Meet Our Team
The hands and hearts behind Steps Ministries
Our team is comprised of passionate Christ followers who are committed to making positive change in the inner-city. We believe that Jesus has called us to share the gospel and help people see their inherent worth in Him.
Durell Maddox
Durell serves as the Director of Steps Ministries lives on site as Resident Missionary. Alongside his wife, Durell is passionate about preaching the Gospel in the streets and serving people from all walks of life. Together, the Maddoxes have expanded their evangelism efforts throughout the streets of Buffalo, New York, going out as Jesus instructed His followers to go, preaching the Gospel, praying for people, laying hands on the sick, ministering freedom to the broken, and helping set captives free through the power of Jesus Christ. As a leader at Steps Ministries, Durell continues to inspire, mentor, and disciple both young people and adults through the Scriptures and biblical teaching. He has completed three biblical studies courses at Buffalo School of the Bible and is continuing his theological education for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry. In addition to his work in the streets and through Steps Ministries, Durell is also a social media influencer who uses his online platforms to spread the Gospel, share biblical truth, encourage believers, and reach people with the message of Jesus Christ.
Melissa Wojcinski
Melissa works as the administrative assistant for Steps. She had been volunteering with our youth ministry for a few years and we liked her so much that we asked her to come on staff! Apart from working in the office, Melissa mentors one or two of the local girls. She lives in Boston, NY with her family.
Susan Hogan
Susan serves as a Youth Assistant at Steps. Raised in Buffalo, New York, she came to know Christ in 1981. Since then, she has dedicated many years to serving and encouraging others through ministry. She taught Sunday school for 18 years, led youth groups for students in grades 1–12, served as an active leader in women’s groups, and worked as an attitude development instructor. She continues to speak to youth and young adults on topics including singleness in the body of Christ and navigating life in today’s world. Susan is passionate about helping others discover their potential and understand their God-given purpose. As a motivational speaker, she strives to reflect the love of Christ and encourage those around her. Susan has four children and lives in the Buffalo area. She is a member of The Tabernacle in Orchard Park, New York.
Ben and Ruth Tagg
Founders Ben and Ruth have dedicated over 18 years to ministry in the Seneca-Babcock. With a shared passion for God and social justice rooted in the teachings of Jesus, they continue to support Steps as board members. Ben holds a Diploma in Ministry from Elim Bible Institute and is a worship leader and singer-songwriter. Ruth, originally from Buffalo, and Ben, who has dual UK and US citizenship, are both ordained through Elim Fellowship.
Abe Kuehn
Resident of a farming community in the northern lowlands of the Niagara Escarpment and disciplined in engineering, Abe serves as our volunteer director providing general program oversight.
Kailey Smith
Kailey serves as our Youth and Children’s Assistant. Hailing from Cleveland, she’s currently in her freshman year at Hilbert College. Kailey loves volleyball, cop shows and serving Jesus!
Gabriana Vega
Gabriana serves as Youth and Children’s Assistant. Born and raised in the Seneca Babcock area, she attended Steps Ministries Youth Group as a teen. She is a proud mother to an 8-year-old son. She graduated from the Fix Ministry Discipleship Program in King William, Virginia, and has recently began her studies at the Buffalo School of the Bible at the Tabernacle in Orchard Park. With a deep passion for her faith, she is dedicated to serving the people and youth of Seneca Babcock, giving to the next generation what was invested in her.
Jeremiah Donohue
Jeremiah serves as our Ministry Coordinator, overseeing programs and organizing the Monday night Family Table. He also supports our Thursday night youth program, fostering connections and growth among young people. A recent graduate of Elim Bible Institute, Jeremiah brings fresh perspective and energy to his role, dedicating his time to building community and strengthening our ministry.
Jodi Arthur
Jodi is the Community Coordinator for Steps Ministries. She currently lives in Clarence Center with her husband. They have two adult sons and two dogs.
Jodi is very accustomed to working with youth, in fact she volunteered with the youth group Ruth attended! Other volunteer experiences include serving as a Sunday School Leader, and serving with Steps Ministries. She has also worked as a teacher’s aide in both middle and high schools.
Our Board of Directors
Men and women with a heart for Seneca Babcock
Ben Tagg
President
Jeremy McCool
Vice President
Durell Maddox
Secretary
Ted Morton
Treasurer
Ruth Tagg
Board Member
Ted Morton
Board Member
Ruth Tagg
Board Member
Ben Tagg
Board Member
A Christian Non-Profit serving children, youth and families in Buffalo, New York. 
