Caroline Hare, Waves Founder
Caroline Hare founded Waves Girls Conference in 2013, and is excited that Waves Ministry, INC. is able to minister to girls and women in youth ministry locally and globally. She is a Nashville, TN native, and has a degree in Youth and Family Ministry from Abilene Christian University. She's currently the Next Gen Pastor at Shoreline Church in Destin, FL, and Caroline has done youth ministry for 14 years. In addition, Caroline has done podcasts, written small group curriculum, and articles for Seedbed, The Upper Room Books, and the Youth Worker Collective. She has a column in The Destin Log called "Big Hare, Big Faith." She recently released a new book for girls and women in ministry called "Big Hare & Big Faith: May Your Faith Be As Big As Your Hair & Your Impact Cross Oceans." Caroline is on the Advisory Board for Hope for the World, and is excited to be taking Waves to Europe with HFTW. Having done ministry or preached in 8 different Nations, Caroline is excited about Waves taking it's next step in reaching the next generation.
Caroline Hare founded Waves Girls Conference in 2013, and is excited that Waves Ministry, INC. is able to minister to girls and women in youth ministry locally and globally. She is a Nashville, TN native, and has a degree in Youth and Family Ministry from Abilene Christian University. She's currently the Next Gen Pastor at Shoreline Church in Destin, FL, and Caroline has done youth ministry for 14 years. In addition, Caroline has done podcasts, written small group curriculum, and articles for Seedbed, The Upper Room Books, and the Youth Worker Collective. She has a column in The Destin Log called "Big Hare, Big Faith." She recently released a new book for girls and women in ministry called "Big Hare & Big Faith: May Your Faith Be As Big As Your Hair & Your Impact Cross Oceans." Caroline is on the Advisory Board for Hope for the World, and is excited to be taking Waves to Europe with HFTW. Having done ministry or preached in 8 different Nations, Caroline is excited about Waves taking it's next step in reaching the next generation.
Brenna Kneiss, Waves Worship Team
Brenna Kneiss joined the team in 2020. When she's not behind the lens you can usually find her with coffee in hand, computer on her lap while singing her latest, favorite song as loud as she can. Brenna is a photographer, musician, daughter, sister, friend, and Christ-lover. Christ completely shapes how she runs her business, and she truly gives Him all the glory. BrennaI lives in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida on the corner of the world's most beautiful beaches. She loves everything about her scenic little home, but she's always got her bags packed for the next adventure to a new city or country.
Brenna Kneiss joined the team in 2020. When she's not behind the lens you can usually find her with coffee in hand, computer on her lap while singing her latest, favorite song as loud as she can. Brenna is a photographer, musician, daughter, sister, friend, and Christ-lover. Christ completely shapes how she runs her business, and she truly gives Him all the glory. BrennaI lives in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida on the corner of the world's most beautiful beaches. She loves everything about her scenic little home, but she's always got her bags packed for the next adventure to a new city or country.
Darius McDonald, Waves Board
Darius McDonald is the Student Ministries Pastor of The Summit Church in Crestview, FL. Darius has been married to his wife Destiny McDonald, who is the Worship & Creative Arts Pastor at The Summit Church, for 3 years. Darius gives his life to teaching and leading young adults & youth alike to live and grow as true disciples of Jesus Christ. Through relationship, teaching, & application of The Word, he desires to see students, and young leaders of our communities equipped to flourish in every aspect of their lives by the power of The Holy Spirit. To burn passionately for the things of God, carry a standard of holiness, and live a life of freedom, demonstrating the power & love of Jesus wherever they go. Along with serving at his home church, Darius also oversees all Student Ministries & Leaders for The Summit Global network of churches in the U.S. and Canada. His truest desire is to see the fatherless become fathered, the unwanted become loved, the broken become healed, and the lost find their home.
