We are pleased to announce that the new Executive Director of Barren Heights is Ace Hubbard! We are so excited to have Ace in this new role, and we can’t wait for the Barren Heights community get to know her. Her heart and joy for the mission is evident and will be an incredible asset as we work together to serve families of children with disabilities. Learn more about Ace below.
Several years ago, I found myself starting over. I had moved away from everything familiar to a city where I didn’t know a single person. Each day felt like learning how to rebuild life from scratch—new job, new surroundings, and a quiet longing for connection. Then, on a crisp October day, everything changed. I stepped onto a beautiful piece of property that instantly felt like home, even though I had never been there before. I was surrounded by strangers whose kindness, joy, and servant hearts felt deeply familiar. That weekend, I had the opportunity to serve children and families who understood love, resilience, and faith on a level that I had personally come to know and need. In that moment, I realized something that so many others have experienced—there truly is no place like Barren Heights.
Serving others has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Paducah, KY, where my faith, family, and community shaped my desire to walk alongside people during both joyful and difficult seasons of life. That calling eventually led me to earn my Master’s in Education with a focus in counseling and pursue opportunities in ministry, counseling, and leadership. Some of the most meaningful parts of my journey have come through my own family’s experience with special needs, which gave me a deep understanding of the beauty, challenges, and strength found within families navigating that path. Those experiences continue to shape my heart and guide how I care for and serve others.
Over the next ten years, Barren Heights became increasingly important in my life through volunteering and relationships that shaped my faith and calling in ways I never expected. Only God could have known that one day He would lead me to have the incredible honor of following in the footsteps of Abbi and Toni Rose as Executive Director of Barren Heights. I step into this role with deep gratitude, humility, and excitement for what God continues to do through this ministry. I am truly honored to serve alongside the Barren Heights team as we continue creating a place where families who have children with physical and developmental disabilities can find rest, encouragement, belonging, and community.
