About Us
Faith, education, and hope for every child.
Who We Are
A Sanctuary for the Fatherless. A Movement for Generations. A Vision From God. Children of God Academy is a Christ‑centered, trauma‑informed, residential education community dedicated to restoring identity, belonging, stability, and purpose to foster, high‑risk, and disadvantaged youth from Pre‑K through 12th grade.
We exist because God’s Word commands us to defend, uplift, and father the vulnerable. We are not simply a school. We are not a charity. We are not a temporary intervention.
We are a home. A family. A discipleship environment. A launchpad. A national movement. CGA serves children who have faced adversity — poverty, single‑parent instability, foster care, abuse, neglect, abandonment, trauma, or chronic disadvantage. These children often lack the opportunity to reach their God‑given potential. We are here to change that.
Education Without Limits
At CGA, every child will have access to a 100% cost-free education, including tuition, school supplies, housing, meals, healthcare, extracurricular activities, sports, and more.
We are committed to supporting these children through every step of their educational journey—year-round, and with no financial burden on their families.
A Future Secured — Spiritually, Academically, Emotionally, and Economically
Our model is comprehensive and transformational: Residential family‑style homes with Christian house parents Trauma‑informed, accredited academics Career and technical pathways with industry certifications On‑site clinical and wellness care Five years of post‑graduation support We do not educate for survival. We equip for thriving. Our goal is not only to teach — but to save lives, break generational cycles, and launch children into stable adulthood with identity, purpose, and destiny.
Safe. Strong. Successful.
CGA is a safe haven — shielding children from: human trafficking exploitation chronic instability homelessness educational neglect emotional abandonment Our holistic approach nurtures the whole child — academically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and physically — ensuring they grow into healthy, grounded, successful adults.
Rooted in Scripture. Formed by Faith. Built for Generations.
Our identity is anchored in five biblical convictions: God is a Father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5) Redemption is available to all (Psalm 27:10) Jesus is the model, message, and miracle (John 10:10) Holiness and compassion are not opposites (James 1:27) Legacy is greater than achievement (Jeremiah 29:11) These truths shape our culture, our programs, our governance, and our expectations for every staff member, volunteer, and leader. Explore our values.
Realizing Potential — Transforming Generations
We believe societies are stronger when the most vulnerable children are given the opportunity to realize their potential. We believe every child is made in the image of God and deserves a future worthy of that truth. We believe that love, stability, discipleship, and opportunity can rewrite any story. CGA is not just changing individual lives — we are reshaping families, communities, and the future of our nation.
Compassion: Love in Action
Our work is driven by deep, unwavering compassion. We serve with empathy, dignity, and purpose. We understand the gravity of the challenges our children face — and we choose to stand in the gap with courage, excellence, and faith. This is not just a mission. It is a calling. It is a gift. It is a legacy that will impact generations.
Who We Serve
Children of God Academy serves children who have endured instability, trauma, poverty, abandonment, or disadvantage — children who were never given a fair chance to thrive.
We exist for the ones the world overlooks, the ones systems fail, the ones God calls His own.
CGA is a Christ‑centered, trauma‑informed, residential education community for children from Pre‑K through 12th grade who need more than a school — they need a home, a family, a sanctuary, and a future.
A Sanctuary for Children in Crisis
We are a safe haven—shielding our children from the dangers of human trafficking, child labor, and exploitation.
Our holistic approach nurtures the whole child, ensuring that they are not only academically prepared but also emotionally, spiritually, and socially supported, so they can go on to live healthy, successful, and meaningful lives.
Supporting Families in Crisis — With Compassion and Dignity
CGA supports families as well as children, helping ease the challenges faced by single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, caregivers, families in poverty, those experiencing homelessness, and parents working to overcome addiction, incarceration, or other hardships.
Through our 100% cost-free residential education program, families gain stability, support, and the time needed to heal, rebuild, and move forward. Our mission is not to replace families—it is to help restore them.
