MEET THE A.S.C.E.N.D. ‘24 SUMMIT SPEAKERS
Over an epic two-day event, we’ve gathered some of the most inspiring experts from across the country, all under one roof, just for you! These trailblazers are passionate about empowering you with the knowledge, tools, and insights you need to ascend beyond your past.
You Are Not Your Trauma Inc.
Website | Instagram |
Google Play | App Store
Keynote Speakers
Geolaina "Jo" Copeland
Author, Speaker, Trainer | Website | Instagram
Geolaina “Jo” Copeland, a remarkable individual whose diverse talents and unwavering dedication to positive change illuminate her dynamic endeavors. With a rich background as a seasoned school administrator, Children's Ministry Director, and now, the author of the impactful book "Broken Legacies: How to Stop Cycles of Family Dysfunction," Geolaina's boundless creativity knows no limits. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Prairie View A&M University and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, Geolaina's steadfast pursuit of knowledge is evident throughout her multifaceted career.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Geolaina captivates audiences with her speaking engagements, artistic photography, and heartwarming children's literature such as "The Adventures of Super Kai." Her dedication to uplifting low socioeconomic communities drives her success, echoing the ethos of Mark 9:23 — her unwavering belief that with God, all things are possible. Driven by faith, Geolaina channels her passion into creating a brighter tomorrow, serving as a beacon of inspiration for all who are fortunate enough to encounter her.
Amanda Herd
Prophetess | Website | Instagram
Amanda Herd, a prophetess, wife, and mother of two, resides in North Carolina. As a Christian spiritual transformation life coach, mentor, and vessel behind CircleUp with Amanda Herd, she hosts virtual connections and women empowerment events. Alongside her husband, Amanda leads The Root Transformation Ministry, launched in late 2017. Known for her love of coffee and all things prayer, she embodies bold confidence, grounded faith, and a warm, friendly demeanor.
Dr. Veirdre Jackson
CEO/Founder |Website|Instagram
Dr. Veirdre Jackson is a woman pursuing her purpose, passion, and life’s priority to share her belief that all children deserve the best education available. She is an award-winning author, educator, and entrepreneur who is recognized as a leading educational trainer in trauma informed practices and DEIB. She is a veteran educator with over 20 years of experience supporting non-profit and executive leadership.
Through her experiences with systems based approaches to Trauma Awareness and Equity Literacy, the Resiliency Approach, and Positive Behavior and Intervention Strategies, she has harnessed her passion for building organizational resilience and personal strength on behalf of youth, families, and educational professionals. She provides training, consulting and supports for parents, educators, administrators, clinicians and youth development staff who desire to impact children from the inside out.
Dr. Jackson is the CEO/Founder of Living Strong Consulting LLC. She also serves on the executive board for Quest Trauma Healing Centers. She is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and consultant. Her commitment to leaders and organizational development is elevated through her John Maxwell Team Certification which allows her to support leaders in sustaining growth and maintaining mission through trainings, mastermind sessions, lunch & learns, and coaching.
Her internet radio show and podcast on Voice America’s Empowerment Station, Spotify and iHeart Radio entitled Living Strong: The Flip Side of Adversity reaches listeners with inspirational, authentic and practical stories from lived experiences by her guest cohosts on how to manage bad experiences to leverage lessons and create gains in the areas of relationships, time management, health, mental wellness and mindset, finances, leadership, and faith.
Her 2019 book and video series Fearless Conversations with a Limitless God provides insight on addressing the challenges to breaking the cycle of toxic thoughts that keep women in “hiding places”.
Nichole Lee
Trauma-Informed Healer, Intuitive Guide, Soul Coach, Speaker, Well-Being Educator, Speaker and Retreat Host |LinkedIn|Instagram
Nichole is on a mission to help millions heal their hearts and transform their lives.
As a Trauma-Informed Healer, Intuitive Guide, Soul Coach, Speaker, Well-Being Educator, Speaker and Retreat Host, Nichole offers a sanctuary for healing and growth.
She specializes in guiding individuals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unfulfilled into creating a more authentic and fulfilling life by rediscovering who they are, healing inner wounds, and cultivating more meaning, purpose and passion in their lives.
