Daybreak 2009 Workshop Leader Bios
Laura Baker Finding Treasures Through Suffering Grace, the Gift of Rest The Fear of Man Laura Baker’s passion is counseling and discipling women to bring true healing and change to their lives. She is the author of Prasso, a twelve-week discipleship program designed to give Biblical answers to the “walking wounded” of this world. She also broadcasts a daily one-minute radio program called Prasso Passages, which gives a short, practical, yet challenging thought for the day. Laura has been married for 47 years and has three married children and ten grandchildren. Cheryl Belzer Pies and Noodles Making homemade pies and noodles is a time-honored skill Cheryl Belzer inherited from her mother and loves to share with family and friends. Cheryl is currently serving as the Prayer Coordinator for the Weldon Springs Christian Women’s Connection in Baubles and Bangles As a homeschooling mother of five boys, Building Strong Family Relationships Shari Fischer has a UMC degree in elementary/early childhood education and taught first grade in the Wentzville school district before devoting herself as a full-time, homeschooling mother of six boys, ranging in age from Jamie Praechter French Be Patient, God Isn’t Finished With Me Yet! Although Jamie French is first and foremost a military wife, mother, and homemaker, she has a passion for motivating women using the Word of God. A former television news anchor in both Tom & Theresa Goodwin Safety: Beyond Locking the Door Tom and Theresa Goodwin are co-leaders of Safe & Strong, a family-run women’s self-defense program established in 2000. Their hands-on approach teaches women to use any move that works in a self-defense situation, from martial arts to old-fashioned street fighting. Safe & Strong has been featured on several local news programs, including Fox Files, Tim Ezell’s Travels, and Show Me St. Louis. Blend, Bake, Bond: Priceless Time With Your Child Jon Hedgecorth Coffee…This Time It’s Personal Jon Hedgecorth, a self-proclaimed coffee lover, is a trained coffee barista who has been working for Picasso's Coffee House in Nancy Holth & Living Life at the Lemonade Stand Nancy Holth and TimePeace Dixie Hyland works for a software development company as a technical project manager. She has an MBA and is thinking about a doctorate! She loves to read, sing, teach, and travel, and spends as much time as possible with her husband, three grown children, and two grandchildren. Shelby Krietemeyer Arrive in Style: Fashion on a Budget Shelby Krietemeyer has always had a "passion for fashion," as Coco Chanel, her icon, would say. After becoming a stay at home mom, she realized that looking great did not necessarily require a lot of money. She began a successful jewelry business in 2001, and women from all over The Artist in You Pam Leonard Those Who Wait on the Lord Pam Leonard and her husband, Brian, have been married for 14 years and have two children, Bryson, 11, and Chloe, 9. Through various changes and challenges she and her family have faced, Pam has experienced the blessings that come from waiting on God’s timing. Pam currently homeschools, teaches a women's Bible study and a third- and fourth-grade Sunday school class, and helps with women's ministry at her church. Pam and her family live in Dr. Brandon Maxwell Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired? Mary McKinnis Stand Up and Speak Out! Mary McKinnis is a concerned citizen who is active in various arenas that promote Biblical morals and values. She has been a member of Concerned Women of America for over 10 years and is also associated with the Justice Foundation, the American Family Association, the Pillar Foundation, and various right-to-life movements. Becky Mehrle The Art of Using Coupons Becky Mehrle considers spending her family’s money wisely a challenge! She is a busy mom of three boys who enjoys spending time with family, cooking, volunteering in the community, and shopping for a great bargain. Pat Merold Leaving a Spiritual Legacy Pat Merold is a gifted speaker and author who has shared with hundreds of women over the years in conventions, retreats, seminars, and workshops. Her written lessons and articles have appeared in various periodicals throughout her 50+ years in ministry. Pat is married to Ben Merold, former senior minister at Harvester Christian Church, and has dedicated her life to making God’s Word interesting and challenging to women. Sue Moore It IS Easy Being Green! Sue Moore is a busy mother of twins, home economist, and owner of Healthy Home Concepts, offering natural solutions for a healthier life and a cleaner planet. Her passion for living a green lifestyle will inspire you to make small changes that will make a big difference! Salon Solutions to Help You Shine Cary O'Brien has over 20 years experience as a professional in his field. His credentials include being a nationally recognized platform artist, serving as National Education Manager for Rusk, Inc. for seven years, serving as a current member of the Board of Directors for P.B.A. (Professional Beauty Association), and being the sole owner of Cary O'Brien's Design and Color Spa, where he leads a team of 25 Salon Professionals. Blondina Polazzo “Fit” It In – Simple & Fun Fitness Techniques Blondina Polazzo has been a certified personal trainer for 16 years. She teaches