Weave & Cleave

Ruth's trauma story is not your typical Adverse Childhood Experience, but it changed the trajectory of Ruth's life. It transformed her understanding of grace and forgiveness. It taught her to embrace God's love in all its fullness. It shaped her into the leader she is today. And ultimately, it became her story of healing and recovery. Ruth shares that story vulnerably in this episode.After years in the corporate world, Ruth stepped into the calling she had always felt on her life, and founded Brilliant Light International, a ministry organization that provides Christ-centered trauma recovery and trauma-informed church services to women who have survived trafficking, abuse, and imprisonment. Aside from her ministry in Arizona, Ruth's organization has partnered with pastors in India to share the good news about Jesus and help them grow churches in rural villages.This episode covers big topics including mental health, medical trauma, forgiveness, business leadership, and the enemy's tactics against leaders in ministry. Listen in and be blessed.To connect with Ruth: BrilliantLightIntl@gmail.com To learn more about Brilliant Light Int'l: https://brilliantlightinternational.com/

Jannah Scott grew up in San Fransisco, amidst diverse friends and the unique leadership of her mother. It's no surprise then that Jannah found her place as a leader in government and civil society, both nationally and internationally. Having served as Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Jannah was given the opportunity to serve in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As you can tell, her heart is for policies, programs, and local initiatives that promote peace for all people. But as Jannah shares in this episode, she also has an immense heart for prayer and a big love for Jesus--gifts encoded in her DNA. Her mother was a prayer warrior; so was her grandmother. Jannah credits her mother's many prayers as the reason she overcame substance use, allowing her to grow into the resilient leader she was made to be.Join us as Jannah shares about her substance use recovery, her experience with tragic grief, her time and work during the Obama administration, and the collective trauma of the black community. There's so much to learn from her leadership. Don't miss this episode!Today, Jannah is the CEO of the American Center for Religious Freedom (ACRF), and has been since 2017. To learn more: https://www.acrf.global/home To connect with Jannah: ceo@acrf.email

Growing up with alcoholic parents, Clay knew the shame and pain of neglect and not being heard. But his older sister was there for him, protecting him and nurturing in him a strong resilience that would carry him throughout adulthood. Years later, Clay would find out the many secrets his family kept. At the age of 40, he finally decided it was time to heal his childhood trauma.For decades, Clay worked in child abuse prevention with the Maricopa County Dept of Public Health in Arizona where he made it his top priority to help people feel heard and seen. Today, Clay is a desired presenter for local and national conferences, and he's shared his story with thousands. He wants all who hear his story to know that no matter what's happened to you, hope and recovery are possible. This episode is uplifting and inspiring. You're going to want to listen in.Clay’s memoir, My Sister’s Brother, tells his story of survival and healing after childhood trauma. To purchase Clay's memoir: www.clay-jones.comTo connect with Clay: clay.jones@hotmail.com

Welcome to the first episode of Season 5!Join us as we speak with Keiko Ratcliffe, founder and CEO of Skye's the Limit! Foundation, an orginization that empowers youth and families through creativity and connection.In 2014, Keiko lost her daughter, Skye, to a drug overdose. The devastating loss turned her world upside down, but even then, Keiko knew she would somehow use Skye's story to help others. In 2019, Keiko founded the Skye's the Limit! Foundation with a mission to prevent trauma-related loss by strengthening resilience and mental wellness for youth, families, and communities. As Keiko has continued to learn about neuroscience and the effects of trauma, she's better learned how to equip young people with tools that help them cope, regulate emotion, recover from stress, and ask for help when needed—protective factors proven to reduce substance use, overdose, and suicide.Currently, Keiko is designing curriculum to take into schools. Blending art, music, somatic practices, and experiences in nature, she's curating the very activities Skye held dear.  Connect with Keiko: info@skyesthelimitfoundation.orgFor more about Skye's the Limit!: https://skyesthelimit.org/

