Faculty
Adjunct professor
Jim Becka
Jim “Yaakov” Becka spent his early life in Temple, Texas, which is ironic considering his dad’s family were Temple priests in Jerusalem and the name “Becka” means “Half Shekel” (I.E., The yearly Temple Tithe paid by Jews in ancient times). After high school graduation he lived in East Jerusalem and began learning Hebrew.
After returning to the United States he received his undergraduate degree in journalistic writing from Lamar University and graduate degrees in education and research from The University of Texas and University of Houston. Before going into education he was a television producer for a large television medical network, authored numerous articles for research and education journals, and authored two popular education textbooks. His book “Hebrew Alphabet in 30 Days” is highly acclaimed.
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Adjunct professor
Dr. Santo Calarco
Santo has served the body of Christ since 1981 as a pastor, teacher, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) counsellor. He is married with two daughters. He lives in Australia and has served as a pastor and missionary in Africa and Asia. He supports over a thousand orphans in those countries.
He graduated with a BA in theology in 1984 with distinction from Avondale University. His post graduate studies from Andrews University Michigan majored in biblical apocalyptic and eschatology.
He was granted an honorary doctorate from the American Seminary. Santo is a strong believer in divine restorative justice and this permeates all his teachings.
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Adjunct professor
David Edwards
David is the Director of Kainos Ministries, Fellowship, and Institute. He and his wife, Allessia are part of the Global Mission Awareness kingdom family under Dr. Leif Hetland. David served as a Pastor and Instructor at Bethel Atlanta Church and School of Ministry for 10 years. Additionally, he is a pastor, author, and coach. David lives in Florida with his wife and daughter.
David has degrees in ministry and biblical counseling, a certificate in biblical studies. He is also a transformation coach holding several coaching and training certifications. David has been in ministry since 1998. His heart is to transform culture through kingdom family and identity. He has written several books and appeared in media outlets such as ISN, Destiny Image, Charisma, and GAN.
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Adjunct professor
Allessia Edwards
Allessia Edwards is the Cofounder and Creative Director at Kainos Ministries, Fellowship, and Institute. Her ministry experience includes serving as the Communications Director for Global Mission Awareness under Dr. Leif Hetland, Women’s Pastor and Ministry School Instructor at Bethel Atlanta, and is a Sozo Minister. She lives in Florida with her husband and daughter.
Allessia has a degree in ministry and theology and is also a master transformation coach. She has been in ministry since 1998, and carries the message of the Father’s love, healthy communication, and kingdom identity. Additionally, she is an author and is the Founder of Ella Phoenix Designs.
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Adjunct professor
Steven Woodward
Steven Woodward is a spiritual teacher, minister, and coach whose work centers on the theology of divine indwelling, Christ identity, and the lived experience of Oneness with God. A graduate of the Royal Family International School of Identity and Lifestyle, Steven was ordained in 2018 and has since devoted his life to helping others awaken to the indwelling presence of Christ and the transformative truth of union with God.
As the creator of The Secret of Oneness, Steven teaches a Christ-centered framework that reveals the mystery of God not as distant, but as fully present within. His teachings invite believers to move beyond intellectual belief into a direct, experiential knowing of their identity — not separate from God, but ONE with God as Christ which is the wisdom and power of God.
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Adjunct professor
Regina Kelley
Regina Kelley is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Certified Christian Herbalist, and Biblical Naturopathic Doctor, dedicated to empowering others to cultivate lasting vitality so they can fully pursue their God-given purpose and passion. Having walked through her own health challenges and overcome significant personal adversity, she brings empathy and a Christ-centered approach that honors the whole person—spirit, mind, and body. Regina believes true wellness is not simply the absence of disease and symptoms, but the restoration of strength, clarity, and purpose aligned with God’s design.
As a passionate teacher and guide, Regina is committed to equipping her clients with knowledge, practical tools, and strategies to steward their health naturally and faithfully. Through personalized support and education, she empowers others to break free from cycles of illness, embrace abundant life, and walk boldly in their unique purpose. Whether you are just beginning your wellness journey or seeking renewal after years of struggle, Regina offers compassionate, faith-filled encouragement and knowledge every step of the way.
Adjunct professor
Vernon “Terry” Palmer, MA, LPC-MHSP
Terry Palmer is a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified Mental Health Service Provider with over a decade of experience in counseling and more than 30 years in ministry. Known professionally as Terry or Mr. Palmer, he brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and pastoral care to his practice, drawing from a lifetime of service and leadership.
Terry holds an Associate Degree in Ministry, a Bachelor’s in Family and Human Services, and a Master’s in Counseling. He specializes in individual and group therapy, working with issues such as addiction and substance abuse, adolescent challenges, family dynamics, parenting, anger management, grief, and faith-based counseling. His eclectic counseling approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy, focusing on identifying and transforming harmful thought patterns to promote healing and personal growth.
Terry’s professional background includes roles in social services, public school systems, and the Department of Family Services, where he supported children and families in educational and juvenile court settings. He has worked extensively as a substance abuse counselor in both inpatient and outpatient environments.
A third-generation minister, Terry has over 30 years of ministry experience, including 20 years as a senior pastor and 15 years in youth and music ministry. His faith-informed approach to therapy is rooted in compassion, understanding, and a deep commitment to holistic healing—spirit, soul, and body.
Terry is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health within religious communities. He aims to educate and empower individuals with scriptural and psychological insight, highlighting the importance of mental health as a vital component of overall well-being.
He resides in East Tennessee, just outside Knoxville, with his wife of over 40 years. Together, they have three adult children and three grandchildren. Terry currently operates his private counseling practice in Kingston, TN.
Adjunct professor
Rev. Dr. Andrew Wilson, ThD
Rev. Dr. Andrew Wilson serves as an Adjunct Professor at American Seminary, bringing over ten years of pastoral ministry experience into the classroom. His teaching is shaped by a deep commitment to theological integrity, pastoral formation, and the life of the Church.
Dr. Wilson holds a Master of Divinity, a Master’s degree in Christian Counseling, and a Doctor of Theology (ThD) in Missiology. His academic and ministerial work focuses on the intersection of neo-orthodox theology and the proclamation of pure grace, emphasizing Christ-centered faith, the finished work of Christ, and the Church’s witness in the contemporary world.
In addition to his academic work, Dr. Wilson continues to serve in pastoral ministry, where his scholarship and teaching are grounded in lived experience, pastoral care, and the realities of congregational life. He is passionate about equipping students to think theologically, minister faithfully, and proclaim the gospel with clarity, humility, and grace.