A Launchpad for Children Who Need a New Beginning
At CGA, we provide children with a safe, stable, and supportive environment where they can grow academically, emotionally, and personally. Through structured education, mentorship, and daily care, we help students build confidence, discover their potential, and create a stronger foundation for a brighter future.
Executive Leadership
Stephanie M. Kaelin
Founder & CEO
Children of God Academy Leading With Purpose Stephanie M. Kaelin is a visionary founder, compassionate reformer, and missiondriven executive who serves fulltime as the Founder and CEO of Children of God Academy (CGA) — a national, Christcentered residential education movement designed to break generational cycles of trauma, poverty, and instability for vulnerable children across America. With a rare blend of spiritual discernment, strategic intelligence, and operational excellence, Stephanie is building CGA as a 100year institution: a traumainformed, academically elite, residential PreK–12 academy that provides safety, stability, healing, and opportunity for children who deserve a future filled with hope. Her leadership is marked by boldness, clarity, and a deep sense of divine assignment. She is building not just a school, but a new system — one rooted in God’s heart, God’s order, and God’s vision for children and families. A Proven Executive & Entrepreneur Before stepping fully into CGA, Stephanie spent more than a decade leading and scaling companies in the payments, technology, and humancapital sectors. She served as: Founder, President & CEO of TruCard Inc. — a highperforming payments processing firm partnered with U.S. Bank/Elavon, known for excellence in eCommerce, PCI compliance, and merchant services. Vice President of Sales at Clearent by Xplor Technologies — where she led nationwide teams across SaaS, fintech, and technology verticals, driving strategic growth and operational scalability. Managing Member of Streamline Human Capital Management LLC — helping small businesses grow through formation, HR, and operational support, culminating in a 2021 merger with PayLife USA. Her entrepreneurial journey is defined by her ability to build systems, scale organizations, and lead teams with clarity and conviction. A Leader Who Shows Up When It Matters During the COVID19 pandemic, Stephanie played a pivotal role in providing PPE to 27 countries, coordinating global supply chains through SNV Holdings LLC to meet urgent humanitarian needs. Her instinct to respond, serve, and protect is woven into every chapter of her leadership. A Founder Called to Protect Children Stephanie’s life is marked by a profound calling: to protect God’s children, restore what was broken, and build environments where the vulnerable can flourish. Her vision for CGA is rooted in: highquality Christian education safe, nurturing residential homes traumainformed clinical care generational healing protection from trafficking and exploitation longterm stability and opportunity She believes every child deserves a home, a future, and a chance to thrive — and she is building the systems to make that possible. A Woman of Deep Faith Stephanie is guided daily by prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit. Her leadership is grounded in obedience, humility, and a fierce love for God and His people. She is passionate about teaching the Word, helping others grow in biblical understanding, and walking with people as they discover the character, voice, and heart of God. She is known for her ability to dive deeply into Scripture, illuminate truth with clarity, and help others build a strong, intimate relationship with the Lord. Her life is a living testimony of faith in action — rooted, steady, and surrendered. Her background as a twotime state champion athlete instilled in her the resilience, discipline, and drive that now fuel her work as a national movement builder. A Builder of Legacy Stephanie’s philosophy is simple and unwavering: Serve God. Protect His children. Build systems that outlive you. Bring the light of Christ wherever darkness has prevailed. Through her intelligence, courage, and unshakeable compassion, Stephanie is not only shaping industries — she is reshaping the future for generations of children. She stands as a beacon of hope, a trailblazer in leadership, and a relentless advocate for those who need it most.
