Proverbs 31 Ministries' Speaker Team
Special Teaching Guests
Publishing Guests
Proverbs 31 Ministries' Speaker Team
Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa TerKeurst helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and co-host of the ministry's international radio program, Lysa leads thousands each year to make their walk with God an invigorating journey. Her message enables women to:
• Discover how small acts of trusting God can lead to unexpected joy
• Distinguish His voice and direction with confidence
• Experience God's activity in parenting, marriage, and friendships
Lysa is the award-winning author of 13 books, including her newest released Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl which is a book, Bible Study and DVD curriculum. She speaks frequently at national conferences drawing each listener into a unique adventure with Jesus.
Her personal faith has also captured national attention from The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and Focus on the Family. Lysa resides with her husband and five children near Charlotte, North Carolina. Join Lysa and discover the everyday adventure God has waiting for you! (For more about Lysa, visit her at www.LysaTerKeurst.com)
Renee Swope
Like having coffee with a friend and mentor, Renee's authentic style and soul-stirring messages draw women closer to the heart of God and each other. As a national speaker, author and co-host of Proverbs 31 Ministries' international radio program, Renee connects with women of all ages and stages in life. She has a unique way of knitting women's hearts together, inspiring them to no longer compare and compete but to encourage and complete one another. Sprinkled with humor and saturated with Truth, Renee's messages help women:
• Develop a dynamic relationship with Jesus based on transparency and trust
• Discern God's voice and apply His Truth in their friendships, marriages and parenting
• Exchange negative thoughts with Biblical Truths that transform
• See beyond who they are to who they can become in Christ
Renee serves as our Executive Director of Devotions and Radio ministries. She is a regularly featured writer for Encouragement for Today devotions and a contributing author to Leading Women to the Heart of God and God's Purpose for Every Woman. She has written for the P31 Woman Magazine, Christian Women Online and Focus on Your Child, a division of Focus on the Family. Renee lives with her family in Charlotte, NC. (For more about Renee, visit her at www.ReneeSwope.com)
Zoë Elmore
Zoe challenges women to experience the Lord's peace and provision as she pours His life into theirs. Through inspiring stories and unforgettable word pictures, she encourages you to experience God's presence in a new and fresh way. Zoë is a powerful and effective Bible teacher who inspires women to live above their circumstances while cheering them on to live a godly life.
Happily married to Tom, Zoë is the mother of two sons, Joshua and Joseph. She makes her home in Charlotte, where she serves her church and community. Zoë has six years of training with Bible Study Fellowship International where she served as a small group leader, assistant teaching leader, and as the Area Director for Neighborhood Bible Studies. The Lord is taking Zoë throughout the United States as she encourages women to be obedient to God's call in their lives. (For more about Zoe, visit her at www.ZoeElmore.blogspot.com)
Micca Campbell
Micca knows all too well the unpredictable nature of life. As the 21-year-old mother of an infant son, her world was shattered when she lost her husband to a tragic accident. Reeling from her loss, Micca feared for her future. Yet in her darkest moment, she discovered God's remedy for our deepest fears.
Whether speaking or writing, Micca's God-given message of hope is clear...a life of liberty in Christ is real and doable! Micca found ultimate peace by placing her cares into the care of God. Since then, God has used her to transform thousands of women across the U.S. encouraging them to do the same. "You can leave your cares with God because He cares for you. This is the life of peace you're longing for," says Micca, "and the life God is waiting to give you." From the platform, this gifted communicator strives to make this truth a reality in every woman's life.
Micca is the author of "An Untroubled Heart," the Director of Outreach with Proverbs 31 Ministries, and writes regularly for the ministry's daily devotions, Encouragement for Today. She was named Mother of the Year in 2004. Micca, her husband, and their three children reside in Nashville, Tennessee. (For more about Micca, visit her at www.MiccaCampbell.com)
Shari Braendel
When Shari gave her heart to God, her career took a different, divinely inspired, and life-changing twist. She realized that many women of faith do not realize their true beauty and therefore have some challenges in communicating that inner splendor to their external appearance. Shari strongly felt it was her God-given calling to help women by using her experience and knowledge to teach them how to believe in their beauty, as God wants them to, and how to develop a flattering personal style.
A fabulous, fun, and refreshing fashionista, she regularly hosts conferences for women to help them appreciate their body, discover their natural assets, and learn what to wear so they can look and feel their best. Using her naturally vibrant and effervescent spirit, Shari warns women to stay away from black, begs them to throw away their "mom" jeans, and shows them how they can make simple changes to highlight their best features!
