2020 Alphabetical CFHE SPEAKER INFO
Jessica Bellus is a busy wife, mom to 3 teenagers and preschool director at Valley Assembly. She loves to come up with creative ways to engage the hearts of kids so they can connect as they grow closer to Christ. She loves serving Jesus and helping others figure out where they fit in as they discover the gifts and talents God has given them.
Kelli Burton is a retired homeschool mom of 16 years. She has long been active in the local community through volunteering, leading co-ops, and teaching classes. She hopes to help homeschool her future grandchildren.
Kelly Clark has been organizing and attending field trips with her 3 kids for a long time. In 2008 she began to invite friends to join them. Kelly founded Exploring Families in 2013 to more easily connect families with educational explorations. Since that time she has organized more than 1,000 activities serving more than 10,000 people.
Susan Evans is a lively homeschool conference speaker. She has been an educator for two decades, first as a teacher, and now as a homeschool mom. She runs a huge unit studies membership site for homeschoolers. It includes thousands of video demonstrations, downloadables, and hands-on learning articles. She also teaches creative writing classes on DVD, where she wears costumes for different time periods to teach historical fiction writing. You will find hundreds of free hands-on learning articles and videos on Susan’s website. www.susanevans.org
Gina Frerichs is a young adult librarian with the Spokane Public Library. She is an Eastern Washington native raised in the small town of Walla Walla. In 2011, she graduated from Gonzaga University with her Bachelor of Arts in English and currently attends Rutgers University pursuing a Master of Information in library and information science. Gina strives to inspire the local young adult community with fun, educational programming and by creating safe spaces for them to thrive.
Emily Gwinn is a mother of two and Whitworth University student who works part-time in the Dual Enrollment office at Spokane Community College. She is passionate about providing students choices in their education.
Jandy Humble is the Youth Services Librarian at Liberty Lake Library. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a Master of Library and Information Science in 2015. She went to school to become an academic librarian but now she can’t imagine a more exciting job then children’s librarianship. She loves serving the children and teens of Liberty Lake.
Rachel Jankovic is a wife and mother of seven children. She is author of You Who: Why You Matter and How to Deal With It and Loving the Little Years. She is heavily involved with the Christ Church Ladies Bible Reading Challenge and invites you all to join in that great movement of Christian women becoming women of the word. https://www.christkirk.com/biblechallenge/women/" Rachel has been a guest speaker at several Great Homeschool Conventions, and many other conferences.
At KidOne Camps our number one focus is on children. Our mission is to invest in the lives of the children of Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area. We turn your child’s ordinary summer into a summer of exploration, creativity and fun. This is our one focus and first priority, hence the name KidOne. It is our purpose to provide families with a fun environment where children can grow.
We are a Christian organization and it is our passion to tell young children about God, the Bible, Jesus, and the message of salvation. We are here to reach out to children with the gospel (Mark 16:15), help them grow in relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18) and give them answers about the world from the Bible (1 Pet. 3:15). Your child’s ordinary summer will be transformed into a fun yet strong foundation for their future. This is our calling. To read more visit https://www.kidonecamps.com/our-mission
We are a Christian organization and it is our passion to tell young children about God, the Bible, Jesus, and the message of salvation. We are here to reach out to children with the gospel (Mark 16:15), help them grow in relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18) and give them answers about the world from the Bible (1 Pet. 3:15). Your child’s ordinary summer will be transformed into a fun yet strong foundation for their future. This is our calling. To read more visit https://www.kidonecamps.com/our-mission
Susan Madeira left her high-tech career to raise and homeschool her son beginning in 2000. After graduating him in 2018, Susan has been teaching math at a local private school in Duvall, WA. Susan has a BS in Engineering Mathematics and an MA in Education and has long had a passion for math and eliminating the myth that some people just "can't do math".
Toni Mankins is a mom of two amazing boys and a wife of 31 years to an incredible husband. After spending the past 22 years as a dental hygienist she has changed career’s and is now serving as the Children’s Pastor at Valley Assembly.
Toni has served kids over the years through volunteering in Sunday school, kid’s church, Christmas productions, youth group, overnighters, and so much more. She knows that kids are a vital part of building God’s kingdom. All they need is to be encouraged, equipped ,and released to be about their Father’s business.
Toni has served kids over the years through volunteering in Sunday school, kid’s church, Christmas productions, youth group, overnighters, and so much more. She knows that kids are a vital part of building God’s kingdom. All they need is to be encouraged, equipped ,and released to be about their Father’s business.
Dana Mannino is a librarian at the Spokane County Library District’s Valley branch. She was homeschooled until her junior year of high school, when she started college through the Running Start program. When she is not helping her younger siblings (ages 12 and 17) with their home school work, Dana enjoys reading George Elliot novels, middle grade chapter books, and concentration camp narratives.
