AWSA Certified Coaches are available to help you get to the next step in your writing and speaking career. We encourage you to time to read through our complete directory and spend time in prayer to find the coach that best aligns with your personal and professional needs.
To get more information on how to get your AWSA Coaching Certification click here.
Coach Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, and author of best-selling “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and newly released companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.” She has been a neuropsychologist for over twenty years. She knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to address issues surrounding medical and mental disorders. She offers sound practical tools, affirms worth, and encourages faith. Dr. Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She blogs regularly on her own website.
Coach Faith Blatchford
Learn more about her work at faithblatchford.com
Coach Cynthia Cavanaugh
Cynthia is an author, speaker, life coach and leadership influencer. Her transparency, humor, and faithful commitment to God’s Word inspires women across North America. Cynthia longs for others to flourish with their own remarkable influence. Like most people, she has her share of ups and downs and she speaks candidly from her own journey. She believes that no pain is wasted and in those dark seasons she has found her strength in the ironclad promises of Jesus to weather the storm. Her mantra is “Live Bold and Leave a Legacy.” She believes God is calling His daughters out at this time in history to champion truth, justice, and strength. She is the Founder and Director of Women Emerge, a movement that encourages intentional networking and collaborating for training and greater influence. One of her most recent ventures is teaching international and adult students as an adjunct professor in the leadership degree program at Trinity Western University. She is the author of Unlocked: 5 Myths Holding Your Influence Captive, Under the Broom Tree: A Devotional Journal for those Struggling with Depression and several self-published bible studies. She loves connecting over tea or coffee with a friend and indulging in fine chocolate. Shopping for just the right pair of shoes with a girlfriend makes her smile! Unashamedly, she loves Jesus and doing life with her big, loud and sometimes crazy family–faithful husband, three amazing sons, their lovely wives, AND the joyful opportunity to spoil six yummy grandchildren.
Coach Debora Coty
Debora M. Coty is a popular speaker and multiple award-winning author of over 200 articles and 40 inspirational books, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed series, with over one million books sold in three languages worldwide. An orthopedic occupational therapist and stress management specialist for 36 years in physical therapy clinics, Debora enjoys sharing practical and entirely doable tips on how to decom-stress with new BFFs (Blessed Friends Forever) via her unique brand of biblical truth gift-wrapped in humor. Deb lives in central Florida with her long-suffering husband of 40+ years and is doubly blessed to have her two grown children and five adorable grandpals nearby.
Contact e-mail: Debora@DeboraCoty.com
website: www.DeboraCoty.com
Coach Lauren Crews
Lauren is an award winning author who holds a Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She is active in women’s ministry and enjoys speaking and teaching. She resides in Jacksonville, FL with her husband and two brown dogs who have their humans well trained.
Coach Deb DeArmond
Deb DeArmond is an expert in the fields of communication, relationship, and conflict resolution. As an author and professional speaker, Deb’s books focus on marriage, the family, and women. She’s authored three non-fiction books in the Christian Living category.
As a business and life coach for 15+ years, Deb helps others achieve their goals, both personal and professional. She now utilizes those skills alongside her AWSA Coaching Certification in her work with aspiring authors and speakers. Learn more about her work at debdearmond.com
Coach Debbie Dufek
Deb Dufek is here to assist you in authoring a book, crafting a proposal, and
developing a manuscript. She is skillful in shaping a message, providing continuous
coaching in both writing and public speaking, setting objectives, and guiding you
through business meetings with God.
Debbie is an author, a podcaster of The Women Behind the Words, a conference
and retreat speaker, an inspirational storyteller, a Bible study writer and teacher, and
the founder and coordinator of The Mom’s Luncheon, a yearly all-day event that has
remained a favorite day for 150+ women for 35 years. Deb’s first book, Holy
Interruptions: When God Taps You on the Shoulder, published by Bold Vision Books,
Friendswood, Texas, was released in 2022.
