Meet the Conference Team
Becky Tirabassi has an appeal that is universal because she understands that all men, women and students face problems, obstacles and challenges. Having confronted and overcome many difficulties, Becky has emerged with a zest for life and a passion for sharing simple techniques that help people master their lives. She lives and teaches a balanced approach to the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental aspects of life.
Over the past 25 years, Becky has motivated hundreds of thousands of men, women and students to change their lives through best-selling books, extensive media appearances, and sold-out speaking events. She frequently appears on network television empowering people with her dynamic message of how to live balanced, successful lives.
As the CEO and Founder of Becky Tirabassi Change Your Life®, Inc., Becky's accomplishments include:
- Certified Life Coach, Spencer Institute
- Sales of over a million books, tapes, and videos, including her book Change Your Life
- Featured interviews on numerous, national television shows including The CBS Early Show, FOX and Friends, ESPN 2, and the Golf Channel
- A.C.E. Certified Aerobics Instructor since 1991; with a Nutrition Specialty Certificate from the Cooper Clinic, Dallas, TX
- DISC Certified Behavioral Consultant, Institute for Motivational Living, Inc.
Becky has enjoyed 29 years of marriage to her best friend Roger, a pre-marital pastor at Rockharbor Church and licensed professional counselor. They are the proud parents of Jake, a school teacher and coach, and a graduate of the University of Tennessee. She resides with her husband in Newport Beach, California.
Becky's Contact Information:
Address:
P.O. Box 9672
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (800) 444-6189 or (949) 752-6855
Email: inquiry@changeyourlifedaily.com
Web: www.beckytirabassi.com
Rochelle Roots is a dynamic speaker, songwriter, and author of devotions, bible studies and dramas. She is the Director of the “Women of Purpose” Ministry at New Community Church in Portland, Texas and has served in ministry for 20 years. Rochelle has a passion to encourage people by sharing the truths of God’s word through her speaking, acting and writings. She is excited to be in the beginning stages of writing her first book.
Rochelle grew up with a Christian mother and an alcoholic father who lived out two completely different worlds in front of her. (Her dad came to know the Lord when she was 15 years old. God is faithful!) Even though she went to church regularly, it wasn’t until she was 16 years old that she became what she calls “radically saved.” At that time she felt such a hunger and thirst for God’s word that she began memorizing scripture and within a few months knew over 40 scriptures by heart. A year later, she felt the call of God on her life when she was given the opportunity to speak while traveling with her dad’s evangelistic music ministry. She realized then and there that God had called and anointed her to speak His word. “The word of God is literally life to us and sharing its truths is my upmost joy and passion.”
She has taught God’s word in just about every kind of setting over the past 20 years. In addition to speaking at various churches and community events, she has shared at youth events, Sunday School, home bible studies, women bible studies, and prayer groups at her workplaces. She has also written several poems, dramas and co-authored songs with her husband, James Roots, who is the Worship Pastor at New Community Church, some of which are on his debut album entitled “You’re Everything.” As part of her husband’s concert experience, Rochelle also shares a W.O.W. Moment (Word on Worship) as she encourages people to connect with God through the power of intimate worship.
Rochelle’s underlying theme is to help people realize their God given purposes and to live life to the fullest every day. She is a big proponent of memorizing scripture, not for head knowledge, but for heart faith. “We have been given the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to help sustain us, direct us and empower us to live the life we’ve been given in Christ. As we renew our minds with His truth and walk in it, we are able to overcome and be transformed to be who we were created to be.”
She has been married to her loving husband James for over 11 years and they have two wonderful sons, Jalen (6 years old) and Uriah (5 years old). Even though Rochelle has experienced loss and heartache in her life even from a young age, she has learned to overcome those obstacles. She personally knows the challenges women face today, but gives glory to God who enables her to walk in victory every day.
Rochelle will encourage, inspire and challenge all who listen to grow in their relationships with God and others as they live life to the fullest as God intended.
Contact Information:
Phone: (361) 945-2457
Email: rochelle@livingthelifecc.com
Web: www.rochelleroots.com
Laura Harris is an entrepreneur, speaker and author. As a reformed workaholic, she learned the hard way that we can only find true joy through complete surrender to God. Laura's life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. She is a firm believer that if we don't define our direction, the world will. Whether she is speaking for Christian organizations or corporations, she enjoys spreading unique perspectives on Life Balance, Leadership and Discipleship. Laura is a CLASS graduate.
Laura’s first book “Surrender to Win – Regain Sanity by Strategically Relinquishing Control” will be available October 2008.
