a community of leaders

+ Melinda Estabrooks

Melinda is the Host and Executive Producer of the Women’s Talk show, See Hear Love – that airs on Yes TV, Apple podcast, Joy radio, Castle video streaming and online on Youtube and www.seehearlove.com. It is currently the only Women’s show in North America that is featured on all platforms. (You may also recognize her as a Co-Host of Full Circle, the Women’s show that aired every Friday on 100 Huntley Street from 2006 – 2013)

She has been a national and international speaker for over 20 years and has worked in advocacy/international development, leadership training, public relations, producing and news reporting, media relations and event planning in addition to her speaking.

She is in a wonderful blended family with her husband Chris and two teenagers, Nathan and Sophie .. and lives in Burlington.

Melinda enjoys travelling, journaling, praying out loud in the car, discovering new places and towns in Ontario, planning ‘girls weekends away’, being a ‘foodie’, “collecting” shoes , serving at her church, Reunion .. and hanging out with her family and friends on the weekend.

+ Cathie Ostapchuk

Cathie’s work and ministry as a leadership development trainer, consultant and coach – has led her to work in global non-profit organizations such as World Vision and Compassion, serve in corporate boardrooms, and travel across Canada and as far as Africa and Australia doing the work she loves. Her mission statement is to help clarify purpose and vision for individuals, teams and organizations.

Cathie is committed to raising the profile and presence of Canadian Christian women coast to coast. As the Co-Founder of Gather Women, she knows that the Canadian landscape has the potential to be transformed by women who are connected and championed within a culture of support. She believes that cultivating the soil in this nation and gathering, developing and equipping Canadian Christian women will nurture a collective voice; a presence that can radically impact our churches, our communities and our culture.

+ Dr. Merry C. Lin

Merry is an author, speaker and psychologist with over 25 years of clinical experience. She is the supervising psychologist of LifeCare Centres (www.lifecarecentres.com), where she oversees a team of therapists providing full service care for individuals, couples and families. She is also the Care Pastor of C4 Church in Ajax, ON. A frequent speaker at conferences, retreats, and workshops, Dr. Merry loves to use her personal and professional experiences to speak into the lives of her audience. She brings messages of hope and faith that help her listeners understand God’s truth in very practical and transformational ways.

She has also made frequent TV appearances on 700 Club Canada and 100 Huntley Street, and her teaching videos are available on RightNow Media. Dr. Merry is the author of The Fully Lived Life: Rescuing Our Souls from All that Holds Us Back. Visit her website at www.drmerrylin.com for more information or to contact her.

+ Hollie Taylor

From an early age, Edmonton-born Hollie had a passion for music and radio. It was this passion that led her to take the Radio & Televising Arts program at NAIT. Since then she has worked in various roles and cities in the Canadian radio and music industries. It was her desire for positive entertainment that initially led her to AM930 CJCA (TouchCanada Broadcasting in Edmonton). This is where she had the opportunity to help launch 105.9 Shine FM (Edmonton). In 2006, she began looking for ways to learn more about other areas of the Canadian music industry.

During Hollie’s brief break from her radio career she took an entertainment business management course at Harris Institute for the Arts (Toronto), managed artists, and worked for an independent radio promotion company. She was able to incorporate what she learned from both the radio and entertainment industries and apply them to real life, specifically the Canadian Christian music industry.

Since then, Hollie has launched her own entertainment promotions company called Ten16 Entertainment. Ten16 Entertainment is a company committed to the education and promotion of artists pursuing exposure in the Canadian Christian music industry. She is also now teamed up with Johnny Rocket on 105.9 Shine FM’s morning show, The Morning Spin, and podcast, Why Me Project. Hollie is also the Founder and President of WIMM Canada.

+ Tarra Wellings

Tarra joined Arrow Leadership in 2003 and currently serves with Arrow as the Director of Operations. Tarra is passionate about Arrow’s wholistic approach to leader development and seeing leaders transformed by God for His calling on their lives. She enjoys serving with Arrow’s Program Team as a Leadership Partner, mentoring and coaching younger leaders.

Tarra is looking forward to implementing a new intern program at Arrow, designed to intentionally invest in the next generation of organizational and non-profit leaders who are beginning to pursue their call to God’s Kingdom work.

Tarra is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration from Edinburgh Napier University. When she isn’t studying Tarra loves to spend time with family, especially her grandson Gareth. She also finds energy spending time outdoors whether on a walk or kayaking on the lakes and oceans in BC where she and her husband live.

+ Lorie Hartshorn

Lorie is a Canadian lover of Jesus, her family and the local church. She’s a pastor, international speaker and author. Her primary passion is to make Jesus known. She loves to see people grow in faith and experience spiritual freedom. Serving as the Pastor of Adult Ministries at C4 Church, she is a kingdom builder who develops leaders.

Lorie was the Director of Advancement for EQUIP Leadership Canada, founded by Dr. John C Maxwell, training leaders worldwide. Her teaching can be seen on 100 Huntley St TV, The 700 Club TV, Right Now Media and through C4 Church.

