Debbie Starr
RECOGNIZING MIRACLES IN THE TEMPLE
I was happily serving as a full-time missionary in the Texas Dallas West Mission when to my surprise and with a heart full of emotion I was called as an Assistant to the Matron for the soon to open Fort Worth, Texas Temple. I love the temple and if the Lord is transferring us, being in the Temple almost every day is a pretty amazing place to be transferred to. I met my husband at BYU and we have been married for 48 years. I have lived in Arlington for 46 years. I was a high school Special Education teacher. I have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. I love any opportunity to serve the Lord in His church.
Jamie Moon
COOKIE DECORATING SHORTCUTS
I'm a published cake decorator turned tech professional, a single mom of two teens, and a lifelong crafter. Cookies are small canvases. I'm an avid gardener who loves hummingbirds. My two dogs bacon and s'mores keep life entertaining.
Patrick Newman
CONTAINER GARDENS
Patrick Newman is the President and CEO of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, where he brings more than two decades of public gardens experience and a firm belief that it's one of the best ways to spend a career. Since arriving in May 2021, he has guided the merger of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Botanical Research Institute of Texas through a multi-year Strategic Plan and a 20-year Master Plan. In 2023, he kicked off fundraising for the first phase of that big vision: the Baker Martin Family Garden.
Patrick's path to Fort Worth has had its share of beautiful stops. He spent five years as Executive Director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin and served as Director of Programs at Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City. Long before that, he was a Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Azerbaijan, teaching English and science (and learning plenty himself along the way).
He holds a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Utah.
Service is a big part of who he is beyond the garden gates. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Patrick has served as a Gospel Doctrine teacher, bishopric counselor, bishop, and stake clerk, and he currently serves as stake president. The common thread has been a lot of listening, a lot of showing up, and a lot of learning.
When he isn't at work or at church, you'll likely find him lacing up his running shoes. Patrick has completed 66 marathons, including one in every state, and he's now looking for the next finish line. He also loves reading, traveling, and time with his wife, their two daughters, and their dogs, Charlie and Milo, who are firmly in charge at home.
Pat Steinke
QUILTING BASICS
I moved to Texas 16 years ago and am a transplant from the Michigan/ Wisconsin area. After becoming a widow in 2012, I needed something to occupy my time. After attending the Dallas Quilt show and listening to a presentation on how to quilt the pinwheel pattern, I walked out telling myself that I could do that. I have taught myself quilting and have completed several queen and king size quilts. I live in the Brazos River Ward and enjoy traveling to see my kids, the outdoors and long walks with my dog. I have served as a past counselor in the Stake Relief Society, as compassionate Service coordinator in my Ward and have volunteered at the hospital and with Meals On Wheels.
Jarrod Schenewark
DATING IDEAS IN THE FORT WORTH AREA
Dr. Jarrod Schenewark is a professor and Department Head at Tarleton State University, where he teaches and writes about kinesiology, history, and baseball. A lifelong baseball enthusiast and lover of travel, Jarrod has a particular talent for finding interesting places, historical markers, museums, and roadside attractions - earning him the affectionate nickname "Mr. Brown Signs."
This summer, Jarrod and one of his sons completed an ambitious goal: driving through all 48 contiguous states. He now has only Alaska and Hawaii Left. But Jarrod will tell you that the best decision he ever made was asking Amy Jo Hutchins on a second date - and then having the good sense to marry her. Together, they have built a family and a life filled with faith, adventure, and plenty of road trips.
Rockie Allen
KNIFE SKILLS AND BASICS WITH COOKING TIPS
My name is Rockie Allen. I've been married to my wonderful husband for almost 10 years and we have 3 beautiful boys together. I'm a culinary school graduate and have been a Sous Chef, Prep Chef, and Butcher. Currently, I'm a homeschooling mom who participates in Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation with my husband.
Chris Connelly
AGING ADULTS
Chris Connelly has been a nurse for over 50 years. She spent her first 25 years in Labor and Delivery bringing life into this world and then shifted to her next 25 years in Hospice, helping patients transition peacefully and with dignity. Due to her strong love for the elderly and equally strong desire to advocate for them, she opened the doors of American Home Care Solution in 2015 with her three kids and began caring for the aging population in their homes. She is an incredible wife, mother, and grandmother to 14. She loves fiercely and if you could package her energy, people would buy it by the ton! She is a faithful daughter of God and loves her Savior.