Darius McDonald is the Student Ministries Pastor of The Summit Church in Crestview, FL. Darius has been married to his wife Destiny McDonald, who is the Worship & Creative Arts Pastor at The Summit Church, for 3 years. Darius gives his life to teaching and leading young adults & youth alike to live and grow as true disciples of Jesus Christ. Through relationship, teaching, & application of The Word, he desires to see students, and young leaders of our communities equipped to flourish in every aspect of their lives by the power of The Holy Spirit. To burn passionately for the things of God, carry a standard of holiness, and live a life of freedom, demonstrating the power & love of Jesus wherever they go. Along with serving at his home church, Darius also oversees all Student Ministries & Leaders for The Summit Global network of churches in the U.S. and Canada. His truest desire is to see the fatherless become fathered, the unwanted become loved, the broken become healed, and the lost find their home.
Mona Ponder, Waves Board
Mona and Mel Ponder began Business Empowered with a vision for impacting business leaders and individuals to exemplify and advance the Kingdom of God in their workplace and community through Godly principles. They each have over 20 years experience in owning, managing and operating businesses, and have a keen understanding of the unique challenges and lifestyle demands business people face. They have worked with Fortune 500 companies, achieving national recognition for results. Most importantly, Mel and Mona each possess over 12 years of ministry leadership. This combination of experience in both ministry and the marketplace makes the Ponder's uniquely qualified to provide vision and leadership. They are actively involved in church and community, and have served on the Board of Directors for multiple Ministries.
Mona and Mel Ponder began Business Empowered with a vision for impacting business leaders and individuals to exemplify and advance the Kingdom of God in their workplace and community through Godly principles. They each have over 20 years experience in owning, managing and operating businesses, and have a keen understanding of the unique challenges and lifestyle demands business people face. They have worked with Fortune 500 companies, achieving national recognition for results. Most importantly, Mel and Mona each possess over 12 years of ministry leadership. This combination of experience in both ministry and the marketplace makes the Ponder's uniquely qualified to provide vision and leadership. They are actively involved in church and community, and have served on the Board of Directors for multiple Ministries.
Keith Pace, Waves Board
Born and raised in central Georgia, Keith landed in Northwest Florida in 1999 and has called this region home ever since. Keith has been married to his amazing wife Jennifer for 19 years, and he has two beautiful daughters, Laura Kate (17) and Julianna (14). Keith’s favorite role is being a husband and father to his amazing family. He has spent 23 years in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry serving patients in various roles, from the corporate office, to training, and to sales and management. He currently serves cancer patients in the role of Executive Oncology Specialist and travels to Cancer centers throughout Florida and Alabama. Keith’s passion is to grow in his identity as a son of God, and help others do the same. As a result of this passion, Keith serves on the board of several non-profits, Lionstrong (Men’s ministry), Waves Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Pier 49 (church plant serving the poor in Rio, Brazil) and Business Empowered (Marketplace ministry). Keith was involved in the early stages of a youth worship movement called House Church. He and his wife have served as spiritual parents to many youth and young adults. His passion for discipleship led him to start a Saturday morning Bible study for youth in his neighborhood called Firestarters. He has helped young believers discover their true identity as sons and daughters of God, and is equipping and training them in their God-given calling. In his free time Keith enjoys exercise, reading, and just spending time with his family.
Born and raised in central Georgia, Keith landed in Northwest Florida in 1999 and has called this region home ever since. Keith has been married to his amazing wife Jennifer for 19 years, and he has two beautiful daughters, Laura Kate (17) and Julianna (14). Keith’s favorite role is being a husband and father to his amazing family. He has spent 23 years in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry serving patients in various roles, from the corporate office, to training, and to sales and management. He currently serves cancer patients in the role of Executive Oncology Specialist and travels to Cancer centers throughout Florida and Alabama. Keith’s passion is to grow in his identity as a son of God, and help others do the same. As a result of this passion, Keith serves on the board of several non-profits, Lionstrong (Men’s ministry), Waves Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Pier 49 (church plant serving the poor in Rio, Brazil) and Business Empowered (Marketplace ministry). Keith was involved in the early stages of a youth worship movement called House Church. He and his wife have served as spiritual parents to many youth and young adults. His passion for discipleship led him to start a Saturday morning Bible study for youth in his neighborhood called Firestarters. He has helped young believers discover their true identity as sons and daughters of God, and is equipping and training them in their God-given calling. In his free time Keith enjoys exercise, reading, and just spending time with his family.