Embrace Your Strengths

Barbara and Gerry celebrate 200 episodes of Embrace Your Strengths!   Gerry is EYS's biggest fan!  She shares a bit about how knowing her strengths "saved her marriage" and also living out her strengths daily gives her joy and passion as she meets with folks  and loves to share the life giving hope of knowing Jesus!    You can hear more about her story on Episode 61. Barbara talks about the history of EYS and the joy she gets from connecting with people and encouraging them  to live wholeheartedly in their strength areas.  Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment  Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths  

Josue's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Restoraive Connectedness, Woo, Communication and Context Nicole's Top 5 Clfitonstrengths are:  Maximizer, Empathy, Harmony, Futuristic  and Developer Nicole and Daniel (Mambo) make their home in Denver, Colorado, though they originally from Wisconsin and Mexico City. Nicole is a dedicated career coach who thrives on helping people discover their purpose and professional direction. Daniel works as a financial broker helping people to understand how the financial industry works so they can develop their own investment strategies.   Together, they enjoy an active and adventurous lifestyle—hiking, mountain biking, traveling, and exploring new foods. Nicole especially loves rollerblading, while both cherish spending time with family and friends. Above all, they are passionate about sharing the message of Jesus and serving others through their local church. Their lives are marked by a love for community, faith, and meaningful connection. Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment  Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths    

Heather McDowell Macleod's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are:  Positivity, Empathy, Developer, Communication & Includer  Heather lives in Southern California with her husband, David, and their kids. Having grown up on CRU staff as the daughter of the McDowells, ministry has always been close to her heart. After six years of working directly with young adults, she recently stepped into the role of Director of Development at OC United. OC United is committed to keeping families together, preventing kids from entering foster care, and helping communities thrive through both prevention and intervention services. Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths  

Tawny's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are:  Belief, Activator, Responsibiility, Achiever and Connectedness  Tawny has been with Cru almost 30 years having served  in Baton Rouge, Costa Rica, Mexico, Colorado, and Orlando. She currently has the privilege of working with the Cru Coaching Center team as a launching specialist.  Being able to help students start ministries across the U.S. and world where there currently are none is what she loves doing.  She's married to Ryan and has two seniors, Sutton in high school, and Holden, at UF.  Best day for her would be one at the beach with her family, eating her homemade cookies, and cheering on the LSU Tigers.     Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths    

Michelle's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Harmony, Activator, Relator, individualization and Responsbility   Michelle lives in Austin Texas with  her  husband Austin and two girls Katherine and Margo. She  attended the University of Oklahoma and worked in campus ministry post college at SMU in Dallas. Most recently she has been  a part of the team at Generous Giving doing follow up for their retreats that happen all over the country. Her favorite things to do include being active and being outside (running and walking), eating good food (gluten free) and spending time with her wonderful family and friends! She also enjoys dabbling in pop culture as an outlet from mom life :) Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths        

Lana's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are:   Woo, Communication, Activator, Includer & Connectedness  Lana  is currently living in Aix-en-Provence, a town in the South of France! She and her  husband  just moved there in July 2025  for an opportunity with his work, as well as a desire to be a part of God’s plan for the nations. Currently she spends her  days going to French school and enjoying all of the things that France has to offer! Before moving to France, she was a business strategy consultant and then worked for Poncho, a men’s outdoor clothing company based in Austin. Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths        

Kelsey's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Positivity, Strategic, Maximizer, Ideation and Adaptability  Kelsey Linnartz is the artist and founder of LinnArtzy (yes, the name comes from her last name and a constant compliment, "you're so artsy"). She uses her top 5 strengths of Positivity, Strategic, Maximizer, Ideation, and Adaptability every day as an entrepreneur and creative. She's a live fashion illustrator who draws guests at parties and brand events—think personalized fashion sketches created on the spot. She's worked with brands like Neiman Marcus, Alice & Olivia, Adobe, Kendra Scott, and a bunch of others, which still feels pretty surreal. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Kelsey studied fashion design at Texas Tech University. She launched LinnArtzy in 2020 when the world needed some extra encouragement. Now she gets to do this full-time, which is honestly a dream. After almost 5 years in NYC, she recently moved to Charleston, where she now works out of her art studio downtown. Kelsey travels often for events and collaborations. She's all about celebrating the good moments and adding some brightness to the tough ones—mixing fashion illustration with calligraphy and a whole lot of encouragement. You can learn about LinnArtzy here!   Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths    