Her passion is encouraging others to live deliberately, living out our days for what
matters to Jesus. She believes every person’s story is significant and inspires others
to share their stories with whoever the Lord brings their way. We are all part of a
larger picture. Embracing God’s plans and purposes for our lives, Jesus will use our
stories to change the course of history, which will affect the outcome of eternity one
heart at a time.
Please feel free to contact Deb if you’re interested in her services. Email deb@debbiedufek.com Website
www.debbiedufek.com
Coach Patricia Durgin
Website: marketersonamission.com
Patricia Durgin has served Christian writers and speakers as a marketing coach and strategist since 1999, delivering over 3,000 sessions to individuals and groups.
Through project-based trainings and hands-on learning, her clients—from beginners to bestselling authors— learn how to market their message and expand their audience.
Patricia’s a regular faculty member at Christian conferences, teaching about all things related to platform growth…all for the glory of God.
Coach Loretta Eidson
Loretta Eidson is an award-winning author who loves writing romantic suspense. Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency is her agent. Loretta is also a member of ACFW, BRMCWC, the new FHL, SinC, and HACWN. She loves chocolate, caramel, and coffee. Loretta lives in Olive Branch, Mississippi with her husband, Ken, a retired Police Captain.
Contact Loretta: loretta@lorettaeidson.com
Coach Catherine Finger
Dr. Catherine Finger is pleased to announce the launch of Loving the Leading—offering executive, personal, and author coaching services. Catherine received her AWSA Coaching Certification in August 2020 and has completed over 100 hours of professional training through the College of Executive Coaching. She is also on track to earn her credentialing through the International Coaching Federation in January 2020.
Her years of successful experience as an educational leader, board member, adjunct professor, award-winning author and community leader equips her with unique insights and deep intuition on both organizations and individuals.
Catherine’s passion of instilling hope extends to her both her coaching and her writing practices.
Check her out at www.catherinefinger.com
Coach Linda Gilden
Linda Gilden is an award-winning writer, speaker, editor, and experienced writing and speaking coach. She is the author of 14 books including Called to Write, Words to Live By, Called to Speak, Articles, Articles, Articles!, The Linked Quick Guide to Personalities series, and more. With over a thousand published magazine articles, Linda Gilden loves to share a great story. Linda enjoys coaching others in their writing/speaking skills on their journeys to clear, concise communication. Her favorite activity (other than coaching writers and speakers, of course) is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren!
Specialties Include all aspects of nonfiction writing and speaking
Learn more about her work at lindagilden.com
Contact Linda
Coach Tracy Hester Glass
Tracy is dedicated to supporting women starting new despite challenging circumstances. Her message revolves around the redemptive plan that God has for their lives. Tracy deeply values the practical application of her faith on a daily basis and understands the significance of embracing one’s God-given purpose.
As the founder of Break Free. Live Free., Tracy has established a ministry focused on personal restoration, healing, and transformation.
In August 2022, Tracy released her second book, entitled “Get Up, Girl, Let’s Go—Getting Unstuck and Living Free.” The book won an AWSA Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year award and gained popularity, reaching the sixth position in the Amazon women’s issues category. To further support readers in implementing the book’s principles, Tracy offers a 12-week live guided virtual coaching program that empowers women to break free from limitations and live a life of freedom and purpose.
Tracy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science. She also graduated from Northern California Bible College (NCBC) in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies. Recently, she obtained certifications as a Certified Professional Christian Life Coach (CPLC), and an AWSA writing and speaking coach.
Apart from cherishing her role as a new wife, a loving mother to her children, and a doting grandmother to her new grandson, Tracy’s heart is captivated by the opportunity to coach others to move forward in life and to teach the Word of God. Her passion shines through as she serves as an inspirational speaker, imparts biblical knowledge as a Bible instructor, and takes the lead in her church’s mentoring program located in the San Francisco Bay area. Tracy is committed to sharing the message of faith in Jesus Christ and positively impacting the lives of others.
