Latter-day Profiles

Shane Smeed, a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was serving as the president of Park University in Missouri and as the stake president of the Platte City Missouri Stake at the time of this interview. In February, Smeed accepted the position of President of Utah Tech University in Saint George, Utah.At Park University Smeed led initiatives focused on student success, institutional excellence and workforce development. His leadership accomplishments include launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign and creating strategic business partnerships to enhance student outcomes in the global market.Born in Provo, Utah, and raised in various states, he has a deep-rooted passion for education, inspired by his father's career. Balancing his professional and ecclesiastical responsibilities, Smeed is supported by his wife, Angela, and their three children. He is committed to fostering leadership, service, and faith in both his academic and church communities.

Jonathan Cutler is a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. He is the owner and former Director of Acquisitions at Cutler Enterprises and currently serves as the COO of The Storage Acquisition Group, which he joined in 2016. Jonathan's extensive background includes roles such as Director of Acquisition, Purchasing, and Estimating for KB Home.

Lauren Felker is a junior at Lee Summit High School in Missouri. Lauren is an active member of her Young Women's group and an aspiring broadcast journalist or doctor.

Pete Grigsby has been a dedicated on-air TV meteorologist since 1990, spending the last 23 years with KMBC in Kansas City, MO. His career also includes stints in Norfolk, VA; Evansville, IN; and Bowling Green, KY. In 2008, Pete transitioned to an administrative role with the Blue Springs School District to better balance family life, where he oversees the district's TV and radio stations and teaches meteorology and broadcasting. A former all-state high school basketball player, Pete chose to focus on his studies in Broadcast/Journalism and Meteorology over college basketball offers. He enjoys running, playing piano, and serving in his church, while cherishing time with his wife Michelle and their two children, Nyle and Pete IV.

Lexi Eaton Rydalch is a former professional athlete drafted by the WNBA's Seattle Storm in 2016. As a standout student-athlete for BYU's women's basketball and track teams, she became the program's second all-time leading scorer and set scoring records in the West Coast Conference. Lexi has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in business. She loves sports psychology and wants to mentor young girls. She plans to inspire them through different platforms. Beyond sports, she enjoys music and plays the piano, organ, and violin. Her dedication to athletics and personal growth makes her a role model for aspiring athletes.

Jeremiah J. Morgan serves as the Deputy Attorney General for the State of Missouri, overseeing the civil practice of the Missouri Attorney General's Office. With a distinguished legal career, he has clerked for the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and practiced law with Bryan Cave LLC. Morgan also served as Deputy Solicitor General and General Counsel to the Supreme Court of Missouri. In addition to his legal work, he was called as an Area Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2020, with ecclesiastical responsibilities across four states. A graduate of the University of Central Missouri and Brigham Young University, Morgan's journey reflects a commitment to both his profession and faith.

Chelsy Walker is a dedicated artist and community leader with a passion for creating and advancing the arts. With a career spanning over 20 years, her large outdoor sculptures are featured in various locations, including Park City, UT, and Overland Park, KS. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture, Chelsy works with materials like aluminum, bronze, and steel, focusing on themes of nature and family. She also has a permanent oil painting display in Olathe City Hall. Residing in the Kansas City Metro area with her family, Chelsy actively volunteers in her community and has chaired the Olathe Public Art Committee since 2019. She believes in the power of art to connect and celebrate the human family.

Porter Ellett, a native of Loa, Utah, has overcome significant challenges to achieve his dream of working in the NFL. After a childhood accident left him with severe nerve damage and the eventual amputation of his right arm, Ellett excelled in sports, earning accolades in high school and later serving a mission for the LDS Church. He attended BYU, where he worked as an equipment manager for the baseball team and discovered a passion for football. After earning a master's degree in sports management from Baylor, Ellett joined the Kansas City Chiefs, where he now serves as an assistant running backs coach to Head Coach Andy Reid

Cindy McDavitt is a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an active participant in the Interfaith Council, promoting understanding among diverse faiths. Married with six adult children, 21 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, family is her highest priority. Professionally, Cindy has worn many hats, from full-time mother and business owner to computer programmer and project manager, retiring from Cerner in 2017. She has served in various volunteer roles within her faith and currently acts as the Communication Director for the Church in greater Kansas City and surrounding areas. Cindy is passionate about defending the right to worship freely and believes in building greater understanding and love through service.

