Meet the Development Team
Michelle Buchanan
Director of Ministry Development
Over two decades ago, Michelle began leading teams when she opened her home to teach life skills to young girls. What started as a small gathering quickly outgrew her home and moved into a local church. A few years later, she joined the staff at Center of Hope to develop a summer ministry program to serve low-income children. Under her leadership, the initiative flourished, feeding hundreds of children both physically and spiritually each week, supported by a team of over 300 volunteers.
​
This ministry later expanded to include weekly “Study Clubs,” offering homework help, snacks, and the message of Jesus to the same children throughout the school year. It was during this season that Michelle recognized her God-given calling: to launch programs that invite others to join in God’s mission of loving Him by loving people.
​
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Deaf Education and has used her teaching background in a variety of children’s ministries, including Keepers at Home, Good News Club, Kids Hope USA, Camp Hope, and numerous church and community programs that have impacted thousands of children. In 2013, her focus shifted to ministry to women where she has built life-long relationships with women of various backgrounds and denominations.
​
Michelle currently ministers to women around the world as she leads the team at InterConnected Ministries and serves as a Core Discipleship Women’s Training Director at CoreDiscipleship.org. Michelle further guides women as a Certified Life Coach, and serves with her local church in Brock, Texas.
To invite Michelle for speaking engagements, program development, or discipleship training, please contact her here.
Carrie Cooper
Director of Theological Content
A love for God and His Word has defined Carrie’s life and work. She graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2021 with an M.A. in Christian Studies, and has served in Christian ministry for the past twenty-five years. In 2011 God opened doors for her to host and produce a weekly Christian radio show called U2HaveHope. She’s also created education programs and curriculum for her local church congregations, trained other Bible teachers, led leadership and teaching workshops, and taught high-level Bible studies, including New Testament Greek. Additionally, Carrie learned a deeper compassion for those who seek truth but do not believe in God, after a yearlong discussion about religious texts, spirituality, and world religions.
Combining all of that experience, Carrie now works as a theological, biblical, and content editor for pastors, writers, Bible teachers, and retreat leaders. The success of her professional and ministry experience largely rests on one key skill set: excellent communication. Whether that’s written or spoken, she’s gifted at explaining complex theological topics in easy-to-digest nuggets. As someone who is naturally self-driven, goal-oriented, and organized, high-level research and writing has earned Carrie a stellar reputation among both colleagues and clients.
We are thrilled to have Carrie’s expertise as part of our ICM Team. By the way, Carrie does freelance work, too. If you would like to consult her for a project you’re working on, contact her here.
Melanie Cartwright
Director of Digital Media
A passion for creativity and strategy has defined Melanie Cartwright’s professional career in digital marketing. With ten years of experience in website design, graphic design, and marketing, she has cultivated a reputation for delivering innovative solutions to businesses and nonprofits alike. From developing high-impact branding strategies to boosting digital engagement, she has consistently transformed marketing visions into measurable success.
Melanie’s journey began with a deep interest in digital media and its ability to shape brand narratives. As the Founder of 410 Media, she has helped organizations refine their marketing presence by crafting compelling websites, digital graphics, and print materials, all while spearheading SEO and social media strategies that increase visibility and audience engagement. While leading marketing departments or executing cross-platform advertising campaigns, she has demonstrated an ability to manage, create, and optimize with precision.
Melanie’s success as a marketing professional is built on one key foundation: clear and effective communication. Whether through branding, strategy, or content development, she thrives in translating complex concepts into engaging, accessible narratives. Beyond her creative and strategic expertise, Melanie is known for her ability to bring people together—collaborating across teams and projects to unify efforts, build strong partnerships, and rally others around a common goal of helping people and creating lasting impact.