All things are new…
Coach Nancy Kay Grace
Nancy Kay Grace is an award-winning author, speaker, coach, Bible-teacher, and pastor’s wife. She focuses on encouraging women to embrace their identity in Christ, to persevere through the tough times, and to live with authentic faith.
Nancy’s devotional book, The Grace Impact, won the Next Generation Indie Book of Year Award in the category Christian: Non-Fiction. She has taught inspiring sessions at several writer’s conferences and presented workshops on beginning blogging at WordPress Word Camp. Her writing has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Christian anthologies, articles, and online magazines. She is a former radio host.
Her desire is to encourage aspiring communicators develop their gifts of writing and speaking. Nancy can guide you to develop your message, so it reflects your personality and core beliefs. If you’re a beginning writer, Nancy will help you take the next step toward publication—whether it’s an article, a blog post, or a book.
Nancy is married to her favorite pastor. Together they have served churches for more than forty-years and marriage ministry for twenty-five years. As a pastor’s wife, she is familiar with the challenges and joys of ministry life.
Nancy is an AWSA certified writing and speaking coach, a life coach with the American Association of Christian Counselors, and a coach with the Alongside Ministry Wives network.
If you’re interested in free discovery call, please contact Nancy at nancy@nancykaygrace.com
Website: www.nancykaygrace.com.
Coach Virginia Grounds
Virginia Grounds is a speaker, author, Bible Teacher, former radio host, and effective communicator. She has a passion for God’s Word and serving in ministry. Her love for women’s ministry and passion for God’s word have given her success in those areas for more than 30 years. Virginia served with her husband in full-time ministry helping to meet the needs of hurting people which motivated her to write her first book, Facing Fears, Quenching Flames, a devotional book for overcoming fear and anger. Her second book, Rock Solid Trust, trusting God when life is hard, was released last year and is available on Amazon. Her newly released book is titled, Living Your Glory Story and is a Bible Study of knowing God’s word for sharing your story. Her latest project has been preparing a manuscript for publication titled A Lamp to My Feet…100 Days in the Word by Chris Taylor. She formatted, designed interior and prepared the book for Amazon distribution. Chris said this; “Virginia was a joy to work with. She was patient and thorough. She provided encouraging feedback and made numerous helpful suggestions to improve my book. She did an incredible job formatting for publication. I was very pleased with the final product and would gladly work with her again.” Chris Taylor, Pastor and Author. She served on the Women’s Ministry Team at one of the largest churches in the nation for many years, and writes for the purpose of growing women in their faith and teaching life lessons for survival in our world today. She completed Biblical Studies from Liberty University online, and from her years of study and teaching, she received an honorary Masters in Ministry from Primus University of Theology. Virginia is married to her husband of 45 years with three adult children and grandchildren. Her ministry website is majesticinspirations.com. Her author website is virginiagroundsauthor.com.
Contact Virginia: Vgrounds770@outlook.com
Coach Sarah Hamaker
Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love, as well as the president of Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child and three cats.
Website: sarahhamakerfiction.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsarahhamaker
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.s.hamaker/
Coach Jayme Hull
Learn more about her work at jaymeleehull.com
Coach Michelle Lazurek
Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award winning author, speaker, pastor’s wife and mother. She is a two time Children’s Book of the Year award and Article of the Year award winner among other honors. She is a regular contributor for ibelieve.com and crosswalk.com and is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and a certified writing coach. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia and spending time with her family and her crazy dog, Cookie.
Contact Michelle:
For more info, please visit her website http://www.michellelazurek.com
Coach Phylis Mantelli
Phylis Mantelli is an author of the book “Unmothered” Life With a Mom Who Couldn’t Love Me. She is an inspirational speaker at churches, retreats, and rotary groups. She is the co-host of the Podcast “24 Carat Conversations” with Phylis and Rhonda. She has been a co-leader of women’s small groups for over twenty years. She is a married wife of over 30 years, and mother of two grown daughters. She is the grandmother of one delightful grandson, with a granddaughter on the way. She loves to read, cook, take walks, and will break out in dance if the opportunity arises!
