Our Leadership Team
Our Leadership Team
She/Her
Gracia Macks is a passionate advocate, a prominent IHOPKC whistleblower, and founder of the RFI (Recovering From IHOPKC) support group. A survivor of sexual abuse herself, she has spent the past seven years relentlessly championing the rights of other survivors, building community amongst those affected by abuse, and guiding others through the complex journeys of deconstructing— and, when desired, reconstructing —their faith.
Her courageous story, originally told in 2023 on the Heaven Bent podcast, helped expose widespread corruption within IHOPKC, sending shockwaves that sparked international scrutiny and accountability for dozens of other organizations. Based in Minnesota and a devoted mother of three, Gracia is committed to forging partnerships with churches to drive meaningful systemic reform in institutions historically complicit in harm. She is deeply dedicated to empowering survivors to reclaim their narratives and pursue their unique paths toward healing and wholeness.
Gracia@riseandreclaimadvocacygroup.org
He/Him
Jedidiah Hartley is an author and educator based in Los Angeles, California, known for his work on systemic abuse within religious institutions. His writings focus particularly on the misuse of prophecy in cases of clergy abuse within charismatic Christian communities. Having grown up as a young leader in the church and as the son of a prominent prophetic evangelist, Jedidiah witnessed firsthand the profound impact of clergy abuse. This personal experience has driven his commitment to supporting survivors, amplifying their voices, and advocating for justice and meaningful reform within faith communities.
Jed@riseandreclaimadvocacygroup.org
She/Her
Tiffany Johnston is a dedicated victim advocate committed to fostering authentic and safe engagement within the community. With a personal history of harm in religious spaces spanning three decades (ages 4–34), she brings deep empathy and lived experience to her work. Her passion lies in creating pathways of healing for others, ensuring that survivors feel seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward wholeness. Through advocacy, education, and compassionate action, she strives to cultivate spaces where healing and empowerment can flourish. She’s an active mom of multiple kids who is based in sunny Florida.
Tiffany@riseandreclaimadvocacygroup.org
Our Board of Directors
She/Her
Jade is a trauma therapist and mental health advocate in Minnesota. With a long history working with complex trauma, she is passionate about amplifying the voices of survivors through a strong social justice lens. Jade brings optimism and humor into situations, hoping to empower others that trauma integration is possible. She believes in people’s innate ability to heal and has witnessed hope being a powerful tool in survival and reclamation. Jade is a mom to a human and two dogs, a wife, an avid reader, and a passionate seeker of silliness and laughter.
She/Her
Alia Tavakolian is the co-founder and president of Spoke Media, a creative studio dedicated to telling powerful, character-driven stories across audio, film, and stage. For nearly a decade, she has led Spoke’s growth while producing award-winning narrative work. Alia is currently co-directing a years-long investigative documentary centered on systemic sexual and spiritual abuse within charismatic churches in America—a project that has deepened her commitment to survivor-centered storytelling and advocacy. Her work in media and her passion for justice have converged in a personal mission to support survivors and help create accountability within religious institutions.
She/Her
Liv is a passionate advocate for creating safe and supportive spaces for individuals to find their voice. Currently pursuing her Master's in Mental Health Counseling, Liv is cultivating a wealth of experience from her work with nonprofits, where she has written policies to protect staff, volunteers, and ensure legal compliance. Liv believes that hope can be found in any situation. Her dedication to helping others is rooted in kindness and compassion, with a commitment to empowering individuals to find healing, identity, and self-compassion.
He/Him
As a powerful advocate of victims during the IHOPKC scandal and a survivor of IHOPKC himself, Sammy brings irreplicable wisdom and discernment to the table. He is committed to justice, transparency, and bringing meaningful reform that builds bridges with people from all walks of life. Sammy resides in his hometown of Kansas City, MO and is an audio engineer, producer, drummer, and mixer with nearly 15 years of experience helping other musical artists bring their visions to life.
He/Him
Michael has built his career on a deep passion for helping others. With a wealth of experience in nonprofit and public safety organizations, he has committed himself to connecting people and empowering them to reclaim their lives. Michael has held various ministry positions and previously served on the boards of several well-known charities. Today, he resides in San Francisco, California and is a prominent figure in the tech industry. He is a recognized speaker, author, and educator on business digital transformation.