THE EMMAUS TEAM

Director

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Luke 24:32



NICK PALERMO

BA in sociology from San Jose State University.

MA in Theology from Fuller Seminary

Ordained Minister

Certificate in Spiritual Direction

Founder and Director of Young Life Capernaum, Young Life’s outreach to disabled teens for 35 years. There are currently 400 Capernaum ministries in the US and in 40 countries.

Founder/Director of Emmaus Inn Ministries, an outreach to people with disabilities of all ages. Emmaus was started in 2015.

Author of Missing Stars, Fallen Sparrows

See Nick’s Founding Story and a Link to His Book Below

Emmaus Inn Ministries

Board Members

  • Dave Henning

    Dave first met our Founder Nick at a summer camp and connected immediately with the mission. Dave’s son was born prematurely and contracted spinal meningitis resulting in cerebral palsy. At six years of age, he passed away. Dave has a heart of compassion for people with disabilities of all kinds and is grateful for the honor of serving on the Board. Dave served as a pastor for over 25 years and had a career in radio across the United States. He is currently an author, international podcaster, and business coach.

  • Sarah Teo

    Sarah is the parent of a special needs son with Autism. She is also a Small Business Owner specializing in feminine hygiene products. She serves as a club leader in the Emmaus San Ramon Club. Sarah has a passion for God and all special-needs kids. She especially wants kids to know that God loves them.

  • Merry Ayres

    Merry is a human resources leader who is passionate about spreading God's love and joy in all communities. She has previously sat on the board for Second Harvest of Silicon Valley and The First Tee of Silicon Valley. She is married to Bill Ayres who is also a board member for Emmaus Inn Ministries. Merry served as a worship leader for Almaden Neighborhood Church and is recently "retired" after twelve years of service.

  • Bill Ayres

    Bill is a facilities management executive who has served on several boards specific to the facilities industry. Bill is originally from the Rochester area and was also a professional golfer and golf instructor in his previous life. He is married to Merry Ayres, who is also a board member for Emmaus Inn Ministries.  

  • Sumarah Palermo

    Sumarah is retired after 15 years working as an Instructional Aide. She is married to Nick and has shared the journey of serving disabled kids and adults for the past 30+ years. She enjoys creating art and design projects for her home, Emmaus and church. She volunteers her time as an Emmaus leader in Jessie’s Club.

A FOUNDERS’ STORY

Emmaus Inn Ministries is a collective of many people giving their time today, however the idea was a sparked years ago to create a community for underserved people with mental and physical disabilities. This is the story as told by founder, Nick Palermo.