Speakers

Amy Meyer Allen

The vision for this conference came to Amy in December 2013. After sharing it with Christian friends, Jennifer Smith and Amy began a Bible study for hurting women. Amy shares openly how God redeemed her marriage after infidelity, prostitutes and alcoholism tore it apart. Featured on the 700Club and CBN.com and trained as a CLASSeminars speaker, Amy is passionate about sharing the hope she has found in Jesus and the truth of God’s Word.

Barb Mulvey - Keynote Speaker

Barb is a certified Biblical Counselor and her church’s Director of Disciple Care. Born and raised in Canada, she immigrated to the U.S. in 1998. Her journey to freedom after sexual abuse is described in her book Hope Ahead. The effects of abuse were shame, broken trust, betrayal, anger, and despair, but Barb now lives a joyful life in Christ – acceptance, security, trust, love, and freedom.  

Jennifer Lee Smith

Jennifer’s life shines with two loves: Jesus and His Word. Her old life of “sex, drugs, and rock n' roll,” shows the dangers of settling for less. Jennifer has trained with CLASSeminars, in preaching and counseling. She has appeared on Words to Live By and God Answers Prayer. As a Bible study teacher, life-coach, and ministry leader at her church, her joy is helping women live with purpose and passion.

Hannah Overton

In 2006, Hannah and her husband, Larry, started to adopt Andrew into their "forever family.” Before finalizing the adoption, Andrew died of a rare, fatal disease. Both parents were accused of murder: Hannah received a life sentence and Larry was left to raise their five children. In prison, even as she taught Bible studies, she wrestled with deep questions. After 7 years, Hannah was exonerated and all charges were dropped. Hannah and her husband now minister to those behind bars.

Cris Paulson

Cris Paulson has counseled in the church for almost 30 years. She recently published a book Hope Ahead, co-author Barb Mulvey, on finding freedom after sexual abuse. As teacher, VBS leader, retreat planner, pastor’s wife, women’s ministry leader—she has experienced hurts.

Sara Ghormley

Sara loves to share the hope God gave in her struggle out of years of clinical depression into freedom. Sara recently celebrated 26 years of marriage to a good man, Doug. She has three teenagers and stays busy as an event coordinator for their school. She is in her fourth year of training in biblical counseling, working toward being a certified counselor.

Jennifer Gray

Jennifer left a successful career to dedicate her time to her loving and supportive husband and two young children. She stays very busy volunteering at her children’s school and serving in the children’s ministry at her church. Jennifer lived with the shame of struggling with anxiety and anger until she experienced the power of God's promise, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16a

Susan Swafford

Susan is a Bible study writer, author and teacher. For nearly two decades, she has mentored women from all walks of life – from women in jail to women in the business world. She is the ministry leader and author of the book Broken from Silence. Susan has experienced the transforming power of God’s healing of her “broken story.” Her passion is for women to be broken from their silence and set free from their chains.

Kathleen Cantwell

Kathleen’s abiding passion is discipleship. She has lead Women’s and Marriage Ministries with Grace Church for 27 years. She and her husband Kevin have mentored in Young Life over 30 years. Last year, she visited Ethiopia with a World Vision team. Her hope is to spread God’s Love, Glory and Power, through the truth of His Word. She longs for Jesus to be her greatest affection.

Glenda Durano

Glenda knows, by experience, that even when you can’t see God’s hand, you can trust His heart. She loves to encourage others in their Christian walk, especially through their adversity. Glenda joyfully serves as a Bible study leader, prayer partner, and Children’s Choir director for Calvary Chapel, ABQ. She is the owner of College Advising and Planning Services, a full-service, faith-based educational consulting firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Richelle Wright

Let Richelle train you in Kingdom warfare! Years in the Air Force taught her military tactics, but her weapons now are Holy Spirit-led against a personal enemy (Satan). From her own trauma, she has a heart to help hurting women heal wounds, overcome pain, and experience God’s full blessings. She serves with Children’s, Jail and Prison, and Living Free ministries at her church. ​

Lora Armendariz

Lora Armendariz is a busy stay-at-home mom and the author of Expressive Heart Devotions. Her family lives on a ranch in Eastern New Mexico. After she became the mother of a special needs child, Lora found the value of inviting God into all the spaces of her day. She shares her life and encourages others through her blog, The Beautiful Day Project. Her family worships with the Baptist Church family in House, New Mexico.