Authors

Christine Berghoef is a published author, speaker, and independent consultant. She teaches classes and leads workshops on how to engage in civil discourse. Her experience in civil discourse training began as a consultant for The Faith & Politics Institute in Washington DC, which works to build bridges of understanding through dialogue between polarized members of Congress across the partisan divide and between traditionally polarized national faith leaders. She currently lives in Holland, Michigan where she is laying the ground work to launch The Institute of Faith, Justice & Dialogue.

Bethany Besteman is a worship coordinator and church administrator at Silver Spring Christian Reformed Church in Maryland. She also works as the intake editor at Reformed Worship. She has a Ph.D. in English Language and Literature from Catholic University of America.

After a successful heavyweight boxing career and a series of misfortunes, Bryan Blakely Sr. and his wife Toresa found themselves without work, and then without a home of their own. Together, they experienced the social system of assistance, including public welfare, homeless shelters, and food pantries. By relying on their faith in God, their faith in each other, and the help of various agencies, community organizations, and friends, they were able to find employment. They now own a home in the Bates Place neighborhood. Bryan has been the Executive Director of Bates Place Ministries since its inception.

Rachel Boehm is a health care administrator and program leader with Nova Scotia's Addictions and Mental Health Program. With a background in communications and public relations, Rachel previously worked for many years in the non-profit sector tackling issues such as hunger and poverty. Rachel is a mother of four, an avid runner, and she loves outdoor life in Fall River, Nova Scotia -- in all of its beautiful seasons. She is the author of the children's book, "The Ways I Will Love You."