Matt's Top 5 Strengths are:  Adaptability, Context, Positivity, Woo & Belief Elizabeth's Top 5 Strengths are: Harmony, Relator, Discipline, Empathy & Focus  Matt and Elizabeth live in Orlando, FL with their two sons, Caleb (2.5) and Shepherd (11 months). They met while serving in Italy with Cru, and recently moved back to the States. They now work at Cru's global headquarters, Matt in Risk Management and Elizabeth in Leadership Development and Human Resources. In their free time, they enjoy family walks, watching football, and making pancakes for breakfast. They are enjoying this season of stewarding their strengths through parenting their two boys and stepping into new ministry roles.  Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths    

Kathy's Top 5 Clifonstrengths are:   Woo, Belief, Competition, Learner and Focus  Kathy lives in Cedar Park, Texas, mom of four and grandmother to one.  As Owner and Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Kathy is using her strengths to help others on their emotional transformational journey.  Kathy uses a new form of therapy that integrates eye stimulation to transform emotions, bringing rapid results. You can find her at kathyritzcounseling.com. Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths   

Chloe's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are:  Input, Strategic, Responsibility, Discipline and Restorative  Chloe Larson has been teaching Latin in the School of Rhetoric at Veritas Academy in Austin, Texas, for the past five years, where she also serves as the Dean of Student Life for 5th-12th grade. A grateful alumna of Regents School of Austin (Class of 2015), Chloe went on to earn her B.A. in Integrated Marketing from Gordon College. Though her degree was in marketing, she found herself most inspired by her Liberal Arts courses—a love that continues to fuel her passion for classical Christian education. Outside the classroom, Chloe is a member of Providence Church, where she especially enjoys serving in the nursery. In her free time, she’s usually reading a good book, out on an evening walk, or catching up with friends over coffee. Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths

Caleb's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Competition, Arranger, Significance, Command and Achiever Caleb currently lives with his  family in Sumter, SC, and I flies F-16s at Shaw AFB. He  enjoys travel, outdoor adventures, and working out.  You can follow Caleb on Instagram here Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths  

Todd's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are:  Positivity, Woo, Communication, Belief and Arranger Collyn's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Intellection, Context, Harmony, Responsibility and Belief    Todd has served for 25 years with Generous Giving.  Collynn has served for 10 years as a personal assistant to a wonderful local philanthropist.  We  have  raised their  five children in Orlando, FL and have gained three more as our children have married.  We feel blessed to be engaged in our local community.  We both find maximum joy by being involved in serving Christ and His Kingdom by investing in meaningful relationships.  For relaxation we enjoy cycling, travel and any time we can spend with our growing family.   You can learn more about Generous Giving Here.    You can order Todd's Book Abundant Here.    Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths  

Jennifer's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are:  Communication, Activator, Woo, Belief & Connectedness  Jennifer Carson is  wife to Bob for almost 30 years, mom to John and Ian and mother in law to the wonderful, Scarlett. Jennifer has been involved in ministry since college serving on staff with Cru for close to 20 years, then Gateway church in Austin. She has put down roots in their hippy dippy Brentwood Austin neighborhood loving on neighbors. When not traveling to see their adult kids in Bozeman, Montana or Greenville, SC, Bob and Jennifer enjoy hosting, entertaining and volunteering with Midtown church in central Austin.  Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths  

Erin's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Empathy, Developer, Harmony, Belief and Includer  Erin Rodrigues is a Texas girl serving with Cru in Queens, NY with her family. She gained a heart for the world on an overseas summer mission as a college student, and, in a surprising twist to everyone around her, was won over by the vision of the gospel advancing throughout NYC. Eight years, a lot of coffee with students, a husband, and two baby girls later (one with Jesus and one in her arms), she continues to learn to trust Jesus in all the ways she never expected.  Erin’s ideal day involves a very slow morning, a black cup of coffee from the beans roasted in her kitchen, and dinner with friends at any of her favorite Queens restaurants. One of her recent  favorite books that has helped her in her journey is Dark Clouds Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths  

