Dr. Ellis attended Kentucky State University where she was crowned Miss Kentucky State University 1994-1995, and she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 1995.  She went on to enroll at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK to obtain a Master of Education degree in 1998.  After being called to Ministry, she enrolled at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN, receiving the Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Scholarship and graduated in December 2011.  In May 2020, she earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary, in Dayton, OH specializing in Leadership Development and Spiritual Formation for Healing and Reconciliation. Her dissertation, “A Sense of Belonging: A Model for Church Leadership Development utilizing Five-Fold Ministry Gifts,” explored strategies for fostering inclusive church leadership.

   

Dr. Ellis is the CEO of Emerge UP Consulting Inc. Her company helps leaders grow, thrive, and multiply.  In addition, she is an ordained minister. She presently serves as the Executive Pastor at New Beginnings Fellowship Church, where she provides pastoral care, leadership training, and strategic guidance for a thriving congregation of over 5,000 members.  She is a certified trainer, speaker, life, and leadership coach, having undergone training under the guidance of Dr. John C. Maxwell and his esteemed team of instructors. Armed with these valuable tools, resources, and her wealth of experience, she is committed to assisting individuals and teams in realizing their objectives and fulfilling their goals.  In addition, Dr. Ellis has held key leadership roles in faith-based and academic institutions, including North Star Christian Academy, Indianapolis Congregation Action Network,  Christian Theological Seminary, the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs, and various nonprofit organizations. 

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Dr. Ellis is actively involved in the community and serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Common Ground at Faith organization. She is on the Strategic Plan Advisory Committee for the Warren Township School District, and she serves as Member at Large for the Alpha Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.  She leans on the Holy Spirit to help her equip people for service by training them on how to live a Christian life and helping them reach their God-given potential spiritually, professionally, and personally. She is passionate about pastoral care, social justice, using her gifts and talents to promote education, training leaders, as well as mentoring and empowering people.