Andy Mainiero's missional experience started with obedience and small beginnings. He started house churches and clubs for youth. These ministries grew, and as they grew, so did Andy's awareness of trauma and its impact. But when Andy and his wife adopted children from the foster care system, he dove into learning all he could about trauma--or more importantly, what it means to be trauma transformed.Today, Andy is an assistant professor of mission theology at Fuller Seminary, and the founder and director of the Shalom Gospel Network—a global impact network that promotes and facilitates trauma-transforming mission and ministry. Listen in as Andy shares his biblical interpretation of Shalom, wholeness, and what it looks like to enjoy wholeness in the midst of pain. "Shalom is the way things were meant to be..it's never fully complete. It's an ongoing journey of wholing all our parts, putting them back together into its intended shalom."What better way to close the year than with an episode focused on Shalom. Join us for our final episode of 2025! To connect with Andy: ajmainiero2@gmail.com

Amber knew profound grief from an early age. First, it was her parent's divorce. Then her father went to prison to serve a life sentence. Four months after receiving a cancer diagnosis, her mother died from cancer. All of this happened before Amber graduated from high school. From an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) perspective, Amber could have sought people, places, or behaviors that compounded her suffering, but instead, Amber sought beauty, goodness, and relationships. She joined the Apprenticeship to Jesus community; she met Sanghoon Yoo and accepted his invitation of mentorship; she wrote songs and stories rooted in healing and hope. And when it was time, Amber chose forgiveness over anger. Listen in as Amber shares her incredible story with vulnerability and wisdom.Amber and her husband, Justan, live in the Phoenix area with their twin daughters and son. With her children all in school, Amber is investing more time in her creative side. You can enjoy her work at:Amber's songs: amberhunter.bandcamp.comAmber's written work: amberhunter.medium.com

Tammy grew up in a Christian family dedicated to ministry and education, which for their family meant moving. A lot. By the age of 13, Tammy had moved 32 times, an experience that taught her the value of connection and community. Later in adulthood, after a divorce from an abusive marriage, Tammy also learned the value of vulnerability, and it was the power of these three together that ushered her into post-traumatic growth and transformation.Today, Tammy is sharing her transformation and helping other women experience their own. She's the CEO of Hope Women's Center, a resource and referral center for women and teen girls that has 7 physical centers and 50 mobile centers across the state of Arizona. Fun fact: HWC is considered Arizona's first faith-based, trauma-informed organization, and it was Tammy, Sanghoon, and Michelle who worked collaboratively to create HWC's trauma-informed culture back in 2018. Listen in as the three of them talk about what it looks like to implement trauma-informed procedures, language, and teams in real time - and without a textbook.Find out more about Hope Women's Center at: www.hopewomenscenter.orgTo contact Tammy: tammy@hopewomenscenter.org

From an early age, Rose Ann lived the party life. Decades later, as a wife, mom, and high-level executive, she found Jesus, but she couldn't find a reason to give up alcohol. Most programs required complete abstinence from substance use, but they couldn't explain the neuroscience behind addiction. Shortly after a divorce from a toxic marriage, Rose Ann found a program that psychologically and scientifically addressed substance use - and it worked for her. Throughout her recovery, she began applying the wisdom of Scripture - and that worked for her. So she blended her love of science and God's Word and created a program to help others find freedom from the psychological slavery of substances.Today, Rose Ann is an award-winning author of three books, a speaker, and the course creator of the Choose Freedom® Program. She's made it her mission to inspire people to renew their minds, rewire their brains, and experience true freedom in Christ. As she likes to tell people, "It's never too late."Listen in as Rose Ann shares her transformation story with honesty and confidence. If you're looking to take the next step toward freedom, or if you're hoping to guide someone toward the next step, this episode is for you.  For Rose Ann's Website:  www.choosefreedom.todayFor Rose Ann's Books:  www.choosefreedom.today/books For the 'Say Goodbye and Imagine!' Podcast:  https://choosefreedom.today/podcast/ .

