Speakers

Workshop titles and links are listed in the pink boxes.

Barb Mulvey - Keynote Speaker

Barb is a certified Biblical Counselor and former Director of Disciple Care at her church. 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. A passionate teacher, you'll remember her stories long after the conference is over. 

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 is a CLASSeminars trained speaker, a trained biblical lay counselor and life coach as well as the author of God's Way to Success and The Way Out: 40 Day Spiritual Healing Journey - Living Free and Healed from Addiction. She has appeared on Words to Live By and God Answers Prayer. Her joy is helping women live with purpose and passion to the glory of God.

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 was convicted and received a life sentence, leaving Larry 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

When Cris is not quilting, reading or editing radio programs, she is sleeping or binge-watching Heartland. Since her divorce, 11 years ago, God has taken her in many wonderful directions: writer, editor, speaker, counselor, grandma, world traveler, conference organizer, mentor and counseling trainer. She looks forward to the next grand adventures.

Sara Ghormley

Sara is a certified biblical counselor who loves to share the hope God gave through her struggle, transforming years of shame and clinical depression into Freedom. She is one part Wife (married to Doug for 27 years), three parts Mom (3 kids, ages 15 to 20), one part Volunteer at her kids’ school, and 2 parts biblical counselor and teacher. Her greatest joys come from walking alongside sisters in Christ and sharing the comfort that she has received in Christ.

Jennifer Gray

Jennifer struggled with shame, 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). She now lives in the peace and confidence of knowing God's love for her. 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. 

Caitlin Craft

As a young college student, Caitlin found herself in a place of hopelessness and deep despair. Through the truth and loving-kindness of God’s Word, she realized her hope and rescue was found in Him alone. He gave her a passion to see others set free, living abundantly. Her challenge to students is to grow in their walk with the Lord through intentional discipleship. Caitlin’s hope is to be continually refined until the Lord is her one desire. Caitlin is a multi-talented artist, photographer, musician, speaker and student leader.

Glenda Durano

Here is Glenda’s wisdom, learned from experience: When you can’t see God’s hand, you can still trust His heart. She loves to encourage others in their Christian walk, especially while they walk through adversity. Glenda is a wife, mother, author, speaker, ministry leader, and the owner of College Advising and Planning Services, a full-service, faith-based educational consulting firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Della Bassman

Della adores God’s Word and she loves God’s women! Her delight is connecting women’s hearts to the Word thru Bible study, discipleship and biblical guidance. By God’s grace, she’s been married to her favorite person Mark for 22 years. Both she and her husband love to meet with broken and hurting couples—people who are like they once were—and share the hope that is found in Christ. They love to comfort others with the comfort they have received (2 Corinthians 2:4-5).

Lora Armendariz

​Lora Armendariz is a busy stay-at-home mom and the author of Expressive Heart Devotions. She lives on a ranch in New Mexico with her husband and their two daughters. As the mother of a special needs child, Lora has discovered the importance of bringing God into all the spaces of her day. She enjoys sharing her life and encouraging others through her blog, The Beautiful Day Project. She and her family are part of the Baptist Church family in House, New Mexico.

Mary Arnholt

Mary joined the Air Force to become a pilot, hoping the camaraderie would ease her ache for close friends and significance. After a fellow pilot died during her flight training, Mary reluctantly turned God. Through His conviction and leading, Mary eventually gave up flying and began walking with Jesus. But her newfound peace was soon overshadowed by an obsession to find significance in a BFF, which left her feeling lonely, rejected, and needy. God didn't answer Mary's BFF prayer, but He brought healing by revealing truth and exposing lies she'd believed for years. Mary prays her journey will lead others to the freedom found in Jesus and Galatians 5:1.

Verena Fisk

Verena is a single woman, a mom, and a grandmother of 4. She has survived years of physical, sexual, emotional and verbal abuse. That abuse became her identity… but God! She found REAL identity in Christ by studying His Word and applying it to her life. She found new strength to live when she understood who God said she is. Even when people treat her as if she is “less than,” she can walk in confidence, knowing it’s not who she is anymore. When judged or criticized by hurtful people—even family—she walks in the knowledge of who God says she is.

Kate Stokes

​When her “Prince Charming” became a “Charming Addict” shortly after their wedding day, Kate tried everything she knew to save the shattered relationship. When that failed, she wanted out. God then asked her if she would let HIM work on it and she reluctantly agreed. God patiently, gently and faithfully worked in her for the last 10 years. Even when she tried to control others, wear a mask, put up walls, run away, hide or push her husband away, God poured out His loving kindness upon her. Her husband repented recently and they celebrated 11 years of marriage by moving their 3 children and 2 dogs to a new house and a new church in Ruidoso, NM.

Laura Garcia-Rosecrans

Laura is a woman’s advocate, certified Biblical counselor and an ordained IFOC Senior Chaplain. She and her husband Dan own and operate The HUB of New Mexico Christian Internet Radio Station and serve the local Christian community. Laura’s life has been marred with pain and trauma BUT God has used this pain to bring life and healing to other women. Laura speaks of her past and her true identity in Christ and how any woman can experience freedom in Him.