With expertise spanning across spirituality, positive psychology, neuroscience, energy healing, meditation & mindfulness, health & well-being, trauma-informed care, and 20 years prior experience in global business management consulting, Nichole offers a holistic approach to supporting her clients and audiences as they navigate the complexities of life.
As a Speaker and Retreat Host, Nichole creates spaces where growth, healing, connection, and empowerment are not just encouraged but celebrated. She brings together communities bound by the shared desire for profound personal change and a deeper understanding of themselves.
Her podcast, 'Transcending Identity,' serves as a global platform for discussions on personal transformation, drawing in listeners with its insightful explorations of how individuals triumph over their challenges. Through her engaging conversations, Nichole illuminates the path for countless others, showcasing the power of personal stories in the collective journey towards living an authentic and fulfilling life.
At the core of Nichole’s mission is an unwavering belief that love and compassion are essential to healing the world. She believes that fostering love within ourselves magnifies the love we extend to others, igniting healing across communities and the world.
Kristen Montero Morris
Title |Website|Instagram
COMING SOON
Panelists
LaNessa Jackson
CEO |Website|Instagram
LaNessa Jackson is a personal coach with a great passion for helping people visualize and realize their dreams. LaNessa, a Detroit, MI native, is a writer and se lf-published her first book entitled,” God is Not
on a Point System”. A book written to challenge people on understanding the motives behind their obedience and to develop an authentic relationship with God. She loves God and has a desire to help people grow closer in their relationship with God.
LaNessa is a John Maxwell Speaker, Teacher and Coach where she assists people in the John Maxwell’s process of personal growth and leadership development. Continuous personal growth is her life’s mission and she enjoy motivating others to embark on their growth journey.
LaNessa currently lives in Dallas,TX and in her spare time, she enjoys reading self-development books, traveling, exercising, and spending time with family & friends.
Breakout Session Leaders
Sara King
Healing Arts Practitioner, Holistic Swim Instructor | Instagram
With her background in Social Work, Sarah King served over 18 years in nonprofit organizations supporting at-risk youth, adults transitioning out of poverty, and families with seriously ill children. In addition, she has trained and supported thousands of adults while volunteering in their communities. Sarah continues to equip helping professionals with wellness tools and best practices for sustainable success.
Through her company, Sarah King Creates, she has combined her passion for artistic creation with her gifts of service and training to guide others in experiencing the mental health benefits of creativity. As a Healing Arts Practitioner, she equips people to go from overwhelmed and stressed to well-being and peace of mind through movement, mindfulness, and discovering and engaging their creativity. In addition, she loves being in and near water and is a holistic Swim Instructor. She introduces others to the mental health benefits of swimming through her Water & Well-Being Swimming Retreats.
Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Sarah has lived in Missouri, California, Texas, and now Miami, Florida. At the end of the day, she unwinds through all things DIY, sand volleyball, and spending time with her friends, family, and rambunctious dog, Colby Jack, and loves anything around eating!
Dr. Nicole Pertillar
Wholeness Advocate | Instagram
Dr. Nicole Pertillar is passionate about helping women prioritize their well-being in spirit, mind, and body. She uses her experiences of trauma, pain, burn-out, and disillusionment to educate, encourage, and empower other women to commit to lives of wholeness and rest to position themselves for purpose fulfillment. Dr. Nicole understands how unresolved trauma and compounded grief can create cycles that keep people stuck.
Through her company, Live From Wholeness Coaching, LLC, Dr. Nicole combines her training in leadership, therapy, and coaching with her passion for the arts to facilitate healing experiences for her clients. She helps her clients understand that the creative healing process is about way more than painting, but painting is certainly a great place to start. Dr. Nicole believes it is imperative that we operate from a place of wholeness in spirit, mind, and body and she created The Power of the Pause Workshops and Retreats to not only encourage people to prioritize their self-care but to give them the education and tools to structure their lives in a way that creates space for the care of their entire beings.
Dr. Nicole holds a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership and an MA in Counseling from Regent University. She is also a Certified Mental Health Coach who currently works as a mental health coach for the meditation app, Headspace. As one who has a deep love for healthy leadership, Dr. Nicole encourages people to always lead themselves well, meaning do the work of facilitating growth and healing in your mind, will, emotions, AND YOUR BODY...a part we often don't consider. You can find her working out, taking care of (& buying) houseplants, traveling, and painting or creating something.