Sunshine, books, cottage, food and conversation, bring her joy! Lorie’s bible study, Finding Freedom, brings hope to many as a wake-up call to the reality of spiritual warfare and the power of prayer. Her newest speaking series, Do it Afraid, is enabling people to step through fear and into an adventurous life of faith!

+ Misty-Blu Ropp

Bio coming soon...

+ Alana Walker Carpenter

Alana Walker Carpenter is a trailblazer. She has redefined what it means to lead, what success looks like, and the gift that love, compassion, and empathy can bring to the boardroom. Serving in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer of Intriciti, Alana created and leads an organization for business leaders.

Her passion is to inspire business leaders to integrate their faith and business through the five business practices she and her team have developed.

Ms. Walker Carpenter has a reputation for excellence. She tackles the issues of the day through innovative events, individual and group coaching, roundtable discussions, leadership development, and philanthropic initiatives. Through these five business practices, Alana and her team connect with business leaders to bring them from compartmentalization to integration.

Prior to assuming her current role, she practiced human resources for a downtown consulting firm.

Ms. Walker Carpenter holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario (King’s College). After graduation, she completed her Post-Graduate Degree in Human Resources Management from Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Ms. Walker Carpenter received numerous academic and leadership awards prior to, during and upon graduation none of which is as meaningful as the Humanitarian Award presented to her upon graduation at The University of Western Ontario.

She has a number of charities of choice in which she chooses to quietly serve behind the scenes. It is through her connections that Alana has assisted countless charities with board governance and resource development.

In 2014, she was nominated and received the Top 100 Best Christian Women in Canada and on a lighter note was nominated by Chatelaine as one of one hundred best-dressed women in Canada.

Outside of the boardroom, Alana can be found cheering her teenage son Carter on at the baseball diamond or hockey arena or sipping a glass of wine on the golf greens waiting for his return.

Ms. Walker Carpenter resides in Toronto with her husband and best friend Kevin

She and her husband are active members of their church (Yorkminster Park Baptist Church) and their denomination (Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec). Together, they serve on a number of local, national, and international boards.

+ Beth Fleming

Beth became a believer at the age of 16. She always had a passion for and loved working with kids, and so became an Early Childhood Educator. In 1976 she married Steve and they both felt the call to Pastor. They planted Koinonia Christian Fellowship in 1984, just outside the KW area, and have pastored and led the team there for 34 years.

Together they have 3 children: Kathryn (and husband, Joseph), Bryce ( and wife, Heidi) and Kaitlyn (and husband, Jacob) and 2 granddaughters, Everly…and there is 1 more grandchild due this July! All of their kids live in the KW area and are helping to build the local church.

Beth loves spending time with family, the beach, sunshine & swimming, and is passionate about hosting and connecting with people, as well as organizing!

+ Lois Warren

Lois Warren and her husband Robb are the Executive Directors of The Leadership Centre Willow Creek Canada. They reside in Ottawa, Ontario, and enjoy every moment they have together with their three daughters. Lois has a passion to see the Christian Church thrive with transparency, healthy leadership and Christ at the centre. Lois and Robb share a mandate in ministry to Inspire, Equip and Encourage Christians to lead well wherever they are within the Church, the home, and the marketplace.

+ Stacey Campbell

Stacey graduated high school from Neuchatel Junior College in Switzerland and continued her post secondary studies in Business Administration and accounting, (CGA) in Toronto. Soon after she began working for a marketing company that she and her husband eventually purchased. Stacey remained in the business for twenty-five years before embarking on a new direction.

In 2007 Stacey returned to school, entering Tyndale Seminary in Toronto. As part of her studies she initiated a Prison Fellowship chapter at the Vanier Institute for Women in Milton Ontario. What began as a volunteer role quickly emerged as a passion that drew her to make significant commitments to prison ministry. Stacey joined the PFC team full time in 2012. In 2013 she graduated with a Master of Divinity degree focusing on Missional Leadership. Shortly after that, in the same year she began her role as Executive Director and CEO bringing together both her business and ministry skills sets.

Stacey has a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. In addition to her executive duties Stacey continues to work hands-on in the PFC national ministry of reconciliation with ‘the least of these’ and practices a Biblical approach to transformation, justice, restoration and prevention based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Her current work includes working weekly alongside prisoners, ex-prisoners, and victims.

+ Toni Nieuwhof

Toni is a lawyer, mediator and pharmacist in Ontario, Canada. She is a co-founder of Connexus Community Church along with her husband – a popular author, podcaster and speaker – Carey Nieuwhof. Over her years of practice as a lawyer, her most challenging and rewarding work involved serving people who were going through a divorce. From years of leading in hospitals, she respects science and embraces holistic health. Toni’s other passion, advocating on behalf of children, has been woven into her work and her writing. Toni’s book, designed to help struggling couples make wise decisions about their next steps, will be released by Waterbrook in January 2021. When she is not working, Toni loves to spend time with her husband and two grown sons, and does all kinds of sports in the rustic Ontario outdoors.

+ Allison Alley

As National Advocacy Manager at Compassion Canada, Allison Alley led initiatives to raise awareness of God’s heart for children living in poverty. Allison is the President Elect for Compassion Canada, becoming the fourth president of the child development organization. She speaks regularly at events, churches and schools across the country and represents Compassion to other charities and sector associations. Her work with Compassion has taken her to a dozen different developing countries across North and South America, Africa and Asia.

