About SOAR

A Letter From Our Founder

Welcome! I'm Doc Hunsley, founder and Executive Director of SOAR Special Needs. As a former pediatrician, USAF veteran, and father of a child with special needs, my life's work has been shaped by both professional expertise and deeply personal experience.

SOAR was born in 2011, 10 months after we lost our son Mark at age five. Mark—affectionately known as "Bubba"—never knew a stranger and taught everyone he met the simple power of friendship. His legacy inspired SOAR's core philosophy: "Be A Friend."

The colors in our logo honor Mark's memory: green was his favorite color, and purple represents Dravet Syndrome and Epilepsy, conditions he lived with along with autism. Through SOAR, Mark's spirit continues to transform lives, reminding us that every person—regardless of ability—deserves celebration, support, and belonging.

I invite you to explore how SOAR serves families like ours. Together, we're creating a community where individuals with special needs are seen, heard, and valued.

Come SOAR with us!

— Doc Hunsley

❊ Our Guide

Mission & Vision

SOAR stands for Special Opportunities, Abilities, and Relationships.

Our Mission

Transform the lives of special families and empower them to soar in their local and faith communities.

Our Culture

We ask everyone to simply
"Be A Friend."

Through social clubs, respite care, workshops, and community programs, we help individuals with disabilities find their best selves, build friendships, discover career paths, and achieve greater independence.

Our Vision

A community where individuals with special needs are included, celebrated, and valued—where abilities shine and everyone has a place to belong.

Our Story

From 3 individuals and 20 volunteers to over 1,500 individuals served with 2,500+ volunteers, SOAR Special Needs continues to transform lives and empower families to SOAR in their local and faith communities.

Our Impact

SOAR serves individuals with disabilities across all races, ethnicities, genders, and demographics—providing:

  • Confidence-building programs and life skills training

  • Family support through respite care and support groups

  • Community integration via social clubs and recreational activities

  • Church partnerships across Kansas, Missouri, and 26 countries globally

We're dedicated to addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of those we serve, empowering both individuals and families to thrive.

Check-Up With Doc

Join Doc Hunsley as he shares what's new in our community, upcoming events, and insights into the disability community. Come SOAR with Us!

Video Series

❊ Our Team

Leadership

Stephen "Doc" Hunsley, MD

Executive Director and Founder

  • Dr. Stephen "Doc" Hunsley is the founder and Executive Director of SOAR Special Needs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with special needs and their families. A USAF veteran and a pediatrician by training, Doc brings a unique perspective to his work, as he is disabled himself. His personal experiences, both as a veteran and a father of a child with significant special needs, have shaped his passion for creating a world where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is celebrated and supported.

    Doc's journey into special needs ministry began with his son, Mark Hunsley, whose life and legacy became the inspiration behind SOAR. Mark's challenges fueled Doc's commitment to providing the resources, community, and support that families with special needs require. Under his leadership, SOAR has grown into a thriving organization offering a wide range of programs, including respite care, summer camps, and support groups, all designed to help individuals with special needs and their families thrive.

    Beyond SOAR, Doc is a sought-after speaker and advocate for special needs ministry across the country. He is dedicated to educating churches, schools, and communities on how to create welcoming environments for individuals with special needs, spreading the message that everyone deserves a place where they belong.

    Through his leadership, SOAR has become more than just an organization—it's a movement that challenges societal norms and fosters a culture of acceptance and love. Doc's unwavering faith, medical expertise, military background, and personal experience as a disabled individual uniquely position him to lead this mission, making a profound impact on countless lives.

Kay Hunsley, MD

Pediatrician, Child Care Limited | Chief Medical Director

  • Dr. Kay Hunsley is a highly respected pediatrician at Child Care Limited and the Chief Medical Director at SOAR Special Needs. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Hunsley is renowned for her compassionate care and her commitment to serving children, particularly those with special needs.

    At Child Care Limited, Dr. Hunsley provides comprehensive medical care to all children, with a special focus on those with special needs. She is deeply attuned to the unique challenges faced by these children and their families, offering personalized care that addresses their specific physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Her ability to connect with her young patients and their families has made her a trusted and beloved figure in the community.