Kandi L. Hylton
CFO
Strength in Financial Strategy Kandi L. Hylton is the CEO of Hylton Business Solutions LLC, an accounting and tax firm specializing in small businesses and non-profit organizations. She guides clients through the critical stages of setting up new businesses, offering expert advice on the best tax entities and strategies. Kandi also provides business consultations, bookkeeping, budgeting, and QuickBooks training, empowering clients to leverage software for maximum efficiency. Kandi earned her Bachelor’s in Accounting from Eastern Kentucky University in 2005 and holds the prestigious Enrolled Agent (EA) certification, allowing her to represent clients before the IRS. Her diverse experience across industries—including manufacturing, medical, construction, and non-profits—gives her a comprehensive understanding of business operations, making her uniquely qualified to offer tailored advice to clients. Before founding Hylton Business Solutions in 2020, Kandi co-founded Davis & Hylton Accounting & Tax Service, PLLC, where she helped grow the firm from a two-person operation into a thriving tax, payroll, and consulting business. Her leadership and commitment to teaching have fostered a positive workplace culture that drives both employee and client success. Kandi is passionate about empowering individuals to understand the complexities of finance and business. She views every challenge as a puzzle to be solved and takes joy in helping clients navigate financial obstacles to live their best lives. Born and raised in Southeastern Kentucky, Kandi now resides in Berea with her husband, their son, and their pets. She is deeply committed to her faith and eagerly embraces the next chapter of her personal and professional journey.
Board of Directors & Advisors
Ashley B. Sexton
Executive Board Member Ashley B. Sexton is the founder of Sexton Law, PSC, a Northern Kentucky family law practice focused on protecting children and guiding families through difficult transitions. Through her work in custody, divorce, domestic violence, and adoption cases, Ashley regularly advocates for the well-being and stability of children facing challenging circumstances. She has seen the foster care system up close and personally through her work and CHFS foster care training. God put it on her heart that her commitment to helping children beyond the courtroom looked a little differently than fostering a single child. Ashley was led to support Children of God Academy and its mission to provide hope, stability, and opportunity for vulnerable children. Ashley is humbled and honored to serve on the board and help advance the organization’s impact in the community.
Patrick W. McCabe
Executive Board Member Operations Strategy Consultant Patrick W. McCabe is an operations strategy consultant with more than 30 years of experience helping complex manufacturing organizations improve profitability, optimize supply chain, and strengthen enterprise decision-making. He works closely with executive teams to translate rigorous analytical work into practical recommendations that guide capital investment, resource allocation, and long-term operational strategy. In addition to his operations and engineering background, Patrick has led enterprise-level initiatives related to environmental performance, governance, and reporting as part of broader business planning and risk management efforts. He has advised senior leadership and boards on long-term planning considerations, supported enterprise governance processes, and helped organizations integrate sustainability-related data into operational and financial decision-making without losing focus on performance and profitability. Patrick holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. Patrick is a very proud father to four adopted children which gives him a deep understanding of the complex realities and challenges that impact the lives of all members of adoptive families. He is a strong advocate for families working through the life-long adoption process. He and his wife, Kristi, have been married for 29 years and live with their children in Owensboro, KY. He is a strong, long-time, faithful member of his church, having served on the Parish Council and various administrative and planning committees. His faith life is the basis and driving force for all other aspects of his life.
Amy E. Berrettini
Executive Board Member I am a growth-focused leader with a consistent record of driving measurable results, building high-performing teams, and leading with both strategy and purpose. Over the course of my career in sales and business development, I have exceeded performance targets and developed scalable systems that strengthen client retention and long-term organizational growth. With Children of God Academy, I apply that same discipline and results-oriented mindset to mission-driven work focused on expanding educational access for children in the foster care system — one of the most underserved and overlooked populations. By leading efforts to build schools, I will create lasting change in children’s lives, supporting academic success that paves the way for brighter futures. What differentiates my approach is the ability to bridge business acumen with meaningful impact — aligning donors, partners and communities around a shared vision and executing with clarity and accountability. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to a safe environment, consistent education and the opportunity to build a better future. Beyond my professional work, I bring energy, resilience, and a strong sense of discipline to everything I do. My background as a fitness instructor has shaped my leadership style — rooted in motivation, consistency and leading by example — while being a mother of two reinforces the personal importance of the mission I serve. Above all, my work is anchored in an unwavering faith in God’s calling to protect and uplift His children, and I serve with the conviction that every step forward is guided by His hand.
