AGUSM Missionaries and MA’s (Missions Associates) working with Special Touch Ministry are part of a mobilized team for the Kingdom to reach souls throughout the United States. Each one has received and responded to God’s call; each one has been given an assignment in the monumental task of reaching the lost for Christ, the discipleship of believers, and replication of ministry.
As a part of the Ministry leadership, the following Missionaries and MA’s are supported through donations they raise. To learn more about how you can regularly support a AGUSM Missionary or MA with a monthly Faith Promise click here.
Debbie Chivers — Missionary
Missionaries Charlie & Debbie Chivers founded Special Touch Ministry in 1982 when they decided to dedicate their lives serving people with disabilities. In 2021, Rev. Debbie Chivers moved into the role of Executive Director following Charlie’s passing. From the National Office in Wisconsin, together with the board of directors, office staff, and other ministry leaders she directs and oversees the development and implementation of the many programs and services offered by Special Touch Ministry, Inc. She also co-coordinates the annual Wisconsin Summer Get Away.
Duane & Tracie Corll — Missionaries
The theme of disability has been woven into Duane and Tracie’s lives since childhood. This theme was woven through family members, volunteering, as well as working, as caregivers, and later on, Tracie would become a director of a day habilitation facility. In 2014, God took that weaving and called Duane and Tracie into ministry while attending the Wisconsin Summer Get Away. Duane and Tracie provide online and in-person training and resources through the STM Disability Friendly Church Program. They also coordinate the STM Ohio Summer Get Away. Through their local church, in Ohio, Duane and Tracie are able to help coordinate a respite program. The Corll’s have a passion for spreading awareness and equipping the church to meet the needs of those with disabilities in their communities. Rev. Tracie Corll now serves as Co-Director of Special Touch Ministry, Inc.
Joe & Ann Trementozzi — Missionaries
Rev. Joe and Ann Trementozzi are Assemblies of God U.S. Missionaries who have dedicated their lives to reaching and serving people with disabilities and their family members through Special Touch Ministry. Their journey into ministry was deeply personal, shaped by the traumatic birth of their daughter, Beth Ann, who, being born dead then brought back to life, has physical and neurological disabilities. Initially struggling to understand God’s purpose in their circumstances, they eventually found their Calling that transformed their heartache into a platform for sharing the love of Christ.
The Trementozzis’ path to missions began in the 1970s and 80s while attending Brockton Assembly of God in Massachusetts, where they received their inspiration. Over time, their experiences with their daughter and their two sons opened their eyes to the profound challenges faced by families affected by disabilities—such as high divorce rates, sibling pressures, and emotional and financial strain. This realization deepened their sense of purpose, leading them to see their family’s struggles not as a barrier, but as a reason to answer God’s Call.
In 2006, Joe and Ann were officially appointed as U.S. Missionaries with the Assemblies of God Intercultural Ministries. They joined Special Touch Ministry in 2007. Since then, Joe and Ann have worked tirelessly on the front lines, ministering to a marginalized population of over 60 million people with disabilities in the United States, along with their families. Their missionary work includes the planting of Special Touch disability ministry in the States of Florida, Georgia, and in New England as well. They recently transferred the leadership of the Florida Special Touch Get Away to another AG U.S. Missionary within Special Touch so as to effectively grow and Coordinate the Special Touch Get Away Camp in the State of Georgia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they adapted by taking these camps online, expanding their reach to places as far as Brazil.
Beyond camps, Joe and Ann serve as Board Members and are part of the Executive Leadership Team of Special Touch Ministry and act as National Chapter Directors and ministry representatives for the Disability Friendly Church program. Recently they began a new “ministry lane” within Special Touch Ministry called “Family of Hope”, a work that ministers to parents and siblings of those with disabilities. They travel across the country, speaking at churches and other venues to raise awareness about the need for inclusion and spiritual support for those with disabilities, emphasizing that Salvation through Jesus must be accessible to all.
Their daughter, Beth Ann, now in her 40s, has actively participated in their ministry, notably inviting friends from her Adult Day Program to the Special Touch Get Away camps, many of whom have come to faith in Jesus. Joe and Ann’s ministry is driven by a belief in the urgency of their mission, fueled by their conviction that Jesus’ return is near. They see their role not as a burden, but as a privilege, often reflecting on the idea that “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the Called.” Alongside Beth Ann and the many friends that help them – they continue to bring Hope, Compassion, and the Gospel to a community often overlooked, embodying a mission that is both personal and prophetic.
