Complex Trauma

Marcus Warner has served as president of Deeper Walk International since 2006. Marcus earned three degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School – M.Div., Th.M. Old Testament, and D.Min. He has written numerous books including his most recent title, Breakthrough! 5 Essential Strategies for Freedom, Healing, & Wholeness. An in-demand speaker, Marcus has spoken for both ministry and corporate groups across the country and around the world. A Bible teacher at heart, Marcus has taught Old Testament and Theology at the junior high, high school, college, and seminary levels. His passion is taking complex topics and making them practical and accessible for everyone.

Melissa Finger is the founder and executive director of the Trauma Healing Center, Inc. in Olathe, Kansas. The mission of the Trauma Healing Center is to assist individuals in healing from trauma, partner with other organizations and ministries to further equip them in trauma-informed care, and provide support to Community Caregivers in their own personal and professional development. In addition to this work, Melissa has a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling that she has used in various counseling settings for more than fifteen years. In 2011, she transitioned from professional counseling into biblical counseling. As a biblical counselor her focus has been trauma-informed care for individuals who have a history of severe and complex trauma.

Melissa developed the term Trauma Coping System as a way to describe God’s design for the trauma response of dissociation for children who have been abused. In her first two books, Trauma Coping System, and Trauma Coping System Devotional, Melissa describes God’s design for helping a child survive overwhelming trauma, as well as his design for their complete healing. In addition, Melissa has published two fiction books on this topic. Her 5th book, Living an Abundant Life, is due to be released in summer 2024, and will focus on identity in Christ, spiritual warfare, and embracing God’s design for growth and healing for each person.

Melissa lives in the Midwest and is married with two children. She loves to spend time with her family traveling, attending sports games, hiking, or just hanging around the house. Making relational connections and finding creative outlets are two of her favorite ways to spend her time.

Dr. Alaine Pakkala has spent over thirty years ministering to hurting people. Her understanding of those who are the most shattered – those with dissociative issues – has allowed her to prepare resources to train others. Her passion and sense of humor have mixed together to create insights into how to best come alongside these wounded ones.