BIOGRAPHY
STEPHANIE M. CRADDOCK
"First Lady C"
Stephanie May Craddock, affectionately known as “Lady C” by her beloved St. John’s Baptist Church family, is a native of Detroit, Michigan, and the proud wife of Rev. Dr. Tony J. Craddock, Sr. As a mother, woman of God, and First Lady, her daily goal is to be an example and reflection of God’s light by honoring His instructions as she walks in the gifts, talents, and passions He has purposed for her life.
She is a Gerontologist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Alzheimer’s Community Educator with over 30 years of combined experience in healthcare, counseling, and geriatric advocacy. She graduated with honors with a Master of Science degree in Gerontology from McDaniel College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration with honors from Washington Adventist University.
Stephanie is the founder and CEO of Hear my Soul Speak, LLC., a Dementia consultancy business that educates caregivers about Alzheimer’s and counsels them toward becoming the best caregivers to their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s. Her passion and dedication for the aging population and advancing equity in healthcare and education have propelled her to be one of the few African American female gerontologists and champions fighting Alzheimer’s disease.
Her guiding mission is to “make a difference each day for those fighting for their tomorrow.” As a speaker, teacher, panelist, trainer, educator, and advocate, Stephanie will not stop until the world finds a cure. She is currently on staff as the Small Groups Director at First Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries, Virginia, where she oversees, develops, equips, and disciples small group coaches, group leaders, members, and leadership to build community while implementing systems that support over 30 interest-based small groups; to purposefully transform lives to become more like Jesus Christ. She leads three Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Groups and is a proud member of the American Society on Aging, where she collaborates with others locally and nationally who share her passion for improving the health of individuals, including those within faith-based communities.
By the grace of God, Stephanie’s ministry territory has been enlarged, allowing her to speak, facilitate workshops and provide training programs to prepare church leadership candidates for ordination and consecration. She also served as Chaplain of the Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows of Northern Virginia and Vicinity, where she encouraged and covered her sisters in Christ in fervent prayer, led devotions, and shared other forms of edification for their collective spiritual growth.
As St. John’s First Lady, “Lady C” is grateful to God and humbled to serve in this capacity. She is guided by her two favorite scriptures, Psalm1: 1-3 and Luke 12:48. “Lady C” and Pastor Craddock most cherish being the proud parents of their three wonderful adult children who love the Lord: Tony Jr. (Danielle), Andrea, and Lauren, and the gift of their two amazing grandchildren, Natalie Grace and Tony Jerome III (TJ).