Dr. Kim Murray-Cruse is a trailblazing faith leader and mental health theologian, and a dynamic teacher-preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She is the Founder and Executive Officer of Steadfast Women in Ministry, Inc. (S.W.I.M.), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving mental health outcomes in faith-based and underserved communities by reducing stigma, expanding access to care, and equipping institutions to support holistic wellness.

She serves as the Minister of Prayer & Mental Health at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, where she provides spiritually grounded mental health support, advocacy, and care to congregants.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from St. John’s University, a Master of Divinity, magna cum laude, with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Spiritual Counseling from New York Theological Seminary, where she was honored with the prestigious Keith A. Russell Preaching Award, and a Doctorate from Virginia Union University with a concentration in Community Health and Sustainability.

Dr. Murray-Cruse is the co-author of the Interfaith Affirming Service Providers Questionnaire and the award-winning Directory of Faith-Affirming Community Mental Health Service Providers for NY State, created to connect individuals and communities with trusted, culturally and spiritually responsive care.

Through S.W.I.M., she leads impactful community-based initiatives, including mental health education, clergy training, support groups, and a multi-state directory connecting individuals to licensed clinicians who provide faith-affirming care. Her work also includes efforts to reduce financial barriers to therapy, ensuring that underserved communities have greater access to quality mental health services.

As a pioneering voice in Mental Health Theology, Dr. Murray-Cruse integrates theological insight with practical mental health strategies to equip leaders, congregations, and communities to navigate complex life challenges and cultivate healing, resilience, and sustainable wellness.