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 2025
1. Kayla Massie- Missions with International Christian Center for the Deaf
Kayla has enjoyed being with us at Blessed Girl before and excited about coming back this year. She works directly with the deaf in several countries, including Cuba, and the Bahamas. Kayla shares that her passion for sign language began in middle school; from that moment on she was fascinated with the Deaf culture and language. She graduated from the National technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT in 2009 and believes that God is calling her to use her gifts and talents to serve him and fulfill the Great Commission. Kayla and her husband are serving together in the ICCD Home Office in Botetourt County. She is the Bahamas Coordinator, sign language interpreter, and office support staff. Her favorite verse is Romans 12:11. "Do not lack diligence, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."
2. Genita Trusclair and Angie Buckner –"What can Prayer do for you?"
Genita majored in Criminal Justice and has been involved in ministry for over 20 years, using interactive skits, visual aids and mime for over 20 years. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology and while she is pursuing her Masters in Human Resources in Trauma Counseling, she is currently working at the TAP agency showing love to families. 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 rise and 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. Moriah Joy Brodin & Shannon Bower - "Battle Plans"
Shannon is the worship leader for Lighthouse Bible Church and is super excited for this Blessed Girl conference! Growing up, one thing that seems to never change is the struggle to find your identity. Who am I? But more importantly who does God say that I am? The challenge with that is believing and accepting the Victory already waiting for us. Moriah has a captivating smile and radiates Jesus in every conversation. She works as a residential specialist at The Lampstand, a therapeutic home for victims of sex trafficking. "Who shall separate us from the love if Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or the sword? She has a strong passion for sharing Jesus and encouraging young ladies to grow in their faith.
4. Haley Gillespie, James Madison University - "You are not meant to do Life alone" (High School students only)
Haley graduated from JMU in 2023 and is currently a campus minister with the Baptist Campus Ministries at JMU. She is also recently engaged, teaches tap dance, and has served on several mission trips including to Guatemala in 2024. Haley experience 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. In this session we will discuss how God calls us to be in community with one another according to His Word (Hebrews 10:23-35) and create a "battle plan" for seeking Christian community in every season of life.
5. Kirkland Shoemaker, Roanoke County Police Dept. - "Self-Defense"
Kirkland graduated several years ago from William Byrd High School and is currently working with the Roanoke County Police. He has taught several self-defense classes at the Police Academy and has knowledge of facing dangerous situations. This session will give some insight into being aware of your surroundings as well as some specific steps to take to remain safe.
PARENT /YOUTH LEADERS SESSION: Detective Jacob Hawkins, Roanoke City Police -
1. Detective Hawkins will be leading a session for adults attending Blessed Girl; for parents or youth leaders. The focus will be on realizing the dangers students face in their online world and receiving up-to-date statistics on concerning areas. Detective Hawkins will provide information that will help parents and leaders as they interact with students on their personal devices, providing tips and resources to guide them.
2. A video program will be available in the Conference Room showing a replay of First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne Youngkin, interviewing Jonathan Haidt, the author of "The Anxious Generation". This interview, recorded on September 2024, discusses the rewiring of childhood due to the emergence of the I-phone and like devices. Practical suggestions and warnings are also given pertaining to the changes in childhood and adolescence over the past 20 years and how to prevent our students from having an anxious mindset.
Kayla has enjoyed being with us at Blessed Girl before and excited about coming back this year. She works directly with the deaf in several countries, including Cuba, and the Bahamas. Kayla shares that her passion for sign language began in middle school; from that moment on she was fascinated with the Deaf culture and language. She graduated from the National technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT in 2009 and believes that God is calling her to use her gifts and talents to serve him and fulfill the Great Commission. Kayla and her husband are serving together in the ICCD Home Office in Botetourt County. She is the Bahamas Coordinator, sign language interpreter, and office support staff. Her favorite verse is Romans 12:11. "Do not lack diligence, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."
2. Genita Trusclair and Angie Buckner –"What can Prayer do for you?"
Genita majored in Criminal Justice and has been involved in ministry for over 20 years, using interactive skits, visual aids and mime for over 20 years. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology and while she is pursuing her Masters in Human Resources in Trauma Counseling, she is currently working at the TAP agency showing love to families. 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 rise and 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. Moriah Joy Brodin & Shannon Bower - "Battle Plans"
Shannon is the worship leader for Lighthouse Bible Church and is super excited for this Blessed Girl conference! Growing up, one thing that seems to never change is the struggle to find your identity. Who am I? But more importantly who does God say that I am? The challenge with that is believing and accepting the Victory already waiting for us. Moriah has a captivating smile and radiates Jesus in every conversation. She works as a residential specialist at The Lampstand, a therapeutic home for victims of sex trafficking. "Who shall separate us from the love if Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or the sword? She has a strong passion for sharing Jesus and encouraging young ladies to grow in their faith.
4. Haley Gillespie, James Madison University - "You are not meant to do Life alone" (High School students only)
Haley graduated from JMU in 2023 and is currently a campus minister with the Baptist Campus Ministries at JMU. She is also recently engaged, teaches tap dance, and has served on several mission trips including to Guatemala in 2024. Haley experience 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. In this session we will discuss how God calls us to be in community with one another according to His Word (Hebrews 10:23-35) and create a "battle plan" for seeking Christian community in every season of life.
5. Kirkland Shoemaker, Roanoke County Police Dept. - "Self-Defense"
Kirkland graduated several years ago from William Byrd High School and is currently working with the Roanoke County Police. He has taught several self-defense classes at the Police Academy and has knowledge of facing dangerous situations. This session will give some insight into being aware of your surroundings as well as some specific steps to take to remain safe.
PARENT /YOUTH LEADERS SESSION: Detective Jacob Hawkins, Roanoke City Police -
1. Detective Hawkins will be leading a session for adults attending Blessed Girl; for parents or youth leaders. The focus will be on realizing the dangers students face in their online world and receiving up-to-date statistics on concerning areas. Detective Hawkins will provide information that will help parents and leaders as they interact with students on their personal devices, providing tips and resources to guide them.
2. A video program will be available in the Conference Room showing a replay of First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne Youngkin, interviewing Jonathan Haidt, the author of "The Anxious Generation". This interview, recorded on September 2024, discusses the rewiring of childhood due to the emergence of the I-phone and like devices. Practical suggestions and warnings are also given pertaining to the changes in childhood and adolescence over the past 20 years and how to prevent our students from having an anxious mindset.