Sierra Maynard is a Christian homeschool graduate from Idaho who has a fiery passion for equipping the next generation in the Lord. She serves as a volunteer with her family for Answers in Genesis, has graduated from Creation Training Initiative as an apologetics teacher, and is continually studying the power of ideas and worldviews. She is a horse enthusiast, writer, and desires to be used by God to help equip her generation, and generations that follow, to stand boldly on the truth of God's Word.
Skip Maynard is a dedicated Christian father to five wonderful blessings and loving husband to his wife Terri of 21 years. He is passionate about the Word of God, it's authority and how to defend it. He graduated from Pepperdine University as a Communication major, is a work-at-home father, deacon at his church and warrior for the faith. He and his family have traveled all over the United States in their RV as volunteers with Answers in Genesis, he has been trained through Creation Training Initiative to teach Creation Apologetics, loves to be outdoors in God's creation and is fervent to train and equip all men to fulfill their Godly calling. To God be the glory!
Terri Maynard is a passionate homeschool mother of 5, having graduated her oldest in 2018. She was convinced that she didn't have the patience to homeschool until the Lord convicted her and her husband, Skip to bring their two oldest home from public school. She has never regretted that decision. She is now passionate about helping other moms find their way in discipling their own kids, choose curriculum that glorifies Christ and teach on the authority of scripture. Her family ministers with Answers in Genesis as volunteers and she has completed the Creation Apologetics Teacher College (twice!) where she was equipped to teach on Creation Apologetics. She and her husband Skip have been blessed in 21 years of marriage.
Marsha Michaelis and her husband Kerry have four children and live in Kettle Falls, WA. She directs the Colville-area Classical Conversations program. Marsha was a normal kid who was homeschooled herself for a few years before attending college at the age of thirteen, at the same time as her sister and both parents. Later, she spent a decade working as an education policy analyst in Washington state. Marsha loves Jesus and his mind-blowing grace, classical education, homeschooling, weeding the garden (seriously!), and the delightful friendships and conversations that make life so beautiful.
Patrick Nurre, speaker and author, was in the second grade when he made his first big find – a large dinosaur bone in the alley behind his house! That was the beginning of a love for geology. Raised in beautiful Montana, he spent many days rockhounding near the Big Horn River. This early interest led him to a lifelong study of the world of geology. Patrick was trained in secular geology, but after becoming a Christian, he began to seriously reevaluate his previous evolutionary beliefs, and became, instead, a young-earth creationist.
Today, Patrick conducts geology classes (PreK-12) and seminars in the Seattle area, and speaks at numerous home school and church conventions on geology and our young earth. He also leads a variety of geology field trips every year, including Yellowstone Park, where he helps families discover the Biblical geology of the Park. Patrick is the vision behind Northwest Treasures, a 501(c)3 corporation, devoted to creating excellent geology kits, curricula and education for all ages. To help in this endeavor, Patrick has written 17 books on geology, for all ages. He is certified as a Biblical Creation Ministry Professional. In addition, he draws on over 40 years of pastoring experience. Patrick and his wife, Vicki, have three wonderful children and two grandchildren, and live in Bothell, Washington.
Today, Patrick conducts geology classes (PreK-12) and seminars in the Seattle area, and speaks at numerous home school and church conventions on geology and our young earth. He also leads a variety of geology field trips every year, including Yellowstone Park, where he helps families discover the Biblical geology of the Park. Patrick is the vision behind Northwest Treasures, a 501(c)3 corporation, devoted to creating excellent geology kits, curricula and education for all ages. To help in this endeavor, Patrick has written 17 books on geology, for all ages. He is certified as a Biblical Creation Ministry Professional. In addition, he draws on over 40 years of pastoring experience. Patrick and his wife, Vicki, have three wonderful children and two grandchildren, and live in Bothell, Washington.
Award-winning author Carmen Peone lives with her tribal husband, Joe, on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation in Northeast Washington. She gathers cultural knowledge from family and community members and has studied the language and various cultural traditions and legends under the late Marguerite Ensminger. She is a horse and photography enthusiast.
Lisa Price is a published author, Assembly of God Pastor, popular event speaker and well-known blogger. She is known for her candid, humorous and honest commentary on life, church and culture. Lisa’s greatest passion in life is to empower God’s people to successfully live out the truth of Scripture in their day-to-day lives.
Renie Smith is the founder of Meadowbrook Educational Services Inc. in Spokane Washington. She has worked with underachieving children and adults for over 30 years in the United States and internationally including Singapore, India, Bahamas, Malaysia, and South Africa.
Renie also trains professionals throughout the United States and internationally in Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom as well as those who come to the United States from Bermuda, China, Guatemala, India, and Japan.
