Speakers

  • Carlos Whittaker is a self-proclaimed "Hope Dealer" who spends the majority of his time telling stories on stages and phone screens across the world that lead people towards action. He's a Peoples Choice Award winner and the author of three books, Moment Maker, Kill The Spider, & Enter Wild which all lead people towards freedom in some way, shape, or form. Carlos is the host of the popular podcast "Human Hope w/ Carlos Whittaker" & lives with his wife, 3 kids, and 5 chickens in Nashville TN

  • Toni Collier is the founder of an international women’s ministry called Broken Crayons Still Color, which helps women process through brokenness and get to hope. She is a Speaker, Host, Author of Brave Enough to be Broken and consultant that has helped organizations with creative marketing, leadership, student ministry, and strategic planning. Toni is teaching people all over the globe that you can be broken and worthy and unqualified and still called to do great things. She doesn’t want you to just face your demons, she wants you to quash the illusion of your brokenness so you can live the most colorful life possible, on and off stage.

  • Cindy is the Executive Director of GEMS. With nearly 25 years of ministry experience, Cindy has trained leaders and created programs within a variety of settings. Her previous work experiences include serving as the founding Children’s Ministry Director at a Michigan megachurch, writing children's curriculum for an international publishing house, and traveling worldwide as a children’s ministry consultant. Cindy is also a sought-after women's speaker, author, and Grief Share expert. Her best-selling Bible studies include Red Hot Faith and Live Full, Walk Free. Cindy lives in West Michigan with her husband, John, and their two naughty puppies, and is the mom of four kids ages 19 - 29. When not at GEMS, you may also find Cindy chasing a sunset, playing a board game, meeting a friend for coffee, or trying to figure out what’s for dinner.

  • Katherine Wolf is a wife, mother, speaker, author, advocate, and survivor. While pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, Katherine suffered a near-fatal brainstem stroke that left her with significant disabilities. In the years since, Katherine and her husband Jay have used their second-chance life to disrupt the myth that joy can only be found in a pain-free life through their speaking and writing. Jay and Katherine live in Atlanta, GA, with their two sons.

  • Caris Snider is a Christian Communicator who shares the hope of God through speaking, writing, coaching, and podcasting. She is the author of Anxiety Elephants 31 Day Devotional and Anxiety Elephants 90 Day Devotional for Tween Boys and Girls. She has two new releases coming in 2023. A picture book for children-There's An Elephant on My Chest, and a Devotional for moms-Car Line Mom Devotional. Caris shares from a place of personal experience of overcoming anxiety, depression, fear, and shame that began as a child. Caris desires to help young women of all generations see their value and worth through the eyes of the Lord to grow in their faith and mental health. Caris offers inspiration to those who feel purposeless to discover their God-given calling no one else can accomplish. You can catch her podcast every week from the car line! Car Line Conversations is streamed on most podcasting platforms encouraging mamas in this season of coming and going, giving guidance and practical strategies on how to lean into God's presence. Caris lives with her husband, Brandon, two daughters, and her mini-golden doodle in Cullman, AL. For more information about Caris, her ministry, books, or speaking, go to: carissnider.com.

  • Lenae Bulthuis counts it as grace to be a part of the Sisterhood Summit this year. Lenae has served in a variety of roles on the GEMS Girls’ Club team over the past 20 years, most recently serving as Curriculum and Content Director. She writes and speaks about the life-changing truth that God didn’t just save us by grace, but invites us to live by grace. Lenae lives with her husband on a grain and livestock farm in West-Central Minnesota, where you can find her curled up with a book or spending time with her grand littles.

  • For the past several decades Kim has led children’s and student ministries at the local church while also leading initiatives around adoption and foster care. As an adoptive mom and special needs grandma, Kim is passionate about creating environments where all kids feel safe, included and welcome. Through speaking, writing and coaching Kim works with parents and church leaders to equip volunteer teams, strengthen families and support parents. Kim has a Masters in Family Ministry and is a Trauma Free World Affiliate Trainer and a Certified Trauma and Resilience Trainer and Coach. Kim and her husband Mark love spending time with their five kids and ten grandkids.

  • Victoria serves congregations through Friendship Ministries. Her goal is to be faithfully obedient to Christ as she brings more than twenty years of experience in educational and ministry settings. She holds a teaching degree (Secondary Education) from Grand Valley State University and is pursuing a master’s degree in Disability Studies in Education from Calvin University. She collaborated extensively with advocate Barbara J. Newman, and contributed to and edited Newman’s posthumously published book (Worship as One: Varied Abilities in the Body of Christ). Victoria is a popular writer, speaker, and coach among national ministry conferences, publications, organizations and Christian congregations that are faithfully building belonging with persons of all abilities.

