2025 Speaker line-up
hank r. smith, phd/mba
fireside speaker, sunday - iRVINE STAKE CENTER
Hank R. Smith grew up in St. George, Utah. He received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Dixie State University (2002), his MBA (2005) from Utah State University, and his PhD in educational leadership (2014) from Brigham Young University. His studies focused on the development of high trust educational organizations and their impact on student achievement. Before joining the religion faculty at BYU, he worked for fourteen years with Seminaries and Institutes of Religion as an instructor. He loves to teach from the scriptures, especially to the youth and young adults of the Church. He also enjoys consulting work with school districts and corporations centered on creating a high trust culture. He has addressed audiences in almost every state through seminars and keynote speaking engagements. His outside interests include marathons, history books, and hiking with his family. He and his incredible wife, Sara, are the parents of five children and reside in Mapleton, Utah.
steve MOODY, lcsw
SATURDAY KEYNOTE, MISSION VIEJO Stake Center
Title: Ye shall find rest unto your souls
Steve Moody received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Behaviors from the University of California, Irvine. He went on to receive his Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Southern California. At USC, his clinical focus was on working with families including marital therapy and relationships. Steve has a private practice, Huisken & Moody Counseling Services, in Irvine, CA where he specializes in relational therapy.
He has co-authored 2 books: Are We Special? The Truth and The Lie about God’s Chosen People and his most recent book, The Paradox of Perfection: How embracing our imperfection perfects us. He has guest lectured at Chapman University and has spoken at BYU’s Education Week for a number of years addressing topics about relationships, entitlement, perfectionism, and love. He currently resides in Irvine, CA with his wife and 2 children.
alisa goodwin snell, m.a.
saturday workshop, mission viejo stake center
Title: It’s not you - it’s your technique!
Lasting relationships don't come from luck, great genes, or a big bank account. They come from transformational dating and relationship strategies. Alisa knows, "It's not you—It's your technique!" And she's created an exclusive education experience that delivers those necessary techniques and strategies to men and women alike across a broad spectrum of demographics!
As a published author, professional speaker, and featured guest on hundreds of radio and TV shows, Alisa's unparalleled success in dating and relationships has created a nationwide demand for her help at all levels of relationships. Her approach shines brightest when she's able to demonstrate the effectiveness of her techniques, even in the midst of today's complex world of dating. Today's dating journey is entangled in the influence of communication, technology, and diminishing interpersonal skills. But Alisa's practiced principles deftly conquer these obstacles and restore hope and wholeness to the chaotic world of dating and relationships. This makes Alisa Goodwin Snell not only the ultimate expert, but a true revolutionary in dating and relationships!
Darren harris
saturday workshop, mission viejo stake center
Title: BECOMING MORE FAMILIAR WITH GOD
Darren Harris is an Operating Partner at Banyan Software, a private equity firm focused on acquiring and growing vertical market software businesses. He has been with Banyan for four years and brings over two decades of leadership experience, having spent 18 years operating software companies. A licensed CPA, Darren earned his degree from Brigham Young University.
Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Darren has lived in Southern California for over 20 years and has called San Clemente home for the past 15. He is a devoted husband and father of three, an active seminary teacher, and a returned missionary who served in Viña del Mar, Chile. Outside of work, Darren enjoys golf, cycling, and spending time outdoors.
AnnMarie Harrell
saturday workshop, mission viejo stake center
title: ACT IN TRUTH & LOVE: Leading with God confidence
Ann-Marie Harrell is a multidisciplinary professional with a BS in Marriage & Family Life & Coaching, an MS in Organizational Leadership and she is currently pursuing her PhD in Developmental Psychology. She has worked as a functional medicine health coach and now works with individuals and families using her additional training through the Gottman Institute and Amen University. Ann- Marie has focused her social science research and career on spirituality, growth, leadership and relationships.
Ann-Marie has developed a leadership model based on Truth & Love that provides transformative insights to these questions…How do I distinguish between God confidence and self-confidence? Am I acting in my personal strengths and values? Do I find myself reacting more to what is happening around me than what is inside me? Do I personally look to God with an eye single to His glory in shaping my identity?
Ann-Marie loves integrative nutrition, hiking with friends, playing at the beach with family, pilates, a good dance party and reading books that challenge her assumptions. She and her husband have raised four awesome men, and now they have been adding girls to the mix with three new daughter-in-laws and one grand daughter. Yay for more girls!
Griff & Steffanie griffith
saturday workshop, mission viejo stake center
Title: Life is a Marathon, so make the Temple your Ultimate Aid Station for Eternal Happiness and Earthly Happiness!
Griff and Steffanie are from San Clemente, California where they have raised three grown children and are currently enjoying life with their Labrador Retriever, Niko!
Griff currently works as a Corporate Risk Manager and Steffanie is a retired schoolteacher now dedicating much of her time to working in San Clemente community service. Griff and Steffanie also serve as Temple Ordinance workers in the Newport Beach Temple.
Griff and Steffanie have most recently been serving as Temple Preparation instructors and enjoy teaching temple preparation for all ages ranging from kids to adults. They have created numerous curricula focused on the Temple and have been accused of making Temple Education motivating and fun!
Griff and Steffanie have also been avid runners and adventure racers for many years and love relating their passion for running in places like Antarctica, the Sahara Desert and Death Valley to gospel principles and practices. Griff and Steffanie have run more than 100,000 miles and credit teachings in the Temple to helping them make this possible.