Allison serves on the board of the Canadian Christian Relief and Development Association, holds a master’s degree in global leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and is currently working toward a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Business School. She and her husband have served in their home church in St. Catharines, ON, for fifteen years and have two daughters. Allison has spearheaded the creation of three Compassion multimedia study resources for families, youth and churches: Step Into My Shoes, True Story and Eyes to See.companies, impacting lives through theatre, film & television.

+ Kelly Block

Kelly Block was first elected to the House of Commons representing the riding of Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar on October 14, 2008 and was re-elected on May 2, 2011. She was elected as the MP for the newly created riding of Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek in 2015 and again in 2019. Kelly has served on several standing Committees, over the past ten years, as well as Special Committees including the Committee on Violence Against Indigenous Women and the Special Subcommittee on a Code of Conduct for Members.

In 2010, ‎she was voted the ‘Rising Star’ by her colleagues in the Maclean’s annual Parliamentarian of the Year Awards.

Since 2017, Kelly has served as Co-Chair of CANFoRB, the Canadian branch of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion and Belief (IPPFoRB).

Prior to being elected as a Member of Parliament, Kelly served on the town council of Waldheim, Saskatchewan for three terms, serving two of those terms as Mayor. At the same time, she was a member of the Saskatoon Regional Health Authority and the Director of Administration at Forest Grove Community Church.

Kelly and her husband Milton have four children, all of whom are married, and ten grandchildren.

+ Cheryl Hotchkiss

Cheryl grew up in Southern Ontario and spent her teenage years supporting the family’s dairy and beef farm. Following this formative experience, she has been working in the social justice advocacy field for over 25 years with experience ranging from local community advocacy projects to international advocacy campaigns. Starting her advocacy career with a local anti-violence organization, then moving to Amnesty International Canada where she was the lead campaigner in thematic areas including; women’s human rights, human rights in Asia and business and human rights.

A key highlight of her time with Amnesty was her involvement with the team that released a report in 2004 on a pattern of racialized violence committed against Indigenous women in some of Canada’s major urban areas. In 2008, she moved to World Vision Canada to help build their public advocacy campaigning practice. In her eleven years with World Vision, she led campaigns on child health, protecting children in conflict and the ending the worst forms of child labour. Through this she was humbled and motivated by the hope she discovered in her conversations with dozens of women leaders in developing contexts around the world fighting for the well-being of their children and communities.

Her passion is to motivate and enable Canadians to be active participants in local, national and international communities working to ensure full well-being for the least of these.

Cheryl has an Honours BA in History and Political Science from Carleton University and an MA in Human Systems Intervention from Concordia University. She is married and a parent to two university aged children. She loves hiking, biking, roller-blading – anything that gets her outdoors.

You can follow her on instagram here.

+ Shannon Mischuk

Celebrating a life filled with diverse experiences and commitment, Shannon has recently embarked on the joyous journey of grandparenthood, both in the natural and spiritual realms. Transitioning from a fulfilling three-decade role as the co-founding pastor, she now embraces the role of an overseer, offering wisdom and guidance.

Beyond the pulpit, her professional journey spans nearly two decades in digital and influencer marketing. Currently pursuing an MS in Leadership, her heart remains dedicated to community building and supporting others in their personal and spiritual growth.

In the quieter moments, you'll catch her immersed in TikTok, savouring naptime, and fueling her days with copious amounts of coffee. A firm advocate for flexibility, she lives by the mantra, "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken." Her passion for cheering people on in their journeys continues to be the driving force behind her endeavours.

Stephanie Morales-Beaulieu is a lover of God’s Word and shares that passion online, from the stage, in her living room, and anywhere else God opens the door. Through losing her dad and learning how to hold onto God’s promises, came a passion to see make the truth accessible to those new to it, overwhelmed by it, or longing to be changed by it.

Her first book, Anything But Ordinary: Finding Faith that Works When Life Doesn’t, was inspired by her dad’s life-changing divine encounter that profoundly influenced the too-short journey to his death from ALS. She is the creator of Bite-Size Bible Study® and has authored A Roadmap to Trials (Journey through James), Walk in Love (Ephesians) and most recently, The Flourishing Life (The Parable of the Sower).

She is a born communicator with contagious love and enthusiasm for Jesus. As a wife to Mike and mom of four, she shares from her wealth of relatable stories that will inspire you to see everyday life through the lens of truth. She is authentic, funny and you will wish she lived next door.

To learn more about Stephanie, visit everydaytruth.ca

+ Anne Miranda

Born and raised in Canada with a Lebanese heritage, Anne understands the challenges and beauty of being a first-generation Canadian. Anne is passionate about seeing the lives of women transformed by Jesus and loves encouraging others to reach their full potential as they advance the kingdom of God in their lives. She loves the Bible and is dedicated to training up women to be students of the scriptures as she directs the women’s ministry at Village Church in Surrey, British Columbia.

