Dear Members of the Star Stake,
A wonderful and powerful healing event is planned in our Stake with amazing speakers, beautiful music and hope-filled, faith-building stories of what healing is possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We invite you to be with us.
Our annual Hope and Healing in Christ Workshop will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Star Stake Center on the corner of Floating Feather and Park Lane (see full schedule below). Members of the Star Stake, and all others from the surrounding area are invited to attend (ages 18+).
This year we will meet in person and have virtual options for some of the sessions.
Please feel free to attend any or all of the workshop sessions based on your needs or interests. Talented speakers will be sharing their insights, experience and tools on a variety of topics. We would love it if you would join us. We love you and hope this event will be a help to you and your family.
–President Ririe
Sessions are organized below by room location with the associated Zoom link, followed by the session time. Speaker biographies and class descriptions are also listed. For a printable version of the schedule, click here ». For a printable version of the speaker bios & class descriptions, click here ».
Chapel Sessions
Leadership Session ｜ Matt Heindel, MS, LMFT (LDS Family Services), Mike Colby and Seth Ahlstrom, Diana Neff (PMHNP-BC), and President Ririe
No Online. In Person Only
Closing Session ｜ President Rob Ririe, Star Stake President
Attend online here: Click Here
Opening Session (9:00 am – 9:35 am)
Title: But Will He Heal Me?
Presenter: Jason Coombs
Class Description: For twelve years, a woman suffered in silence, convinced she was too broken, too unclean, and too far gone for the Savior to notice her. She carried three lies that nearly kept her from her miracle. In this talk, Jason draws a powerful parallel between her story and his own journey through addiction, shame, and spiritual surrender to explore a question that everyone in the room is quietly asking: But will He heal me?
Biography: Jason Coombs is a recovery advocate, author, and speaker who helps families and individuals navigate the complex challenges of addiction and mental health. With a Master’s in Professional Communications and lived experience in recovery, he brings a blend of empathy, insight, and practical tools to his work. Jason is the founder of Brick House Recovery, a faith-based outpatient treatment program recognized with national and regional awards for excellence in care. He’s the author of a national bestseller, Unhooked: How to Help an Addicted Loved One Recover and host of the Get Unhooked podcast. He currently serves as the Second Counselor in the Sunday School Presidency. Outside of work and church, Jason enjoys skiing, triathlons, and spending time with his family.
Special Musical Number: “The Truth” by Megan Woods, compiled by Beth Caufield; Women’s Choir conducted by Dawn Johnson, accompanied by Alysse Bailey (piano), Amy Hicks (cello), and McKenzie Glanzer (violin)
Leadership Session (9:45 am – 11:00 am)
Title: Seen, Known, & Loved: What Every Ward Member Needs
Presenters: Matt Heindel, MS, LMFT (LDS Family Services); Mike Colby and Seth Ahlstrom; Diana Neff, PMHNP-BC; and President Ririe.
Class Description: Various presenters will share tools and resources for Bishopric, Elders Quorum, Relief Society and High Council Leaders.
Presenter: Matt Heindel, MS, LMFT (LDS Family Services)
Biography: Matt Heindel is a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 23 years of experience serving individuals and families in Idaho. He previously co-owned and operated multi‑state mental health clinics specializing in pornography addiction, sexual behavior problems, substance abuse, and criminal behaviors, and developed programs for community, state, and federal agencies. Matt currently serves with Family Services and values his close collaboration with church leaders and community providers. He has been married to his wife, Shannon, for nearly 33 years and is the proud father of six children and grandfather to five.
Class Description: This course provides a brief orientation to Family Services, designed to increase participants’ confidence in accessing services and referring individuals and families they minister to. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of Family Services’ role, referral pathways, and how collaboration with church leaders and providers supports emotional self‑reliance and covenant progress.
Presenter: Diana Neff, PMHNP-BC
Biography: I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner and I currently work at Terry Reilly in Caldwell Idaho. I graduated in 2017 with my Masters of Science in Nursing after working for approximately 20 years in a variety of RN positions. I love working in mental health and seeing the growth and change that can help improve people’s lives. I have a tender spot in my heart for those who have suffered trauma or abuse. I have had some of my own challenges and trials which led me to my current career path including divorce, children with medical needs and mental health needs and the loss of an older sister to cancer. I have lived in Star Idaho for almost five years, with two of my four children still at home. I love beautiful clouds and sunsets, quilting and spending time with family. I have a strong testimony of the Savior and His personal love for us.
Class Description: A class for leaders of our wards and stake to guide support for members who may not have a traditional family such as those who have never married, part member families, divorced members, widowed members or those with special need family members. We will discuss overcoming our own feelings or perceived inadequacies while ministering to those who have different challenges. Discuss some ways to help Ward members feel seen, validated and loved. Learn some motivational interview techniques leaders can use to help members progress in their own efforts to enhance a feeling of belonging. Have an open ended discussion to share experiences that leaders have had that have supported an improved sense of belonging for ward members that are struggling.
Closing Session (12:40 pm – 1:00 pm)
Special Musical Number: “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling” by Will Smith, Shane Carlson, Brit Glad and Seth Ahlstrom accompanied by Justin May
Closing Speaker: President Ririe
Relief Society Room
Relief Society (9:45 am – 12:35 pm)
9:45 am – 10:30 am
Title: How to Mourn Like a Disciple of Christ
Presenters: Juel Higuera
Class Description: A brief overview of the stages and types of grief we may experience in this life as well as coping strategies for dealing with these life events.
