Karen Cruess is a gifted speaker, licensed counselor, and educator with a passion for helping women experience the fullness of God’s plan for their lives.

She studied psychology at Siena College and graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a Master’s degree in Counseling. Through thousands of hours working with individuals from all ages and stages in life, Karen has gained valuable insight into the deepest needs and most pressing issues facing society today.

She has worked in a variety of settings, including 2 inpatient residential treatment facilities: one in Wyoming for at-risk teen girls and another in West Virginia for teen mothers. She has also worked with adolescents struggling with substance abuse and emotional disorders as well as a Christian private practice in northern Virginia.

Her background has equipped her to handle a wide range of circumstances and stories, and her deep love for the Catholic faith is well integrated into her therapeutic practice.

Karen’s personal journey with the Lord coupled with a strong desire to more deeply understand God’s heart for restoring his children to wholeness, led her to seek out more intensive instruction in healing ministry.

She saw that the power of prayer coupled with what she learned in her professional psychological training would be the perfect combination to bring lasting transformation to her clients. She draws from resources including Elijah House Ministries, Healing Hearts (division of Alexander House), The Immanuel Approach, Unbound Ministries and the teaching and training of Dr. Bob Schuchts of John Paul II Healing Center.

Karen and her husband Scott live in Northern Virginia where they are raising their 6 lovely  children.

Karen has spoken to women’s groups around the Northern Virginia area, and is available to speak to your group by booking here.

Mary Lyn Bartek is a sensitive and anointed healing prayer minister who has been ministering emotional healing in prayer counseling settings for almost 20 years. Through her ministry she has seen many restored to the place of intimacy and rest in Father’s embrace and released into their personal destiny.

She has served in a variety of leadership roles throughout the body of Christ. She lived and worked among poor and needy people in the Tidewater area of Virginia for six years directing a host of programs for a missions organization. She also worked as Director of Christian Education in two different settings and has served as a women’s retreat speaker.

Mary Lyn completed the two-year school for spiritual direction at The Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality in 2016 and has used this training to help many find deeper freedom by growing in intimacy with Christ.  Coupled with two decades of ministry experience, Mary Lyn also worked as a Mobile Therapist and Behavior Specialist in the area of mental health. Mary Lyn has a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Regent University. Above all of her training and experience, Mary Lyn is a passionate Catholic Christian and follower of Jesus Christ who brings a wealth of personal experience from her own walk which allows her to connect compassionately with those to whom she ministers.