She is a member of AWSA, a graduate of the B.L.A.S.T. program by Shannon Ethridge and a graduate of Christian Communicators Conference.
She loves helping protege’s with their personal stories. You can reach her for a 30-minute consultation at www.phylismantelli.com.
Coach Gari Meacham
Gari is a popular international speaker and author of eight books. Her highly acclaimed book, workbook and DVD series Spirit Hunger is a favorite among churches and book clubs across the country. Gari has been published in esteemed publications such as Believe, Sports Spectrum, Voyage Houston, Absolutely Magazine and the New York Times.
Coach Janet McHenry
With 35 years invested in Christian publishing–writer, speaker, and life coach Janet McHenry would love to help you.
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About the coach:
- National speaker and author of 24 books traditionally published by WaterBrook/Random House, Harvest House, Bethany House, Worthy/Hachette, AMG, Annie’s Publishing, David C. Cook, and First Place for Health. Two books reached bestseller lists: PrayerWalk and 50 Life Lessons for Grads.
- B.A., Journalism, UC Berkeley; teaching credential, English, National University
- Certified life coach, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association
- Host of the Sierra Valley Writers Retreat
- Instructor at numerous writers’ conferences
- Freelance book editor for numerous writers and publishers
- Co-creator of the Squires courses for the Christian Writers Institute
- Recipient of numerous AWSA awards, including AWSA Member of the Year and the Jennifer Kennedy Dean Award
- 26 years of experience teaching writing as a high school English, journalism, and creative writing teacher
- Formerly a daily newspaper reporter and city editor . . . and regular contributor now to local newspapers
Contact info: See https://janetmchenry.com/lookingup/janet-mchenry-coaching/ to inquire about your free initial consultation or email Janet at janetmchenry @ live.com.
Coach Cindi McMenamin
Cindi McMenamin has 15 years experience helping aspiring writers become published authors. She specializes in helping women turn their passion and creative ideas into a speaking or writing platform. Cindi is an award-winning writer and author of 17 books (all from Harvest House Publishers), and a national speaker whose ministry has taken her to 36 U.S. states and Canada.
Learn more about her work at strengthforthesoul.com
Coach Susan Neal
As a Certified AWSA Writer Coach, Susan Neal RN, MBA, MHS, desires to help others publish and sell their God-given message. She is the author of seven healthy living books. Her #1 Amazon best-seller 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates, won the Selah award. The Christian Study Guide sequel won the Directors Choice and Golden Scroll awards.
To assist other authors with book marketing she created the course How to Sell 1000 Books in Three Months. She has consistently sold a thousand books every quarter for the past couple of years.
Would you like to sell more books? Susan can teach you how. Her MBA makes her an ideal coach for those desiring to market and sell more books. If you are interested in a free author coaching session with Susan, schedule one at SusanUNeal.com/AuthorCoaching.
Coach Yvonne Ortega
Do you feel discouraged or stuck? Yvonne Ortega believes as long as you have breath, there’s hope.
As an AWSA Certified Speaking and Writing Coach, she will come alongside you and offer you encouragement, support, and accountability.
Yvonne has taught speaking and writing sessions at CLASS Christian Writers Conference (CWC) in New Mexico, the Colorado CWC, the Greater Philly CWC, the Maine Fellowship of Christian Writers, the Richmond Christians Who Write, Capital CW Fellowship, the Stowe Weekend of Hope in Vermont, and many local and online events for the general market and the faith-based market.
Look to multi-interviewed and award-winning international speaker Yvonne to help you move forward and fulfill your dreams.
Learn more at https://www.YvonneOrtega.com
Learn more about her work at yvonneortega.com
Coach Ava Pennington
Would you like help in moving forward to achieve your goals? Ava Pennington’s coaching specializes in nonfiction writing and speaking.