Tansy was born in the country of Burma (Myanmar) - a country that has endured the world's longest ongoing civil war. By the time she came to America at the age of 21, she'd witnessed and experienced trauma, violence, and having her world turned upside down in a day. As Tansy grew, her passion for her people, the KaRen ethnic group, also grew. Her passion for Jesus grew, and people invested in her, helping her to better understand the truth and hope of God's Word.Today, Tansy is a licensed marriage and family therapist who is passionate about walking alongside churches and individuals, especially those from Burma. Through leadership, mentoring, and counseling, she empowers resilient people to discover their true worth and purpose in Christ. Listen in as she shares her story, provides history about Burma and the KaRen people, and speaks about the power of investing in people. Tansy believes that God brings healing and transformation when we listen to people’s stories and share our own. She's helped to compile devotionals contributed by hundreds of KaRen people. You can read "KaRen Stories for God's Glory" here: http://kbcusadd.orgTo connect with Tansy: akbctansy@gmail.com

When Kent was three years old, he went into kidney failure. While in the hospital, he watched everyone in the unit die around him. He was the only one who lived. This was Kent's first exposure to trauma, which extended into a childhood marked by racism and abuse from people in his Alaskan village. It would be many years before Kent would find the name for the symptoms he'd experienced most of his life: PTSD.Kent went on to become a pastor and pastored in Alaska for forty years. During that time, he discovered many people felt they needed to pretend they were perfect and admit they were living the victorious Christian life. Kent disagreed. He made it his mission to create safe places where people could be authentic, where people could lament trauma in order to live from a place of wellness. As Ken will tell you, he chooses not to live from a place of hurt. He lives from a place of joy. Be sure to listen to the end of this episode when Kent shares a miraculous and gripping story of redemption and forgiveness. You will be moved!After earning his PhD in Performance Psychology, Kent is now the President and Founder of Second Curve Coaching, an organization dedicated to helping people achieve their God-given mission. You can contact Kent and learn more at: coachk@secondcurvecoaching.com.

April Yamasaki is a pastor, author, magazine editor, spiritual formation mentor, and resident author with a liturgical worship community in Abbotsford, British Columbia. April's a busy woman but she's also "grounded in sacred pauses, soul care, and living with faith and hope."April will tell you that decades ago, when she unexpectedly came into pastoral ministry, she thought it'd be a temporary assignment. But the Lord had other plans. During her time as a pastor, April walked with many in their grief journey. When her own grief journey came, everything changed.Join us for this episode about grief, soul care, hope, gratitude, and post-traumatic growth. April shares openly and thoughtfully about the loss of her husband, the mystery of faith and time, and the ways writing can move you through the disorganization of grief. It's a conversation you don't want to miss.April is the author of Sacred Pauses, Four Gifts, and several books of liturgical sermons. She is also a devotional contributor for the Women's Devotional Bible in the Message.To find April's books, or to connect with her further, go to her author site: https://aprilyamasaki.com/about/

When Stacey Sutherland entered the mission field twenty years ago, she knew she wanted to help people who were experiencing crisis and trauma. But she didn't know how trauma and crisis would affect her marriage, her five children, or herself. She couldn't have foreseen how much of her trauma knowledge (or trauma wisdom) would be shaped by her lived experience, by her endless pursuit to heal her family, and by her willingness to wrestle with God over questions that even the strongest faith can't answer. Today, Stacey is a certified Crisis Intervention Specialist and Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, as well as the Executive Director of Crisis Care International. She's served in more than 30 countries, supporting communities impacted by crisis and disaster, and equipping helpers with trauma-informed tools for healing and resilience.This vulnerable conversation looks at trauma as a personal experience rather than an externalized experience that only happens to others. As Stacey puts it, "Trauma is a great equalizer." Join us as we talk about faith, deconstruction, reconstruction, and the peace that is found when we accept God's presence...in spite of our circumstances.Learn more about Stacey's work at: staceydsutherland.com For more about trainings at Crisis Care International: crisiscareinternational.org/eventsTo connect with Stacey: stacey@crisiscareinternational.org

