BLESSED GIRL BREAK-OUT SESSIONS - everyone is able to pick two sessions to attend, they are about 45 minutes each.
2023 Breakout Sessions
1.Kayla Rohr Massie - (ICCD) International Christian Centers for the Deaf - Missions around the World
Kayla shares that her passion for sign language began in middle school; from that moment on she was fascinated with the Deaf culture and graduated from the National technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT in 2009.. As she shares about using her gifts and talents to fulfill the Great Commission , she will be giving instructions for us to make jump ropes out of t-shirts for overseas ministry sites. Kayla and her husband are serving together in the ICCD Home Office where 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 is your Perspective?
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 in Salem. 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 Garza & Shannon Bower - What are you thinking?
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 what He says about us more than what we think. Paul says in II Corinthians 10:5 "Take every thought captive to obey Christ." . Moriah has a captivating smile and radiates Jesus in every conversation. She is working as a residential specialist at The Lampstand, a therapeutic home for victims of sex traffiking. She has a strong passion for sharing Jesus, as I Peter 3:15 says "to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
4. Detective Kerry Myers - Crimes Against Children
Kerry works for the Roanoke County Police Department and will be providing current information about Internet concerns and steps we can take to be safe. There are dangers in using various social media apps and we all need to be aware and be vigilant about real concerns in order to have a safe presence. Students, Youth Leaders and Parents will all learn some practical and needed information.
5. Megan Cook - Anxiety? You are not alone
Megan is a counselor devoted to student achievement and prevention at Lord Botetourt High School and Read Mountain Middle School. As someone who struggles with anxiety and sees the impact through her career, she finds and rests in God's peace, which appears more critical than ever. Anxiety no longer needs to bind us, as we have freedom in our Father's arms. Her favorite Bible verse is Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Megan also has a passion for softball and coaches at Lord Botetourt, leading the team to State Runner-up last year. She is recently married, is a youth group leader and has participated in mission trips to the Dominican Republic.
6. Lynn Wampler - What is your Starbucks order?
Lynn asks you to join her as you chat about all the things we fill our routines and minds with!. All great things when kept in the right perspective. Let's talk and brainstorm to see if we can better fill ourselves with the things of God & how to make that happen; looking forward to spending time together! Lynn has worked with young people for many years, including in the classroom and as a Children's Minister. She is enjoying her new position as the Director of Education for Center in the Square, allowing her to introduce many types of programs for children and families all over the Roanoke Valley. Lynn has 4 kids, 2 dogs and an amazing husband. Her favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
PARENT SESSION: Dreama Love -
Dreama is a former teacher and currently works as a professional Christian counselor with Blue Ridge Christian Counseling. Dreama has led many groups on parent topics and loves to listen and provide support. She will also provide resources and some tools to deal with the blessedness and challenges of raising and communicating with Teenagers.