Leadership in Times of Crisis

🎤 Dr. Allan Machado, DMin – President of the Florida Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

Dr. Allan Machado is the president of the Florida Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He serves as a lead teacher of several courses for Spanish-speaking Doctor of Ministry cohorts in the areas of Discipleship, Family Ministry, Leadership, and Urban Ministry. 

In times of distress, no job is more important than that of a good leader. Discover how to be an effective communicator and a competent leader that amidst a pandemic can still manage to support a community.

Coping with Separation and Divorce

🎤 Dr. Manuel Moral

The pastor and Dr. Manuel Moral comes from Cuba and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) from the state of Missouri. Dr. Moral is certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and certified Chaplain in the area of Pastoral Care. He practices his areas of expertise in health centers and university campuses. He obtained his Ph.D. in psychology from North-central University. The subject of his thesis analyzed the theory of the systemic family in the context of the family systems approach. 

A separation is not the same as a divorce. However, both separation and divorce can be difficult topics to address. This seminar will provide participants with helpful advice when facing difficult issues such as separation and divorce.

Family Cyber Security

🎤 Pr. Ryan Amos

For families, the dangers of the cyber world seem to be increasing. Good cyber practices mean employing methods, technologies, and safe routines to protect electronic devices and sensitive data from cyber-attack. This seminar will raise participants’ awareness about the dangers of the cyber world and will provide participants with useful tools that will set up a family for robust cybersecurity. 

Adolescence & Drugs

🎤  Pr. Yoel Paredes

Pr. Yoel Paredes is an experienced Chaplain, Teacher, Counselor, and Pastor. His educational background includes area specialties in psychology, theology, and counseling. He currently serves alongside his wife as they are committed to Adventist Education.

🎤 Dr. Warner Richards

Multiple degrees and universities graduate. Doctor of Psychology with a specialization in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. He is also a Clinical Chaplain (College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy), a graduate of the University of the Rockies/Ashford University, holds a Masters in Christian Counseling (American Christian College and Seminary), and a Masters of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (Andrews University). His doctoral research was entitled, “The Meaning Clergy Derive from Congregational Conflict and How do they Describe its Effects on Motivation and Satisfaction.”

Three basic constructs exist Spiritual Warfare, Possession, and Oppression. Why is the study of these three constructs necessary? One of the areas of great confusion both in the Mental Health field and in the Christian Church is in the intersection of demonic influence and possession with mental disorders. Secular Psychiatry and Psychology often dismiss the manifestation or even the very existence of demonic forces. As a result, its presenting is often deemed as psychotic behavior. Demonically possessed people under psychiatric care find themselves remitted to prolonged hospitalizations and overmedicating.

In contrast, many religious practitioners (i. e., Pastors, Elders, Evangelists, Missionaries and Christian Leaders, etc.), when witnessing psychotic behavior, are quick to deem it as being demonic. We must deconstruct the confusion and clearly define terms, contrast differences between the two conditions, and improve understanding.   

Finance/Budget in the Family Life

🎤 Yolanda Acevedo

Yolanda A Acevedo is Church & School Auditor for the Florida Conference of SDA as well as an Officially Appointed Volunteer (OAV) for the Florida Conference Pathfinder/Adventurer Department, currently leading as West Area Administrator for Pathfinders. She has over 30 years of experience leading children and youth within the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in both Illinois and Florida and has served at her local churches in multiple ministries including Treasury as well as various Youth Ministries. Yolanda has received extensive training in Youth Leadership development, including developing new Leaders and fascinating relationships between young people, their Youth Leader, Parents and the Church. 

Generation Z

🎤 Pr. Pablo Gaitan

Pastor Gaitan is the youth and young adult Pastor at Forest City. Pr. Gaitan is crazy about leading young people to Jesus, serving the underserved, and teaching about Jesus’ second coming. He is proud to be called husband to Vanesa and Daddy to three beautiful children. Pr Gaitan loves to preach, baptize, play soccer, and tennis.  