Jermine Alberty grew up with a unique awareness for people and their suffering. Born from diverse parents, he knew he contained the suffering of African Americans who endured transatlantic slave trade. He contained the suffering of the Cherokee people forced to walk the Trail of Tears. As a pastor, he helped people walk through adversity. As a son and a father, he supported his mother and son as each journeyed through mental health conditions. Through all these experiences, Jermine determined that all people want is love--and he dedicated to his life to making sure they find it. Today, Jermine is a Mental Health First Aid trainer, a pastor, author, and the founder of the S.A.L.T. Initiative, an initiative that guides others in Serving, Affirming, Loving, and Transforming the lives of others and themselves. He refers to himself a lover of people, and as you listen to him, you can hear his compassion for people--especially those who are considered 'the least of these'. Join us for this special Juneteenth episode for a conversation about mental health, the fight for freedom, acknowledging generational patterns, and helping others heal. If you're an advocate of any kind, this episode is for you.To connect with Jermine: jdalberty@gmail.comTo learn more about the S.A.L.T Initiative: https://www.jerminealberty.com/To purchase Jermine's book: https://www.amazon.com/Bottled-Up-Inside-American-Depression/dp/0979282314

God's call on Connie Czepiel’s life began as a teenager when the Lord began to break her heart for people suffering in other countries. With a passion for the medical field, Connie joined the Air Force, but God (and the military) had other plans. Connie was educated in finance - something she never anticipated. After a divorce, and as a single mother of three, Connie acquired work as a contracted finance manager, and it took her around the world. She could have chosen to wallow in hurt and bitterness. Instead, Connie decided to put her eyes on Jesus.Today, at 76, Connie is an author in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina. She has plenty of stories to draw from as her humanitarian work has taken her to Madagascar, Vietnam, New Guinea, Nepal, Liberia and many more. She served with the Peace Corps in Botswana, and she's worked for organizations such as MAF, Mercy Ships, and Samaritan’s Purse. Needless to say, this is an episode of adventure and encouragement. Connie wants you to know this: it's never to late to pursue your dreams.Listen in and be encouraged.Connie's written four books. We encourage you to check them out on Amazon.Connie is available for interviews, workshops, and speaking engagements. To connect with her: kommertje2012@gmail.com

For 40 years, Mike Wold enjoyed success as a consultant, leadership coach, financial director, project manager, and adjunct instructor. Then he retired. Mike quickly discovered just how much of his identity was connected to his success. He reoriented his identity around his being, and before long, God started calling him into a different kind of work - helping veterans heal from their psychological and spiritual wounds. As a US Navy veteran himself, this was work Mike understood well.Today, Mike is the volunteer Arizona Regional Coordinator for the Institute for Healing of Memories, an organization that conducts weekend Healing of Memories Workshops throughout the world. He's worked with more than 450 veterans, listening to their stories and encouraging them toward healing. He's worked with churches, teaching them how to help the veterans in their congregations feel a true sense of belonging. He's worked with families and spouses, parents and children. In 2019, Mike was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame for his volunteer work with veterans. We're honored to have Mike join us for this important episode on faith, war, and healing moral wounds. Listen in.*This episode mentions suicide*To connect with Mike: michael_w_wold@msn.comThere are several workshops happening in 2025: Healing of Memories Workshop for Healthcare Workers on June 13-15, 2024 at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree. AZHealing of Memories Workshop for Women Veterans on October 17-19, 2025 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZHealing of Memories Workshop for All Veterans on November 21-23, 2025 at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZFor more info about Healing of Memories: healingmemories@gmail.comFor more about the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, go here: https://arizonacoalition.org/training-events/

When Julie was in high school, she came home from school to find her mother was gone. That traumatic experience changed her life, and although she didn't know it yet, Jesus was creating divine appointments in which she would begin to know Him, trust Him, and draw closer to Him.Julie's career path helped to grow her faith. She began as an interior designer, and just as she visualized the beauty of a space's transformation, she began to see the same potential in the hearts of those around her. She worked in church ministry for several years, then in 2018, Julie moved to Arizona and became the Director of a prison ministry. Now she serves as the Director of Programming at House of Refuge Sunnyslope in Phoenix, AZ.Listen in as we talk to Julie about leadership, what it means to lead with a trauma-informed lens, and what she envisions for House of Refuge Sunnyslope. With beautiful honesty and humility, Julie shares the wrestlings of her faith and God's revelations to her in the midst of her questions. This episode mirrors the heart of the Weave & Cleave movement and the Great Commission.Connect with Julie: julieann@refugesunnyslope.comLearn more about House of Refuge: https://www.refugesunnyslope.org/

