Speaker Bios
AMY BROWN - Amy J. Brown is a writer, mentor, and co-host of the podcast, Take Heart. She is the author of the book “The Other Side Of Special: Navigating the Messy, Emotional, and Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom.” Amy has a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership. She shares honestly about adoption and parenting children with mental health issues and trauma. She is the mother of six children. She lives with her husband in Michigan
STEVE CHATMAN - Steve has been married to Lori for 26 years and they have 5 children (two with Downs Syndrome) and 4 grandchildren. Steve has spent over 30 years in pastoral ministry and currently serves as Vice President of Rising Above Ministries. In his spare time he enjoys eating Little Debbie snack cakes, watching movies, taking naps and wishing he played the banjo.
SARA CLIME - Sara is an author, podcaster, speaker, and small business owner. She and her husband, Craig, live in the midwest and have two amazing sons. Sara uses her experiences as a parent to a child with complex medical needs and disabilities and as an operations management consultant to help other caregivers implement practical and cost-efficient systems that organize and simplify daily life so they can focus on what truly matters. You can follow her on Instagram @saraclime and Facebook @saraclimeauthor, and sign up for her email list at www.saraclime.com.
BECKY DAVIDSON - Becky Davidson is the Co-founder and President of Rising Above Ministries and the host of the Rising Above with Becky Davidson podcast. Becky is passionate about supporting and encouraging special-needs families. She co-authored Common Man Extraordinary Call, Thriving as the Dad of a Child with Special Needs, with her late husband, Jeff Davidson. Becky and her adult son with special needs, Jon Alex, live in Tennessee.
CIGI ENGLAND - Cigi is an entrepreneur, with a passion for small businesses and serving her friends in the special needs community. She lives in Cookeville, TN with her husband Michael, and puppy, Styles.
MELANIE GOMEZ - Melanie is a married mom to two young men. Her youngest was born with a rare genetic disorder 23 years ago. Over those years she has been a stay at home mom, working career mom, and homeschool mom. Through it all her passion to reach other moms on this wonderfully complex journey has remained. She lives to share them story of grace and hope she has found in Jesus and desires to pass it on to others.
CARRIE HOLT - Carrie M. Holt is an author, speaker, and self-proclaimed hospital stay expert. She is co-host of the podcast, Take Heart Special Moms and co-author of the book, The Other Side of Special: Navigating the Messy, Emotional, Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom. Through her story of raising and homeschooling four children, including her son, with medical, mental, and physical disabilities, she is passionate about encouraging women to flourish when the unexpected happens in life. Her desire is for women and mothers to experience the hope we have in trials through the steadfast love of Christ.
TRACEY MARTIN - Tracey is a mum of 5 (quadruplets, plus 1) 2 of her quads have special needs, her children are now 22 and 29. She moved to the US after meeting her husband. She is from the UK and has been here since 1987. After many tried and tested approaches to tame the chaos back then, she discovered the transformative power of the KonMari method by Marie Kondo; so now she wants to share it! She is now a Certified KonMari® Consultant; hoping to help you simplify and tidy your space with sparking joy!
CASEY OVERSTREET - Casey is wife to TJ and mom of Will, Oli (who has that extra special chromosome), Ike, and Catey. She works full time as the Director of Advancement at Highland Rim Academy (fundraising is her favorite!). When she's not at work, you'll find her running to and from basketball games, cross country meets, and AHG Troop meetings. She's the friend who will speak the truth (in love), challenge you to be your best, and always wants to know what the Lord is teaching you through His word.
SANDY RAMSEY-TRAYVICK - Sandy and her husband of 33 years have 3 children. She became a special needs mom, caregiver, and advocate 24 years ago, after a childhood illness left her son multiply disabled. Sandy works now as a Certified Professional Coach with a desire to help other special needs parents discover the powerful story God wants to write through their family’s unique special needs journey. Sandy is also a writer, speaker, and RAM Community Group leader. She loves reading, puzzling, taking walks, and HIIT workouts. You can learn more about Sandy on her website: www.UNDisabledLIVES.org and on IG (@undisabled_lives).
ROSIE HOWES - Rosie Howes is a busy mom of 3 children. Hyrum 12, who has gone ahead of her to Heaven, Daisy 8, and River 2. She is a preschool teacher by day and Skater with the Nashville Roller derby team by night. Rosie has big dreams and aspirations but currently spends most of her free time, making casseroles, coffee, and starting DIY projects that sit unfinished in her garage. She lives in Lebanon, TN with her daughters, and husband.
MEREDITH VAUGHN - Bio coming soon!