Women and teens walk away from Shari's conferences with newfound confidence knowing:
• What to wear and how to wear it
• Modesty isn't an old fashioned word
• Beauty starts on the inside and works its way to the outside
(For more information about Shari, visit her at www.ShariBraendel.com)
T. Suzanne Eller
T. Suzanne Eller (Suzie) dares to believe that God isn't afraid of the tough stuff. She shares with parents, women, and 20somethings how to overcome a painful past, how to grow when you feel stuck, and how to live life intentionally free. She is a passionate speaker who has spoken to groups of all sizes in Germany, Austria, Hungary, El Salvador, Jamaica, and throughout the United States. She has shared her story on The Harvest Show, MidDay Connection, Focus on the Family, Aspiring Women and other programs, and is the author of more than 1,000 articles and and five books. Suzie is an Oklahoma girl who loves family, cheesecake, hiking, and--most of all--finds joy in following Christ. (For more on Suzanne, visit www.tsuzanneeller.com)
Karen Ehman
Karen Ehman has been described as profoundly practical, engagingly funny and downright real. She is a member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries national speaking team. She also is a columnist for the Hearts at Home monthly magazine, an organization for which she also teaches workshops and is on the drama team. She has her own weekly radio spot on the WCIC family of radio stations in central Illinois entitled "The Keep It Simple Woman." Karen is the author of four women's books including A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart and Home to Others and The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized. She is also the project creator of the Hearts at Home Just for Mom's Planner, an organizational tool designed specifically for the purpose of helping mothers organize their personal and family lives.
Karen has been a guest on national television and radio programs including The 700 Club, At Home Live, Engaging Women, The Harvest Show, Moody Midday Connection and Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family. She is a graduate of Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and has been married for over 20 years to her best friend Todd and is the mother of three sometimes quarrelsome, but mostly charming children: Mackenzie 18, Mitchell 14 and Spencer 11. (For more about Karen, visit her at www.KarenEhman.com)
Susanne Scheppmann
Susanne motivates women to live a life of relevant faith. A faith that is fun, fearless, and fulfilled. She shares how to fulfill dreams and God's purpose for our lives. Susanne challenges us to live out Heart-Print Faith in our homes, careers, and communities. Susanne takes women, no matter where they are in their spiritual walk, to the next step of faith. She inspires women to become more intentional in their faith—to live a faith that leaves a legacy.
In addition to being a Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker, Susanne is an author. Her books include:
• Divine Prayers for Despairing Parents: What to Pray When You Don't Know What to Say
• Birds in My Mustard Tree: How to Grow Faith
• Perplexing Proverbs: A Study for Women
• Embraced: Finding Grace in the Names of God
Susanne has been married for over 20 years and has three children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication. She served as a Women's Ministries Director for four years in her home church. Now she ministers by traveling coast-to-coast speaking at women's events, retreats, and conferences. (For more about Susanne, visit her at www.Susanneonline.com.)
Charlene Kidd
Charlene's warm and compassionate style challenges and inspires her audience as she shares her own life experiences to illustrate godly principles. Her enthusiasm and passion about walking and living by the power of the Holy Spirit come through with laughter and tears.
Charlene is a wife and mother of four. She resides in York, South Carolina, and assists her husband in the running of their company from home. They are couple's ministry leaders at their church. She has been involved with Proverbs 31 Ministries since 1995. She has been in many leadership positions of various women's and couple's ministries. In addition to being a member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker Team, Charlene is a graduate of Florence Litteaur's CLASS (Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speakers Seminar). (For more about Charlene, visit her at www.CharleneKidd.blogspot.com)
Sharon Glasgow
Sharon Glasgow is an international speaker who has touched the lives of thousands with her revivalist spirit. Her greatest passion is preparing for the day of the Lord's coming. In Sharon's conferences, she motivates her audiences to make changes that bring them into spiritual, emotional and physical freedom through the power of the Holy Spirit.
She is most sought after for her topic, The Sloboholic Superwoman, with which she teaches people how to find spiritual balance in a superwoman society. Sharon is a contributing author to God's Purpose for Every Woman." She has also been a guest on the Rejoice Show and appeared on the 700 Club.