Guided by Faith & Wisdom
Meet the dedicated women and men who will lead us through our journey of spiritual growth and charity - and fun! Each speaker brings a heartfelt message centered on the power of love and community in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Emily Camp
PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTION
I've called Aledo home for the past 5 years, where I live with my husband and our three kids. I discovered pickleball 9 years ago and have been playing consistently for the past 3 years. These days, you can usually find me on the courts a few times a week at the Picklr! I love everything about the game and especially enjoy helping others discover how fun and approachable pickleball can be.
Evelyn Hughes
SPOONS, ENERGY & EVERYTHING ELSE: HOW TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE DAY
Hello! My name is Evelyn Hughes and I have been a teacher for many years. Some of my favorite people in the whole wide world are neurodiverse and it has been a privilege to raise neurospicy (a term one of my daughters coined) children, as well. I have a wonderful family that puts up with my shenanigans, including my husband, four grown children, and one adorable granddaughter. I also have three stepchildren with seven more grandchildren, but I am just a little extra sauce in their lives, not a true grandmama and that is okay. I love reading, crocheting, eating Asian food, and watching Kdramas.
Linda Pepperman
IDEAS FOR GIVING TO THOSE IN NEED
Linda has a heart for people and a passion for making a difference. Her love is connecting with people, hearing their stories and discovering what makes them special. Along side her husband Ron, she believes in the power of doing good, bringing people together and strengthening the communities they call home. Born a natural problem solver she enjoys taking time to "build a better moustrap" - by looking at what works and making it better. Linda believes that when people come together and share their gifts, wonderful things can happen. In this upcoming season of giving opportunities abound.
Alycia Nelson
GET YOUR MAHJONG!
Alycia Nelson is a member of the Hudson Oaks ward. She currently serves in the stake relief society presidency and also works at the temple. She has been married to her best friend, Nick, for 26 years and is the proud mother of three adult children. Alycia is learning to embrace her new stage in life as an empty nester. She enjoys running with friends and loves to read, especially if it is on a beach with a Diet Coke close by. Her kids taught her Mahjong this summer and she is excited to share her love of the game!
Mackensie Smith
CROSS STITCH
Mackensie lives in Fort Worth with her husband, Noah, and their four children. They are members of the Aledo Ward, where they teach Sunday School together. Mackensie is the designer behind Bloom & Stitch Studio, where she creates cross-stitch and needlepoint designs. She has always been drawn to creative, hands-on projects and loves sharing that creativity with others.
Dr. Tracy Hogan McMillan
HOW TO BE A WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR: COMING UNTO CHRIST BY CRUSHING COMPARISON
20 years old when she went on a date with Jerry McMillan to watch him play trombone in the incomparable Cougar Marching Band. But… she thought he was too flighty and too goofy, so she didn't marry him.
20 years of depression while working to make a painful forty-year marriage work.
20 YouTube videos planned for her series How to Be a Wonderful Counselor, a deep dive into the counseling scriptures in the Book of Mormon, drawing on the best of her 30 years as a licensed counselor.
20-ish days before young missionaries head home, she meets with them on Zoom. As a senior missionary in the Texas Fort Worth Mission, she offers "My Plan" and career counseling.
And MOST IMPORTANTLY:
20 of the world's most prodigiously attractive and active grandchildren, and one flighty, goofy American Airlines pilot.
Alania Sinclair
SELF DEFENSE
Alania "Ms. Ma'am" has been involved in martial arts for the past 30 years. She has taught thousands of preschoolers, kids, teenagers and adults martial arts and self defense. Ms. Ma'am specializes in teaching life skills of respect, integrity, dedication, discipline in a firm yet fun and exciting and positive environment. Ms. Ma'am is a 3rd degree black belt in Tang SooDo, Song Moo Kwan, and Tae Kwan Do and has been an international judge. She can take students from white belt to black belt or just teach basic skills without the advancement of belts. Ms. Ma'am is also a mom, grandma, A-EMT, and has a bachelor's degree in business.
Tiffany Vanzant
PREDATORS & DANGERS OF THE INTERNET (WEATHERFORD POLICE DEPT)
Tiffany Vanzant began her career in law enforcement after completing her internship, through UTA, at Arlington Police Department’s Victim Services Unit. She attended the Arlington Police Academy in March of 2011 and graduated as the Valedictorian of Class #43 in September of 2011. Tiffany left the Arlington Police Department in September of 2014 and began working for the Weatherford Police Department in January of 2016. Since working at Weatherford, Tiffany spent several years on patrol before promoting to Corporal in 2018, Sergeant in 2019, and Lieutenant in 2024. She has worked patrol, Street Crimes and is now currently over the department’s administrative divisions including, Hiring/ Recruiting, Community Services, Public Information, training, property & evidence, records, and the PD’s social media pages. Tiffany is also the head of the Fitness Committee. Tiffany holds a master’s degree in public administration from Tarleton State University. She has been married for 19 years to her husband Jake, who is a Fort Worth Firefighter. Together they have two children, Eli (17) and Jimma (12). She enjoys reading, working out, running, and rooting for her children in their hobbies.
