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Gary Hoyt has been in pastoral ministry for over 42 years, most of that time serving as lead pastor of a thriving church in Omaha, Nebraska. During this time, Gary also served as Assistant Superintendent of the Nebraska Assemblies of God for 16 years, and on the Board of Regents of North Central University for 20 years.
Pastor Hoyt is perhaps best known for surviving a devastating automobile accident which left him paralyzed from the chest down. Despite the dramatic upheaval to his life and family, he continued to pastor the same church—more years as a quadriplegic, than when he was ambulatory. His story is a compelling picture of God’s strength and triumph in the midst of human weakness and adversity. Today Gary continues to preach and teach both locally and throughout the country, sharing his testimony and the faithfulness of the Lord. He currently ministers at Presence City Church in Dublin, CA. He and his beloved wife Laurie have been married 43 years, have two children and three grandchildren.
Laurie Hoyt is a wife, mother, nana, ordained pastor, and frequent conference speaker with a passion to see people walk in their purpose and discover freedom. Through her transparent and down-to-earth style, she communicates a message of hope and truth in the midst of painful circumstances—a message which resonates with young and old alike. You will be challenged and encouraged!
In the year 2000, the landscape of her life was radically changed when her husband, Gary was involved in a tragic automobile accident which left Gary paralyzed from the armpits down. What could have embittered them in their marriage, family, ministry or relationship with God has proven to make Laurie and Gary stronger. Unashamedly, Laurie shares her struggles to adjust to a life she had not planned or chosen.
Today, Laurie and Gary live in the Bay Area of northern California. Their Daughter, Anna and husband Jonathan and their 3 children live nearby. Their son, Danny and wife Blair live in Dallas, Texas. The Hoyts have now been married for over 43 years and enjoy travel, new adventures, great coffee, spending time with the grands and serving in their local church.
Tina has displayed over 30 years of unwavering commitment to marriage, motherhood, and ministry. She is guided by God’s greatest commandment to Love God, Love Others and Love Self. This simple yet profound mission has shaped every facet of her personal and professional life which has produced meaningful impact and lasting results within her faith, family, church and community.
Tina passionately leads and loves people toward the fullness of life in Christ through a holistic approach of growth and development in all areas: body, soul and spirit. Her instruction and insight are encouraging and inspiring as she teaches and trains from a biblical worldview that is culturally relevant yet scripturally sound.
Tina is the Pastor of Children and Families at Liberty Church in Shrewsbury, MA and the founder of the Christian Family Resource Network. She has a degree in Elementary Education from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, MA and is licensed to teach with SEI certification in the state of Massachusetts.
Dr. Mike Caparrelli was born and bred in Providence, Rhode Island, a troubled kid who squandered his adolescence in institutions. At the age of 17 years old, he was incarcerated at a juvenile detention center for a string of robberies. During that time, his life was transformed by the power of Jesus Christ and he was mentored by Pasco Manzo, the President of New England and New Jersey Teen Challenge. He went on to study and graduate from Zion Bible College with a Bachelors in Biblical Theology, from Liberty University with a Masters in Education and a PhD from Capella University in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior. His doctoral dissertation is entitled, “The Impact of Involvement With the Evangelical Church upon the Recovery Journey of People with Chemical Addictions - A Qualitative Study"
Dr. Mike Caparrelli’s pastoral experiences included working alongside people in recovery from addictions, inmates and the mentally ill and. He has had the joy of watching God transform the worst offenders into devoted followers of Christ. He currently travels with UnMuted - a ministry that gives victims of oppression their voices back. He is a keynote speaker in churches, prisons, schools & other venues across the U.S. on subjects such as depression, addiction, grief, and early childhood trauma. Dr. Mike Caparrelli is also a psychology professor at Northpoint Christian College and Manchester Community College.
Most recently, Dr. Mike Caparrelli’s conducted a 100 hour, 34 session, analysis of David Berkowitz, formerly known as the son of Sam. The study sheds light on the mental health factors and demonic activity behind violence as well as Berkowitz’s miraculous conversion since 1988. The book, Monster Mirror, ranked #1 on Amazon in True Crime New Releases throughout October 2023. He has appeared on the 700 Club, Dr. Carolyn Leaf’s Podcast and Dr. Daniel Amen’s show.as the son of Sam. The study sheds light on the mental health factors and demonic activity behind violence as well as Berkowitz’s miraculous conversion since 1988. The book, Monster Mirror, ranked #1 on Amazon in True Crime New Releases throughout October 2023. He has appeared on the 700 Club, Dr. Carolyn Leaf’s Podcast and Dr. Daniel Amen’s show.