Laura’s inspirational topics include:
Surrender to Win – Retain Sanity by Strategically Relinquishing Control
God desires that we would invite him into our hearts. Relinquishing control of our lives to God is an ongoing process. Not only do we have to trust in God's grace but we also need to be conscious of times when we tend to take back control.
Making God Bigger! – Having a Child-like Heart in a Grown Up World
Everyday life can be overwhelming for adults and teenagers alike. Are you ready to revive that childlike faith? What is needed to maintain a close relationship with God in today's world? Are you wondering if your day-to-day activities glorify God?
What's Next, Papa? - Experiencing the Thrill of God Using Your Uniqueness
There is a popular saying "We Plan, God Laughs." I think a more appropriate saying would be "We Plan, God Cries." God desires that we open our minds and heart to accept His direction. When we are in a close relationship with our Lord, we have the ability to look to him throughout the day and live a proactive life.
Odds Are, You Caused It! – Creating Group Synergy
We are members of several groups including church, clubs and non-profit organizations. How do we build and work within teams that function well? Discover what we can learn from the bible about group dynamics.
Contact Information:
Phone: (888) 287-5901
Email: laura@lauraharris.com
Web: www.lauraharris.com
Assuring Women that Ordinary is Amazing — Alene is a motivational teacher, speaker, and author with a heart for women. Whether you need a night of inspiration or a weekend of challenging study, Alene’s message is always encouragement to the soul: You are worthy, so worthy that Christ died for you.
Her passion is to draw others closer to Christ and see lives change. She does not claim to be a Biblical scholar; however, she connects with her audiences through her real life experiences and stories. She wants others to know that being ordinary is amazing. Whether you are looking to be refreshed, renewed or challenged, Alene will inspire, motivate and provide you with tools and encouragement to further your spiritual journey.
Alene’s Bible study workbook for the busy women of today, Dirty Laundry Secrets ~ A Journey to Meet the Launderer, is published by Xulon Press. This workbook is appropriate for individuals or small groups, discussion questions are included. This study offers refreshment as you splash around in God's sudsy grace making this seven-week journey to know the Launderer. This study is full of practical self-tests, check lists and how-to's that will free you from your dirty laundry.
Alene is a contributing author in Praise Reports; Inspiring Real-Life Stories of How God Works Miracles Today (Xulon Press), Along the Way for Teens (Meredith Books), and The One Year Life Verse Devotional (Tyndale House Publishers). She is a certified CLASS (Christian Leaders and Speakers Services) speaker, and a Certified Communicator through Toastmasters.
Contact Information:
Phone: (361) 960-4601
Email: alene@alenesnodgrass.com
Web: www.alenesnodgrass.com
“Showing women their potential, helping them see God’s plan for their lives, and teaching them to tap into the sweet sound of His leadings, is the recurring ache of my heart,” says Tonya. Participants have described her talks, music, and vignettes as “hilarious” and “moving,” even “darling,” but what Tonya has to say goes much deeper than what you see on the surface. “That’s always my focus,” Tonya claims, “that people will hear that still, sweet voice of the Lord calling them deeper. God has convicted me about His desire to speak personally to every heart that will listen, and I pray that if they can’t hear Him on their own yet, they will hear Him through what He leads me to say.”
Tonya spices up her presentations with original comedy, drama, and music. Tonya has delighted audiences with impressions, even accents and costumes, from a German professor, a pigtailed five-year-old girl, a green-haired teenager, and the always memorable Inspector TrueSoul. The dialogue will make you laugh hard, think deep, and cry joyfully at the truth in what her characters share. Tonya’s style lovingly motivates you to step seriously into the lead role God has written exclusively for your time on this earth.
Tonya never fails to deliver a piercing and provocative message. There is nothing more important to her than watching “the light come on” for women. “We are all seeking the same thing actually. We have the same fears, on more levels than we want to admit,” she says, “and it is so amazing to discover again and again that God has not only the most uniquely perfect answer to our struggles, but a phenomenal plan into which He will fold every heart cry and make it an integral part. Nothing is wasted with God.”
A proud mom, former broadcast journalist, and currently a practicing trial attorney, Tonya’s life lessons are varied and will touch the minds and hearts of women from all walks of life in both formal and informal settings. Teaching has been a life-long goal in her family, professional, academic, and most of all, her spiritual life. “I never learn so much as when I teach,” she professes, and that knowledge is at the core of her desire to communicate in any format the Holy Spirit inspires.
