About Us

We serve and support parishes in facilitating opportunities for a relationship with Christ by ensuring the fullest participation possible in the Catholic faith for all parishioners regardless of ability.

Josh Ruoff

Lead Consultant, Special Needs Ministry

Melissa Joerger

Administrative Assistant for the Special Needs Office

Josh became the Lead Consultant for the Special Needs Ministry in August of 2021. Josh graduated from Washburn University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in social work. He then finished his Master’s degree in social work in 2019 also from Washburn University. He began his professional career working in home health for the elderly as a mental health case manager at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown providing mental health resources and emotional support for individuals who were isolated in their homes. He also was able to lead a small group for men, providing them opportunities to socialize.

Josh’s passion for assisting individuals with special needs comes from his own personal experiences. He was born with spina bifida causing paralysis in both legs below the knee, requiring him to use a wheelchair. He has been fortunate enough to remain totally independent. He has participated in boy scouts where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2016. He has participated in adaptive sports and has also participated as a camper and a staff member at camps for individuals with spina bifida. Josh has participated in numerous church activities including World Youth Day, the National Catholic Youth Conference, Steubenville, Teens Encounter Christ and Catholic Heart Work Camp.

Josh is a firm believer that individuals with disabilities were created by God to show how He can do marvelous deeds through ALL his creation. Josh will work to make the Special Needs Ministry a place where everyone is welcome and everyone will be allowed to share their God given gifts, and bring glory to His kingdom to the best of their ability.

You can reach Josh by phone at 913.647.3054 or by email at jruoff@archkck.org