Sharon is married to Dale, and mother to five daughters, ranging from their teens to twenties. They live and work on a farm in Fredericksburg, Virginia. (For more about Sharon, visit her at www.sharonglasgow.com)
Rachel Olsen
Rachel helps women see God and His teachings afresh. Her mission is to live the teachings of Christ and make them attractive to others (Titus 2:10). The Bible is a living document to be lived in and lived out. And that, she fills, is the adventure that uncovers true life. Rachel's messages help women:
• Understand God's most sublime secrets
• Focus less on raising our standard of living and more on raising our standard of being
• Find their true purpose in Him
Rachel is editor and contributing author for the devotional God's Purpose for Every Woman. She authored the upcoming Christian living book Can You Keep a Secret? Rachel serves on staff with Proverbs 31 Ministries as senior editor for Encouragement for Today. Rachel says, "I'm basically a word geek who has fallen in love with the Word Made Flesh." She brings that passion to readers and audiences alike. In her hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina. Rachel teaches part-time for the University of North Carolina and walks the beach with her family. This happily married mother of two is all about spiritual life change – and that's what she endeavors to bring while serving as a speaker. (For more about Rachel, visit her at www.RachelOlsen.blogspot.com)
Wendy Pope
Wendy connects with warmth, wit and authenticity whether speaking on stage or engaging in personal conversation. Reflecting grace and wisdom gleaned from her consistent study of Scripture, she inspires women to begin or renew a commitment to daily prayer and Bible study. Her passion to impart Jesus' words, "I've come that they may have life, and have it to the full," will refresh a woman in her calling as wife, mother, friend, leader, and most importantly, daughter of God.
Wendy is a native of North Carolina. She currently resides in the Charlotte area with her husband and two children. She is the Development Coordinator for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Wendy is the author of Out of the Mouths of Babes and a contributing author to God's Purpose for Every Woman and The Reason We Speak. We currently leads an online study of the One Year Chronological Bible on her blog each day. (For more about Wendy, and the online study of the Bible visit her at www.WendyPope.org)
Melissa Taylor
Melissa's focus in ministry is on encouraging and leading women to find their true identity in Christ. She is transparent as she shares her desire to be the best in her God-given roles. With humor and honesty she puts her audience at ease and lets them know that she is a woman they can relate to. As she communicates God's Word and applies it to real life, women feel challenged to let it root in their hearts and spend more time with God daily.
Melissa has been speaking and writing for Proverbs 31 Ministries for seven years. She is a contributing author to God's Purpose for Every Woman and The Reason We Speak. Her writing is also featured in the P31 Woman magazine and the ministry's online devotions, Encouragement for Today. Melissa joined the staff of Proverbs 31 Ministries as Administrative Assistant in 2007, where the highlight of her job is praying for and helping those who call the office feeling desperate, hopeless, and alone. Her greatest joy in life is sharing Jesus with others because she has learned first hand what He and only He can do to a life.
Melissa lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, Jeff, four children, Blake, Hayden, Dylan, and Hayley Grace, and her toy poodle, Princess. (For more about Melissa, visit her at www.MelissaTaylor.org)
Marybeth Whalen
Marybeth Whalen is the wife of Curt and mom of six children, ages almost 18 to almost 5. Their family lives outside Charlotte, NC. Marybeth is a member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker team and a regular contributor to their daily devotions, Encouragement for Today. She serves as director of She Reads, the fiction division of Proverbs 31. She is the author of the recently released novel, The Mailbox (David C Cook) and also The Reason We Speak, For The Write Reason and Learning To Live Financially Free, which she co-authored with her husband Curt. Marybeth speaks regularly to women's groups and enjoys sharing stories from her daily adventures as a wife, mom, writer, and, most importantly, a follower of God. (You can find her online at www.MarybethWhalen.com.)
Luann Prater
Luann is first and foremost a wife to Dwight, mother to Jennifer, AJ and Tiffany and friend to Dwight's daughters Kim and Christie. Her favorite role is grandmother to David, Aaron, Matthew, Ryan, Sarah, Rachel and Lauren with two new additions coming before the end of the year! She owns Bee Sweet, Inc., a dietary supplement company, is a REALTOR with Keller Williams Realty and is the host of the radio show Encouragement Cafe with Luann and Friends, heard every Saturday from 2-3pm EST.
Weary women say Luann's love for life and her zest for living is contagious. She motivates the immovable, ignites the smoldering and encourages the brokenhearted. If your group needs to be inspired, challenged and spurred into action, allow Luann to grab your heart, touch your life and make you SMILE!
From stained tragedies to the brilliant glow of grace, Luann allows God to use her life struggles and pain to portray a picture of hope and encouragement to others. (For more about Luann, visit her at www.LuannPrater.com or listen live at www.EncouragementCafe.com)
Glynnis Whitwer
Glynnis' passion is to help women discover their unique identity in Jesus. After years of defining herself by what she did, what she accomplished and what others thought of her, God stripped it all away in a cross-country move. It was in losing all those things she thought made her who she was, that God redefined her identity to what He thought of her.