Cliff Danley, as he puts it, hit rock bottom several times in his adult life. He started using substances young, and for many years, he struggled with a life of substance abuse, broken relationships, homelessness, and time in jail. But during these years, there was hope. Cliff was introduced to Jesus. Cliff entered Phoenix Rescue Mission's residential program, and after completing the program, he went on to head up the residential Aftercare program for 13 years. Today, Cliff is an ordained chaplain and the Senior Scholarship Administrator at Grace Sober Living, where he provides residents with educational scholarships by the Steele Family Foundation. Join us as we talk with Cliff about his life, his faith, and his passion for helping men sustain long term sobriety AND discover their vocational potential. Listen to the end of this episode and enjoy Cliff's reading of one of his own poems, written at a turning point in his recovery journey. Cliff's story is one of true redemption and hope. We know you'll be encouraged.Want to connect with Cliff? Reach him by email: cliff@gracesoberliving.org.

Christina Lombaro, holistic nutrition coach for trauma and substance use recovery, knows the journey of whole person recovery - she's lived it for herself. Her experience with substance use and trauma started young and progressed through her teenage years. She faced decades-long battles with insomnia and PTSD, hormone and nervous system dysregulation, and a variety of other somatic symptoms. After several years of being bedridden in her 30s, Christina decided she would do whatever she could to get healthy. This led her to study nutrition, which ultimately led her to a lifestyle of whole person health.Listen in as Christina candidly shares her healing journey as well as her faith journey and the many lessons she's learned along the way. She talks about the short-term impact nutrition changes can make, but she's honest about the long-term reality of nutrition goals, too. No matter your goals, Christina offers the best tools for anyone on the lifelong journey to health: tenacity, flexibility, and consistency. Oh, and grace. Listen in.Christina is the co-lead of Weave & Cleave's Wellness team, so you're likely to meet her at a Weave & Cleave event. If you'd like to connect with her sooner, find her at any of the following: Website:  https://nutritionwellnessaz.com/Facebook and Instagram: @christinanutritionandwellnessTiktok: @christinanutrition

Meet Andi Clements, Professor at East Tennessee State University, Associate Director of Research Design and Implementation at the ETSU Strong BRAIN Institute, and president of Uplift Appalachia, a nonprofit that equips churches to help those with substance use disorder and mental health challenges. And meet Becky Haas, international trauma-informed trainer, ordained minister, and pioneer in creating trauma-informed communities. Her cross-sector work in Northeast Tennessee has been awarded and recognized by SAMHSA, the Obama administration, and other agencies as a model to be followed.A decade ago, Andi and Becky discussed ideas that would create social change in their community. They took steps, did what they could, and today, they've taken change beyond their town, across sectors, and across countries. They credit two things: their faith in Jesus and their friendship. Listen in as Andi and Becky talk about their work and its evolution over the years, their self-care strategies, the importance of relationships, the vitality of prayer, and the necessity of endurance.   Book by Andi: The Trauma-informed ChurchTo connect with Andi: www.upliftappalachia.orgBook by Becky: Your City is Waiting on YouTo connect with Becky: www.beckyhaas.com

Gaelin Elmore entered the foster care system at five months old. He would spend time in twenty foster homes and DCS would remain a part of his life until he was 13 years old. Until he went to college, Gaelin faced constant instability, abuse, neglect, and homelessness. Listen in as Gaelin shares his personal story of growing up, finding faith, and becoming resilient in the two places where he found safety and belonging: church and school. Today, Gaelin is a keynote speaker, trainer, and Belonging Expert. He's an advocate with both lived experience and a strong faith in God, and you'll hear the strength of both in this episode. Gaelin's authenticity shines through as he talks about belonging in simple terms. As he puts it, in every space people enter, they need to feel important, know they are valued, and understand that they matter. Belonging is found in community, but as Gaelin puts it, freeing and fulfilling belonging is found with self first.This episode will tug at your heart and spark your mind. Enjoy this engaging conversation and be encouraged.Gaelin's website: https://www.gaelinelmore.com/Gaelin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaelin-elmore-608090135/Gaelin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giv.elmore/