Guest Speakers' Bios
for the 2025 Nauvoo Single Adult 31+ MEGA Conference
BIO of Workshop Presenter: David Boice
David Boice is a faith-based storyteller from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and the creator of the YouTube spiritual series, 52 Churches in 52 Weeks. Originally a personal challenge to attend a different church each week, the project evolved into a nationwide journey through nearly 200 diverse congregations—captured through video, storytelling, and heartfelt reflection. His channel blends spiritual curiosity with candid commentary, inviting viewers to explore the wide range of modern Christianity one pew at a time.
In April 2024, David was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Using his platform to spotlight not just churches but causes that matter, he began raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. When he's not on the road or behind the camera, you might find him writing, editing, or contemplating deep questions—like whether dad jokes should count as a spiritual gift.
BIO of Ashlee Boyson
SATURDAY'S LARGE GROUP Workshop
Ashlee Boyson is author behind the inspiring blog and book series The Moments We Stand, where she shares her powerful journey of healing, hope, and finding peace after profound loss. A graduate of Utah State University with a degree in Child Development, Ashlee combines her academic background with real-life experience to support others through grief, trauma, and the process of rediscovering personal worth .Ashlee is also the co-creator of a children’s grief book, illustrated by her daughter Bostyn. With this heartfelt project, she helps children navigate difficult emotions with compassion and understanding. A second book in the series is set to be released later this year, continuing her mission to provide tools for healing across all ages. In addition to her work as an author and speaker, Ashlee is a certified footzoner—a holistic practice she loves for the opportunity it gives her to connect with clients one-on-one, bringing both physical and emotional support through intentional healing. Ashlee is a sought-after speaker, known for her openness, emotional depth, and courage. She speaks on a wide range of topics including forgiveness, overcoming adversity, personal transformation, and the relentless pursuit of peace. Her message resonates deeply with audiences of all backgrounds, offering both strength and encouragement. She is the proud mother of seven and is married to Scott Boyson. Together, they are building a life centered on faith, family, and adventure. Ashlee finds joy in traveling with her family, discovering delicious food, watching funny movies, practicing yoga, and—of course—savoring Nutella. Her greatest passions are writing, sharing truth, and helping others find light in even the darkest moments.
BACK TO WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
BIO of Workshop Presenter: Chris and Lotus Carlson
Chris and Lotus are familiar faces and have been a part of the Nauvoo Mega Conference for a while! You may remember the timeless tutu dance that Chris did while Lotus sang at the variety show in 2023. Soon after that conference the two married in Kansas and combined their families into one large family of eight children! Then they moved to Wesley Chapel Florida! Having a good sense of humor and a focus on a Christ-centered home is what keeps this couple growing and loving the journey! Chris is a vice president of operations for a business in Florida while Lotus has taken a break from teaching Spanish in order to complete her Educational Specialist degree in school counseling and licensed mental health counseling (she graduates in December…yay!). The two of them love dancing, taking walks at sunset, cooking together, exploring their new state, and spending days on the beach looking for shells and shark teeth. Together they co-teach institute classes in Tampa for the local YSA and young married couples
BACK TO WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
BIO of Workshop Presenter: Beth Conner
Beth Conner, MS, CHRP, , has devoted her life, education, and career to helping others anchor their lives in the sure foundation of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As a veteran, mother of seven, choir director, aspiring author, professional development trainer, and Executive Director of Love Centered Life—a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals to lead with love in their homes, communities, and workplaces—Beth brings leadership out of the boardroom and into everyday life. Her trainings and workshops are known for blending clear principles, real-world application, and an eternal perspective. From emotional intelligence to policy and procedure development, Beth equips others with tools that uplift and inspire. A gifted musician, Beth writes and performs original songs for various events, including Single Adult Conferences. She currently serves as her ward’s choir director and Relief Society teacher, is a member of the Far West Stake Single Adult Committee, and serves as a service missionary in the Northwest South America Area with Pathway Worldwide. One of her guiding quotes comes from Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” But when Beth teaches about SMART goals, she doesn’t just share a framework—she sparks transformation. She helps participants move beyond vague resolutions and “someday” plans, showing how to create goals that are not only Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound but also deeply connected to their faith, values, and unique purpose. Her signature blend of humor, insight, and real-world experience makes goal-setting an inspiring, engaging, and highly practical experience. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and a roadmap to turn dreams into reality—plus the motivation to start right now. Come ready to dream bigger, plan smarter, and take action with one of the most dynamic trainers you’ll ever meet.
BACK TO WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
​
BIO of Workshop Presenter: Troy Davis
Since being unexpectedly thrust into single life three years ago, Troy has become a devoted student of what it means to truly thrive. Along the way, he’s discovered some surprising—and often fun—lessons, like how 'dancing is cheaper than therapy,' that laughter and playfulness matter more than we think, and that learning and practicing the ‘Healer’s Art’ accelerates personal healing. Troy is deeply passionate about serving and supporting the single adult community of the Church. Over the years, he’s held a range of leadership roles, including high councilor over a regional single adult committee, stake single adult representative, and a member of the Church’s Strategic Single Adult Working Group. Most recently, he organized a leadership roundtable for single adult leaders from across the country. He has also served as a bishop and a temple ordinance worker. A native of Southern California, Troy now lives in South Jordan, Utah. One of his most treasured experiences was living and working in Ghana for two years with his former wife and their four children on a Church assignment—an experience that cultivated a deep love for the African people. His work has taken him across the globe in technology leadership roles for the Church, and he currently serves as Chief Information Officer for BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Troy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s in Information Systems Management from BYU. He enjoys serving others, time with family, dancing, music, playing the piano, volleyball, fitness, healthy eating, travel, and using technology to improve the human condition.
BACK TO WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
BIO of Workshop Presenter: Barbara Gauthier
Barbara Gauthier was born in Logan, UT, and grew up in a home where her dad was a professional scouter. She spent her first 9 years of life at one scout camp or another all summer long. She grew a love of the outdoors from those beginning experiences of summer thunderstorms in a tent, chasing rattlesnakes, learning to shoot and canoe, watching the stars at night and Friday night campfires. She gained a great love of this magnificent earth God has created for us and a quirky sense of Boy Scout campfire humor. As the family moved around the country with every changing assignment, from New Jersey to Texas to Illinois to Kansas to Colorado, she had a living example of the scout oath and law and was taught to do a good turn daily and leave a place better than you found it. She has taken those values to heart and applies them to people, not just places. Whether with a smile, kind word, compliment to a stranger, a hug, a listening ear and helpful hands to anyone in need, she is willing to give you the shirt off her back, her last granola bar or whatever the circumstances may require. She has served in Primary, YW and RS in a variety of capacities and is currently the 1st Counselor in her ward's Relief Society. Barbara hasn't limited her travels to just around the United States in her life, she has also traveled to Canada and Mexico, served her mission in Ecuador and spent 6 months on a BYU study abroad to Israel, Egypt and Jordan. She's also made it to London and Paris along with a 2 week trip to India with her now ex-husband. And just this April she went on a cruise she'd earned from work to the Bahamas. She has settled in MN for the last 18 years having moved up from AZ. She often jokes about moving from the frying pan into the freezer. She is the mother of 6 children from 2 different marriages, 3 boys and 3 girls and 2 grandchildren. She realized the other day that she's been single more of her life than she's been married. Her adventures in life haven't been without heartache and challenges. She lost her 3rd daughter after 2 1/2 hours of life to Trisomy 13 and another miscarriage 7 months later that nearly took her life too with complications. She has a deep love of the Savior and is constantly striving to bring others closer to Christ and strengthen faith in Him as she shares her stories of life and what she's learned through it all.
BACK TO WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
BIO of Workshop Presenter: Mark Johnsen
Mark Johnsen is a U.S. Army Veteran who honorably served from 2005 to 2009, including a 15-month deployment to Iraq from 2006 to 2007. Since June 2017, he has been committed to supporting military personnel and Veterans through his work at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix, which he earned in June 2017. Mark currently serves as the First Counselor in the Branch Presidency of the Askov, Minnesota Branch, part of the Duluth, Minnesota Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He also serves as a JustServe Counselor and the Stake Single Adult Representative for the Duluth Stake. A dedicated missionary, Mark has completed two missions for the Church. His first mission was in Jackson, Mississippi, and his most recent was a Church Service Mission at the St. Paul, Minnesota Temple, where he oversaw temple cleaning coordination. Known for his good humor, he once posed the question of whether mosquitoes and wood ticks exist in the Celestial Kingdom—he is still awaiting a response from the Temple President. In the summer of 2023, Mark felt a strong spiritual prompting to return to his hometown of Askov, Minnesota. In November 2023, he purchased a home in this small town of 331 residents. His property spans nearly 17 acres and includes a 4,200-square-foot vegetable garden. What began with nine chickens has grown to a flock of 38 laying hens, joined by two dogs and two cats—companions he affectionately considers his children. Though he has never married or had children of his own, Mark finds fulfillment in nurturing life and community. Looking ahead, Mark hopes to dedicate more time to caring for animals and using his resources to support his relatives, fellow church members, and the local community he now calls home once again.