Glynnis is the Senior Editor of the P31 Woman magazine and she and her husband Tod operate two home-based businesses. It's out of these experiences that Glynnis wrote her first book work@home: A Practical Guide for Women Who Want to Work from Home. She also is the co-author of a series of four Bible studies called Kingdom Living. Her next book will be released in August by Harvest House Publishers and is titled "When Your Child is Hurting." Glynnis is also a contributing writer for Encouragement for Today devotions and the Proverbs 31 Ministries book titled God's Purpose for Every Woman. She has been a guest on Living the Life and Moody Mid-Day Connection, and her writings have been featured in publications by Focus on the Family, Harvest House, Moody Publishers and Guideposts.
Glynnis is married to Tod, and together they have five children ranging from lower elementary school to high school. She and her family live in Glendale, Arizona where she sings on the worship team and is a leader in women's ministries at Vineyard Church North Phoenix. (For more about Glynnis, visit her at www.GlynnisWhitwer.blogspot.com)
Amy Carroll
Amy is an ordinary woman with an extraordinary desire to know God and to apply His Word in her everyday life. Her knack for cutting God's big truths into small, practical bites makes her messages appealing to a variety of audiences, inspiring a hunger in women for God's Word. Amy's deep passion is women's ministry. She helped develop a mentoring ministry, served as women's director for 3 years and currently teaches a women's Sunday school class encompassing the generations.
Amy has written features in the Faith and Family section of her local paper and is a contributing writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries with regular features in the Proverbs 31 Ministries Everyday Life and Encouragement for Today devotions.
Amy is married to Barry, the man that she still loves madly after 18 years. Her two boys, Anson and Nolan, are her delight. Boredom is a non-issue in this male- dominated household. That's why she had to adopt a little girl - her miniature dachshund, Hilde. (For more about Amy, visit her at www.AmyCarrollP31.blogspot.com)
Melanie Chitwood
Melanie understands the challenges women face as they seek to honor God while balancing their many roles and responsibilities. Melanie's messages help women to understand how God can use their unique personalities and circumstances to serve Him right where they are. In addition, many of Melanie's talks focus on marriage. After seeing God work in her own marriage, one of her passions is to share how God can transform a marriage which is surrendered to Him. After hearing Melanie speak, women will be inspired and equipped
• to recognize their unique purpose, personality and calling
• to live God's priorities for all aspects of their lives
• to build marriages that will last a lifetime
In her books released by Harvest House Publishers, What a Husband Needs from His Wife and What a Wife Needs from Her Husband, Melanie takes an honest and biblical look at marriage, uncovering what husbands and wives need from each other and how they can best meet those needs.
Melanie is married to Scott, owner of Carolina Courts, an indoor basketball/volleyball facility. They reside in the Charlotte, North Carolina where they are the parents of two sons, Zachary and Tyler. (To learn more about Melanie, visit her blog at www.melaniechitwood.com)
Tracie Miles
If there is one thing Tracie is known for, it is the ability to connect with her audiences by being real. As she delivers God's Word and shares her experiences with true vulnerability, women find themselves encouraged and inspired to seek a closer relationship with Christ and get excited about allowing God to use their life to His glory. Tracie uses humor and her genuine Southern personality to share God's message in a unique way that women can relate to. She helps them discover biblical truths that apply to their own lives. Tracie is a published author of an inspirational book entitled, Reinventing Your Rainbow, which describes her spiritual journey of discovering the power of forgiveness, the freedom of redemption, and the joy that comes from stepping out of our comfort zones and following God's call to obedience.
Tracie lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband of twenty years, and their three children, ages 10, 13 and 16. She is an international speaker, and has eight years experience in leading corporate and ministry leadership workshops, in addition to her speaking engagements at Christian women's events. She has also served six years in women's ministry leadership and offers women's ministry training seminars. Tracie is a contributing author to "Refined By Fire: Discovering Victory Through Adversity", and writes for the Proverbs 31 Ministries daily online devotions, Encouragement For Today. (For more about Tracie, visit her at www.TraciewMiles.com )
Van Walton
Van's childhood experiences in the Colombian jungles of South America, combined with multiple moves, fans her passion to pursue God's purpose for her life: Weave Biblical Truth into life's journey allowing the light of God's Word to shine on the path to Jesus. Her personal experiences gently nudge her audiences to:
• Accept God's wisdom as the ultimate source of true contentment.
• Apply Biblical Truth to life's trials.
• Allow individual circumstances to form the foundation for spiritual strength and personal dignity.
• Answer God's call, however challenging, with hope and confidence.
Van is the author of a children's book From the Pound to the Palace, a true story about the family dog whose loyalty and devotion illustrate for young and old alike the perfect picture of life lived in relationship with Jesus.