Anne and her husband Carlos have been married for eleven years and are parents to Nathaniel and Hannah. She enjoys walks on the beach, cheerleading really loud at her kids sporting events, and exploring new cafés.

+ Cheryl Nembhard

As an award winning Playwright, Director, Composer & Filmmaker, Cheryl Nembhard continues to make her mark in the Arts & Entertainment Industry. Cheryl has become known as an important Story Teller in the Toronto scene; presenting her art in creative, cutting edge and bold ways.

Cheryl’s impact is felt far beyond the stage as she has dedicated most of her life to community service and helping those in need. For many years, she has been involved in the rehabilitation of troubled youth, former gang members, ex- drug addicts, rape victims and teenage mothers. Cheryl has focused her life to working in and establishing creative spaces for them to discover themselves and find healing. Cheryl recently served as Artistic Director for Toronto City Mission; developing creative arts programs for at-risk youth & low income families. For the past 4 years, Cheryl has created & developed her own successful Summer Arts Camp program for underprivileged children. She recently won the Award of Excellence Humanitarian award in Toronto, recognizing her artistic & community efforts.

In 2011 Cheryl and her husband founded Exousia Media Group (EMG), a multimedia company utilizing all facets of the arts to address the social issues that plague society. It has since won several awards and has become one of Canada’s premier inspirational multimedia companies, impacting lives through theatre, film & television.

+ Elizabeth Pierce

Elizabeth Pierce is a wife, mother of two teen boys, and Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist by profession. She has worked at the same counselling agency since 1996, where she started as a therapist, until 2010 when she became the Executive Director.

In 2014, God prompted her to write a book. She never intended to be an author. Her goal was simple – to “make a difference” in this world using the gifts and talents God had given her. She always thought that meant one person at a time in the confines of a counselling office. However, when God began asking her to do things that didn’t fit inside the four safe walls of a counselling office, she became aware that she was being led on a journey that would lead her to fulfill the plan God had in store for her. Deep, Soulful Places is a culmination of all that transpired, personally and professionally, as she sought to be a vessel for Him.

When she is not at work, Elizabeth lives a busy life, full of children’s sporting events, serving at Forest Brook Community Church as a ministry leader and preacher, acting as Board Chair for Gather Women, and spending time with the important people God has blessed her with. Most importantly though, she is tenderly, yet passionately pursued everyday by a loving God, and wants to ensure that everyone else understands that they are too.

+ Idelette McVicker

Idelette McVicker is the author of Recovering Racists: Dismantling White Supremacy and Reclaiming Our Humanity. She is also the founder of SheLoves Media Society and the Dangerous Women community. She was born as a white, Afrikaans woman in South Africa during the apartheid years, which profoundly shaped her quest for Love, justice, liberation and repair. Before moving to Canada, she worked as a journalist in Taiwan. Idelette is married to Scott and they have three teenagers, two dogs and a restaurant.

You can find her at idelette.com, or on Instagram at @idelettemcvicker

+ Krista Penner

Krista loves to connect people to Jesus. Whether she is running errands or speaking at a church, sharing Christ matters to her. Krista works for Fellowship Pacific in Leadership Development and has the privilege of teaching board governance and leadership principles as well as Crucial Conversations in Fellowship Pacific churches across BC and Yukon.

She shares life with her husband, Jerome, in Mission, BC and is almost an empty nester! She has three children; her two oldest children are living in the US and her youngest will graduate from high school this year.

Krista enjoys cooking for everyone in her life and quite often you will find her in her kitchen, wearing her apron, creating something that calls for a pound of butter!

+ Maureen Brown

Maureen’s passion is that every person would come to the full understanding that God loves them, He made them, and He has a plan and purpose for their life. She is a wife, mother of six (three by birth and three by marriage), “Grandma Moe” to two little boys, and a Pastor in her church.

In collaboration with Marlynn Heagy she founded a ministry called The Mentor Moms, with the goal to support and encourage women in one of the hardest jobs in life – being a mom. With that same heart for helping women, she serves in various capacities with Women’s Journey of Faith.

Maureen is a Certified Life Coach and she meets with people individually and in groups to inspire them to live the full life they were created to live. She prays that God uses her life’s joys and struggles to give hope and encouragement to others.

+ Sherry Stahl

Sherry is an International Speaker Certified with the John Maxwell Team, author of Water In The Desert; and the Soul H2O Devotional, taken from her refreshing blog. She’s a fun, passionate Bible teacher whose desire is to lead others to the life-giving Water in the Word! Her weekly Soul H 2 O devotions bring refreshment to the soul. She’s the VP of Operations for Women In Music & Media (WIMM Canada) and Canadian Ambassador for Christian Women In Media Assoc. (CWIMA).

Sherry’s a race car enthusiast, happily remarried to her crazy talented artist/firefighter hubby, Todd, author of 40 Days In The Man Cave. Todd and Sherry are co-founders of TAKE THE 40 DAY CHALLENGE. A program to enhance or help build the habit of personal daily devotions; for individuals and churches. Together, Todd and Sherry have 4 kids between them with Bookend Brandons. The kids are all ‘recently adults’, making Todd and Sherry ‘recently’ empty-nesters!

