Meet the Founders

Todd brings a wealth of experience and structural guidance to the ministry. With a background rooted in professional excellence and spiritual inquiry, he is the author of Wisdom in Practice, a work that reflects his commitment to applying knowledge in transformative ways.

Todd has a background as a firefighter, an EMT-B/IV Tech (MD), and a 911 dispatcher. He also served in the past as a line officer for the Havre de Grace (MD) Ambulance Corps, holding the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain. Due to mental and physical health issues, Todd was forced to step away from those careers and pursue his education.

He holds an Associate’s in Religion, a Bachelor’s in Christian Counseling, and a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling, all from Liberty University. He is a Certified Peer Specialist in Mental and Whole Health (GA) and has worked extensively in mental health care both clinically and in advocacy.

Todd is a member of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and is a trainer and presenter on local, state, and national levels. He is also a certified instructor for the L.E.A.P. program of Dr. Xavier Amador’s LEAP Institute.

Todd creates the framework for The Welcoming Table’s curriculum and gatherings, but he is the first to say that his credentials and accomplishments are not his alone. Every milestone he has reached has been supported and shared by Mandi. Todd’s vision is to use his qualifications not as a pedestal, but as a foundation to build a movement of healing and hope for others.

Mandi has an extensive background as both cook and chef, working various positions in the kitchens of several restaurants from Key West to the resort towns of the Delaware coastline; as well as other various hospitality and service industry positions. Her experience in these diverse roles, ranging from high-volume resort kitchens to smaller, independent eateries, has honed her ability to operate efficiently and cost-effectively. She learned firsthand how to maximize ingredient utility, minimize food waste, and implement creative substitutions to maintain quality while adhering to strict budgetary constraints—a critical skill for making good food without incurring high expenses.

Mandi’s life is all about giving back and helping others, driven by a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities they’ve been given. They don't see their own survival and recovery as just luck; they see it as a mission to be a shining example of total acceptance and unconditional love for anyone who is still struggling.

This core belief is the spiritual and ethical heart of all their work. Mandi isn’t just a supporter; they are a vital, equal, and powerful partner in everything the couple achieves, especially in their ministry. Mandi is the one who consistently brings the crucial understanding needed to navigate tough situations, the sheer guts required to take those difficult leaps of faith, and the spiritual honesty—the readiness to face reality—that makes this entire life-changing ministry truly effective. Their unique mix of caring, smarts, and resilience ensures the ministry operates from a place of genuine openness and strength, offering real hope to everyone who comes looking for guidance.