Van, the Director of Spanish Ministries for Proverbs 31 Ministries, teaches Spanish, leads and facilitates Bible studies, parenting groups, and "tween" leadership events. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband of 39 years with whom she has shared the wondrous adventure of parenting their two sons. (For more about Van, visit her at www.VanWalton.blogspot.com)
Wendy Blight
Wendy's greatest passion is sharing the transforming power of God's Word. She has a giftedness to bring God's Word alive and make it relevant and applicable to every day life. Wendy teaches with an obvious vulnerability that enables her to connect directly to the heart of all women. As a rape survivor, Wendy has endured unimaginable heartache and pain. Although fear held her captive for over a decade, her story now is an amazing testimony of God's strength in our weakness, His hope in our hopelessness, and His healing in our brokenness.
Wendy and Monty, her husband of twenty years, live in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they are raising their two children Lauren (16) and Bo (12). In addition to being a wife and mother, Wendy is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher. Before moving to Charlotte, She practiced law in Dallas, Texas for several years. Wendy's book, Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story, offers the reader a step-by-step walk through God's Word to find physical, spiritual, and emotional healing. (For more about Wendy, visit her at www.WendyBlight.com)
Lynn Cowell
Lynn's deepest desire is for others to encounter the love of Jesus. She joys in seeing eyes light up with understanding as she shares life experiences and the transforming love of God. In her conversational style of speaking, Lynn messages provide the means for teens and woman to:
• Receive transforming power for their time, in their generation
• Break out of the cycle of monotony with their relationship with Christ
• Find verses in the Bible they can personalize just for them that are life changing
Lynn has been married Greg for over twenty years. As the mother of three teenagers, she sees first hand the struggles and pressures today's teen faces. Lynn loves investing in woman and teens and has led women's small groups for over twenty years and mentoring teen girls for over seven. She is a frequent writer for Proverb 31 Ministries' Radical Revolution site and is a contributing author in Devos to Go released in January. (For more about Lynn, visit her at www.LynnCowell.com.)
Whitney Capps
Whitney hopes that sharing her struggles and failures will point her listeners to God. "My failures magnify His grace and goodness. Why hide what God uses for His glory?"
Whitney shares familiar texts with believers in hopes that they will be challenged to think about well-known passages in new ways. She wants others to look beyond what they think they know about a particular passage, and let the Spirit reveal new insights for the journey ahead.
Similarly she hopes that seekers who have been turned off by too much "church talk" will find her candor and honesty attractive enough to take another look at the God of Scripture. "I don't teach because I have a lot of answers; I teach because I have a lot of questions."
Whitney loves to shatter the perception that to study the Scriptures one must be a scholar or a saint. "I'm neither. And yet in His infinite grace when I study the Word, the Author Himself condescends to explain it to me! How can I not share with others what I've learned?"
Whitney and her husband Chad are raising their three boys, Cooper, Dylan, and Ryder, just outside Atlanta, Georgia. (For more about Whitney, visit her at www.WhitneyCapps.blogspot.com)
Special Teaching Guests
Rob Eager
WildFire Marketing
Rob, founder of WildFire Marketing, serves individuals that take the stage as Christian authors and speakers. His goal is to help enhance your message, expand your audience, and elevate your income. Rob unites faith and marketing expertise to form a powerful advocate for your ministry. (For more information, call 1-800-267-2045 or visit: www.StartaWildFire.com)
Karen True
Executive Editor, WomensMinistry.Net
WomensMinistry.net is a storehouse of ideas, resources, tools and information exchange among Christian women and ministry organizations worldwide. Founded by Jennifer Rothschild, WomensMinistry.net is passionate about empowering women's ministry leaders to initiate, nurture and sustain vibrant transformational ministries for women.
Karen has served in Women's ministry leadership at Second Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri and at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. Her passion is to train leaders, teach Scripture, and reach out to a world in need by facilitating ministry to women who seek shelter from domestic violence and in leading mission trips. She has also worked with author and speaker, Jennifer Rothschild, on a number of books and Bible studies. Karen is married to Gerry who is Minister of Communications and Technology at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and they have two children, Madeleine and Mason. (For more information, please visit www.KarenTrue.com or www.womensministry.net)
Mary Ann Ruff
Women's Ministry Director
Mary Ann is currently the Director of Women's Ministry at Hope Presbyterian Church in Cordova, Tennessee. Previously she has served as Women's Director at Forest Hill Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, Colonial Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Missouri, and Director of Connection Ministry at Myrtle Gove Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, North Carolina. She contributed to the book Leading Women to the Heart of God by Lysa TerKeurst. She and her husband, Dave, have three grown children. Mary Ann's greatest joy in ministry is empowering women to lead others to the heart of God. (You can connect with Mary Ann at maryann@hopepres.com)
Mary E. DeMuth
Author, Speaker
Mary DeMuth is an author, speaker and book mentor who helps people turn their trials to triumph. Mom of three, pet owner of two, and wife of one, Mary and her family live in Texas. Prior to that they spent a couple years church planting in France. (You can meet her at www.marydemuth.com or www.thewritingspa.com.)