Ava has taught classes at writers’ conferences such as the Florida Christian Writers Conference, The Colorado Christian Writers Conference, the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, and the Florida Writers Association state conference.
She is also a Mentor with Word Weavers International and a Bible study teacher with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). And she is a sought-after speaker for both faith-based and general market events.
Ava is equipped with an MBA from St. John’s University and training from Moody Bible Institute. So she understands both the business and ministry aspects of the Christian publishing industry.
Work with Ava for encouragement and clarity to help you achieve your writing and speaking goals.
Learn more at avapennington.com
Coach Karynthia Phillips
Learn more about her work at trinitywholenessministries.com
Coach Lori Stanley Roeleveld
Email: lorisroel@gmail.com
URL: www.takeheartcoachingandfreelance.com, www.loriroeleveld.com
Bio:
Lori Stanley Roeleveld is a traditionally published author, professional writer’s coach, freelance writer, editor, speaker, and disturber of hobbits, who enjoys making comfortable Christians late for dinner.
She’s authored five award-winning books, one co-authored with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, and contributed to ten+ more. Her sixth book, Graceful Influence, releases soon from Our Daily Bread Publishing. Through Take Heart! Coaching and Freelance, Lori has coached over 80 Christian writers to move forward toward their writing dreams.
Lori writes online content for several popular sites including Crosswalk, Christianity.com, and Bible Study Tools. Her work has appeared in numerous Guideposts publications and greeting cards. She’s an experienced ghostwriter, collaborator, and speechwriter. One of Lori’s blog posts was viewed over 2 million times in a single week, and several others were viral on Facebook.
Lori writes and teaches on perseverance, our lasting impact on others, and all manner of hard things but she’s known for her humorous delivery, storytelling, and engaging delivery of biblical truth. Though she has degrees in Psychology and Biblical Studies, Lori learned the most from studying her Bible in life’s trenches.
Life-long Rhode Islander. Wife. Mother of adults. Grandmother. Part-time giant-slayer. Not available for children’s parties. She speaks her mind at www.loriroeleveld.com and manages her coaching/freelance business at www.takeheartcoachingandfreelance.com .
Learn more about Lori at www.takeheartcoachingandfreelance.com.
Coach Monica Schmelter
Learn more about her work at monicaschmelter.com
Coach Cynthia L. Simmons
Learn more about her work at clsimmons.com
Coach Carol Stratton
Are you a new writer wanting help? Carol is a multi-award winning author (Lake Surrender, and Deep
End of the Lake) who specializes in articles and contemporary women’s fiction. She’s written for over
twenty-three years, has published almost 600 articles and knows all the obstacles to being published. By
listening to the Holy Spirit and with His guidance, she will help you discover a path to your publication
dreams.
Are you a speaker? She’ll help you find your passion and audience as you serve God with your gifts.
“Carol Stratton is a practical, engaging and results-producing coach who helped me overcome obstacles
to achieve my dream of writing. Through twelve hours of coaching, Carol provided encouragement,
accountability and wisdom from her own journey as a published writer. By the end of our sessions I
produced an article, two blog posts, and a rough outline for a non-fiction book and submitted two
devotions with one accepted! I also gained a clear vision of why I am writing, who I am writing for, and a
solid plan for the next two years. Carol gave me the confidence and clarity to achieve my writing goals.”
Debbie Cox, Colorado.
Author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007N7NZ1O
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carol-Grace-Stratton-813339755356589/
Website: http://carolgstratton.com
Email: carolgstratton@gmail.com
Coach Dr. Evelyn Taylor
Coach Evelyn helps women to clearly define a vision for their personal and professional life. Working with them to develop strategies and tactics to accomplish their goals.
She is been a women’s ministry leader since 1994, and theology professor since 2010. She coaches writers, speakers, and women in ministry.
Learn more about her work at evelynjtaylor.org
Coach LeighAnn Thomas
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).
- Do you long to share with others—through writing or speaking—what God is teaching you in prayer and in study of His Word?
