Speakers
Dr. Terryl Givens
To date, Dr. Givens has written and edited over 20 books, and has many more on the horizon. Some of his favorite include his collaborations with his wife, Fiona. He has spent much of the last 20 years tracing the history and theology of the Latter-day Saints, but for most of his career, he taught Romantic literature (think more Shelley than Sparks). Dr. Givens is a senior research fellow at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute of Religious Scholarship at Brigham Young University (BYU). Whether its hosting insightful podcasts on Faith Matters or speaking to Saints the world over at intimate firesides, Terryl’s mission is to help everyone–no matter where they are in their journey of faith–come closer to Jesus Christ.
Traci Hunter Abramson
Traci Hunter Abramson is an American mystery and suspense novelist. She has written forty-five best-selling novels and is an eight-time Whitney Award winner, including 2017 and 2019 Best Novel of the Year. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She loves to travel and recently retired after twenty-six years coaching her local high school swim team.
Mark Thomas
Mark Thomas has worked with Single Adults for the past 25 years in capacities such as bishop, stake presidency, and high council. He is the father of two Single Adults and cares deeply about helping everyone feel the love of their Savior in their lives which will bring a better understanding of the grace and peace available to all. Originally from the UK, he emigrated as a child to Canada and then Utah. He served as a Spanish-speaking missionary in California and is currently serving on the High Council in the DC South YSA Stake and as a Bilingual Stake Missionary in the Oakton Stake.
Kelly Walker, LMFT
Kelly Walker graduated from Brigham Young University with an undergraduate degree in psychology as the department valedictorian. She also received a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy From BYU. She has taught psychology courses at Northern Virginia Community College, and ran a small business at a local farmer's market. She currently works as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with couples, families, and individuals at the Well Marriage Center and The Gil Institute for Trauma, Recovery and Education. She loves teaching the 4-5 year olds in the Vienna Ward Primary. Kelly has been married to Lance Walker for 27 years. She has 4 children, and is learning to be a new mother-in-law.