Carol Davis
106.9 The Light
Carol Davis is a radio personality heard daily on 106.9 The Light, in Asheville, North Carolina. This ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was awarded the Marconi Award for industry excellence in Christian Radio. With over 15 years of radio experience and several years of coaching some of radio's top names, Carol has learned how to craft relevant radio programming with a spiritual perspective. Carol is the proud mom of three-year-old Ell and they make their home in Marion, North Carolina. (For more about Carol, visit her at www.wmit.org or www.cantcookalick.blogspot.com)
Jeannie Burlowski
Jeannie Burlowski Consulting
Jeannie is a nationally known speaker, consultant, and writer on the subject of effective, persuasive communication. Since 1993 she has been in private practice in St. Paul, Minnesota, consulting with clients who desire to create highly convincing scholarship essays, be admitted to top colleges, make successful applications to top law, medical, business and graduate schools, create highly convincing business presentations, or be elected to national political office.
Away from her office she presents powerful, ministry oriented seminars at churches and Christian high schools on the subject of the college application process. She also speaks at Ladies Retreats and other events with a distinctive combination of story, laughter, and fresh perspectives on familiar Biblical principles. She is known for her ability to clearly and beautifully present the Gospel to people who don't usually go to church. (For more about Jeannie, visit her at www.jeannieburlowski.com)
Wendi Westmoreland
Retreat Events Coordinator
Wendi Westmoreland is currently the Retreat Events Coordinator at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. She has organized various events for their women's ministry including one-day conferences, weekend getaways, beach retreats, and is currently the on-site conference director for the Fresh Grounded Faith Conference to be held at her church in October of 2010. She has served in women's ministry for over 10 years. She and her husband, Alan, have been married for over 20 years and have two daughters, Kinsie and Ryleigh. Wendi has a deep passion for helping other women start a women's ministry in their church. More than anything, Wendi wants her days on this earth to be spent sitting at the feet of Jesus and drawing others to Him.
Emily Freeman
Emily loves to find gifts in the midst of the messy, lovely and unexpected parts of the daily chaos. She has been writing on her blog, www.ChattingAtTheSky.com for over four years where she invites readers to join her on the journey of discovering beauty in the ordinary. She is also a regular contributor for (in)courage, DaySpring's online magazine for women.
After pitching her first book proposal at She Speaks 2009, Revell accepted her book idea for publication. She is currently working on two non-fiction books for women and teenage girls on authentic living, due to release in the summer of 2011 and spring of 2012.
You can find Emily on twitter @emilychats or in real life in North Carolina. She and her youth pastor husband love to eat ice cream and talk for hours about the grace and boundless love of Christ. Together they have twin daughters in kindergarten and one toddler son.
Laurie McIntyre
Since 1990, Laurie has served as Pastor of Women2Day at Elmbrook Church, a dynamic women's ministry drawing over 1,200 women weekly. A gifted speaker and contributor to several popular leadership publications, Laurie combines her passion for women and sound knowledge of God's Word to effectively communicate His truth and it's practical application in everyday life. Her unique blend of humor and storytelling have brought hope and healing to hearts around the world. In addition, Laurie has also co-authored Designing Effective Women's Ministries with Jill Briscoe and is a contributing author of Mothers Have Angel Wings by Carol Kent. She is a graduate of Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary. Laurie and her husband, Bob, reside in Brookfield, WI with their two daughters, Anna and Makayla and their two new puppies, Sable and Tanner.
Lisa Whittle
She Seeks Coordinator
Lisa is a communicator of timeless truths to a modern generation of women. She connects as a girlfriend on every level, yet her passion for speaking truth influences women in a bold, exciting way.
Driven by an intense desire to see 20-something women respond to Christ, Lisa helped launch the Proverbs 31 Ministry called She Seeks in September of 2009. Since it's inception, She Seeks has had impact on women across the United States and in many parts of the world through its weekly inspirational entries, media interests and video blogging.