- Do you find yourself scribbling notes and ideas on napkins, scraps of paper, or in the margins of your church bulletins?
- Do your most intriguing story or article ideas take root as you’re trying to fall asleep at night?
If one or more of these questions brought a smile and a resounding yes, then you have the heart of a communicator! And like Eric Liddell felt God’s pleasure when he ran in the 1924 Olympics, you feel the joy of walking in step with God when you write or speak the words He’s given you to share with the world.
Leigh Ann Thomas Coaching offers the encouragement to embrace your unique gifts and abilities and to seek God’s heart on your writing journey. Whether you are just starting out in writing and speaking, or you are ready to fine-tune a book proposal, there is a coaching package ready to accommodate your needs.
Visit LeighAThomas.com to learn more about Leigh Ann and to schedule a free 30-minute get-acquainted session.
Coach Karen Whiting
As a writing and marketing coach, Karen helps clients overcome obstacles, maximize strengths in writing and marketing, find direction, focus on what’s salable, and improve their writing ability (learn to tighten, make writing more relatable, organize content, and more). She brings her experience as an author of over two dozen books and more than eight hundred articles. Her speaking experience includes hosting a television series and internationally as well as around the country. She writes a monthly marketing blog The Write Conversation. Her marketing blogs have been chosen numerous times for twitterific.com as well as The Writer’s Knowledge Base.
Endorsements
Karen is an incredible writing coach. She has connected with who I am and has tailored her approach for me specifically. Her follow-up skills are exceptional and her advice is spot on. ~ Laura McPherson, MS, LPC, LMFT
Karen has a breadth of knowledge. She helped make my nonfiction writing more personal and relatable with useful suggestions that were easily applied. She provided the most useful understanding of “show don’t tell” I have ever received. I believe her services have made me a better, more aware writer. ~ Lauren Crews, MDIV, Bible Study teacher, author
Learn more about her work at karenwhiting.com
Coach Debbie W. Wilson
Do you feel stuck? Do you have a message you want to get out
As an AWSA certified writing and speaking coach, Debbie Wilson will come along side you and help you uncover and polish the treasure buried within you. Debbie provides Writer/Speaker Coaching sessions for AWSA Professional and Protégé Members
Are you exploring the idea of becoming a speaker or writer? Are you a seasoned writer in need of a fresh perspective on a project? Debbie’s clients describe her as a W.I.S.E. coach—Warm, Insightful, Spirit-filled, and Encouraging.
Coach Lisa Worthey Smith
gnite your gift. Shine for Him.
Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NASB20)
We all have God stories to share that the world desperately needs to hear. Is doubt, procrastination, discouragement, or fear hindering you from sharing yours?
Lisa Worthey Smith serves as a coach who will walk alongside those who want to impact the world for Christ but bypass the years of trial and error. She specializes in helping new writers gain skills and experience as well as develop marketing skills. Lisa wants to help you ignite the gifts and calling He has placed within you, so you can be a beacon of light, shining to glorify Him. She can
- · provide feedback on your drafts,
- · brainstorm with you while your book idea is still developing,
- · beef up your writing skills,
- · direct you toward resources needed to move forward,
- · help you clarify, set, and move toward your writing goals,
- · find meaningful ways to share with others,
- · while praying with you and for you along the way,
- · glorifying God in the process.
An accomplished author and speaker, Lisa Worthey Smith’s life mission is equipping others to recognize and pursue God’s call on their lives. She serves as president of the North Alabama Word Weavers chapter, President of Kerysso Press, is a member of Christian Indie Publishers Association, AWSA and is an AWSA certified writing coach. Her books have won numerous awards and are often on Amazon bestseller lists.
Visit Lisa’s website – http://lisawortheysmithauthor.blogspot.com and look under the Coaching and Consulting tab for more information. Email her at LisaWSmith57@gmail.com to set up your free 30-minute consultation to see if you might be a good fit to work together.