Raising a God-Fearing Child Part 1

🎤 Dr. Octavio Ramirez, PhD., LICSW, PIP

Dr. Octavio Ramirez serves as Chairman of the Social Work program at Oakwood University. He holds clinical licenses in the State of Alabama and Tennessee and provides mental health services in Huntsville, Alabama. Dr. Ramirez acquired undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Rutgers University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Services with a specialization in clinical social work from Walden University. Dr. Ramirez conducts research in the areas of mental health, religiosity and family life. For the past six years, Dr. Ramirez served on the Commissioner of Accreditation for the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in Washington D.C. He was recently appointed by Governor Kay Ivey of the State of Alabama to serve on the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners to help regulate social work practice in the State of Alabama. His presentation entitle, “Raising God-Fearing Children” will include content from his recently published research study.  

 How to win all fights in your marriage with chemistry laws

🎤 Dr. Abraham Guerrero, PhD

Abraham Guerrero has a PhD in Mission Studies, and he enjoys everything that has to do with family life. He is happily married against Natalia (well, he’s actually happily married to her), and they have two children who make them even happier (Natasha, their daughter; and Angel, their son).  Dr. Guerrero is a pastor in the Florida Conference, and he also serves as an adjunct professor and doctoral dissertations editor at Andrews University and a few other Adventist universities around the world.

Could it be that you can use the laws of chemistry to win all the fights in your marriage? By the way, your spouse doesn’t have to lose the fight for you to win it! Unfortunately, marriage involves differences that too often become fights. And many of those fights are unintentional. This seminar uncovers a couple of keys to a fair fight in which both spouses win, and none of them loses.

Effective Ways to Argue with your Spouse

🎤 Pr. Edwin & Brenda de Paula

Edwin earned a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Andrews Adventist University. For the last three years, Edwin has served as the lay volunteer pastor of the Allentown Adventist Community Church. Edwin is blessed with Brenda’s ministerial support, as she’s an expert in the development and implementation of communication and public relations strategies that facilitate collaborations between the church and community organizations to share the love of God and benefit those in need. For more details about the DePaula’s ministry, visit their YouTube channel: DePaula Infinite Ministry.

Many agree that couples shouldn’t argue; however, we challenge you to learn effective and respectful ways to argue that will elevate your marriage.

🎤 Pr. Pedro Perez

Pedro Perez currently is the FL Conference Path/Adv Director. He was born and raised in the Midwest, but has lived in FL for over 13 years with his wife, Claudia, and their two children, Gabriella and Alexander. Pedro likes cycling, reading, and being with his family. He wants to one day climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. He is energized by helping leaders lead kids better. When that happens, everyone wins.

You probably have a short list of people who impacted you during your childhood and teenage years. When those individuals intersected with your world, they became a new kind of leader for you. They were not new in the sense that they had never led anything before or they were radically different from other leaders. They were new because their influence gave you a new direction, or their belief in you gave you a new sense of worth. Maybe they were new because they showed up at a new phase of your life, or their faith helped you solidify your faith in a new and authentic way.

🎤 Pr. Ruber Leal

Ruber Leal is the Family Ministries Co-Director for the Texas Conference, Co-founder of ForeverONE© Ministries and the Associate Pastor for the Richardson SDA Church in Richardson, TX. He and his wife Ketty are on the road regularly conducting family enrichment workshops and retreats.

Having emotional satisfaction is difficult to achieve when bombarded by social fears, personal disappointments and relationship failures. This seminar will give you the tools to increase emotional satisfaction and will teach you how to guard your emotions against external and internal sabotage.

🎤 Pr. Paul Coneff

Helping Kids See Themselves in the Light of Jesus

🎤 Pr. Gerry Lopez 

Gerry understands the importance of a strong and visible children’s ministry in churches; he feels the future existence of the church depends on it. Gerry has enjoyed working in children’s ministry for more than 14 years as a youth pastor, children’s ministry pastor, and elementary school chaplain. He has worked in churches in Southern California, Puerto Rico, West Palm Beach, Florida and Takoma Park Maryland and is an alum of Antillean Adventist University where he received his BA in Theology. He recently serves as the Children’s Ministries Associate Director at the NAD.  Gerry loves equipping and empowering children’s ministry leaders; in doing so he feels that he can both make a difference in expanding the mission of the Church, as well as play a role in getting children to know Jesus as their personal savior.