Serge and Isabelle Gaston are remarkable figures in their Paris, France, community. A seasoned finance professional, Serge serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a prominent international group, overseeing finance-related activities, including bookkeeping, economic strategies, mergers, and acquisitions. His extensive career has taken him across the globe, offering him unique insights into various cultures and business environments. Serge's dedication to his profession is matched by his commitment to his faith; he has served in numerous church leadership roles, including as a stake president, where his vision for the church in France has been greatly influenced by his mission experiences in Arizona, USA. He currently serves as stake patriarch. Isabelle Gaston is celebrated for her literary talents, devotion to her family, and faith. Baptized at 10, Isabelle's spiritual journey has been deeply influenced by her family's embrace of the church. She has channeled her gift for writing into her role with the Liahona, where she supervises local content, capturing and sharing the profound experiences of church members. Isabelle is also a dedicated piano teacher, balancing her time between her professional responsibilities, family, and church service. Together, Serge and Isabelle embody a life of service, faith, and dedication. They have raised their children with the same values they cherish, finding joy and fulfillment in their roles as parents and grandparents. Their story is a testament to their partnership's strength and unwavering commitment to their community and faith.

Luana Freitas, originally from Macaé, Brazil, has a dynamic and culturally rich background. Growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her family, she shares a unique bond with her two 16-year-old adopted sisters. Luana pursued a degree in law in Brazil and soon after moved to France to participate in an au pair program, which allowed her to travel and immerse herself in French culture. Fluent in five languages—Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, and Japanese—Luana’s linguistic talents are a testament to her dedication to learning and cultural exchange. Her educational journey has been equally impressive. After starting BYU Pathway two years ago, Luana decided to continue her studies in Business online. Feeling a divine prompting, she has now chosen to further her education on campus at Ensign College. Luana’s passion for serving others was evident during her mission in Tokyo South, Japan, and has continued through her roles as a Young Women’s counselor and Sunday School Teacher. She is dedicated to participating in missionary lessons with friends and attending the temple whenever possible, striving to be a positive example and helping others feel God's love.

Jean-Claude Vanaquer is a dedicated and dynamic individual, currently serving as the Institute Director for the Paris Institute. Born in the historic Champagne region of France, Jean-Claude's early life was marked by significant moves, including a pivotal migration to Australia in 1971. In Australia, his family encountered the missionaries, leading to their conversion to the gospel, a change that profoundly shaped Jean-Claude's spiritual journey. His formative years included a memorable engagement with seminary studies and an eventual mission call to the Paris Toulouse mission, where he discovered the deeper dimensions of the gospel and its transformative power. Jean-Claude's professional journey is equally compelling. After completing his military service, he ventured into the business world, eventually rising to the position of regional director for a laminate company and later working in kitchen sales. His career took a significant turn when he was encouraged to apply for a position with the Church as a Seminary and Institute coordinator. Jean-Claude has played a crucial role in developing and supporting Institute programs, starting in Lyon and later serving in various locations. Jean-Claude has taken on the additional role of Director of the French Seminary Institute area, further expanding his influence and responsibilities. His commitment to teaching and mentoring young adults has been a cornerstone of his work, reflecting his dedication to fostering spiritual growth and resilience among the youth.

Eves Otto, a 22-year-old psychology student, hails from a town near Paris, France. A dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eves finds profound joy and guidance in the Gospel, which has significantly shaped her life and daily decisions. Her passion for traveling and discovering new places complements his academic and spiritual pursuits, making her a well-rounded individual with a thirst for knowledge and new experiences. As the youngest of five siblings, Eves's family background is diverse and rich in cultural heritage. Her father's family originates from Guadeloupe, while her maternal grandparents are from mainland France. Eves's mother played a crucial role in teaching her about God, prayer, and the commandments.  After exploring Archeology and Art History at Panthéon Sorbonne, Eves transitioned to psychology at the University of Sorbonne Paris Nord, where he is currently immersed in understanding the human mind. Eves plans to join Air France as a cabin crew member and is eager to improve her English and Spanish while traveling the world. Her church service includes a mission in the France Lyon Mission and roles in Primary and as the Young Women President in her branch.

Born in 1966 in Paris, Frédéric Loisel grew up in a non-religious but respectful French family. His musical journey began at the age of five with the cello, influenced by his professional musician parents. In 1992, Frédéric was appointed to train American musicians near Tours, an opportunity that piqued his curiosity about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite his initial disinterest in the church, Frederic promised his friends he would meet with the missionaries upon his return to Paris. After eight months of learning and personal transformation, including quitting smoking and drinking, he was baptized in August 1993. His dedication to the church saw him serve in various capacities, including as a bishop and counselor in multiple stake presidencies. In 2016, Frédéric was called to serve as a stake president. Professionally, Frédéric has been the manager of a music school since 2006, continues to play the cello, and conducts orchestras. Additionally, he is a founding partner of a musical streaming startup, reflecting his ongoing passion for music and innovation.