Amy and Tom Payne
Advisory Board Members Amy and Tom Payne have shared over 42 years of marriage and mission, united by a deep love for faith, family, and education. Amy retired after 33 years as an educator, including 20 years serving vulnerable children in a psychiatric hospital setting. Tom retired after 43 years in education, working with students from elementary through college. His experience spans both classroom teaching and administration, and he currently serves as Chair of the Daviess County Board of Education. Living their faith is central to their lives. Amy and Tom are active members of St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro, Kentucky, and also serve the Church at the diocesan level. Family is one of their greatest joys. They cherish time spent with their three children, their spouses, eleven grandchildren, and their extended family. Known for their hospitality, Amy and Tom love opening their home to welcome others. They have served as foster parents and have hosted several international students in need of housing. As a family, they have been especially blessed through their work with children and adults with disabilities. They believe deeply that all are God’s beloved children and that every person deserves a place of love and belonging. Amy and Tom are honored to support the mission of Children of God Academy and are grateful to be part of its work.
Ezio Berrettini
Advisory Board Member Ezio Berrettini is a seasoned construction executive with more than 25 years of experience leading complex development, construction, and capital improvement projects. As Vice President of Construction, he brings a unique combination of technical expertise, strategic planning, financial stewardship, and team leadership to support organizations in delivering facilities and infrastructure that advance their mission and create lasting community impact. Throughout his career, Ezio has successfully managed projects ranging from large-scale data centers and distribution facilities to multifaceted development initiatives valued from tens of millions to several billion dollars. His expertise spans the full project lifecycle, including preconstruction planning, budgeting, procurement, bidding, construction management, commissioning, quality control, scheduling, and closeout. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Ezio excels at building high-performing teams and fostering strong partnerships among stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and community organizations. He is skilled in developing strategic capital plans, overseeing operating and capital budgets, implementing risk management practices, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational goals. In addition to his construction leadership experience, Ezio possesses deep knowledge of real estate development, due diligence, financial analysis, and asset management. His ability to balance operational priorities with long-term organizational objectives has made him a trusted leader in guiding complex projects from concept through completion. Ezio holds an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and a Master of Science in Real Estate from DePaul University's Driehaus College of Business. He is recognized for his commitment to excellence, accountability, innovation, and creating environments where people and communities can thrive.
Meghan Payne
Advisory Board Member Hello, I am Meghan Payne. After working in Special Education for 20 years in the Owensboro Public School System, I am transitioning into the role of Program Director for Commonwealth Connections, an agency dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities. I bring more than 20 years of experience in the field of special education and a lifelong passion for supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. My professional background includes certification in Learning and Behavior Disabilities, a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Moderate to Severe Disabilities and an emphasis in Autism, National Board Certification in Exceptional Education, and certification as a Director of Special Education. Outside of my professional role, I am a single adoptive mom to five amazing young men — Kevin, Dustin, Romer, Kennedy, and Brian. Our family began through foster care and has grown together over the past 12 years into the greatest blessing of my life. I am also a proud aunt to three nephews and three nieces, a full-time soccer mom, and a lifelong animal lover. Faith and service have always been central to who I am. I am a lifetime member of St. Stephen Cathedral and have been involved with Camp MARC, a camp serving adults with disabilities, since 1998, joining the Core Staff in 2008. Supporting organizations like Children of God Academy is deeply meaningful to me because I believe every child and family deserves access to opportunity, dignity, and a community that sees their full potential.
Kristi McCabe
Ambassador & Print Media Advisor Kristi McCabe is an Owensboro native, a former educator and editor, and currently a homeschool mom. An established writer, Kristi has contributed to Owensboro Living, WherePeterIs.com, and Kentucky Farm Bureau. She is the author of a children’s book featuring adoptees, Hoppin’ John Soup & Turtle Wax, which can be found on Amazon. As an adoptee herself and an adoptive mother of four, Kristi is an advocate for adoptive families and vulnerable children. Kristi is an active member of St. Mary Magdalene church in Sorgho, KY, where she serves as Eucharistic Minister and Catechist. She believes in the value of every life, and unlocking the unlimited potential of every child when proper nurturing, support, and Christ-centered education abound.