+ Danielle Macaulay

Danielle Macaulay is an author, blogger, podcaster, speaker and television personality on the marriage television show “A Better Us” (abetterus.tv). She is passionate about her marriage to her husband, recording artist Dan Macaulay (danmacaulay.com), her two young boys, Keaton and Braden, and about helping women grow in their faith (she isn’t afraid to admit she’s also passionate about donuts, Hallmark movies and the spa). She provides regular nourishment for both your body and soul at her popular blog spot frommilktomeat.com and offers families spiritual nourishment and kid friendly recipes in her children’s meal time devotional, “Table Talk: Family Dinner Devos”. Her passion project is her new release, “Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?!”, a book that encourages and challenges women towards unity.

+ Cheryl Weber

Cheryl has been passionate about impacting culture with life-changing stories for more than 20 years as a Director, Journalist, Social Justice Activist and Television Host. Her commitment to fight poverty and exploitation has taken her from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro to some of the most desperate places on the planet. Named as one of the top 100 Christian women in Canada, she was honoured to receive a Woman of Excellence Award for Raising Global Awareness and an International Women Achievers’ Media Award. She is currently the Senior Executive Producer and Co-host of Canada’s longest running daily television show, 100 Huntley Street.

+ Helen Reimer

Helen has a passion for justice and the local church. After working for Proctor and Gamble in sales, Helen joined Christians Against Poverty (CAP) in their UK headquarters. She later pioneered CAP in Canada, which launched in 2013 in Hamilton, ON. Today she is the Director of Business Development at Fairtrade Canada in Ottawa, working to inspire Canadian businesses to source ethically. She also runs Freiheit Care Inc., a homecare company run very much as a Kingdom business caring for both seniors and people with disabilities.

+ Kaitlyn Cey

Kait grew up roaming between canola fields and gravel roads on the Canadian prairies with plenty of time and space to explore God’s green earth. After high school she attended Bible College and University and is now working as the Pastor of women’s ministries at Elim Church and as a high school teacher in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Kait is passionate about team building and leadership development, as she loves seeing people empowered to achieve their goals and accomplish their God given dreams and potential – whether in a classroom or church setting. She is committed to providing resources and supports for people to thrive by fostering learning and growing environments that promote resiliency, belonging and collaboration.

Kait enjoys running the paths of Saskatoon, playing hockey with friends in the winter, steamed milk, bright spring flowers, beach volleyball, curling up with a good book, and learning from diverse people and voices.

+ Lynda Schoffro

Lynda is the President of the Gospel Lighthouse Bookstore chain and founder of Glow Box, an online company selling inspirational subscription boxes for women. She has worked in the Christian retail industry alongside her Mother for over 20 years and is excited to be forging her own way in a new avenue of the market by tackling online sales.

She has a love for music and, knowing the importance of being open to change and learning, she has recently begun learning to play piano by ear, after years of conservatory training. As a bookstore owner, she has a wide variety of reading materials at her fingertips and never has (or wants!) a shortage of books on her nightstand, making Ellen’s Pick’s the perfect community to be a part of.

+ Heather Card

Heather Card is the President of Five Smooth Stones Consulting. Heather’s keen desire is to call Christians around the board tables of churches and Christian ministries to integrate biblical theology and practice.

Heather is the former Chief Operating Officer at the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (2004 – 2014) and prior to that enjoyed a fulfilling career in municipal finance. She has over 15 years of board experience both at her local church and in Christian ministry. She has served in a variety of roles including board chair.

Heather is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA) and holds a Master of Theological Studies degree and Bachelor of Business Administration. She is currently completing a professional doctorate in Practical Theology at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

+ Barb Rudoski

Pastor Barb & her husband Brent are senior pastors of Faith Alive Family Church. In that role, she excels at mobilizing and motivating the body of Christ to step up and take their place and fulfill their potential in the Kingdom of God. As both a minister and a parent, Pastor Barb has a strong desire to train children even at a young age to be mighty warriors for God. To that end, she has written and developed a Nursery and Pre-School program for children’s ministry. As well, she oversaw the production of 3 worship CDs, was a teacher at Prairie Christian Academy for 20 years, currently teaches at Faith Alive Bible College and has counselled many people. For the past 5 years, Barb has been the driving force behind the Faith Alive Show which currently airs on the Miracle Channel. Currently, Barb serves as president of Women’s Journey of Faith, a multi-denominational ministry inspiring women to an authentic journey, united in Christ. She is compassionate, personable, energetic, and fiery, and is totally convinced that nothing is more important than giving your life completely to the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

+ Esther Lysakovsky

Esther is a Senior Advisor with Alpha Canada and resides in Truro, NS with her wonderful husband, Max, and 2 sweet sons, George and Henry. She has had a heart for the local church since she was a young child, and it has been her great honor to serve the church throughout Eastern Canada for over 20 years in whatever capacity has been needed- from women’s and children’s ministry to preaching, teaching, mentoring and leading worship. Her passion is to know Christ and to make Him known.