In this Seminar we explore how to help children have a healthy self-esteem as they see themselves how Jesus sees them.  Self-esteem is crucial for them to grow into leaders for Jesus’ mission and the Children’s Ministries leader play a big part in facilitating that role.

Discipleship in the Family

🎤 Pr. Jonathan Mercill

Jonathan Mercill has a passion for all ages of our church. He’s lead Pathfinders, Adventurers, all ages of Sabbath School even cradle roll, Kindergarten Division at Campmeeting and is a Cubbies Summer Camp Pastor. He has a Bachelors of Religion from Union College and a Masters of Divinity from Andrews Theological Seminary. He enjoys spending time with his family, studying and teaching survival skills and other outdoor activities. He’s been married to Erin for almost 16 yrs and they have 3 children. 

In this seminar we will learn about the importance of being a disciple within our own homes. 

Following the Leader

🎤 Pr. Nelson Silva

Nelson Silva has been a youth worker in churches and Public schools since 2003. While in the public school system, he counseled inner-city youth and their parents, served as a liaison between 17 schools and homes. He collaborated in the creation of after school programs to target inner-city youth development and discipleship. In 2013, Nelson completed a Doctor of Ministry in Youth, Families, and Culture which allowed him to delve deeper into inner-city ministry in the context of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s mission in public schools. The creation of an after school children’s ministry in two public schools gave way to a church plant near the ministry area. Nelson currently serves as the Associate Youth Director for Young Adults, Public Campuses, and Hispanic Youth Ministries in the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference.

Your leadership style is like being right-handed or left-handed. Not everyone is the same, but everyone has their style. It’s what energizes them. However, a humble and wise leader is aware of one’s strengths as well as weaknesses in order to serve well.

Raising a God-Fearing Child Part 2

🎤Dr. Octavio Ramirez PhD., LICSW, PIP

Dr. Octavio Ramirez serves as Chairman of the Social Work program at Oakwood University. He holds clinical licenses in the State of Alabama and Tennessee and provides mental health services in Huntsville, Alabama. Dr. Ramirez acquired undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Rutgers University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Services with a specialization in clinical social work from Walden University. Dr. Ramirez conducts research in the areas of mental health, religiosity and family life. For the past six years, Dr. Ramirez served on the Commissioner of Accreditation for the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in Washington D.C. He was recently appointed by Governor Kay Ivey of the State of Alabama to serve on the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners to help regulate social work practice in the State of Alabama. His presentation entitle, “Raising God-Fearing Children” will include content from his recently published research study.  

Parenting During the Pandemic

🎤 Veronica Carballo MS

Ms. Carballo was born in Mexico. As a recent graduate with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Andrews University, and growing up in the SDA church and a pastoral family, she discovered from a very young age her desire to help people. For that reason, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Southern Adventist University. She is a young professional whose passion is to help God’s children to experience emotional healing through faith and hope in God as well as through the professional help provided by Christian counselors.

Stop Bullying

🎤 Yadiel Muñoz MS

Clinical social worker with emphasis in mental health. Graduated from Southern Adventist University in Tennessee. Currently serving as mental health counselor for individuals and families.

Bullying is a plague that affects our children in their schools and in their own homes. In this seminar, we will learn what we can do to our part to stop bullying 

Single Parenting: The Power of Self-Understanding

🎤 Maria Puentes, LMHC.,MCAP.,CCTP.,QS., CST., MhT.

Licensed clinical psychotherapist dedicated to the treatment of trauma, substance abuse, mental health disorders, and developmental disorders. In addition to working in the mental health care industry, I have maintained an active private practice in South Florida. My additional qualifications includes; Board Certified Sex Therapist (CST), Clinical Hypnotherapist (CHT), Qualified Supervisor (QS), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Master Certified Addition Professional (MCAP), Certified HIV Counselor, EMDR Authorized Provider, Emotional Freedom Techniques Provider (EFT), Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Trainer & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Provider.

