Ben Lippen Podcast

Born in Canada to an Indian family, Ben appreciates cultural integration and has participated in various ministries in his church and community. With degrees in Counseling, Psychology, and Theology, he enjoys collaborating across academic disciplines. 

He earned a bachelor’s in Biblical Studies from Emmaus Bible College, continued graduate work at Dallas Theological Seminary, and received an MA in Counseling and a PhD in Psychology from Northcentral University. 

Ben worked in Dallas for years at the Minirth Clinic, specializing in adolescent rehab and mental health. He served over 20 years at Emmaus Bible College, most recently as Chair of Health Services and Professor of Counseling Psychology program. 

Ben is a Board-Certified Counselor (NCC) and currently serves as a Professor of Clinical Counseling (MA & PhD) at Columbia International University (ciu.edu). 

Chris McKenna: Founder, Protect Young Eyes, and Executive Director of the PYE Foundation.

His impactful 2019 testimony before the US Senate initiated a series of hearings to further online child protection policy. Years of effort earned PYE the 2020 Dignity Defense Award from the National Center on Sexual Exploitation and the 2024 Child Safety Award from The Phase Alliance. Recent state-level legislation co-authored by Chris - the Child Device Protection Bill - passed in Utah and moved through multiple chambers in six other states.

He is a technical advisor to Angel Kids AI and works closely with digital safety advocates and legislators to craft policies that reign in abusive technologies. As a representative of the Human Change Movement, Chris spoke at the 2024 World Economic Forum. The PYE team conducts presentations worldwide to parents, professionals, and schools.

Website: https://protectyoungeyes.com/

Dr. Ross brings 30 years of pastoral ministry to his current work of training leaders for the church. He is in demand as a preacher and lecturer, and is the author of Let’s Study Matthew (Banner of Truth, 2009). He is a minister in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

He started the "I Asked My Dad" podcast with his daughter, Emily Ross Woodard, where they discuss reading plans, theology and more.

Emily is a Ben Lippen Alumni and a current employee with Columbia International University as the School of Nursing Program Manager.  

She and her father, Dr. Mark Ross, started a podcast entitled "I Asked My Dad" where they cover Bible reading plans, theology and other topics.

Joe lives in a house full of females... my wife, Nicole, and my two daughters, Whitney and Brooklyn, along with our lovable dog, Gracie. I am a huge fan of sports, especially the South Carolina Gamecocks and of Baltimore sports teams, as that is where I was born and raised.  He is a Market Manager and the Midday host on HIS radio.  He has done radio in South Carolina and in Maine beginning in 2001.

When I was in High School, I tried to get out of going to church on Sunday mornings, until one day my mom came to me and said, "You don't have to go with us, but just go somewhere." That was freeing to me. There was a church up the street that a bunch of my friends went to, so I decided to go there. One of those friends invited me to a Young Life event.  On a snowy night in the mountains of New York on Young Life trip, I heard about the love that God had for me in a way I had never heard it before. I gave my life to Christ and never looked back.

Mrs. Helsley is the Director of The Ridge at Ben Lippen School.  She has worked at Ben Lippen since 2023. 

Education - B.A. in Special Education from Clemson University. M.Ed in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Mrs. Helsley is currently working on her associate OG certification.

Mrs. Sara Smithson has been a part of the Ben Lippen team since 2018. 

Education: Charleston Southern University - B.A. in Elementary Education with minors in Psychology and Sociology.

She graduated from Ben Lippen School in 2006.

Mrs. Smithson is currently working on her OG Associate Level Credentials.

Taylor Nelson is the Director of Fine Arts at Ben Lippen School in Columbia, South Carolina.

Under Taylor's leadership, Ben Lippen’s arts department has flourished with expanded opportunities, expert instruction, and a biblical worldview. Recent musical productions have nearly sold out, demonstrating growing community support. Looking ahead, Taylor hints at exciting developments, including potential tours and international experiences that will further enrich students' artistic journeys.

Want to support this vision of arts education that transforms not just skills but hearts? Connect with Taylor at taylor.nelson@benlippen.com or join the Friends of Fine Arts Booster Club at benlippen.com/fofa.