    As the Chief Medical Director at SOAR Special Needs, Dr. Hunsley plays a crucial role in overseeing the health and wellness initiatives of the organization. Her leadership ensures that SOAR's programs are medically sound and tailored to meet the diverse needs of the special needs community. Under her guidance, SOAR has become a safe and supportive environment where individuals with special needs can thrive.

    Dr. Hunsley's work is driven by her personal experience as the mother of Mark Hunsley, the inspiration behind SOAR Special Needs. This connection fuels her passion for advocacy and her dedication to making a difference in the lives of other families navigating similar challenges.

    A tireless advocate for inclusion and accessibility in healthcare, Dr. Hunsley is dedicated to ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities, receives the care, respect, and support they deserve. Her expertise, compassion, and personal commitment to the mission of SOAR Special Needs make her an invaluable leader in both the medical and special needs communities.

Our Inspiration

Mark "Bubba" Hunsley

Chief Inspirational Officer

  • Mark "Bubba" Hunsley, the cherished son of Dr. Stephen "Doc" Hunsley and Dr. Kay Hunsley, is the honorary Chief Inspirational Officer at SOAR Special Needs. Although Mark passed away at the young age of five and a half, his life and spirit continue to inspire the mission and values of SOAR, an organization founded 10 months after his passing.

    Affectionately known as "Bubba" Mark had an extraordinary ability to connect with people—he never knew a stranger. His warm and welcoming nature is why SOAR Special Needs encourages everyone to "just be a friend" a philosophy that embodies Mark's legacy. Despite facing significant challenges due to his special needs, Mark brought immense joy and love to those around him, teaching valuable lessons in acceptance and kindness.

    Mark's vibrant red hair and his favorite book, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" became symbols of his joyful personality. Though nonverbal, he communicated love and friendship in ways that transcended words, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met.

    SOAR Special Needs was created in Mark's memory to support and uplift individuals with special needs and their families. His parents, driven by their love for Mark, established SOAR to honor his life by helping others navigate similar challenges.

    Through SOAR, Mark's spirit lives on, guiding the organization's mission to create a world where every individual is valued and included. The green in SOAR's logo is because that was Mark's favorite color and the purple is because that is the color for Dravet Syndrome and Epilepsy which Mark had along with autism.

    Mark "Bubba" Hunsley may have had a brief life, but his legacy continues to shine brightly, reminding the SOAR community and beyond that the most important thing anyone can do is to "just be a friend." His influence helped guide SOAR's mission to ensure that all individuals with special needs are loved, supported, and given the opportunity to soar.

Bubba Bear

Mascot

  • Bubba Bear is the cherished mascot of SOAR Special Needs, embodying the spirit and legacy of SOAR's Chief Inspirational Officer, Mark Hunsley, the very reason SOAR exists. Mark, affectionately nicknamed "Bubba" was known for his love of the book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?", his bright red hair, and never meeting a stranger. When SOAR was determining a mascot, it was important to choose a name that was easy for everyone to say, especially since Mark, who was nonverbal, could say "Bubba". Bubba Bear was created to reflect Mark's loving nature and his belief that everyone just needs to be a friend.

    Bubba Bear, with his red hair like Mark's, serves as a living tribute to Mark Hunsley, helping to keep his memory alive within the SOAR community. As the mascot, Bubba Bear brings joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging to all he encounters, which defines the organization. He is a symbol of inclusivity, teaching everyone he meets the simple yet profound lesson of friendship. With his warm, fuzzy appearance and ever-present smile, Bubba Bear has become a symbol of comfort and friendship for individuals with special needs and their families.

    As SOAR's mascot, Bubba Bear plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere at events, programs, and community gatherings. Whether he's giving out high-fives, posing for pictures, or leading a dance, Bubba Bear's presence is always met with excitement and happiness. He represents the heart of SOAR's mission: to bring joy, support, and a sense of belonging to everyone he meets.

    Bubba Bear is more than just a friendly face; he serves as a reminder that every person, regardless of their abilities, is valued and loved. Through his playful interactions, he helps break down barriers and fosters connections, making everyone feel included and special.

    With his big heart and even bigger hugs, Bubba Bear is not only a favorite among children and families but also a cherished member of the SOAR Special Needs community. His unwavering positivity and gentle demeanor make him the perfect ambassador for the organization's mission to inspire and uplift all those they serve.