Behavior Interventions for Improving Challenging Behaviors in Children, Adolescents and  Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities: We will go over effective and successful interventions that lead to maintaining and generalizing positive behaviors, when is the best time to teach a new behavior and determine the major functions of behavior.

Budgeting for Church Ministry

🎤 LaVerne Tavarez

Tips to better budget money/resources to help fund the church ministry. 

Children’s Story Telling Made Easy

🎤 Judy Smith

Her mission is to equip children with Biblical truths in a fun and creative way and to create a safe place for all of our children: emotionally, physically, and spiritually. With this seminar, she invites making each child’s experience at church safe, fun, and profitable in the process of growing.  Making each child’s experience at church safe, fun and profitable in the process of growing.

VBS 101

🎤 Naomi Olson

The Lord has provided Naomi with the skill and opportunity to mentor both our youth, young adults, and adults in their journeys. Whether guiding Pathfinders through a trail in Canada or mentoring soon to be wed couples as they realize their new life together; Naomi uses her talents as a facilitator to encourage and lead wherever she goes. She currently serves as a Lay member with the Children’s and Families Ministries for the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventist.

Learning Styles

🎤 Hannah Powell

Medical Tips for a Healthy Children’s Ministry

🎤 Melinda Goodman

Melinda Goodman has been a RN since 1989. She graduated from Southwestern Adventist University with her Associates in Nursing and then her Bachelors in Nursing. She has worked in pediatrics, emergency room, home health, school and camp nursing. She has lived in Central FL since 1992. She loves working with children and enjoys challenging them to be the best they can be. She has a business, Main Nurse Medical, teaching CPR/First Aid for all levels of certification. Melinda continues to help at Camp Kulaqua for summer camp nursing and occasionally at Forest Lake Elementary Center.

First Aid Challenges: From scrapes and bruises to emergencies. Learn what actions are needed on site and for follow up.

Homeschooling

🎤 Rebeca Amador

With the current pandemic, or just for personal choice, homeschool seems to be the solution to our kid’s educational needs. But, where do I start?  Will I be able to teach my children even if I am not a teacher?  Will they reach academic success? Can I homeschool my children even if they are in different grades?  Is homeschool right for my family? What about Social Interaction? This seminar will answer all those questions and more.  We will discuss in detail how to homeschool with a Christ center approach, but also making sure that academics are being met accordingly.

Conflict Managment in Relationships

🎤 Pr. Orlando and Elizabeth Pule

Currently serving as co-Directors for Women, Men, Singles and Family Ministries for the Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada.

Conflict is inevitable even in healthy relationships. This workshop seeks to bring awareness to our own reactions during conflict and offers practical tips to manage conflict in all our relationships.

Healthy Boundaries: Where you End and I Begin

🎤 Julian Anderson, LMHC

Mrs. Anderson-Martín, MA, LLPC, LMHC (Cnd.), is the owner and director of Rose Above the Thorn Counseling Center, a bi-lingual (English/Spanish) counseling. Her private practice is located in two counties: County of Berrien, in the State of Michigan, and DuPage County of Illinois. She obtained her undergraduate degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Social Work/Marriage and Family (1996) and currently holds a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Community Counseling/ Marriage and Family (2000) from Andrews University. Julian is close to twenty-seven years of experience in the field of counseling, behavioral and psychological consultation, and therapy. Julian enjoys ministering to individuals, couples, and families, as well as providing seminars, lectures, and presentations on an array of themes related to family and community. 

The Danger of Pornography

🎤 Dr. Arnold Burton

***This session is for Adults, (married and single), College, and High School age students. Younger children (13 – 14) can attend with a parent or guardian.

Why are we talking about PORNOGRAPHY?

Why did Thy ask me to speak about it?

What is Pornography? What is the difference, if any, between this sin and others?

Find out about the Power of Choice, Guarding the Avenues of the Soul, and Habits.