BACK TO WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
BIO of Workshop Presenter: Leo Lindquist
Leo Lindquist grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, where patriotic holidays were treated as sacred and celebrated with heartfelt traditions, like watching his mother proudly display Old Glory on the family porch. His father, though not formally educated, modeled critical thinking and discernment, especially in matters of politics—digging past campaign ads to understand the deeper truths about candidates. This early exposure to thoughtful citizenship laid the foundation for Leo’s lifelong curiosity and commitment to informed participation in the republic.A natural tinkerer from a young age, Leo built a career in the transportation industry as a mechanic, parts specialist, and eventually a service station owner in Utah. His hands-on experience taught him the value of accountability: when something is broken, you fix it—and if not, customers will take their business elsewhere. This mindset eventually shaped his view of politics, where promises too often go unfulfilled and accountability is elusive. Motivated by frustration and a desire to understand the roots of American governance, Leo began studying the Federalist Papers, the U.S. Constitution, and the writings of the Founding Fathers. Over the decades, he has amassed a substantial archive—both digital and paper—of constitutional insights and political analysis. Leo believes sovereignty still rests with the people, but warns that ignorance and fear have dulled that power. He remains passionate about educating others and encouraging civic responsibility. Leo currently resides on a small acreage in Minnesota, where he continues to study, reflect, and speak up for the principles that shaped this nation.
BACK TO WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
BIO of Workshop Presenter: Doug Mock
Doug Mock, CFP® is a seasoned Certified Financial Planner™ based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with more than 35 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of financial planning. His expertise lies in building integrated retirement strategies that thoughtfully combine investments, IRAs, 401(k)s, tax efficiency, estate planning, and Social Security optimization. Doug’s comprehensive approach ensures that each client receives a personalized plan designed to support a confident and sustainable retirement.
Doug earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Brigham Young University – Provo, where he developed a strong foundation in both financial theory and ethical leadership. He later expanded his education through advanced training and professional certifications, remaining committed to staying current in an ever-evolving financial landscape. Doug is known for his ability to explain complex topics in a clear, relatable way,
BIO of Rob Rains
SATURDAY'S LARGE GROUP Workshop
Rob Rains is a certified life and relationship coach with a powerful mission: helping men and women create emotionally safe, spiritually grounded, and deeply connected lives. Known for his engaging speaking style, Rob weaves together humor, gospel truths, and real-world insights to inspire lasting change. With a unique blend of personal experience, professional training, and spiritual conviction, Rob specializes in helping individuals overcome subconscious blocks to love, faith, and personal power. He is passionate about empowering men to become better partners, fathers, and leaders by following the example of Jesus Christ—especially in creating emotionally safe spaces for others to thrive. Rob also leads coaching programs focused on personal transformation, Christ-centered masculinity, and healthy relationships. Whether on stage or in one-on-one coaching, his message is always clear: transformation begins with identity, and connection is where healing happens. Rob lives in Massachusetts, has seven children and one grandchild. When he's not speaking or coaching, Rob also runs a successful IT services company and volunteers in his church and community. He brings a warm, relatable, and Spirit-led presence to every event he attends.
​
BIO of Workshop Presenter: Kimberly Jo Smith
Kimberly Jo Smith is a second great granddaughter of Joseph and Emma Smith and a convert to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She has spent the last 20 years telling her story of conversion, emphasizing the need to heal, unite, forgive, and gather as a people. Kimberly has written for books, and has produced one CD with her son with original music, as well as songs written by children of Joseph and Emma Smith. She is a poet and a writer of historical fiction. Kimberly travels extensively, sharing her adventures to historical places on her YouTube channel, LDS Generations. Along with genealogy, she believes that history is something that should be explored and shared. It has always been her hope to help others learn of their history, mend fences, and come together as a people of God.
BIO of Workshop Presenter: Jody Van Drimmelen
Jody is a native Texan born in Oak Cliff hospital in Dallas during the time of poodle skirts and car hops. She can make potato salad for 100 and the boy scouts say her cinnamon rolls are to die for! And she has recently PERFECTED the Chocolate chip at 7500 ft ! She has served in too many positions to list them all here. But the ones she would take back in a minute are Seminary teacher, Temple worker and Institute teacher. When all the children flew the nest, she returned to school to complete a lifelong goal and received her Master’s degree and is now Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has a private practice working as a Mental Health Therapist. She recently moved to Utah and now practices via telehealth. Jody joined the ranks of the singles in 2008 when her sweetheart was given a calling on the other side of the veil. She stays busy helping others through her work and in the community, being the grandma to 18 of the most fabulous grandkids, and now has a new title of "Grandma Great" as a new precious little boy joined her family and bestowed upon her a new status! She spends her time traveling, cruising, teaching workshops, trying out new recipes, planning parties!
​