Holly's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are:  Developer, Connectedness, Relator, Achiever and Adaptability  Holly first visited Pader, Uganda in 2013. when she felt an immediate connection and a call from God to help the women restart their lives after a 20-year war in Northern Uganda. She founded the Non Profit The Women Of Pader Uganda to help provide a variety of programs and projects  with goals of brining hope healing and empowerment to the women and community with a foundation in Christ and intentional relationships.  She travels to Pader three times a year with groups to come alongside these women in various ways.  Holly lives in Austin, Texas and  is a wife, mother to two adult sons and joyful grandmother to 4 sweet children.     You can learn about The Women of Pader Uganda here. Follow what they are doing on Instgram  or Facebook.    Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths

BJ's top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Woo, Communication, Maximizer, Input and Competition BJ  met Jesus on a very hungover walk across campus his freshman year at the University of Florida (Go Gators!). He graduated with a history degree and a lifelong conviction: God is always faithful to His promises. Through college ministry, he met his wife Rachel, and nearly eight years later, they’re raising 3.2 kids—Elijah, Gracie, Mackenzie Joy, and “Fluffy,” due December ’25! BJ serves as the Director of Multiplication at the Church of Eleven22, where he helps people “get in the game” with the mission of God. When he’s not chasing around people telling them to give their lives to Jesus and the Great Commission, you can find him coaching Eli’s little league team, shooting clays at the skeet range, or nurturing a rack of ribs on the back porch smoker. Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths  

Sal's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are:  Empathy, Belief, Connecteness, Adaptability and Woo  Sal lives in Fort Worth, TX.  and is  a licensed therapist. She feels strongly Jesus has set her apart for this work and continually feels  honored to walk with so many women on their healing journey. When she is  not counseling women, she  enjoy keeping up with Texas Tech sports, solo dates at local coffee shops, traveling, and time with family, friends, and her cats!   You can connect with her about counseling at His Story Counseling   or by email at salena.allen@cru.org    Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths  

Suzanne's Top 5 Clifton Strengths are: Harmony, Empathy, Arranger, Connectedness & Activator. Suzanne Fox Trotter is an Associate Professor and the Director of Student Affairs at the Tufts University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in Seattle. A proud Auburn Tiger, she began her academic journey in Public Relations but felt a powerful calling to physical therapy—and she’s never looked back. Suzanne earned her Master’s in Physical Therapy from Emory University in 1995 and went on to complete her Doctor of Science at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2014. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists, a recognition of her dedication to advanced clinical practice and dedication to lifelong learning. Suzanne is also one of the co-founders of Tesoro Project, a nonprofit organization committed  that is on mission  to empower healthcare leaders to heal and transform lives primarily in local Guatemalan communities.  Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths  

Beth's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Ideation, Input, Connectedness, Learner & Intellection  Mother of four, grandmother of 1, Beth English has learned the refining power of waiting years to be a mother and grandmother. If there are encouragement cheerleaders in heaven, Beth wants to be one. She delights in small group discussions like the ones she has had mentoring women for over 50 years with Cru. She and her husband, David, frequently speak on Phases of Life for women and men. Her book, The Unextinguished Light, speaks to what it means to have a truly significant life. It is available at the bookstore at davidaenglish.com Embrace Your Strengths EP 97 Called to Encourage with Beth English Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths  

Patti's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Relator, Learner, Focus, Achiever & Maximizer  Patti  has experienced Austin’s transformation since arriving at The University of Texas. With a degree in civil engineering, she spent the early part of her career collaborating with developers and planners to design subdivisions in Austin in the 1980s. During this time, she also began investing in Austin real estate, giving her firsthand experience with the city’s dynamic housing market.  As she raised her family, Patti embraced her role as an educator, which allowed her to connect with people from various Austin communities. Her passion for helping with housing continued to grow, and over the years, she has become a trusted consultant to family and friends, helping them unlock the potential in their homes and maximize living spaces. Patti’s real estate business is driven by her friendly approach and systematic problem-solving skills, cultivated through her engineering and math teacher background. Her approach is built on strong relationships, clear communication, and a commitment to efficient, streamlined processes. Whether you are  buying, selling, or looking to invest, Patti leverages her deep knowledge of Austin and her growth mindset to help her clients achieve their housing goals.  When she’s not working, you’ll find Patti exploring Austin’s neighborhoods, reading or listening to books, cheering on her grandchildren with her husband or enjoying the mountains of Colorado with her two children and their families. You can learn more about Patti at Patti Chesney Realtor Follow her  Patti Chesney Realtor on Instagram Call her: 512:891-9585 Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths