Jenny Ellsworth

Nursery Supervisor / Youth & Family Ministry Administrator

Jenny grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and earned her bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and Special Education from Xavier University. She went on to teach preschool, kindergarten, and second grade at Madeira City Schools. Raised in the church, Jenny has always had a deep love for Jesus. Her mother served faithfully by teaching Sunday School, participating on the Christian Education Committee, and leading Vacation Bible School for many years. Jenny treasures many meaningful memories of serving alongside her mother in the church—preparing Sunday School rooms, supporting Vacation Bible School, and helping with special church events.

After college, Jenny felt God place a calling for missions on her heart. She traveled to Russia approximately seven times, teaching local leaders how to establish Vacation Bible School and Christian education programs in orphanages. She also helped equip Russian communities to create Vacation Bible School and Christian education programs for children with special needs. These experiences were deeply meaningful and strengthened her faith in Jesus.

Upon returning home, Jenny became aware that many families of children with special needs were not attending church because the environment felt overwhelming for both the children and their families. It deeply saddened her that many of these families felt unwelcome in church settings, and she felt called by God to help change that. Jenny developed a ministry that provided parents of children with special needs a monthly date night, offering them a dependable time of respite. During these evenings, children and their siblings enjoyed a safe, welcoming environment where they could have fun, learn about God at their own level, and be understood and loved through every moment. Jenny later expanded this work by launching a Vacation Bible School for children with special needs, adapting Sunday School classrooms to better serve their needs, and training other churches to welcome, teach, and support children with special needs.

In her free time, Jenny continues to serve the community by coaching softball with the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League, coaching flag football for Butler County Special Olympics, and supporting young adults with autism as they transition to life after high school. She helps them develop practical life skills, build independence, pursue employment and college opportunities, and learn strategies for managing significant anxiety.