Having grown up in beautiful Nova Scotia, Esther considers herself a Maritimer at heart. But in 2007 God led her to Ontario for a role with Open Doors, supporting persecuted Christians internationally. It was there she met her husband, started a family, and served as a lay leader in the church. When her boys were aged 1 and 3 she started a branding and design studio from home, working with creative entrepreneurs throughout North America. She also founded and led a women’s ministry in her local church, helping young women and their families build lasting relationships with one another while growing spiritually and as leaders within the church. In January 2019 she and her husband felt God stirring them to move their family to NS, not knowing fully what was in store but trusting that His plans are perfect. Five days after selling their home in Ontario, Esther was approached by a leader in her church to apply for the position of Senior Advisor with Alpha Canada, serving the local church… and based in Atlantic Canada. God is faithful!

Esther’s great joy and passion is to encourage the Church to live out their faith authentically, discover their unique identity in Christ, and use their God-given gifts for His glory. She loves to travel and explore the unique culture and history that makes each place special-particularly the food! She equally loves cozying up with a good book and a cup of tea, and going on adventures with her hubby and boys.

+ Jane Twohey

A true Canadian girl, she loves all things Canada: hockey, beaver tails, toques, Tim Horton’s coffee, and of course Canada’s beautiful maple leaf flag.

Jane discovered her faith in the tragedy of 9/11 and immediately joined an Alpha course where God began to unravel who He was and who He had called her to be. She ended up organizing and facilitating Alpha in her community for several years and witnessed the transformation of many lives.

Prior to joining Apologetics Canada, Jane was the Events Manager for RZIM Canada and has a deep-rooted passion for apologetics, evangelism and intercession. She truly can’t do one without the other.

Jane also worked for two amazing not for profits: The Word Guild, a community of Canadian writers, editors, speakers, publishers, booksellers, librarians who are Christian and Room 217, a music-based health arts organization and social enterprise that provides an innovative approach to health and well-being called music care.

Jane lives in a small rural town in Ontario with her family and her rescue dog, Coco.

Connect with Jane on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-twohey-59695a3a/

+ Kim Lester

Encouraging, resourcing and empowering others to achieve great outcomes has always been a huge passion for Kim. Over the years she has held a number of leadership positions – primarily in the not for profit sector. A little over six years ago, her experience and passion culminated as she began working with Mennonite Central Committee, an international Christian NGO focused on relief, development and peace. As the Associate Executive Director in Ontario, Kim gives pioneering leadership to MCC’s first ever comprehensive fundraising strategy (a story in itself since MCC is now 100 years old!) and has taken the program from a two staff operation to a multi-staff team, raising over $10 million annually. She also provides leadership on a national level, supporting the implementation of these strategies across the country.

Kim and her husband Todd (who serves in ministry with the Be in Christ) have two young adult daughters, both of whom are completing their university studies, and a cute Shorkie named Stella. In their down time, Kim and Todd love embarking on adventures – the highlight of recent years being their epic 11 day/265 km hike around the Mont Blanc massif in Europe.

+ Tryphea Perumalla-Gagnon

Tryphena grew up as a second generation immigrant in Toronto, where she was surrounded by good food and people from every walk of life. It’s no surprise that people feeling known and loved is the ethos by which she desires to live her life today. That life has changed a lot over the years as she studied sociology and education, taught elementary school, was home with her littles, and served in various local churches. All of those experiences have deepened her passion to see individuals walk in freedom and be able to bring their whole, authentic self into every facet of their life, especially when it comes to racial identity.

Tryphena and her husband, Marc currently live in Guelph, Ontario where they have the privilege of serving their local church and exploring cute ice cream shops with their two effervescent littles. Tryphena can often be found with a book in her hand, enjoying the glory that is chocolate, and laughing loudly with the people she loves.

+ Carolyn Innis

Carolyn’s career in media has taken her from in front of the camera reporting television news, to behind the camera producing and copywriting, to many roles in between that make the magic of television happen! Currently serving as the Communications Director at Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. and yesTV, Carolyn is passionate about media that helps people along their Christian journey. When Carolyn is not connecting with viewers, partners, and organizations about the important work done at Crossroads, she is taking care of her two young daughters with her husband Reg in Brantford, Ontario. Carolyn serves at Brant Community Church where her husband pastors, and she is passionate about seeing believers embrace neighbourliness and hospitality.

+ Christine Martin

Christine is a married mother of three kids, living just outside of Toronto, Canada. Life is chaotic on most days, but Christine believes that there is still beauty to be found, amidst the chaos of everyday life. She loves to blog about all things family lifestyle: from party planning to delicious recipes, simple DIY projects, travelling adventures, home decor and so much more! You will also find a few personal anecdotes where Christine opens up about some of the harder struggles in life that we all face from body positivity to mental health. Christine’s been featured in Apartment Therapy, Baby Center, House Beautiful and seen on Canada AM! You can read more of her blog at www.amidstthechaos.ca

+ Deborah Wilkins

Deb was born and raised in Toronto. In 1977, she both graduated from Queen’s University, and married her husband, Mike. They moved to London in 1984, when Mike became the pastor of West London Alliance Church where they happily served for 31 years.

