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.

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.

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.

Kayla lives in Lees Summit with her husband, Alan, and their 4-year-old daughter, Penelope. Kayla has lived in the KC area for almost 14 years and loves all things Kansas City! After her daughter was diagnosed with ASD2 a couple of years ago, she developed a passion for helping those with special needs. In addition to working with SOAR, Kayla also helps those in West Africa get the care they need through a variety of programs through her family’s organization. She knows she can’t do all this on her own and gives all glory and honor and recognition to God.

Abby Parks received her Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree in Human Resource Management from Friends University.  After working in the corporate HR world for the last 15 years, Abby felt a calling to change careers completely and began working part-time for SOAR in their Administrative department.  Abby is easy-going, dedicated, kind, and passionate about her work.   When she’s not working at SOAR, she’s working her other part-time job as an Interior Designer, chasing around her beautiful three-year-old daughter and spending time with her husband.

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.

Robert’s journey to becoming a valued board member at SOAR Special Needs began with a solid foundation in logistics and operations management, rooted in an 18-year tenure at Southwest Airlines. There, he developed a comprehensive understanding of logistics, covering all areas except aircraft maintenance. This role laid the groundwork for his expertise in operational efficiency and his ability to tackle complex problems.

His career took a pivotal turn towards operational consulting, where he found a deep- seated passion for addressing and solving challenging issues. Leading the helm at Proof Positioning, Robert was instrumental in transforming the approach to strategic partnerships, advocating for models that prioritize customer needs over traditional revenue-driven strategies. He championed the development of mutually beneficial relationships, founded on the principles of customer value and ecosystem harmony.

Robert’s methodical approach to partnership selection is grounded in values of transparency, credibility, and mutual respect, alongside a strategic use of AI and data insights to cultivate scalable business growth and enduring partnerships.

His connection to SOAR Special Needs was sparked by a personal introduction to the organization through his wife, Corrie. After attending a training session at a church led by Doc Hunsley, Corrie shared her experiences with Robert, igniting his interest and eventual commitment to the mission of SOAR. This personal connection has enriched his contributions to the board, where he applies his vast experience in strategy, market development, and operational efficiency to support and advance the organization’s goals.

At SOAR, Robert leverages his professional acumen and personal commitment to enhance the support system for individuals with special needs, embodying the organization’s values through his strategic insight and heartfelt dedication to its cause.