a variety of fitness classes and loves to volunteer her time as a health and wellness speaker in the community, speaking at churches, schools, and companies about nutrition, exercise, heart disease, and diabetes. Blondina was a recent recipient of the 2009 St. Luke’s Healthy Woman Award. Donna Rogers Digging Up Your Roots After moving all over the east coast as a child, Donna Rogers wondered if she actually had roots. Her love of history sent her digging into her ancestry and what she found surprised her: Her grandfather had fought for the independence of Doyle and Jean Roth 10 Tips to Keep Your Spiritual Life Fresh Melanie Sanders & PJ Galant Time to R.E.A.D. (Relax, Energize, Appreciate & Delight) Melanie Sanders and PJ Galant have both worked at Barnes & Noble for four years, fostering their love of the written word. Melanie is a Merchandise Manager and PJ assists her as a children’s department leader. Their knowledge and excitement will inspire you to find a cozy corner and dive into a great book! Lori Sandy Food Connection: The Curious Case of Your Child’s Behavior Lori Sandy is a mom passionate about helping her kids overcome behavioral obstacles that have been thrown in their paths. She is excited to share with you the things she has learned during her rocky, but rewarding, journey. Lynda Schultz Time to Come Clean! Lila Shelburne Finding Significance in the Seasons of Life Lila Shelburne is currently completing her training as a Christian Life Coach to help others achieve greater purpose in their lives. She also assists House of Hope, a Romanian Orphan ministry, by performing administrative work from her home. Lila was an active member of Harvester Christian Church for many years prior to moving with her husband to Teresa & Margaret Sims Everything’s Better With Chocolate Teresa and Margaret Sims have more in common than their love of chocolate. Margaret's son, Randy, is Teresa's husband! While Teresa and Randy were just dating, Margaret and Teresa discovered that they both enjoyed not only eating chocolate, but also making chocolate candies as fun holiday family treats, as well as for weddings, baby and bridal showers, and gifts for friends and neighbors. They have now shared this hobby for 8 years and still watch for new things they can make with (or dip into!) chocolate. Marilyn Slavich We’re in the Money! As a CPA with an MBA in Finance, Marilyn Slavich serves as the Financial Manager at Harvester Christian Church and has served on both the Mission Committee and the Finance Committee. She is married with two sons and is involved with music, drama, and youth programs.
Tammie Stone Can I Get a Witness? Tammie Stone believes that witnessing can happen anytime, anywhere and it is every Christian’s responsibility to be prepared and ready to give an answer. You don’t have to be a theologian, but you do need to pray and watch for opportunities to share Jesus with anyone willing to listen. Tammie’s willingness to share God with others, particularly those in her workplace, has led many souls to Christ. You are sure to be encouraged by her story! Sally Tharp Ann Varwig Run for Your Life! By profession, Ann Varwig is a voice teacher and vocal professor at Catherine Williams Prayer Walk
Tammy Hasekamp was introduced to baking at the age of four by her grandmother. By the time she reached 10 years old, she was cooking for the entire family! Tammy worked professionally for 20 years, decorating cakes for all types of occasions, and although she is officially retired, she continues to bake for special events from time to time. Tammy now enjoys teaching her daughter the wonderful art of baking, and loves to bless others with her “sweet” talent. 
Doyle and Jean Roth have been blessed to travel around the world and experience first-hand many different mission works. They have seen what God is doing through the work of faithful men and women around the globe and have a passion for inter-cultural ministry and encouraging those who serve Christ in difficult settings. Through exciting stories and exotic food, you will learn how your life can be forever changed with an intercultural experience. 
Lynda Schultz entered the housecleaning profession after raising six children and has been blessing others with her proficiency for over 10 years. Her love for cleaning will encourage you in your pursuit of a cleaner home! 
Dinner in No Time
Sally Tharp is an independent team leader with The Pampered Chef®, a company committed to developing timesaving tools, tips, and recipes that enhance shared mealtime and suit busy lifestyles. Sally is a wife and mother of three who enjoys demonstrating how to make quick, delicious meals that are as much fun to prepare as they are to eat. 
Catherine Williams is a wife, mother, teacher, and motivational speaker who believes that prayer is a continuing, intimate dialogue with God during which we should both speak and listen. We can have full assurance that God both hears and responds to our needs, while speaking to us through His Word, life experiences, and even nature. Catherine will share her insights and provide inspiration to help you get the most from your Prayer Walk. 
Register Online Here
or follow the links below for more information:
About Daybreak | Daybreak Workshops | Conference Information
Girls Night Out | Hotel Listing | Promotional Materials | Contact Us