Mission and Vision
Mission: To provide a Christ‑centered, trauma‑informed, residential education community where foster, high‑risk, and disadvantaged youth are safe, seen, discipled, educated, and launched into lifelong stability, purpose, and service.
Vision: To build a national network of Christian residential academies that raise sons and daughters of God — healed, grounded, educated, and equipped — who break generational cycles and become leaders who strengthen families, communities, and society. We envision a world where every vulnerable child has a home, a family, a future, and a place to encounter the love of God — and where the Church rises to build what the government never could.
Our Values
1. God Is Our Foundation — Scripture Is Our Final Authority
“All Scripture is God‑breathed…” — 2 Timothy 3:16 We stand on the whole Word of God — fully inspired, inerrant, and authoritative. Every decision, policy, program, and interaction flows from Scripture. We do not bend to culture. We do not compromise truth. We build on the Rock. This value anchors our identity as a Christ‑centered residential academy and ensures that CGA remains aligned with God’s heart for the fatherless. Explore Scripture alignment.
2. Father to the Fatherless — Love as Our Atmosphere
“A Father to the fatherless…” — Psalm 68:5 Every child is made in the image of God. Every child deserves belonging, dignity, and unconditional love. We create a spiritual home — not an institution — where children encounter the Father’s heart through the people who serve them. Love is not a feeling. Love is our discipline, our culture, and our daily practice. Explore love culture.
3. Excellence as Worship — Work Unto the Lord
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…” — Colossians 3:23 Excellence is not performance. Excellence is obedience. We give God our best — not leftovers. We steward time, resources, responsibilities, and relationships with diligence and honor. We pursue mastery, not mediocrity. We build with precision because the work is holy. Explore excellence culture.
4. Integrity in Word and Action — Let Your Yes Be Yes
“Let your ‘Yes’ be yes…” — Matthew 5:37 Integrity is the backbone of CGA. We align our words with our actions. We follow through. We tell the truth. We do what we say we will do. Our students have lived through broken promises. We will not be another one. Explore integrity standards.
5. Redemption Is Possible — No Story Is Too Broken
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” — Psalm 27:10 We believe in restoration. We believe in healing. We believe in new beginnings. We believe that trauma does not have the final word — Jesus does. Every child’s story can be rewritten by the grace of God. We partner with Him in that redemptive work. Explore redemption culture.
6. Holiness and Compassion — The Jesus Standard
“Pure religion… is to look after orphans…” — James 1:27 We walk the tension Jesus walked: purity and mercy, truth and grace, holiness and compassion. We uphold biblical standards while extending radical kindness. We cultivate lives marked by integrity, humility, and Christlike character. Explore holiness and compassion.
7. Ambassadors of Christ — Representing the Kingdom Everywhere We Go
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors…” — 2 Corinthians 5:20 Every staff member, volunteer, and leader carries the name of Jesus and the identity of CGA. We represent: the Kingdom of God the Holy Family the children we serve the mission we steward Our conduct, speech, and presence must reflect Christ — on campus, online, and in the community. Explore ambassador culture.
8. Wisdom, Humility & Teachability — Always Becoming Better
“The wise listen and add to their learning.” — Proverbs 1:5 We reject pride and complacency. We embrace correction, accountability, and growth. We seek God’s wisdom in every decision and humility in every interaction. We grow because the children deserve leaders who are always becoming better. Explore wisdom culture.
9. Protecting the Vulnerable — With Courage and Compassion
“Defend the weak and the fatherless…” — Psalm 82:3 Safety is sacred. We protect children physically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. We intervene boldly. We advocate fiercely. We create environments of belonging, dignity, and healing. We are guardians of God’s children — and we take that mantle seriously. Explore child protection.
10. Legacy Over Achievement — Building for Generations
“Plans to give you hope and a future…” — Jeremiah 29:11 We build generationally, not temporarily. We measure success by testimonies, not test scores. We invest in identity, purpose, and destiny. We build institutions that outlive us. CGA is not a project. It is a legacy. Explore legacy culture.