Event Speakers

F.I.G.H.T. Like a Real Girl 2011 Speakers

Ami Samuels

Ami Samuels joins us our co-coordinator and F.I.G.H.T. speaker. An Illinois native and Findlay transplant, Ami adds a dynamic aspect to Get Real. Her energetic personality and sense of humor will encourage and motivate you to grow one step closer to God. Ami has been asked to share her “real” approach to life as a speaker at many events. She has shared her message at Kentucky Christian University, Lindsey Wilson College, mother/daughter retreats, and Mops groups the Midwest.

Ami is the author of a children’s book based on her experiences raising her two boys alongside Chuck, her husband of 18 years. Ami’s experience as a Christian mother and her passion for teen ministry make her easy to relate to. Get Real with Ami as she shares her exciting story!

Deidre Hall

My name is Deidre Hall. I was born in raised in Findlay, Ohio. I graduated from Liberty Benton High School and am currently enrolled as a student at the University of Findlay. I became a Christian around the age of twelve, but it wasn’t until I was seventeen that I came to the heart knowledge of what it really means to live for Christ. It was then that I rededicated my life and have been living for him ever since.

Shelley Hitz

Shelley Hitz is a Christian author, speaker and entrepreneur. She has authored the book, “Mirror Mirror…Am I Beautiful, Looking Deeper to Find Your True Beauty” and has co-authored a book with her husband C.J.

Shelley has been ministering to teens since 1998 alongside her husband and they currently travel and speak to teens and adults around the country. Her main passion is to share God’s truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her speaking engagements, books and website,FindYourTrueBeauty.com, that reaches thousands of girls each month around the world with God’s truth.

Shelley’s openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing will inspire and encourage you.

Val Kidd

I grew up in Findlay, Ohio where I spent my weeks rotating between my mom’s house & my dad’s house along with my 2 older brothers. Throughout school I was involved in sports and different activities but was eager to get out of Findlay to begin my own life after high school. (I’m still here!)

Art and design was always a part of my life, and I knew I someday wanted to have a career involving it. I was constantly doodling, spray painting things and painting things I probably shouldn’t have painted. After high school I continued my education at The University of Findlay where I graduated with Bachelors degrees in K-12 Art Education, Studio Art and Graphic Design. I continued at UF to obtain my Masters degree in General Education. I was a substitute teacher for awhile before I became a graphic designer at Anderson Robertson Marketing. Being a graphic designer allows me to be creative using other tools besides paints and pencils. I also coached competitive cheerleading for 5 years before I became a high school cheerleading coach.

I’ve had the honor of speaking at functions for the Women’s Resource Center of Hancock County, and I am so grateful that God has given me a story to tell. Through my story, I hope to help girls understand that no matter what they’ve done, their stains have been covered by the blood of Jesus. God’s grace is unbounded, and although it is often hard to understand the “why’s” and “what ifs” of life, God knows and has the answers, not anyone or anything else.

Cheryl Larbus

Hi! My name is Cheryl Larbus. I am honored to call myself a Get REAL inC Mentor. I have been extraordinarily blessed since joining the ministry a year ago.

I am a mother of 3 grown young men, Jake, Ben & Nathan. It has been my pleasure to have the job of Mom! It is the most important job I will ever have. The responsibility to raise children is a job I couldn’t have done without God in my life.

I have a Christian gift and coffee shop in Mt. Blanchard Ohio. My husband and our two dogs, Oscar (a 130 lb. yellow Lab) and Annie (my precious 6 month old chocolate Lab puppy) live outside of Mt. Blanchard and enjoy being outdoors, playing with our dogs and serving God in unique ways.

My family didn’t go to church much when I was a kid, so I didn’t know Jesus as a friend until I was 30. Since He came into my life, nothing has been the same. I don’t have the perfect life and I still have struggles and life isn’t always easy, but I always have Jesus. He is with me, so I never have to be afraid!

Even though I have always been around boys (I had 2 brothers and no sisters and my Mom died when I was 15), I have felt God wanted me to come alongside girls and help them to get to know Jesus and know how much He loves them. So, I want to tell you, YOU are not here by accident. Jesus wants YOU to know He loves YOU and just like any relationship, He wants you to love Him too! My prayer is that if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus yet, that you realize how much He loves you and He wants to start a lifelong (and beyond to eternity) relationship with YOU! It’s up to YOU!

Kyesha Neal

Kyesha is a 17-year-old senior at Findlay High School who has lived her entire life in Findlay. She is involved in sports and has played basketlball and track for Findlay High School. She has been involved in Get Real inC since almost day one. Having been a Christ follower for about 6 years, Kyesha is thrilled to be very involved in this ministry and to encourage others in the Christian faith. Kyesha also sends out frequent text messages containing inspiration Scripture passages to encourage and equip many women throughout the community. Kyesha’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Erin Fenton Event Worship Leader

Erin was born into a musical family. Her mother plays piano and her father lead music in churches. There were also two sisters to keep her on her toes.

At the tender age of two, Erin started picking favorite melodies out on the piano. Surrounded by the family flair and forte, she started sharing her musical gift as she sang her first solo in church when she was only three. It seems as though music has always streamed through her veins. Erin accomplished playing the violin while in grade school. Piano, became her instrument of choice. She was able to experience her first studio recording experience when she was in middle school.

As Erin worked toward her graduation from North Greenville College/University, she performed with an auditioned group, “Joyful Sound”. They lead worship at revivals and churches as a concert musical ministry. Using this learning experience Erin helped form a group called “Distant Call” in 1997. In their first year of travel, they were blessed with over 200 concerts. To compliment their live concerts, they recorded a record entitled “Say the Word”.

Mark Lister, an experienced producer/writer of RowPro Entertainment was intrigued with the natural beauty and range of Erin’s voice. He is now co-owner of Dixiana Music in Nashville where they have recorded her record “Blink”. These songs are being presented to major record labels in pursuit of an avenue to national radio airplay.

Her musical style and conviction represents her faith, and that is a success within itself. Moved by her ambition and God’s spirit she’ll travel the path that music has sculpted.