Stacey Gagnon is a passionate advocate for children in the areas of special needs, adoption and foster care. As a nurse, educator, author, speaker and Christ-follower, Stacey has committed her life to bringing an informed voice to raise awareness, training and support for children in crisis and to those charged with their care. Stacey is a mother of 7 children, 5 of which are adopted. She also has been a foster parent for over 10 years. Her critical work has resulted in the co-founding of Lost Sparrows, a non-profit that provides education and training to social service officials, government administration, and caregivers working with children in orphanages and foster care. Additionally she is the creator and Director of Arizona Trauma Lens Care where she provides training on trauma, substance abuse, and ACE’s in schools, jails, and public forums. You can also find Stacey at www.ransomforisrael.com
Jen Tompkins is one of the original co-founders of Called to Love and is passionate about encouraging women to love God more deeply by exploring His Word with excitement and usually a little humor. Additionally, speaking into the hearts of adoptive and foster mamas is something Jen holds near and dear. She serves as Director of Women’s Ministry at Morning Star Church in Salem, OR, and is an Oregonian through and through. Jen’s favorite role is wife to Trent and mama of three: a spunky blonde, a sassy redhead and a charming little Southeast Asian who joined their family through adoption in 2012. We are excited to hear Jen's story from the main stage this year!
Courtnay Phillips is a Northwest mama with a children’s ministry degree who currently calls Bend, Oregon home. She has always had a heart for children and adoption, and even met her husband while on an orphan care mission trip in Panama. She’s the mom of four beautiful children; a set of Irish twins that she had the old fashion way, one child through private domestic adoption, and another through foster care. Foster care was not originally part of Courtnay’s plan but then God stepped in and showed her and her husband a plan far greater than they could image. They’ve been fostering off and on for 5 ½ years and have shared some of that journey on their YouTube channel titled “Phill Our Home.” Keeping up with a YouTube channel and a busy household proved to be a lot so now her journey and adorable family can mostly be followed on Instagram @phillourhome. Courtnay loves cheesy, dry humor and will usually be the loudest laugh in the room. She’s a recovering nail biter and hopes to someday be a recovering people pleaser.
Melissa Corkum is a TBRI-trained parent and wellness coach helping families find calm and confidence through mindful parenting and essential oils. She is an adult adoptee and married to Patrick. They live in Maryland and are parents to 6 kids by birth and adoption. This year, they also welcomed their first granddaughter. She writes at thecorkboardonline.com and is the co-founder of The Adoption Connection with Lisa Qualls, a resource site and podcast for adoptive and foster families.
