feet of the Jesus.
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The women served by Awaken Ministries deserve to be fully seen, fully heard, fully loved, fully soothed, and fully supported. I am honored to be part of a ministry that understands this truth and is also deeply committed to carrying out a vision for this truth.

Special Projects Coordinator
Paris Ulvog
Before meeting me, someone would probably think I am a meek, quiet person. But if you stay long enough to say Hi, a smile will immediately come on my face and I can say I have an exciting bubbly personality. I love meeting new people whether it’s our only interaction to many I love getting to know people. Everyone has such a beautiful story and each time someone tells me about themselves I keep it written in my heart. Since coming into my Faith in 2024, the Lord has blessed me with a soft heart to love his children and fulfill His purpose which is bring his children home! I have an eager, intense, passionate heart to spread His word and bring people to Him. Matthew 28:18-20 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
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Outreach Coordinator
Denise Garner
I am the one who loves to express the goodness of God. I will either sing or dance with joy. I am not the one you call to perform a song or dance but the one who is just being me. I love to see others grow into who God created them to be. I am an encourager and believes everyone deserves a second chance at life. There is no judgement but love for you. You are valuable and God sees you. You will find me praying for you. I want you to have an encounter with God that moves into exactly why He created you.

Events Lead
Lexie Taylor
Thank you, Jesus, for creating me in Your image! The joy and laughter I carry comes from my Father. My love for Christ is my strength and is represented in everything I do. Just like Jesus, my heart for people comes naturally—spreading the love of the Lord is my passion. God has called me to Awaken to help revive His people through fellowship and community. It is a blessing to minister alongside my sisters, creating a Spirit-filled environment where deliverance is happening and people are encountering the presence of the Lord like never before. The time is now!