Rev. Brenna Kate Simonds has been learning to walk in freedom from same-sex attraction, disordered eating, and self-injury since January of 1999. She is the director of Alive in Christ, a ministry offering hope to those impacted by same-sex attraction. Brenna has had the opportunity to be in “The Boston Globe,” award-winning documentaries “Such Were Some of You” and “Just As I Am,” and the TV show, “Pure Passion.”
She is the author of the book “Learning to Walk in Freedom.” Brenna holds ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God and attends Brockton Assembly of God. Brenna's favorite pastimes are singing, gluten-free cooking, and enjoying the company of her husband and their three children at their home in Brockton, MA.
Anne is a leadership development and career coach. Her passion is to help people see their potential and achieve their goals and aspirations. Anne guides individuals, teams, and organizations through the process of achieving their goals and getting the results they desire. With her experience as an ordained minister, Anne knows how to help people integrate all parts of themselves to create the life and career they seek.
Anne received a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University where she has done research and gained significant experience in developing individuals, leaders, teams, and organizations. As a Results System™ Certified Practitioner, Anne helps clients get to the root of the issues quickly and helps clients create roadmaps for success. In addition, Anne is ACC certified with the International Coach Federation (ICF) and a Level 3 Proficient Coach with AG Coaching.
Florence is an author and speaker. She is an entrepreneur skilled in communications and marketing. She candidly shares wisdom and encouragement to single parents from her own life experiences. Her teachings are aligned with biblical truth. She is the author of “When the Other Parent is Abba.”
Tony & Susan Palow have been hosting Married for Life coaching events for over 20 years including retreats, conferences, small groups and one on one. They teach comprehensive systems of family and marriage that will change the way married couples relate to each other. They minister as marriage coaches to empower couples to stop the marital madness by following kingdom principles.
Tony, a certified life coach, earned a masters degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio. Susan has a BSN in nursing. Their clinical & coaching background gives them insight into real issues with real solutions. Tony & Susan have been married for 33 years and have five amazing children and four beautiful grandchildren.
Dr. Allison Matthews is an Early Childhood Education Consultant, specializing in staff training and EEC administrative support. She has over 30 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. Her clients include both center and family childcare programs. Dr. Matthews facilitates workshops, staff development trainings and mentoring on a broad spectrum of topics related to the field. Dr. Matthews holds degrees in Early Childhood Education, Human Services, Policy and Planning in Education, along with a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. Dr. Matthews is an Adjunct Professor of 18 years at Urban College of Boston, teaching in the Early Childhood division. She also serves as the Christian Education Director at Crossroads Worship Center in Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Christan Causey is an ordained minister and has served as a pastor, counselor, and teacher of the gospel for over 15 years. She is a licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor with the National Christian Counselors Association and holds a Masters Degree in Human Services Counseling in Marriage and Family Ministry. Christan seeks to bring pastoral support to communities of faith and their leaders – helping them find inner healing to grow in spiritual, mental, and emotional health. She currently serves as the Director of Minister Health for Southern New England Ministry Network, creating resources and systems of support to help ministry leaders lead in health and wholeness. Christan and her husband, Brad have three children and have served in ministry together for over 20 years.
Liz joined the New England Area Office of Joni and Friends in 2009. She has organized and facilitated Family Retreats for families living with disabilities. She provides networking and education for churches, disability service providers, non-profit and government organizations about issues affecting the disability community. Liz holds a Master's degree in Education from Penn State University. Previous professional experience includes non profit administration, volunteer management, development and fundraising.
Dino Dave Woetzel is a cryptozoology researcher, apologist and author. Dave conducts firsthand field investigations into possible living dinosaurians. Dave is the President of Genesis Park, where it is his goal to reclaim the dinosaurs for the glory of our awesome Creator. Dave teaches and trains both children and adults through Creation Investigations which includes topics such as creation vs evolution, biblical worldview, the flood and fossils, atheism, authenticity of the Bible and absolute truth.
Doug holds a certificate of clinical competence in communication disorders and works as a Speech- Language Pathologist in the Methuen Public Schools. He works with intensive needs preschool and language delayed children. He is also the communication and swallowing disorders consultant for Incompass Human Services, a day program for adults with developmental disabilities and has a private practice, specializing in communication-social difficulties related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Doug holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Penn State University. Doug desires to see a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity and their place in the body of Christ.