In 1990, they gave homeschooling a try. She and two friends launched a weekly co-op program called H.I.G.H.Day (Homeschoolers In God’s Hands), which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Seven years later, when her homeschooling concluded, Deb took a position at Compassion Canada. She is currently a member of the Executive Leadership Team representing the Engagement Group, providing service and support to all donors. Compassion is a great fit because it aligns with her love for both the local church and holistic child development. She has worked hard to build a team that is passionate about serving supporters as they help to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

+ Ellen Duffield

Ellen is the Director of the Leadership Studio at Muskoka Woods. Her life work includes the ups and downs of 36 years of marriage, raising two children, and co-founding an international leadership development initiative; 30 years of organizational, camping and church leadership experience; and ongoing involvement in research projects including an international project about women in leadership… and the joy and heartache such journeys provide.

A Master Mentor with the Real Power Network, Ellen is also an author, and a lifelong student-teacher. She loves to see women grow in their leadership competence and confidence. Her identity as a mother and grandmother is deeply important to her and much of the work she does is for these future generations. She has two children and six grandchildren, all of whom live near her in Muskoka, Ontario.

+ Janice Nikkel

Janice loves people and being involved in projects and roles that have impact for the kingdom. Raised in Oakville, Ontario, Janice headed west to attend Trinity Western University where she met her husband of 30 years, Peter Nikkel. Janice has held a wide variety of roles over the years, from being part of the “Circle Square” gang, to producing evangelistic Life Stories, to serving as Junior High Director at her church. She was a producer for the TV show, “Marriage Uncensored”; wrote a hockey column for Hockey Now Newspaper, raised funds for The Wellspring Foundation for Education (schools in Rwanda), hosted pre-screenings for inspiring films with Faith Films (Graf-Martin Communications), and most recently served as Executive Director of Alumni & Families at TWU. She’s been a guest on Huntley St.; 700 Club; See, Hear, Love; and a contributing writer for various blogs.. Her experiences are varied, but her sole desire is to live for Jesus, wherever He directs her.

She is a Colson Fellow, has her MA in Leadership from TWU, and is currently working on her BC Real Estate Course.

Her greatest joy is being momma to four amazing grown kids (Tori, Lincoln, Virginia, & Lewis), two awesome sons-in-laws (Silas & Devin), and now gramma to Benji. She raised her family with her hubby Peter at Poplar Hill Farm in Langley, BC, where they raise grass-fed beef and breed St. Bernards.

+ Catherine Robertson

Communicating to people and helping them engage with life-changing messages has always been a passion for Catherine. Her 45+ year career has included leading advertising agencies in Toronto and Vancouver for clients across Canada and the USA and designing communication plans based on her research of people and media.

In 1996, Catherine brought together her love for media, ministry and marketing, and founded Eaglecom Marketing, which has served clients across North America for over 23 years. As a team of 13 dedicated professionals, Eaglecom comes alongside organizations that literally change lives. Along with the in-house media planning and buying services, Eaglecom engages other communication experts as required, knowing that the main goal is to create the most effective communications plan for their clients.

Catherine loves to spend time with her husband, Doug, as well as her four married adult children, who live all over the continent. She has now entered the “Grammy” club and is amazed at the joy that comes from her 3 (almost 4) grandchildren. While life is busy with work and family, Catherine tries to fit in cooking, decorating and working out! It is always a challenge to find enough time to read, but with a love of words, Catherine does her best to follow insightful authors and learn from their experiences.

+ Vanessa Hoyes

Coach Consultant Communicator Collaborator

Hi! My name is Vanessa Hoyes. I love people and I am all about seeing YOU find your fire.

I have 25 years of experience leading in the not-for-profit sector, alongside an entrepreneur husband. We have pastries and grown two charities. I am a trained coach to individuals, teams & organizations. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in counseling.

We pioneered a church in Montreal Quebec in 2015 when we moved there from Australia not knowing a single person there. Our church is thriving in two locations and we love our city, province and the nation of Canada.

I’ve had the privilege of coming alongside thousands of people (near as their leader or from a distance as a communicator) as they take next steps in their personal growth. It’s my passion to see people evolve.

+ Ann Mainse

Ann Mainse is best known for her years as co-host, with her husband Ron, of Canada’s longest running daily TV show, 100 Huntley Street. As well, she was the creator and host of Full Circle, a women’s TV talk show that aired for six years. Ann regularly speaks at women’s events, has a daily devotional radio segment on JOY Radio, and a daily podcast called Sincerely Yours, featured on FaithStrongToday.com. Ann is currently working on a book project that will be a unique daily devotional through the New Testament for women.

Recently, Ann and Ron have taken over leadership of Heart to Heart Marriage and Family Ministries, a stand-alone charitable ministry that helps couples learn how to do marriage God’s way. Sharing from the lessons they’ve learned over their 33 years of marriage, as well as accumulated wisdom from others on the journey, they provide help to couples who are either in crisis or simply want to enrich the marriage they have through fun and engaging ways.

Ron and Ann conduct all day marriage seminars, host fun date nights, take couples’ road trips, host weekend getaways, provide personal marriage coaching and more! They believe that whatever time you set aside to enrich your marriage will have a lasting impact, not only for today, but into the next generation as well.

