Meet Elle Miller | More Than Conquerors Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elle Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elle, how does your business help the community?
At More Than Conquerors, we help the community by addressing the deep and often unseen impact of trauma experienced by foster youth, adoptive and kinship families, and youth affected by human trafficking. Our mission is rooted in healing—specifically, trauma-informed healing through surf therapy.

We provide a safe and empowering environment where participants can build confidence, experience joy, and begin the process of emotional restoration. Surf therapy isn’t just about riding waves; it’s about reconnecting with oneself, building trust, and finding peace in nature—things that trauma often takes away.

By offering these healing experiences, we not only support individual recovery, but we also strengthen families, reduce the long-term effects of trauma, and promote mental health in a way that’s engaging, evidence-based, and community-centered. In doing so, we help create a more resilient, compassionate, and inclusive community—one where every young person feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
More Than Conquerors is a faith-based 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to bringing healing to foster youth, adoptive and kinship families, and youth affected by human trafficking—through the transformative gift of surfing. We serve kids ages 2-25 in Ventura and San Diego Counties. What sets us apart is not only our unique method of healing through the ocean but the heart behind it all: our deep belief that our kids are capable of overcoming anything they face in life because they are innately loved, have value and a purpose.

Surfing is more than a hobby—it’s a sacred space where healing begins and the kids we serve encounter peace, joy, and restoration, often for the first time. We meet them right where they are and walk alongside them toward healing with love, empowerment, and grace.

We’re incredibly proud of the lives being changed—watching a young person who once carried the weight of uncertainty begin to smile, to trust, and to believe that they are worthy of love is our greatest joy. Those are the moments that remind us why we’re here. We’re excited about expanding this year into new communities like San Diego, allowing us to reach more kids and families with the opportunity to experience surfing.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Building this ministry has taken years of prayer, perseverance, and leaning fully on God. There were seasons of discouragement, financial uncertainty, and practical challenges, but through it all, we witnessed provision time and time again—through people, resources, and divine timing.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is to work hard, trust the process, and continue to show up with consistency and compassion-God will do the rest.

We want the world to know that healing is possible—through love and a community that refuses to look the other way when there are people in need. We want our kids to know that, no matter their past, they are deeply loved and have a unique purpose that goes far beyond the surface. At More Than Conquerors, we’re not just helping kids ride waves—we’re helping them rise up, step into their identity, and realize they are more than their circumstances.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
More Than Conquerors was founded in the small surf town of Ventura Ca. Be sure to check out the views at the cross at the top of the hill, grab lunch at one of the many amazing restaurants downtown, and end the day by watching a sunset and the surfers at the beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my family, friends, churches, mentors, and coaches—each of you has walked alongside me over the years, offering encouragement, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the vision of More Than Conquerors. Your support has been instrumental in turning this dream into a reality.

I also want to extend a huge thank you to our incredible volunteers. Your dedication and love do not go unnoticed. Rain or shine, you consistently show up to serve our kids with compassion and joy—helping them heal, grow, and thrive through the power of surf therapy. It is because of people like you that we are able to create lasting impact and belonging for the youth and families we serve.

Thank you all for being such an important part of this vision!

Website: https://www.mtcsurf.org

Instagram: @mtcsurf

Facebook: MTCSurf

Youtube: MTCSurf

Image Credits
Please credit all photos by Beth O’Rourke.