Children’s Ministry in Public Schools

🎤 Pr. Nelson Silva

Nelson Silva has been a youth worker in churches and Public schools since 2003. While in the public school system, he counseled inner-city youth and their parents, served as a liaison between 17 schools and homes. He collaborated in the creation of after school programs to target inner-city youth development and discipleship. In 2013, Nelson completed a Doctor of Ministry in Youth, Families, and Culture which allowed him to delve deeper into inner-city ministry in the context of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s mission in public schools. The creation of an after school children’s ministry in two public schools gave way to a church plant near the ministry area. Nelson currently serves as the Associate Youth Director for Young Adults, Public Campuses, and Hispanic Youth Ministries in the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference.

You have heard about the “Separation of Church and State.” However, did you know that religious organizations are present in Public Schools? In this seminar, you’ll learn how your church can be active in Public Schools (K-8) since the schools are–or can become–the center of the community. As a church, we are called into ALL the world; Therefore, Public Schools give you are a good start into the Great Commission.

Growing Young

🎤 Pr. Laffit Cortes

Laffit is married to the lovely Lynda, and they have two young-adult children: Raylyn and Caleb.  Born and raised in New York, he has a passion for helping people discover and develop the potential God has shaped them for. As a conference youth director for New Jersey Conference and a Chaplain at Pacific Union College his one goal was to ‘raise an army of youth rightly trained’ to help youth disciple their generation and beyond. He currently serves as Lead Pastor of Miami Temple.

The Growing Young seminar will address Six Essential Strategies to empower your church community to be a magnet for Young People to Discover and Love Your Church.

In His Image (Parenting and Sexuality)

🎤 Sheila Oleaurre, MS

Sheila was born in Argentina but moved to the United States with her parents when she was 13 years old. Her passion for serving others drove her to study Psychology finishing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology In Argentina as well as another Master’s degree in Health Psychology in the United States. She’s been married for six years to Pablo who brought into her life two children Julián (16) and Camila (20). Together they had twin baby girls, Skye and Lani who are two years old. Sheila spends her days taking care of the children and pets, learning more about motherhood, step motherhood, health, parenting and sexuality. She is currently working helping other women find a healthy and sustainable lifestyle rooted in their identity on Jesus and educating by giving workshops and seminars to parents, leaders and young adults in search of Biblical and psychological answers to today’s reality and struggles.

A discussion about the most pressing questions that we should be asking ourselves: What does it mean to have been created in the Image of God? What does that mean in terms of our identity and life decisions? How can we understand this in the light of our sexuality? How can I teach my children and teenagers to respect God’s principles for their lives regarding this?

How to Teach a Beginners’ Sabbath School Class

🎤 Jodi Burrill

Jodi Burrill has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Union College and an Advance Certificate in Children’s Ministry from Bethel Seminary.  She has worked in Sabbath School and Children’s Ministry for over 30 years and has a passion for children. Jodi was a homeschool mom for twelve years and has two wonderful grown children. She lives in Apopka and works for the Florida Conference as an Administrative Assistant to the Department of Children and Family Ministries.

How to Teach a Kindergarten’s Sabbath School Class

🎤 Kim Lane

Kim has a degree in Mass Communication over ten years of experience and gracefully volunteers at Lakeland SDA church as the head Kindergarten teacher. She also leads out in Adventurers!

How to Teach a Primary’s Sabbath School Class

🎤 Erin Mercill

In this seminar we will discover the best way to get the kids excited to learn about the Bible stories

🎤 Naomi Olson

The Lord has provided Naomi with the skill and opportunity to mentor both our youth, young adults and adults in their journeys. Whether guiding Pathfinders through a trail in Canada or mentoring soon to be wed couples as they realize their new life together; Naomi uses her talents as a facilitator to encourage and lead wherever she goes. She currently serves as a Lay member with the Children’s and Families Ministries for the Florida Conference of Seventh day Adventist.

Helpful tips on giving an effective earliteen/Jr high Sabath school class. 

Criação do século XXI (Português)

🎤 Robin Galgon