Lisa's message for women is one of being real and walking in truth, and she is a sought out communicator to women. Her passion has led her to author two books: The 7 Hardest Things God Asks a Woman to Do, and Behind Those Eyes: What's Really Going on Inside the Souls of Women. She is an accomplished article writer and was a featured contributor in the HUGS Bible Study Devotional for Women, as well as the Women of Faith's 2009 Connections magazine. Lisa is currently working on her third book project, to be released in 2012.
Lisa's other passions include cute shoes on sale, chocolate-covered strawberries, and really good hugs. She and her husband live with their three children just outside Charlotte, NC Visit Lisa on the web at www.lisawhittle.com.
Ariel Allison Lawhon
Assistant Director, She Reads
Ariel Allison Lawhon is the wife of Ashley and mother of four young boys, ages six to one. She has a penchant for adrenaline-infused madness such as rock climbing, running marathons, and jumping off bridges – as if raising four pre-school boys were not adventure enough. Her first novel, Eye of the God, released in October 2009, from Abingdon Press. She is the co-author of Daddy Do You Love Me: a Daughter's Journey of Faith and Restoration (New Leaf Press, 2006), and Jesus: Dead or Alive (Regal Books, 2009). In addition, Ariel is also the Assistant Director of She Reads, the fiction division of Proverbs 31. When not immersed in a book, changing a diaper, or rescuing her dog from the death-grip of a toddler, you can find Ariel loitering in her little corner of cyberspace at www.arielallison.com. She and her family make their home in Texas, which is, according to her husband, the greatest state in the union.
Holly Good
Executive Assistant to Lysa TerKeurst
As Lysa's Executive Assistant, Holly books more than 40 speaking events for Lysa TerKeurst each year. On staff with Proverbs 31 Ministries, Holly works to establish Lysa's speaking schedule, communicates her platform, works with event planners from start to finish, and ministers to women all over the country at conferences. She is also the author of "Holly-Days" a much loved part of Lysa's daily blog.
Aimy S. L. Steele
Aimy is currently an active member of New Life Baptist Church where she and her husband lead the Married Couples Ministry and the Youth Ministry. She is a High School Spanish teacher and uses this experience to constantly research one of the most populous generations of all time, Millenials/Generation Y. Aimy is the mother of four children and is married to Michael. You can dialog with Aimy at www.aimysgeneration.blogspot.com
Publishing Guests
Cecil Murphey
Cecil (Cec) Murphey is the author or co-author of more than 100 books, including the NY Times’ bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson). His books have sold millions of copies and have brought hope and encouragement to countless people around the world. Cecil is a highly respected author and considered a patriarch in the industry. He’s been honored for his selfless mentoring and extraordinary service to other writers. He stays busy as a professional writer and mentor and travels extensively to speak on topics such as writing, Christian living, recovery, spiritual growth, caregiving, and male sexual abuse. Prior to launching his career as a full-time writer and speaker, Cecil served as pastor of Riverdale Presbyterian Church in Metro Atlanta, as a volunteer hospital chaplain for ten years, and was a missionary in Kenya for six. For more information about Cecil Murphey, visit www.cecilmurphey.com. For great writing helps, visit www.cecmurpheyswritertowriter.blogspot.com.
Kim Moore
Harvest House Publishers
Kim Moore, a Senior Editor at Harvest House Publishers, has been in publishing for 14 years. Kim works with both fiction and nonfiction authors, including Mindy Starns Clark, Lori Copeland, Lysa TerKeurst, and Stormie Omartian. Kim makes her home in the green and beautiful Pacific Northwest. (For more information, visit www.harvesthousepublishers.com)
Miranda Gardner
Kregel Publications
Miranda Gardner is an Associate Editor at Kregel Publications. She works on a wide variety of books, including fiction, nonfiction, and academic titles. This is her fourth year at She Speaks. (For more information, visit www.kregel.com)
Andrea Doering
Revell Books
Andrea is Senior Acquisition Editor with Revell Books, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group. She is the former Editor-In-Chief of Crossings Book Club, a position she held for six of the fourteen years she was with the Book Club. Her experiences also include academic publishing, book packaging, and Focus on the Family. She holds an M.A. in English/Creative Writing from the University of Maine, and has published several children's books and short stories. (For more information, visit www.revellbooks.com)
Esther Fedorkevich
Agent – Fedd and Company
Esther launched her career as a salesperson for a major book publisher. Within six months, she sold over a million dollars in products. From there she went to work for Dave Ramsey, a nationally syndicated television and radio host and NY Times bestselling author. As a director of the publishing division, she sold and marketed Ramsey's books and other projects. It was there she fell in love with book publishing. When Esther was pregnant with her first child, her entrepreneurial spirit was reborn. She decided to venture out on her own and sell books and ideas as a literary agent and started Fedd and Company, Inc.
