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Our Retreat Team
About Mary
I believe that each and every person is a child of God created for His plan and purpose. My young life was spent in hiding from who I was. My thoughts, feelings, ideas and desires weren’t heard, held or cared for well. I have spent many years processing my own life stories that have continually refined who I am today. It took a long time for me to understand that my life mattered, which led me to helping others see the same thing in themselves.
We all have stories that deserve love, care and attention. And now I get the privilege to serve others who need help navigating their own lives, similar to that of a sailboat that needs to have the best course of action to navigate choppy waters and safely get to its destination.
With a background in Psychology combined with my own personal experience processing trauma, it led me to a profound passion to help people recover by finding freedom, joy and purpose in their lives. Over the last 2 decades I have worked with teenagers to senior adults who have been affected by many life circumstances varying from matters of individual crisis, relational breakdown, feeling stuck in life, lacking purpose in profession, and grieving loss and other personal tragedies.
Through my professional training, coaching and certification in pain, trauma and abuse through the Allender Center School of Theology and One Life Maps, I have the tools and understanding to help people process their unique story and gain a renewed sense of self.
MARY STEVENS
Founder
Life Coach, Counselor & Teacher
About Jan
My ministry adventures began soon after marrying my high school sweetheart, Larry. Our 35 years in vocational ministry have given us the opportunity to serve around the country and overseas, allowing me to minister to women of all ages and all walks of life. I’ve enjoyed serving as a group leader for Bible Study Fellowship and other women's bible studies, being a mentor, retreat speaker, worship leader and working on staff at several churches.
After losing our daughter, Jessica, to a malignant brain tumor when she was 6 years old, my heart was shattered and my beliefs were put to the ultimate test. My faith was placed in the crucible along with my health, marriage, family and ministry. Through much prayer and support, we emerged from the fire with a refined strength and resiliency and the lessons our daughter taught me, left an indelible mark on my life. Jessica’s life story of courage, trust, and faith have shaped my own story and my battles with cancer, multiple autoimmune diseases and the stresses of motherhood and full-time ministry.
As I’ve ministered, a common struggle seems to be universal: as women, we often focus on caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others and disregard our own. Somehow, we’ve bought into the lie that neglecting ourselves makes us more spiritual and we plow on through life. As we are willing to pause and let God walk us through our own story, He brings clarity, healing and refreshment to hearts that are cracked and dry. Our Redeemer, Jesus, can use every single chapter of our story to bring restoration and freedom if we are willing to give the seemingly fragmented pieces to Him. He does this not only for us, but for those with whom our stories are intertwined.
JAN YANCEY
Teacher & Facilitator
About Temple
My Dad was stationed in Montgomery, AL in the USAF. This move was the foundation to the story of my life. It was where my best friend invited me to church and where I began my newfound faith in Jesus. Soon after, my love and passion for studying God’s Word developed, and my desire for others to understand turned into a lifetime of leading Bible Studies for all age groups.
I sensed a direction for my life shortly after I became a Christian. It was through a rare childhood illness that resulted in multiple hospitalizations over a 2 year span that shaped how God could use me as a Nurse. While i was receiving care, I witnessed a nurse being harsh and impatient to a child who was confused and alone. That child was me. People who are in the hospital need to feel valued, cared for and informed, so I earned my BSN at Auburn University at Montgomery and became an R.N.
Taking a sabbatical from Nursing, I had a unique opportunity of serving as a missionary for a year in Ukraine following the fall of the Soviet Union. It was where I met my husband Ted, a fellow American from Florida. We have been married over 25 years and have two adult children, Olivia and Walker.
We all have stories. As a young girl, my parent’s move started mine. Story Work gave me the tools to map my own stories and learn how to help others share their stories. But the most important tool for me was how to listen well to the stories of others. This has led me to join the Story Work team and want to help others to benefit from this unique and innovative process.
TEMPLE ADE
Facilitator
About Jennifer
I was raised in a Christian home that was equal parts loving and difficult. From a parent with uncontrolled anger issues to trying to find my own sense of self-worth, it was rocky, at best.
I was happily married to a wonderful man and we had two beautiful young daughters, Kenlee & Chloee. After 15 years of marriage, I lost my husband to cancer, along with 4 other family members within that year. At 38 years old, I had to find my way as a widow and a single mother, while trying to hold onto my faith and figure out what my own life was supposed to be without my husband by my side. Two years later, I was blessed to remarry and then have a son, Paxton. The same year my son was born, however, both of my parents passed away, four months apart. Once again, I had to find my way and my identity, when all of life had changed yet again.
A few years after the loss of my parents, I did my first process of Story Work. While I had an idea of the longings God had placed on my heart, working through my own story gave me a clearer picture of how my past and my hurts could be used to help and encourage others. It was a pivotal point for me in moving forward after tremendous loss, and making a commitment to pursue the things God has for me, because of my story. Without having done the Story Work, I’m not sure I would have known how to move towards those dreams and longings of my heart.
JENNIFER KELLER
Facilitator
About Hilary
I have been married to my husband Brian for 18 years and we have two boys, Eason & Lawson, ages 13 and 9. We also have a girl, our sweet cavalier King Charles spaniel, Annie.
For as long as I can remember I have had a desire to help others. In high school, I decided I would pursue physical therapy in college. However, in my second semester of college it became clear that God had a different path for me. I was instead led to pursue a track for speech pathology. I went on to earn my Bachelors degree in communication sciences and disorders and my Masters degree in speech pathology. I have been in this field for nearly 18 years and I love that I have an occupation that allows me to help others on a daily basis.
Another way I love to help others is through prayer. I have always enjoyed communicating with the Lord and over the past several years, He has developed a deeper desire within me for intercessory prayer. I serve my local church as the prayer team leader for the women’s ministry and I pray weekly with our staff and other members for any needs in our church as well. I am also the prayer team leader for All In Ministries International (AIM).
I have been both a participant in the Mapping process, as well as a facilitator at a Story Work women’s retreat. I loved this! I love listening to the hearts and experiences of women and seeing how God faithfully works in the lives of others. I especially loved listening with undivided attention and empathy and look forward to anytime I get to serve others in this capacity.
HILARY WINDSOR
Facilitator
Personalized Assessments
About Rob
Over 30 years ago, I began my leadership development and training journey. For my entire career, I have helped people explore who they are, figure out what they do best, and improve in doing whatever they do.
I coined the phrase “People Matter, Lead Them Well®” because of the value I have for people and the passion I have for great leadership and management.
I use a variety of assessments to help people understand more about themselves, how they interact with others, make better decisions, and deal with stress.
My goal is to help people better understand their strengths, behaviors, needs and interests. I also provide people with actionable insights about their emotional intelligence.
Contact me at - https://leadershipfornow.com
ROB STEVENS
President, Leadership For Now
Leadership & Development Trainer