  • Kim Hofstra has been actively involved in the GEMS ministry for over 30 years. She has served as an Area Coordinator, a ReFresh workshop speaker, and GEMS Local Conference Committee Chairperson. She currently serves as the Club Coordinator at Seymour Church in Grand Rapids, MI and is on the GEMS Executive Board. Kim has her doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Development and is a professor in the Teacher Education Division at Cornerstone University. Kim lives with her husband, Brian, in Grand Rapids and they are parents to their 23 year-old triplets, Lauren, Kayleigh, and Benjamin.

  • Mieke Mutschler is a wife, mom of three, former elementary school teacher, and now stay at home mom and hospitality coordinator at her local church. She has always loved crafting and has never met a craft she didn't like! She loves quilting and sewing in her free time, and is helping her oldest daughter make her first quilt this year. She has been involved in children's ministry at her church since she was old enough to volunteer, and most recently has been involved in helping to lead their GEMS Program. Mieke lives with her husband and three young children in Holland, MI.

  • Josh Denhart is the founder of Lead Ministry, a master course + download system to help ministry leaders in volunteer training and retention, creating a successful internship program, leading up effectively, community outreach, increasing productivity, and more. Prior to launching Lead Ministry, Josh served as a children’s pastor for over 10 years, and founded KidMin Science: Science-Inspired, Christ-Focused Resources, which includes The Amazing Chemistry Show, Family Experience, and Day of Science outreach events, as well as multiple VBS curricula and parent resources. Josh is a published author, children's magazine columnist, conference speaker, and occasional local TV personality.

  • Melissa J. MacDonald is a leader of leaders, coach, author, and prolific speaker. She's considered one of the leading voices in children's ministry today. Her dynamic style of speaking keeps her audience laughing, crying, and think deeply all at the same time. She travels extensively and loves good ethnic food. She and her husband are foster parents and reside in Iowa.

  • If you’ve experienced loss or trial in your life - whether self-induced or thrust upon you, you’ll want to hear Robyn Dykstra’s encouraging discoveries to energize your faith in God and find the strength to face life’s challenges.

    She’s a national Christian speaker and best selling author. For decades, she has helped thousands of women on their journey to trust God and follow Jesus. Her book “The Widow Wore Pink,” was inspired by the events from her own life. Events she didn’t plan or want.

    Abuse. Addiction. Betrayal. Divorce. Death.

    Surprisingly funny and refreshing after all she’s been through, Robyn is a Humorous Speech Champion and captivating storyteller. Through her in-depth Biblical teaching and funny personal illustrations, she will have you laughing one minute and crying the next as you discover fresh truth from God’s Word.

  • Maggie John is host of the radio show Toronto This Weekend and has previously worked as a TV host and producer, for the past 21 years. She’s also the Founder and Executive Director of The Baby Depot, a charity in Hamilton, Ont., that each year clothes 250 babies with a year’s worth of free clothing. Maggie is the proud mother of Ethan and Joshua and wife to Elton.

  • Colleen Reinders & Grace Moes, Also known as Unity Music Ministries, have been working together in ministry for over 30 years and have led worship at GEMS Conferences and large group events. Their friends and frequent music partners will again join them to lead us in worship.

    Colleen Reinders — vocals & keyboard

    Grace Moes — vocals

    Dave Maranta — vocals & guitar Mark Gauvreau — bass

    Pat Panza — drums

    Mitch Whatford — sax & flute

    Anneke Gretton — vocals & guitar

  • If you’ve experienced loss or trial in your life - whether self-induced or thrust upon you, you’ll want to hear Robyn Dykstra’s encouraging discoveries to energize your faith in God and find the strength to face life’s challenges.

    She’s a national Christian speaker and best selling author. For decades, she has helped thousands of women on their journey to trust God and follow Jesus. Her book “The Widow Wore Pink,” was inspired by the events from her own life. Events she didn’t plan or want.

    Abuse. Addiction. Betrayal. Divorce. Death.

    Surprisingly funny and refreshing after all she’s been through, Robyn is a Humorous Speech Champion and captivating storyteller. Through her in-depth Biblical teaching and funny personal illustrations, she will have you laughing one minute and crying the next as you discover fresh truth from God’s Word.

  • Elizabeth Akindejoye is a wife, mom, and the Children’s Ministry Director at Shalom Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, SD. Before working in ministry, she taught middle school for 11 years in South Florida and Southern California. She has a heart for sharing Jesus with kids and wants to make sure this next generation continues to follow Jesus faithfully. As a mom of 3 girls, ages 9 and 6 year old twins, she has a passion for helping girls find their identity as a daughter of the King of Kings and hearing the capital T Truth about Jesus’ love for them. Elizabeth has helped moderate at previous GEMS Summits, but this is her first time leading a session. She is thankful to other GEMS club coordinators for helping her brainstorm for this session and for all the work they have put into leading GEMS clubs in their local areas.