BLESSED GIRL BREAK-OUT SESSIONS
Everyone is able to pick two sessions to attend;
and each is about 35 minutes.
Everyone is able to pick two sessions to attend;
and each is about 35 minutes.
Breakout Sessions for 2026
1. Laura Lee- Intentional Interactive Missions
Laura and her hubby, Doug, served with the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board for 20 years in Tanzania & Kenya, Eastern Africa. Together they experienced joy-filled years of raising 3 sons, training African Pastors and their wives, and mentoring young missionary families. They now serve at Rocks Baptist Church in Pamplin, Va, where her husband is the Pastor. Laura was the nurse at Appomattox County High School until she retired this past year. She now enjoys being a full-time Pastor's wife and helping young people learn all about IMB Missions. Blessed Girl participants will get varied glimpses of life on the mission field and will be led to make a children's toy together.
2. Genita Trusclair and Angie Buckner –"Choosing Joy"
Genita majored in Criminal Justice and has been involved in ministry, using interactive skits, visual aids and mime for over 20 years. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology and her Masters in Human Resources in Trauma Counseling. She is currently working with families in crisis. Angie has a Doctorate in Clinical Christian Psychology and is the owner of Divine Precepts and President of Generation- X- Celling Inc. They have a strong passion for young people and encouraging Teens to be leaders in the communities and schools they are involved in and to achieve their God-directed goals. Genita and Angie also enjoy spending time with their families and continuing to encourage others in every area of their lives. A favorite verse is II Corinthian 2:14 "But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display in Christ and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."
3. Lisa Cox with TEEN Challenge - "Boundaries for Abundant Life"
Lisa has been with the Eastern Appalachian Teen Challenge Ministry for the past 28 years. For the last 18 she has been the Program and Education Director, and comes to us with a wealth of experience and front lines training. The National Teen Challenge organization began in 1958 to reach teenage gang members in NY with a message of hope, founded on God's love. Today there are over 250 Teen Challenge Centers in the US and over 2000 centers worldwide in over 40 different nations. It provides one of the best Christian discipleship training programs available for persons experiencing life controlling problems. Lisa will be leading a session on learning the powerful Biblical principals of Boundaries that lead to freedom in Christ.
4. Haley Gillespie, James Madison University - "Joy in the Unknown"
Haley graduated from JMU in 2023 and is currently a campus minister with the Baptist Campus Ministries at JMU. She married her high school sweetheart in May 2025, teaches tap dance, and is passionate about relationships and women's ministry. Haley experienced a tremendous move of the Spirit in her heart during her senior year of college. She believes the transition from high school to young adulthood is a critical time for identity, specifically in the context of community. What brings you joy in the Lord? God's joy dwells in us as we dwell in Him. In this session we will explore what it means to rejoice always, even in the midst of the unknown, and have faith that perseveres in every circumstance (Hebrews 12:1-2).
5. Sydney Brown, "Owning Your Identity"
Sydney is the choir director at Andrew Lewis Middle School in Salem. She graduated with bachelor's degrees in both Music Education and Education Studies from Roanoke College in 2023. Sydney loves teaching music and is passionate about worship. She also has a strong desire to help young women understand their worth and identity found in Christ. She finds joy in encouraging teenagers and by creating spaces where they can grow and feel seen. In her free time, Sydney enjoys being with her family, her boyfriend, and her two Bernese Mountain Dogs, as well as watching movies, crafting and playing games. In this session, Sydney will discuss how your true identity is not shaped by the world but firmly rooted in Christ. She will address how easy it is to feel defined by the world, yet remind them that God has already declared who they are and whose they are. Her hope is that each girl leaves knowing this truth and confidently owning her true identity.
6. Megan DeHart Cook - God's Joy vs. Social Media "Happiness"
Megan is the Student Assistance & Prevention Program Counselor and Head Softball Coach at Lord Botetourt High School & Read Mountain Middle School. This past February, Megan gained one of the greatest titles to ever hold onto...being a mom to a beautiful baby girl named Hazel. She brings more joy and happiness into her life than she ever imagined'; God's most precious blessing! Along with spending time with her baby and husband, she enjoys playing softball, spending time with friends and family, shopping, concerts and the beach. Her favorite verse is Matthew 5:16. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Her session will focus on knowing the difference between seeking the joy that comes from the Lord versus the fleeting feeling of happiness from social media, which is crucial to staying grounded with God instead of the world. Constant notifications, video reels, endless messages and snapchats steal our attention from being present with one another and living in God's goodness, outside of a cell phone. Together, we will humbly compare the two and understand God's true desires for our lives in experiencing pleasure that only comes from Him, and lasts all of eternity.
PARENT /YOUTH LEADERS SESSION:
Adena Giles - ,Adena serves with Proven Ministries, an organization committed to reviving sexual integrity throughout the Church. Her professional life has centered around homeschooling her six children and hosting Christian radio for more than 15 years, yet her heart for ministry extends beyond the microphone. For the past 3 years, Adena has led Proven Women groups, making space for women to confront sexual temptation, shame, and secrecy. Coming from a background where those conversations were often silenced or stigmatized, she is passionate about demystifying the struggle and helping women and teen girls find freedom from pornography, promiscuity, and most especially the wounds beneath them. Because leading teens in honest conversations about sexual integrity can feel daunting for many pastors and leaders, Adena's desire is to bring warmth, compassion and clarity to those spaces, while also equipping others to guide students with confidence and grace. She will be providing resources, discussing how to have conversations about hard topics, and reviewing an available curriculum for church groups. Favorite verse: Proverbs 4:18, "The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day."