Contact Info: (Joe) 321-480-9806 | (Ann) 321-543-8729 | joe.ann@specialtouch.org
Charlene & Steve Phipps — Missionaries
Charlene and Steve are honored to serve as Missionaries to individuals with disabilities and their families through Special Touch Ministry (STM). Charlene’s journey began as a volunteer caregiver at STM Florida Summer Get Away, where she discovered a passion for this ministry. Over time, she became a Mission Associate, completed her pastoral internship, received credentialing, and was appointed as a full-time Missionary with the Assemblies of God. Charlene has played a pivotal role in coordinating and launching STM Chapters, Summer Get Aways, Fundraisers, and Online Ministry. Her unwavering commitment to raising awareness within churches and communities about the importance of welcoming individuals with disabilities has been instrumental in creating more opportunities for these individuals to experience the love of Jesus. Together with her husband, Steve, this team is dedicated to building a supportive community for individuals with disabilities. They believe that everyone deserves to be loved and valued and have an opportunity to know who Jesus is. Their shared passion fuels their work in serving this population, as they strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.
Nettamara & Ed Doak — Missions Associates
Nettamara and her family are originally from Michigan. Growing up she experienced disability through a number of relationships, but God made it even more personal with the birth of her first son, who had autism and medical issues. This lead her to work in the disability field, assisting individuals with blindness in the public school system and at a children’s center. God opened a door for Nettamara to serve those with disabilities at her local church and to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. She has also earned certifications in Braille. In early 2019, following the Holy Spirit leading her to join Special Touch Ministry, Nettamara, Ed, and their two children moved to Wisconsin. Serving as a MA, Nettamara runs and administrates STM Blind Services.
Mike & Kim Ferguson — Missions Associates
Mike and Kim have an enormous passion for serving people impacted by disability. This couple had been introduced to the world of disability when their son, Chris, was diagnosed with Asperger’s. They began volunteering at a STM North East Region Summer Get Away in 2011. The need for disability ministry became even more apparent to them when the son of a good friend was in an accident. They realized that the three greatest needs of people with disabilities were support, practical help, and a church family. Joining as MA’s, in 2014, Mike and Kim continue to oversee the programs and services of STM in New England. Coordinating the North East Region Get Away, leading the R.E.A.C.H. New England Chapter and assisting churches and people impacted by disability and their caregivers to connect and develop meaningful relationships with Jesus and The Body of Christ.
Tom & Cindy Maher — Missions Associates
Raised in Louisiana, Tom Maher left his traditional Catholic upbringing at 16 and began his “quest for God”, serving Louisiana churches. God continued to lead him on a journey that would take him to Nebraska, North Dakota and finally, Wisconsin. In 2013, Tom felt the call of God to serve as a MA with Special Touch Ministry. Tom and his wife of over 40 years, Cindy, are an essential part of the STM Summer Get Away program. The Maher’s operate the ‘Tech’ program, by transporting and maintaining essential medical equipment to the Summer Get Away programs along with supporting ministry leaders. They also make themselves available to assist the disability community, as needed.
Nilda Rivera — Missions Associate
In the spring of 2012, Nilda became a Licensed Assemblies of God Minister. That fall, she took another huge step by joining the STM Team on a Missions Trip to the Dominican Republic. The next summer, Nilda became a MA. Nilda is an accomplished speaker and singer. She also has been diagnosed with a physical disability. Along with serving with the STM Chapter and Summer Get Away Program, Nilda assists with Pastoral Care by personally connecting with those who submit prayer requests to STM. Nilda’s heart is to share with others how churches can minister to those with disabilities and how those with disabilities can minister to the church.
Lori Bullington — Missions Associate
Lori was diagnosed with the same condition as her two older brothers, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, when she was a year and a half. She grew up surrounded by others who lived with disabilities and always had a soft spot for those less fortunate. Lori felt God had a call on her life from an early age. After an initial contact with STM in the early 1980’s, she was reintroduced to the ministry by a Chapter officer and attended her first Florida Summer Get Away. God ignited a passion in Lori for reaching the community of individuals with disabilities for Christ. Her passion encompasses helping the local church grasp the vastness of this mission field and the value of these individuals as members of the community of faith. In 2015, she joined STM. As a MA with Special Touch, Lori seeks to answer the call God placed on her heart. In addition to serving as an officer for two Florida Chapters, Lori oversees the STM Online Community. Using her communication skills, she helps write and produce curriculum and other disability ministry training tools and materials, continuing to serve the ministry as she can where there is need.