    Bubba Bear spreads love and positivity, reminding everyone that being a friend is what truly matters. His presence is a constant source of inspiration, ensuring that the values learned from Mark Hunsley continue to touch the lives of individuals with special needs and their families.

Staff

Abby Parks

Office Manager/HR Director

  • Abby Parks holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from Friends University. For over 15 years, she worked in the corporate HR world, gaining extensive experience in employee relations, talent development, and organizational leadership. Throughout her career, Abby has felt called to serve others by creating healthy, supportive workplace environments where people can thrive.

    Feeling a strong calling to align her professional life with more purpose-driven work, Abby joined SOAR, where she now serves as HR Director and Office Manager. Her easy-going nature, dedication, kindness, and passion for people are evident in everything she does. Abby brings a Christ-centered approach to leadership, always striving to reflect the love of Jesus in how she supports staff, volunteers, and the broader SOAR community.

    Outside of work, Abby enjoys spending time with her husband and their beautiful daughter. She is grateful for the opportunity to live out her faith both at home and in her work, trusting God to lead her steps each day.

Jammie Martin

SOAR Respite Coordinator

  • Jammie Martin is SOAR's Respite Coordinator. She is a licensed Behavior Therapist providing Applied Behavior Analysis services to children and adults with Autism, and has been professionally licensed in this field for 5 years. Jammie loves knowing that she gets to be part of making a difference for the Autism community, helping our Neuro-spicy superheroes of the future be the best they can be. She believes they will be what makes this world continue one day, and she is thankful to be part of that.

    Jammie holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, an Associate's degree in Entrepreneurship, an Associate of Applied Sciences degree, and is also a Pastry Chef. She has recently started her journey toward law school, hoping to one day practice Special Education Law and ADA Law to help ensure Neuro-spicy superheroes have the best opportunities to succeed. She may have taken a winding path to get here, but she knows now that this is where she belongs.

    In her personal life, Jammie has two amazing sons—a 25-year-old with Autism and a 15-year-old with ADHD—who continue to teach her how to be a good human every day and show her the kind of person she wants to be. So while she has professionally lived this life for 5 years, she has lived this Neuro-spicy life for much longer. It is who she is in her soul.

    Jammie believes in living your outward life using what you've learned in your inward life—that your knowledge and experience are meant to be given to others who need it. You never know when the struggles you've already conquered could help someone else on their journey. That belief is what brought her to SOAR.

Our Board of Directors

Jim Lucke

Retired IT Executive | Chairman of the Board

  • With a distinguished 30-year career as an IT executive, Jim excelled at collaborating with global CIOs, managing IT infrastructures for public companies, and designing automated solutions to enhance efficiencies and automation.

    Jim resides in Olathe with his wife Jana, celebrating 34 wonderful years together. They have two adult children. Their youngest daughter, Skylar, inspired Jim's involvement with SOAR when she began volunteering in 2014 and later became a dedicated special needs teacher in the Olathe school district. Jim and Skylar continue to share a passion for volunteering together at SOAR events.

    Now retired, Jim is enthusiastic about contributing his strategic vision, leadership, and technology expertise to SOAR as a board member. His dedication to improving the organization aligns with his positive and proactive approach, aiming to advance the future for SOAR's special needs community.

Ryan D. Foley, Esq.

Board of Directors

  • Ryan is an attorney who focuses on special needs planning and estate planning. Born and raised in the Kansas City area, Ryan has a deep commitment to serving his community. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law. After gaining six years of experience, Ryan realized he had a passion for serving families with special needs. In order to best serve those families, he opened his own firm in late 2024.

    Ryan's involvement with SOAR began when he worked with several families to secure guardianship over their adult children and to create estate plans that would not disqualify those children from receiving public benefits. As a result of this work, Ryan met Doc Hunsley. After spending time getting to know the organization and Doc, Ryan began volunteering and talking to clients about the services SOAR provides. He is honored to serve on the board to help support SOAR's mission.

    Outside of his work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, reading, playing board games, and volunteering at his church nursery. Guided by his faith, Ryan focuses on serving clients with care, integrity, and compassion.

