David Cross, Ph.D., is the former  Rees-Jones Director of the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development and is a retired Professor in the TCU Department of Psychology. From 2016 – 2022, Dr. Cross lead the Institute in its triple mission of research, education and outreach to improve the lives of children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and/or trauma. He has authored many peer-reviewed publications about issues regarding at-risk children.

Dr. Cross, with his former colleague Dr. Karyn Purvis, co-authored “The Connected Child: Bringing Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family” to help adoptive parents understand the needs of children who have experienced trauma. “The Connected Child” continues to be a best-seller among adoption books. Together, Drs. Purvis and Cross created Trust-Based Relational Intervention^® (TBRI^®), a holistic, attachment based, trauma-informed, and evidence-based intervention for children who have experienced relational trauma.

Dr. Daren Jones is the Associate Director of Training and Consultation Services with the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD). Daren’s main focus is instructing professionals working with children who have experienced trauma, in Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®). Since Daren joined the Purvis Institute in 2014, he has been an integral part of teaching and spreading TBRI® across the U.S. and throughout the world.

He began his career as a behavior instructor of a therapeutic day treatment program serving children and youth who could no longer function in a regular academic school setting. Daren spent 12 years serving youth and families within residential and foster care settings as a direct-care worker, residential group home supervisor and trainer, before beginning his work with the KPICD.

Daren has a Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education.

Dr. Michael Paul Cartledge is the Associate Director of Grants and Projects at Flagler College's Center for Religion and Culture, where he directs the Fostering Congregations Initiative and Welcome Works—two Lilly Endowment–funded projects partnering with congregations and theological educators to strengthen practices of welcome, care, and formation. He also serves as Director of Adult Education and College Ministry at Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Augustine and teaches as Adjunct Professor at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Michael Paul holds a PhD in practical theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. His work focuses on helping faith communities engage in spiritual formation with careful attention to neurodiversity, mental health, and trauma-informed care.

Amanda Purvis is a globally recognized thought leader in developmental trauma, childhood adversity, and the power of healing systems. With over two decades of experience in local and international child welfare, Amanda is known for her ability to translate the science of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® into practical, transformative change—from family homes to national systems. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Metropolitan State University and a master’s in criminal justice and criminology from Texas Christian University, where her passion for trauma-informed justice took deep root. 

A dynamic speaker, strategist, and community organizer, Amanda is at her best when partnering with others to design solutions that honor cultural context, human dignity, and lasting impact. Today, Amanda is unlocking hope for thousands of vulnerable children around the world as the Vice President of Global Impact at All God’s Children International. Whether leading policy discussions, equipping front-line workers, or facilitating global collaborations, Amanda brings both head and heart to the work of disrupting trauma for good. 

On a personal note, Amanda is the proud mom of five incredible children and a lovable, extremely personable Bernese mountain dog named Athena. She enjoys early morning walks with her weighted vest, attempting to train said dog, and dabbling in gardening and handyman adventures—with varying degrees of success. She believes in the power of community, the possibility of healing, and that humor and connection are always part of the process. 

Andrea León López is the executive director of AGCI Latam since 2022 former Adoptions Deputy of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare. Andrea, a psychologist, completed her postgraduate studies in International Cooperation and Project Management. As a TBRI Practitioner, Ms. León’s professional experience relates to the coordination and development of human rights projects, social inclusion and poverty overcoming as well as public policy construction for vulnerable population. She has also served as the Director of Family and Community Accompaniment of the Department of Social Prosperity in Colombia, in charge of coordinating the Unidos Network for Poverty Overcoming; Director of Management and Articulation of the Social Offer; and consultant at the World Bank and TCU. 

Dereje Zeleke serves as the Ethiopia Country Director for All God’s Children International, providing strategic leadership for trauma-informed child and family services and systems change across the country. He joined AGCI in June 2024 with extensive experience leading initiatives to combat human trafficking, prevent exploitation, advance safeguarding, promote women’s and youth empowerment, and support trauma-informed reintegration for unaccompanied minors and survivors of exploitation across Ethiopia. 

A relational and culturally competent leader, Dereje grounds his work in best practice and capacity building. He is a TBRI® Practitioner and Mentor, a PhD candidate, and holds a Master’s in Social Work, a Master of Arts in Leadership, and a BA in Management. 

Dereje has a proven record of building strong partnerships with government ministries, civil society organizations, and international stakeholders to drive systemic change in child welfare. As an experienced presenter and local expert, Dereje regularly speaks to audiences across various sectors, from frontline practitioners to high-level policymakers, and is recognized for translating complex child protection challenges into actionable, trauma-responsive solutions. 

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