Will Vincenzi's journey is a compelling story of transformation and faith. Born in France and raised in New Caledonia, Will faced a crisis of belief after a tragic accident claimed his younger sister's life. At twenty, a friend introduced him to the church, leading him to take missionary lessons and witness a miracle that solidified his faith. Will was baptized in August 2016, a decision that initially puzzled his mother but ultimately strengthened their relationship as she saw the positive changes in his life. Eager to serve, Will embarked on a mission to the France Paris Mission just a year and a half after his baptism. During his two-year service across France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, he deepened his understanding of the gospel and met his future wife, Hannah. Currently, Will is the assistant manager of a furniture store in Paris and is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Management through BYU Pathway. In addition to his professional and academic pursuits, Will serves as the Branch President of the Aulnay-sous-Bois Branch and has held various leadership roles within the church. Hannah Vincenzi's life has been shaped by a deep-rooted connection to the gospel, nurtured by her return missionary parents. A talented vocal performer, Hannah studied music at BYU before embarking on her mission, serving at the Visitors’ Center of the Paris temple. It was here she met Will, and although their friendship blossomed during their missions, it wasn't until they returned home and began writing letters that their relationship deepened. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship and the complications of Covid, Hannah and Will married in France in 2021. Now residing permanently in France, Hannah has completed her master's program in English studies, focusing on American history and the role of women in the church. Currently a PhD student, she is dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories of pioneer women in the church. Her scholarly work includes a chapter in a book about the history of Latter-day Saint women in France. Professionally, Hannah has worked as a preschool teacher in a bilingual setting and aspires to become a church historian. Her dedication to education and history underscores her commitment to enriching the narrative of women's contributions to the church.

Cassandra Piket is a remarkable interior designer whose life journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and dedication. Born and raised in the Netherlands to a Dutch father and French mother, Cassandra's early years were marked by the diverse cultural influences of her heritage. Her grandparents' profound faith journeys, including her French grandmother's conversion from Catholicism to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after becoming a widow, have deeply inspired her. Despite being born in the covenant, Cassandra experienced a period of inactivity in the church during her early adulthood, as she grappled with the challenges of finding her testimony and community within the church. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Arts in The Hague, Cassandra embarked on a successful career in interior design, which eventually led her to Paris, where she worked for the prestigious architectural firm Wilmotte & Associés. However, it was a personal crisis involving her mother's severe illness that catalyzed Cassandra's return to her faith. Inspired by her father's unwavering devotion and the power of prayer, she recommitted to her spiritual path, leading to a series of transformative experiences and miracles. Her renewed faith saw her serving as a temple worker in the Paris Temple and an institute teacher, sharing her profound insights and experiences with young adults. Cassandra's professional journey took a significant turn when she began working remotely for a firm in Salt Lake City on the Burley, Idaho Temple. This project, coupled with her teaching, has provided her with deep spiritual fulfillment, far surpassing her previous accomplishments. Despite facing personal challenges, Cassandra remains steadfast in her faith. Her story is a powerful example of how faith and determination can lead to a fulfilling and purpose-driven life, even in the face of adversity.

Ryan & Heather A. Munns serve as mission leaders in the France Paris Mission. President Munns has served as mission presidency counselor, stake president, high councilor, bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, ward Young Men president, and missionary in the Switzerland Geneva Mission.  President Munns is a lawyer by profession and is a partner at the law firm Bogin, Munns and Munns. Sister Munns has served as Young Women presidency counselor, stake Primary presidency counselor, ward Relief Society presidency counselor, ward Primary presidency counselor, Primary music leader, Primary teacher, and nursery leader.

T.C. Christensen is an American cinematographer, film director, and writer best known for his work on IMAX films and true historical movies, including Escape from Germany, 17 Miracles, Ephraim's Rescue, The Fighting Preacher, and The Cokeville Miracle. Christensen is also a member of the American Society of Cinematographers. Christensen lives with his wife, Katy where he continues to be schooled in the fine arts of putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher and closing drawers all the way. https://latterdayprofiles.org/t-c-christensen/

David and Serena Essuman are entrepreneurs and social media influencers. David is an entrepreneur/investor and mentor who works in real estate investments, franchising, and e-commerce. David owns and manages Havoya Real Estate, a real estate brokerage firm. He graduated from BYU with a degree in Psychology. Serena was born in Italy and moved to the Canary Islands during her high school years. She moved to the US to attend Brigham Young University, where she studied Spanish and minored in Italian, and most importantly, she met her husband David. Together they have owned several businesses. Serena started a lifestyle blog and Instagram page called Life at Casa, where she shares everything from family recipes to fashion and beauty insights.

Hal Boyd is Editor of the Deseret News. He was an associate professor of Brigham Young University’s School of Family Life and previously worked as the opinion editor and enterprise reporter for the Deseret News. He is a fellow of BYU’s Wheatley Institute, a think tank focused on fortifying family, religion, and constitutional government.