Office Personnel Conference 2024

Keynote Speaker

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW

Heidi Goehmann is a licensed clinical social worker and mental health care provider, deaconess, writer, speaker, wife, mom, and advocate. She received her BA in theology and psychology from Concordia University Chicago, and her MA in social work from the University of Toledo with an emphasis on children, families, and social justice.

Heidi has worked in a variety of clinical settings and in various ministry and mental health capacities. She loves her family, sticky notes, Jesus, adventure, Star Wars, Star Trek, and new ideas … not necessarily in that order. She can always be found at heidigoehmann.com.

Keynote Speaker

Mr. Steve Gruenwald

Steve Gruenwald is the Director of Worker Wellness for Concordia Plans and also the editor of Better Health. He graduated from Concordia University Chicago with a BA in Lutheran Secondary Education. For 12 years he taught English, speech, and drama in Lutheran high schools before joining Concordia Plans. In 2006 Steve completed the requirements to become a Certified Health and Wellness Manager. Steve leads a team of educators who encourage LCMS church workers to care for their physical, emotional, and financial health.

Keynote Speaker/Entertainment

Mr. Lance Brown

Christian speed painter Lance Brown is from Arlington, Texas. Lance started his Painted Christ ministry full-time in October 2014 after taking a leap of faith to pursue his passion for painting and serving the Lord with the artistic gift God gave him. Since that leap, God has provided every need for his wife and three kids. God is using Lance to bless, inspire, and encourage thousands of His people all over the world. www.paintedchrist.com/christian-speed-painter

Breakout Speaker

Mrs. Julie Bellamy

Julie Bellamy is the founder and President of Sequelle HR Suite, a business that helps organizations be more effective by focusing on the basics such as solid planning and execution, leadership development, organizational structure & culture, communication, and talent management.

Julie holds a B.A. in Business Management from Michigan State University (Go Green!) and what she calls a Masters’ from the School of Hard Knocks. She currently serves as the Business Manager for St. Mark Lutheran church in Flint, Mich.

Breakout Speaker

Mr. Rob Davidson

Rob Davidson serves as the manager for Digital Products at Concordia Publishing House. His responsibilities include leading Concordia Technology Solutions (CTS), the church management software division. Rob graduated from Saint Louis University. Prior to joining CTS, Rob ran his own marketing and video production firm.

Breakout Speaker

Mr. Keith Duesenberg

Keith Duesenberg joined Concordia Plans in 2002 and has served in several roles, including helping manage the investments of the pension trusts. Today he serves on the Financial Education Team, helping LCMS ministries and workers understand the benefits CPS provides. Keith received his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Valparaiso University and is a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist through the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Breakout Speaker

Dcs. Christie Hansard

Christie has been serving as parish nurse for over 16 years. Christie is a RN with a BSN from Oakland University and an MA in Deaconess Studies from Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Ind. As a Deaconess Parish Nurse, she serves Faith, Grand Blanc while also serving as the Parish Nurse Representative and Case Manager for Mental Health Resources for Commissioned and Ordained Church Workers in the Michigan District. Additionally, Christie currently serves as the chair of the LCMS Parish Nurse Council and has a Post Graduate Certification in Bioethics

Breakout Speaker

Mr. Ron Haas

Ron Haas has served as a pastor, vice president for advancement at a Bible college, director of a Christian foundation, and a fundraising consultant. For 22 years he has been helping Timothy Group clients implement biblical stewardship principles. Ron has authored three books: Ask for a Fish: Bold, Faith-Based Fundraising; Simply Share: Bold, Grace-Based Giving; and Keep on Asking: Bold, Spirit-led Fundraising.

Breakout Speaker

Mrs. Valerie Matyas

Valerie Matyas is the principal at St. Paul Lutheran School in Bay City (Frankenlust). In 2020, Valerie obtained a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Ann Arbor. She lives in the St. Paul parsonage with her clerical-collar-wearing husband, Dennis, and their four school-aged children.

Breakout Speaker

Mrs. Elisa Schulz

Elisa serves the Michigan District, LCMS as a staff writer, copy editor, and photographer. A native of Brazil, she has a B.A. in translation and an M.A. in sociolinguistics. She worked as a translator and editorial assistant for Good News magazine for 14 years before joining the District staff. Elisa has a keen awareness of grammar and spelling which comes from her learning English as a foreign language. Additionally, her translation background sharpened her written communication skills.

Breakout Speaker

Mrs. Rebecca Thomas

Rebecca Thomas is the Director of Communication at Trinity Lutheran Church, School, and Early Childhood Center in Clinton Township. Her responsibility is to provide communication support for the entire campus community. She is also responsible for the church, school and ECC website, social media, photography, print pieces, and publicity.

Breakout Speaker

Mrs. Nancy Young

Nancy Young has served for the past 18 years as a secretary and admin at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Clair, Mich. She and her husband also serve on the A/V team. Most of her skills were learned through workshops, online classes, and the intense on-the-job training only a church secretary experiences.

Worship Team

Soul Purpose

The sole purpose of this group of longtime friends and musicians is to connect people to God by sharing the Good News through the creative arts and their musical talents. The band consists of people formerly connected through 4 different Lutheran churches. Some are currently serving in other area Lutheran churches.

Wellness Opportunity - Counselor

Mrs. Cheryl Spaulding

Cheryl Spaulding, LMSW (Licensed Masters Social Worker) has an MA in Counseling and certification in Spiritual Direction under Newway Ministries. She provides individual and marriage counseling through Morning Star Ministries. She also leads day retreats for women, an annual weekend women’s retreat, and facilitates support and discipleship groups. She has been in private practice for over 25 years. Prior to her private practice, Cheryl worked in the area of crisis intervention and was on staff as Director of Counseling Ministries at Faith, Troy. She has over 40 years of experience in the field of counseling and spiritual direction. Cheryl and her husband Robin are passionate about small group and marriage ministry and have been leading in-house groups for over 30 years.

Wellness Opportunity - Cardio Drumming Instructor

Ms. Kheila Knight

Kheila’s Cardio Drumming was established in 2016 and serves the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Cardio Drumming is a fun 45-minute workout for all ages and fitness levels. Drum to the beat of the music and burn calories while having FUN!

Wellness Opportunity - Comfort Dogs

Claudia and Dove

Claudia and Dove – Established in August 2008, the Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is a national human-care ministry embracing the unique, calming nature and skills of AKC Golden Retrievers. LCC’s mission is to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs serve every day in the communities in which they are placed and are also deployed nationally in times of disaster and crisis to bring comfort to all those affected, including first responders and the volunteers who serve them. LCC never charges those we serve!