Renie holds certification in the following specialized programs:
· Advanced Brain Technologies Sound Therapy certified for Air and Bone Conduction, TLP Achieve TLP Classic, TLP Level One, TLP Spectrum and Spatial Surround Open-air Classroom specifically designed for faster learning
· Audiblox Master Trainer Specialist · EFSAP Program Master Trainer Specialist
· SOI (Structure of Intellect) provider · Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitator
· Certified Slingerland Dyslexia Correction Provider for Levels One and Two
· Spalding’s Total Reading Method Renie developed “Establishing Foundational Skills for Academic Proficiency”, (“EFSAP”) Program. EFSAP is designed to avoid the gaps and confusions that cause learning inabilities/disabilities in academics. www.efsap.com
The National Association of Professional Women recognized Renie R Smith as Woman of the Year 2011/2012 for demonstrating excellence and dedication within her profession in the field of Special Education and Sound Therapy. She has been formally inducted into membership as a VIP Member of NAPW.
Renie also trains professionals throughout the United States and internationally in Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom as well as those who come to the United States from Bermuda, China, Guatemala, India, and Japan.
Renie holds certification in the following specialized programs:
· Advanced Brain Technologies Sound Therapy certified for Air and Bone Conduction, TLP Achieve TLP Classic, TLP Level One, TLP Spectrum and Spatial Surround Open-air Classroom specifically designed for faster learning
· Audiblox Master Trainer Specialist · EFSAP Program Master Trainer Specialist
· SOI (Structure of Intellect) provider · Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitator
· Certified Slingerland Dyslexia Correction Provider for Levels One and Two
· Spalding’s Total Reading Method Renie developed “Establishing Foundational Skills for Academic Proficiency”, (“EFSAP”) Program. EFSAP is designed to avoid the gaps and confusions that cause learning inabilities/disabilities in academics. www.efsap.com
The National Association of Professional Women recognized Renie R Smith as Woman of the Year 2011/2012 for demonstrating excellence and dedication within her profession in the field of Special Education and Sound Therapy. She has been formally inducted into membership as a VIP Member of NAPW.
Jen Garrison Stuber serves as the Advocacy Chair for the Washington Homeschool Organization, where she fields parent questions, runs the WHO facebook page, and advocates for homeschoolers with the legislature, school districts, athletic associations, the courts, and your mom (who doesn't think you're doing such a hot job at this homeschooling thing). She is a local Spokane resident who is still active in the homeschool community, providing counsel and support to homeschooling families locally and across the state.
"Radical Rick" Turner has provided hands-on science programs to children in the Inland Empire since September 2000. After working at Hewlett Packard for twenty years, Rick realized that it was time to do something that he REALLY enjoyed – working with kids, making slime, shooting off rockets and, most importantly, blowing stuff up! No, seriously, he LOVES blowing stuff up! It should be noted that safety is top priority! While Rick enjoys introducing children to the incredible world around us through fun and exciting science demonstrations, his number one rule is always “Safety first.”
Rick is the owner of Extreme Science. Extreme Science provides hands-on after school science programs to local elementary students as well as in-class field trips and, according to many principals and students, the best assemblies ever!
You can see Radical Rick almost every Saturday morning on KHQ, channel 6 during their morning news broadcast. Radical Rick provides a demonstration each week that is designed to get kids and adults interested in science by showing them some simple and fun experiments that they can do at home. Too many of the science shows on television today start and end with “don’t try this at home.” As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Rick is spending his life involving our children in hopes that they will gain confidence. A confidence that will stay with them a lifetime. A confidence that will encourage them to make every day a learning experience.
Rick is the owner of Extreme Science. Extreme Science provides hands-on after school science programs to local elementary students as well as in-class field trips and, according to many principals and students, the best assemblies ever!
You can see Radical Rick almost every Saturday morning on KHQ, channel 6 during their morning news broadcast. Radical Rick provides a demonstration each week that is designed to get kids and adults interested in science by showing them some simple and fun experiments that they can do at home. Too many of the science shows on television today start and end with “don’t try this at home.” As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Rick is spending his life involving our children in hopes that they will gain confidence. A confidence that will stay with them a lifetime. A confidence that will encourage them to make every day a learning experience.
Ruth Wagley I have enjoyed the privilege of directing the NWCS Homeschool Program for 8 years. My husband Doug and I came to Spokane to serve New Vision Lutheran Church in 1994, a conservative, evangelical fellowship dedicated to serving God’s most vulnerable people in the Hillyard and Chief Gary communities. We homeschooled our five daughters, while ministering as a family, preschool-8th grade and each engaged a unique high school education that included homeschooling, public education, and community college experiences. I love encouraging homeschool families and supporting their needs as parents and students navigate God’s best plan for Christian education together. I enjoyed many years in the independent homeschool cooperative community in Spokane and taught the Homeschool Qualifying Course for several years.
Sara Wallace graduated from The Master's University and was a classroom teacher before becoming a homeschool mom. She and her husband Dave live with their five young sons in Idaho. She is the author of Created to Care (P&R, 2019), For the Love of Discipline (P&R, 2018), and The Gospel-Centered Mom Bible study (Minuteman Press, 2014), and she writes at gospelcenteredmom.com. You can follow her on Facebook at "The Gospel-Centered Mom - Sara Wallace."