Contact Information:
Phone: 361-765-1861
Email: tonya@beyondmeministries.com
Web: www.beyondmeministries.com
Kristen is a creative dramatist, singer, and writer. She connects with women through drama and song. Kristen presents challenging snapshots of a life that seeks the Lord while encouraging you through engaging scenarios mixed with splashes of song.
Kristen's passion is to capture hearts and relate with women through shared joys and struggles. Over twelve years ago, she was diagnosed with CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy). Her testimony will touch your heart as she reflects on the struggles, symptoms, treatment and the emotional toll of chronic disease. When the days were darkest God revealed what Kristen now sees as her life verse; Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God."
Kristen passionately desires to fill women's hearts with REFRESHING HOPE and encouragement. Watch for her upcoming book written to encourage those living with chronic illness.
God is using Kristen to stir hearts, challenge minds, and radically change lives. You will laugh. You will cry. You will walk away with a refreshed sense of HOPE.
Kristen's creative style is timely, thought provoking, and encouraging. You will be drawn in through her transparency as Kristen takes you on a unique journey through drama.
Contact Information:
Phone: (361) 774-0730
Email: Kristen@kristenreyna.com
Web: www.kristenreyna.com
Lakendra is a singer, actress, playwright and author who has performed onstage as both an amateur and a professional entertainer since she was a teenager. A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Lakendra developed a passion for writing and storytelling at a young age but her first love was the theater. At the age of 14, she began appearing in numerous plays and musicals, garnering several local Best Actress awards, as well as work in radio and commercials. She has sung for Texas dignitaries such as former Texas Governor Ann Richards and shared stage time with Mary Wilson of the Supremes. Yet the desire to write never left, eventually leading Lakendra to a job working as a news assistant for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. While there, Lakendra received a fellowship to study journalism at the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. Lakendra returned to the Caller-Times and after a brief stint as a reporter, left the newspaper to pursue freelance journalism. Some of her stories include interviews with musicians such as George Jones and Taylor Hicks. In 2002, Lakendra rededicated herself to the Lord and after five years of walking with Him, began to realize her true purpose in life, which was to use her talents for His glory. “Every gift I have came from Jesus Christ and I want to use what He gave me to glorify Him and help spiritually empower others, especially women. I want to sing songs, perform skits and write stories that bring a message to people of just how much God wants a relationship with them.” Lakendra recently published her first Christian novel, In His Time. She is also co-author of a children’s play, The Adventures of Quirkie and His Fantastical Fooma Jooma.
Contact Information:
Phone: (361) 876-0448
Email: lakendralewis@hotmail.com
Web: www.lakendralewis.com
The James Roots Band is an anointed band made up of talented musicians whose heart desire is to lead people in worship. The members of the band include James Roots, Tom and Molly Richey (husband and wife), Matt Rohlak and Eddie Guzman. Praise and worship is more than just a genre of music to the band, it is their passion.
The lead singer and songwriter James started playing acoustic guitar at age 12 and by the time he was a teenager, he started singing on stage. His dad, Tommy Roots, was considered one of the best steel guitar players in Country music and even though Tommy has gone to be with the Lord, his passion for music has left an imprint on James.
After playing guitar in Young Life for a while, James started to feel a tug from God. Then at age 21, James got serious with God. It wasn’t long before he got involved in the praise band at his church. During the next few years, he joined a couple of different Christian rock bands. He jokingly says that “God saved me from Country and put me in Rock N’ Roll.”
In 2006 James formed his band and released his debut album entitled “You’re Everything” which is packed full of originals and a few covers. With the album currently playing on the radio, the band’s recognition for song writing and leading worship is increasing. The James Roots Band brings a synergetic style of music that involves video and sound that not only brings energetic praise, but powerful intimate worship. “Our goal in leading worship is to draw people to connect with God and His presence.”
James has been leading worship for 12 years and is currently the Worship Pastor at New Community Church in Portland, Texas where he has been for the last six and a half years. While the band members are involved in leading worship in their own churches, the band does worship concerts at other churches, Christian events and conferences for adults and youth. In addition to leading praise and worship, the band also does concert style music as well at festivals and community events.
With more originals in hand, the band is planning on recording their sophomore album in the fall of 2008. “We are excited about the new songs God has given us and about recording the second album which will have more of the band’s intensity and creativity. We really thrive to share our passion for Christ through our music.”
The band has shared the stage with other Christian bands such as Salvador, A Road Less Traveled, Detour 180, The Red Airplanes and others. Visit the band online at www.james-roots.com. Their album is is available on iTunes and Napster.
Contact / Booking Information:
Phone: (361) 945-2447
Email: booking@james-roots.com
Web: www.james-roots.com