Biography: With over 25 years experience as a mental health therapist working with youth, children, adults, couples and elderly persons. Juel has helped people resolve grief/loss, trauma/abuse/neglect, anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum, and ADHD and addiction and impulse control disorders. She is currently the owner of Mind and Body Solutions mental health clinic.
10:40 am – 11:05 am
Title: Story of Hope and Healing (Grief)
Presenter: Brin
Class Description: Brin will share her experience with grief and loss, the tools and resources that have helped her, and how she is healing and finding hope through Jesus Christ.
11:15 am – 12:00 pm
Title: Healing invasive thoughts through the Atonement of Christ
Presenters: Joe Arizola, LCSW
Class Description: In this discussion, people will engage in understanding how the Atonement of Jesus Christ can help with Suicidal thoughts/behaviors.
Biography: Joe is a convert to the church and credits the quality of his life to blessings from the Savior and joining the church. Joe has been in the mental health field for over 23 years and has worked in various mental health settings including inpatient hospitals, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and outpatient mental health counseling. Joe and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of 5 children. Joe enjoys all types of outdoor activities.
12:10pm – 12:35pm
Title: Story of Hope and Healing
Presenter: Trevor
Class Description: Trevor will share his experience with grief and loss, what tools and resources have helped him and how he is healing and finding hope through Jesus Christ.
Primary Room
Leena Martin-Weaver, Ed.S., NCSP, School Psychologist
Attend online here: qr.link/UZbxRO
Primary Room (9:45 am – 12:35 pm)
9:45 am – 10:30 am
Title: Raising Children the Lord’s Way Amidst the Challenges of Today’s World
Presenters: Leena Martin-Weaver, Ed.S., NCSP, School Psychologist
Class Description: Gain knowledge and understanding of the developmental stages and what our children need at each stage to mature and gain confidence. Discover how to use scriptures to model our parenting after our Father in Heaven and our Savior, and gain answers and insights to our most challenging parenting problems. Build self-compassion and learn to rely on the Savior as we tackle one of the most difficult (and rewarding) parts of our journey on earth.
Biography: Leena Martin-Weaver, Ed.S., NCSP, School Psychologist. Leena Weaver is a school psychologist who has worked with children and families since the late 90’s. She has a heart for helping kids grow and mature and supporting parents through the challenges that come with raising them.
10:40 am – 11:05 am
Title: Story of Hope and Healing
Presenter: Mike and Seth
Class Description: Mike and Seth share their personal experience of how sponsorship helps them find healing and hope in Jesus Christ through their struggle with addiction. They will talk about the role sponsorship plays in successful recovery, what sponsorship looks like, and how to find a sponsor.
11:15 am – 12:00 pm
Title: Sacred Limits: Embracing Boundaries as Love
Presenters: Cristi Dame
Class Description: Following the example of Christ, who modeled both compassion and clear boundaries, you’ll discover how honoring your limits allows you to show up with greater patience, love, and peace rather than resentment or burnout. We’ll explore how setting healthy limits is not selfish, but sacred—an act of honoring both yourself and others.
Biography: Cristi Dame is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Language of Listening® Coach, wife, and mom of four spunky kids. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Idaho State University and has spent the past 20 years supporting children, teens, and families in building stronger connections, emotional resilience, and self-awareness. Using a strength-based approach, she believes that each person is divinely created and capable of growth, healing, and meaningful connection—everything they need is already within them.
Cristi is especially passionate about helping others deepen their self-understanding and strengthen their relationships—particularly with their children or their own inner child—through creative interventions such as sand tray work, expressive arts, and play therapy.
12:10 pm – 12:35 pm
Title: Story of Hope and Healing (Belonging)
Presenter: Diana Neff
Class Description: Diana will share personal thoughts and experiences on the worth of souls; that you matter and belong despite your circumstances including the hope in Jesus Christ even if your situation is different from what you expected it to be.
Back Half of Gym
Back Half of Gym (9:45 am – 12:35 pm)
9:45 am – 10:30 am
Title: All Emotions are SUPER Powers, and How to Use Them (even for men)
Presenter: Ryan Carnahan
Class Description: Anxiety, depression, shame, anger, fear… There are A LOT of emotions we’ve labeled as “negative” that we try to avoid, numb, shutdown, even call “bad” when we see them in ourselves and others. But, these emotions were given to us by a loving God for a REASON. Come explore with me how looking at emotions as gifts from God can help you navigate them better, even USE them to improve your relationship with yourself, others, your life, and with God.
Biography: Husband, father of 5, recovered sex addict turned Men’s Mindset and Relationship Coach.
10:40 am – 11:05 am
Title: Story of Hope and Healing (Mental Wellness)
Presenter: David
Class Description: David shares his personal struggle with deep discouragement, personal struggles, and heavy questions about his value to Heavenly Father, and the tools and resources that have helped him find hope through Jesus Christ.
11:15 am – 12:00 pm
Title: Soul mates are not found—They are forged in fire
Presenters: Evan & Missy Hathaway
Class Description: We share our ongoing story of healing from addiction, betrayal, codependency and our family imprints. Dealing with these very issues created the fire that forged a greater bond in our marriage. We will share tools and resources that have helped us in creating this bond.
Biography: Evan and Missy have been married 42 years this May. They have 4 children and 17 grandchildren. They both view the 12 steps as a deep dive into the pure doctrine of Christ. They have both shared their stories of redemption in Christ through multiple podcasts, conferences, workshops and firesides.
12:10 – 12:35 pm
Title: Story of Hope and Healing (Family Support)
Presenter: Cari
Class Description: Cari will share her personal journey to forgiveness, healing and finding hope through Jesus Christ.