+ Rose Zacharias Meeder

Dr. Rose Zacharias is a hospital-based family physician and will be serving as the President of the Ontario Medical Association 2022-2023. For the last 20 years, she has practiced as an emergency department physician, a hospitalist and surgical assistant, primarily at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. She currently works in a COVID-19 screening unit, providing medical coverage to psychiatry in-patients at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health in Penetanguishene.

Her advocacy work is focused on physician mental health and wellbeing and she is involved in physician wellness initiatives. Dr. Zacharias is known as a conversation catalyst, bringing depth, curiosity and a faith perspective to many conversations. As a graduate of Harvard University’s Media and Medicine Certificate Program, she enjoys writing and believes in the power of combining evidence and narrative to bring about positive change. She is married to a pediatrician and they have four children.

+ Joy Byers

A Montreal native, Joy found her way into the loving arms of Jesus much later in life. Joy is Mom in a blended family with four grandbabies and “Mama Bear” to many others that God has placed in her path. Joy loves using words and sounds to create and produce music and to encourage others. Joy is discipleship pastor at The Peoples Church in Toronto and is passionate about equipping the body to handle the Word of God.

+ Charlene Quiring

Char is the founder and now co-leader of the Sisterhood YXE movement in Saskatoon. She is especially passionate about engaging, encouraging and mobilizing the next generation of young women. She believes Revelation 12:11, that the enemy is defeated by the words of our testimony, and much victory is gained personally and corporately by generations sharing personal stories of faith to each other. She believes that through coming together to worship, pray, teach and serve, the body of Christ will be revived; and that a woman’s heart is uniquely crafted and designed specifically by the Father for connecting, encouraging and empowering others. The church will be strengthened by pouring faith and value into our girls and women. Char was one of the visionaries and initial members of WJOF and also served with Christian Counselling Services Saskatoon. She counts it a humbling privilege to serve and lead in any area where God has given her opportunity. She has three grown children, all married within in the last three years, so many wonderful family changes and growth. She has also been involved in her husband’s family trucking business in Human Resources for many years. Her life highlights almost always involve family time; gathering together for meals, laughter and spending time traveling together. She enjoys running, biking, hiking, reading, coffee time with friends and dreaming about new ways to connect women to each other and ultimately to the heart of their loving Father.

+ Renee James

Renee James is communications director for Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec (CBWOQ) and editor of its award-winning magazine live. Prior to this, she spent 19 years working her way up the ladder at two of Canada’s largest ad agencies and another seven years as administrative pastor at a downtown Toronto Convention Baptist church. She recently joined the admin team of Baptist Women of North America, taking on the role of vice-president communications and promotion.

An award-winning writer and editor, Renee contributes to a number of magazines and online blogs including Christianity Today’s CT Women and Gifted For Leadership. She also contributes, on occasion, to Faith Today.

Renee loves to write about the grace notes in our lives – those notes of lament and hope we all sing that glide, finally, into the only note that matters . . . God’s unyielding love for us.

Married to Jeffry since 1986 and a mother since 2007, she worship leads, builds and hosts interactive prayer rooms for ministry events, leads workshops on how to walk a labyrinth, does prayer-walks through her neighbourhood and will soon start a ministry inviting women to make space for God.

+ Julianne August

Julianne August is a strategic leader and inspiring communicator who enjoys equipping and investing in others. Her heart beats for the local church, women, leaders, for prayer and rhythms of rest that nourish our souls. She is the Executive Director at Compass Community Church, a multi-site church in Orangeville, Ontario. She is currently giving leadership to the Gather Women Prayer Movement and is excited about Canadian women uniting their voices in prayer from coast to coast.

Julianne is a life coach and serves with various faith based organizations both nationally and regionally. Her life is made richer sharing it with her husband Paul and two adult sons, friendships, a good book, guacamole and her camera.

+ Dr. Laura Lewis

Dr. Laura is a speaker, leader, and family physician with over 20 years’ experience. Dedicated to helping bring reform and hope to individuals impacted by an unexpected pregnancy, she serves as the Executive Director of Pregnancy Care Canada. Her work and passion have included international efforts to educate on the value of life and the hope available through Jesus Christ to those impacted by abortion.

She is married to a wonderful man, has been blessed by two amazing boys, and lives in one of the most beautiful parts of the world – Muskoka, ON. Her website is www.drlauralewis.com

+ Shannon Acheson

Shannon Acheson is a mostly self-taught designer, decorator, writer, and stylist. Although she has completed her interior design training, she’d much rather teach you how to decorate your own home than do it for you. She is the editor and designer behind HomeMadeLovely.com. Her happy place is in the suburbs of Toronto, where she is a Homebody with a capital H, a Jesus girl, a happy wife to Dean, and a homeschooling mom of two teenagers and one twenty year old.

+ Angela Doell

Angela is a wholehearted leader and a creative at heart. As Lead Pastor at Relate Church in the Vancouver area she is devoted to teaching with authenticity and empowering others, encouraging many to find their voice and rise in their calling. Angela and her husband Rod have been married for 25 years and have two grown kids, Madi and Miller.

+ Kim Savage

Kim Savage Bio coming soon