Since then, Esther has continued to act as a literary agent and future-builder for her clientele, which includes many NY Times bestselling authors. Among many others, her clients include Tim McGraw, Sara Evans, George Barna, Tom DeLay, Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Stephen Mansfield, Michael Franzese, Martha Earnhardt, and Carol Gordon-Bickford. A natural entrepreneur, she also negotiates movie deals and offers audio book production services.
Esther lives in Brentwood, Tennessee with her husband, Jimmy, and their two kids, Lexi Jane (6) and Paul Gregory (4). In her spare time, you can find Esther playing basketball, golf and tennis, reading, and cooking gourmet meals for her family and friends. (For more information, visit www.feddandcompany.com)
Karen Campbell
Zondervan
Zondervan publishes approximately 200 books per year and their authors number more than 1,500. Zondervan is the publisher of many best-selling authors including Rick Warren, John Ortberg, Lee Strobel, Philip Yancey, Joni Eareckson Tada, C. S. Lewis, Karen Kingsbury, Lysa TerKeurst, Brandilyn Collins, Zondervan is the official publisher of “The Purpose Driven® Life” by Rick Warren, a New York Times #1 bestseller. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com
Carla Williams
Winepress
Carla Williams considers herself a “professional mom,” but many call her their “spiritual mom.” She has writing credits in curriculum, devotions, short stories, and numerous articles and has authored or co-authored over twenty-five books. Through her personal speaking and writing ministry, The Spiritual Mom, Carla mentors women to reflect the nurturing image of God and encourages families to live spiritually fulfilling lives. She is also a featured blogger on Christian Momlogic.com. Carla enjoys helping writers and editors through her position as Editorial Director for WinePress Publishing, helping raise the standard in self publishing. Having both royalty and self published books, she understands the value and compatibility of both venues. As Publicity Director, she helps authors build their promotional platforms and develop marketing plans. carla@winepressgroup.com.
Jonathan Clements
Agent
Jonathan Clements has worked in the entertainment industry for over 15 years, calling Nashville home for the full term. Although he has an extensive background in the music business, including artist management, development and career consulting, he found his true calling in 2005, beginning working with authors as a literary agent.
Jonathan founded Wheelhouse Literary Group in January 2010, after running The Nashville Group's literary and licensing division for five years, helping writers communicate their souls and passions to the masses. He loves coffee, music, (this is beginning to sound like an online dating bio), and the ever elusive well-crafted sentence. Therefore, you may just find him at the nearest trendy coffee shop, multitasking on his laptop, conducting client meetings, reading manuscripts, and well … grooving to the latest tune.
Jonathan prefers not to "drop names", but has worked with some of the more influential types within the entertainment and publishing worlds through the years. Always willing to listen to a pitch, or read a manuscript, you won't meet a more approachable agent. Just don't forget the coffee. For more information, visit www.WheelhouseLiteraryGroup.com.
Joyce Dinkins
New Hope Publishers
Joyce Dinkins, Managing Editor, New Hope Publishers has perspective and experience as a professional Christian writer and editor for about 30 years: New Hope 2006–present, NavPress 2001–2005, David C. Cook 1987–2000, and as a freelance consultant on a diverse group of Christian publishers’ and church projects since 1983. Joyce and Steven now celebrate 22 years of marriage and three adult children. They engage in Christian education ministry in urban settings, and Joyce continues to pursue her personal writing. For more information, visit www.newhopepublishers.com
Terry Behimer
David C. Cook Publishing
As the Editorial Director/Associate Publisher for David C. Cook, Terry loves listening for the pulse of God as she reads proposals. Terry believes God placed her in publishing to serve as a conduit who gets the messages God is giving to authors out to the audiences who are waiting to hear them. People often ask Terry what kinds of authors/topics she is looking for. The answer is simple: authors who can’t not write what God is saying to them and topics that authors go to sleep thinking about and wake up thinking about. That’s the good stuff.
*** Terry would like to meet in small groups of six participants. These meetings will last 30 minutes. Terry will NOT be accepting proposals at the conference. She will review the publishing policy for Cook and invite women who attend her meetings to send a proposal in, using the guidelines she will hand out at that time.
SPECIAL NEEDS: We are looking for fresh, well-written, biblically-based non-fiction and fiction that is clear and straightforward about spiritual transformation. Our four audiences are: committed disciples, parents/families, pastors/church leaders, future church (twenty/thirty-somethings). These audiences are looking for meat that is accessible and practical—and life-changing. For more information, visit www.davidccook.com.
NOT INTERESTED IN: Anything political or health/wellness. Devotional books unless they are surprisingly meaty.
|