Jamie Koogler

CPA | Board of Directors

  • Jamie is a dynamic manager and consultant at SingerLewak, known for her high-energy approach. With a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater she leverages her diverse educational background to excel in her field. With over twenty years as a Controller in corporate accounting before moving into consulting, she possesses a wealth of expertise in writing budgets, analyzing reports and creating strong financial infrastructure. Her ability to harness technology and implement change effectively sets her apart. A creative problem solver with a strong focus on excellence and empathy, Jamie embodies the ideal blend of kindness and assertiveness.

    Jamie joined the board of SOAR to create more opportunities for people with special needs to have full lives and be treated with respect and kindness.

Lauryn Baron

Business Development Manager, Academy Bank |Board of Directors

  • Born in Maine and raised just outside of Boston, Lauryn learned the value of hard work and connections at an early age. At 15, she began her first job in customer service, stepping into the public eye with a natural ability to engage people and create memorable experiences. These early roles sparked a lifelong commitment to delivering exceptional service, building relationships, and leading with integrity.
    In 2011, Lauryn moved to Kansas City to further her career in hospitality, taking on leadership roles in hotels where she oversaw full-service operations, directed sales strategies, and ensured the highest standards of guest satisfaction. Her work in the hospitality sector sharpened her skills in team
    development, operational efficiency, and revenue growth; talents that would later serve her well in the financial services industry.
    Transitioning into banking, Lauryn brought the same people-first philosophy and results-driven approach to her roles. For 7 years, she has led branches to record growth, doubling deposit and loan portfolios, achieving flawless audit scores, and fostering high-performing teams. Her career includes leadership positions with Bank of Labor and Central Bank of the Midwest, where she ensured compliance with complex regulations, cultivated strategic client relationships, and coordinated multi-departmental services to deliver comprehensive financial solutions. As of September 2025, Lauryn joined Academy Bank as a Business Development Manager In addition to her professional achievements, Lauryn has served as a mentor, trainer, and community advocate, conducting educational presentations and engaging in
    outreach that strengthens both her teams and the communities they serve. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a Minor in Communication and an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. She is also licensed with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS) and is a commissioned Notary in Kansas.
    Lauryn’s journey from a small-town New England upbringing to leading high-impact teams in the Midwest reflects her adaptability, dedication, and passion for helping others succeed. Whether in hospitality, retail, or financial services, she has built her career on the foundation of trust, excellence, and the belief that great leadership starts with serving others first.

Steven Evans

Financial Advisor, Edward Jones | Board of Directors

  • Steven Evans is honored to serve as a Board Member for SOAR Special Needs, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with special needs and supporting their families. His passion for serving others began early in his career as a special education teacher in Sioux City, Iowa, where he worked directly with students and families to help them achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

    Steven spent many years in education, developing a deep appreciation for the unique challenges and opportunities faced by individuals with special needs and their families. This experience fostered a lifelong commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and service that continues to guide him today.

    Currently, Steven serves as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, where he helps individuals and families navigate important financial decisions and work toward their long-term goals. He views his role as an extension of his commitment to serving others by providing guidance, support, and confidence during life's important moments.

    Steven and his wife, Stacey, a lifelong educator, have called the Kansas City area home for more than 20 years. Together, they have raised four children: Stephanie Adamak, Kelsey Pauly, Kaden Evans, and Kyan Evans. Family, faith, and service remain central values in their lives.

    The Evans family are active members of The Gallery Church (formerly Vineyard Church), where they are committed to the mission of making more and better disciples. Steven believes this calling closely aligns with SOAR's philosophy of meeting people where they are, recognizing the value and potential in every individual, and building a stronger, more supportive community for families. He is passionate about serving others through both his faith and his community involvement.

    Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, Steven enjoys basketball, football, and volleyball and has extensive experience coaching youth athletics. Through coaching and mentorship, he has worked to instill the values of teamwork, perseverance, character, and leadership in the next generation.

    As a member of the SOAR Board, Steven is committed to helping advance the organization's mission of creating opportunities, providing support, and empowering individuals with special needs and their families to thrive.

    Personal Motto: "Serving others with faith, compassion, and purpose while helping every individual reach their God-given potential."