Stacy Ellison
WHAT MANNER OF WOMEN OUGHT YE TO BE?
Stacy grew up in Idaho on a potato farm - because sometimes stereotypes are true. Before moving to Texas 15 years ago, she survived seven Omaha winters but grew to love Omaha! She's a schedule-hating, Pilates-loving, bread-making, dessert-eating foodie who teaches reformer Pilates for fun and has recently become a slightly obsessive plant lady who has to remind herself daily that her house does not need another plant. She and her husband, Brandon, have four kids - two in college and two at home - and she's currently trying to figure out how exactly you're supposed to mother adult children. Brandon was recently called as an Area Seventy, which has added a whole new adventure to their lives. While Brandon is wonderful, the true love of Stacy's life is her dog, Arlo. Brandon is a very close second.
Catherine Carlson
SINGING WITH YOUR SISTERS (POP UP CHOIR)
Catherine Carlson has been singing and performing on stage since she was 8. A lover of vocal music, Catherine got a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from Utah State University, and then embarked upon the enterprise of having lots of children and figuring out how to insert music into every unoccupied corner of her life. She also plays the piano, guitar (poorly), and organ, which she finds a particularly fun challenge. More than anything, Catherine loves to get people together in musical projects of any size. Music has a way of helping souls meet in an intimate, uplifting way, and leaves people changed for the better.
Melissa Walters
DELICIOUS CINNAMON ROLLS
Hi I'm Melissa Walters, a member of the Hudson Oaks Ward. I've been married to my husband Jared, for 27 years and we have 4 amazing kids and 2 adorable grandkids! I'm a medical laboratory scientist by day and an amateur baker by night. I love baking anything from decorated sugar cookies to pretzels and cakes, and right now my obsession is cinnamon rolls!
Mike Pray
WARNING! FAMILY HISTORY AND TEMPLE WORSHIP CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR DOUBTS
Mike Pray was born and raised in Western Kansas and has been transplanted to the DFW area for 45 years. He and his wife Natalie have 4 married children and 9 grandchildren, which are his passion. Church service has always been an important part of his life, and he has been called to serve in many capacities, including as a full-time missionary, Elder’s Quorum President, Bishop, and Stake President. He and Natalie currently enjoy serving together as Area Temple and Family History Advisors
and Age 17 Sunday School Teachers. His vocation is in Residential Construction Management and the Real Estate Industry. When he isn’t working or serving, he loves to camp, improve his health and fitness, read biographies, sing and play music, and
have intentional fun with the grandkids. Another particular passion is teaching and discussing gospel principles and opportunities from the scriptures. He loves to have spiritual and revelatory experiences with others as they learn together and discuss the wonderful blessings and experiences Heavenly Father has prepared for us to have while seeking after our kindred dead and worshipping in the temple.
John Krogue
I AM A ROYAL DAUGHTER OF SARAH AND ABRAHAM
My best trait is being married to a wonderful lady, Jeanene. My interests are varied and many. We have five children, 22 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. I love learning, the scriptures, family history, and the history & cultures of the world. I'm a very curious person and dabble in gardening, photography, travel, and have walked through the Valley of Lemuel. I am old enough that I should know better but I still make mistakes. Therefore, I am imperfect but hope to be perfected in Christ.
Zachary McKinney
CYBERSECURITY
Zachary McKinney is an FBI Supervisory Special Agent overseeing counterterrorism investigations in the Fort Worth area. A former Army intelligence specialist, he brings experience in law enforcement and a personal commitment to helping families stay safe. He is a husband, father of three daughters, and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His presentation will focus on practical ways to recognize online risks, protect personal information, and help families navigate the Internet with greater confidence.
Jamie Torgesen
GREATER THAN RUBIES
Jamie was born and raised in Houston. She graduated from BYU and has lived in Atlanta, Brownsville, and Mexico City. She loves teaching early-morning seminary with her husband and they think being with those kids every day is the best gift! She has four kids and a perfect bonus daughter. She loves the temple, her family, sports and dark chocolate. Her kids would say her super power is making cookies, but Jamie would say her true super power is how quickly she makes the cookies disappear!