Speaking

Events

 

2024

3/23/2024 Women’s Gathering, Living Lord Lutheran, Vero Beach, FL

2/4/2024 Sunday Sermon, Living Lord Lutheran, Vero Beach, FL

2023

10/22-11/19/23 Language for the Spiritual Life, co-teacher 5-part adult formation workshop, Christ Church, Manlius, NY

1/15/23 Creativity and the Holy Spirit, Christ Church, Manlius, NY

2022

11/18/22 Caregiver Wellness Summit and Retreat keynote, Liverpool, NY

6/18/22 Author Event, Fayetteville, NY

5/5/22 Mastering Motherhood, Wethersfield, CT

2/8/22 Sarah Circle Living Lord Lutheran, Vero Beach, FL

 

2021:

11/6/21 ReNEW Writers Conference worship leader, CT

11/5/21 David’s Refuge Caregivers Awareness Month Kick-off luncheon, Syracuse, NY

10/30/21 Faith and Mental Health education seminar, Chittenango, NY

Infusing Courage into the Soul-Weary

With every talk, for large or small audiences, lasting 10 minutes or spreading over several sessions, my goal is to lift up, encourage, and energize my listeners so they return to their lives with fresh strength.

Partnership

My philosophy as a speaker is one of cooperation and service. I strive to help event planners meet the needs of their communities. Most topics can be customized for theme and length. I work with you to make your event all you want it to be.

Parenting/Mental Health

Because of my experience with a son who has bipolar disorder, I have a passion for parents whose kids have depression, anxiety, other mental illness, or are in crisis. I have talks and seminars designed for this community. I can include spiritual content if desired by the group.

Christian Messages

I love to open the Scriptures with my listeners and explore with them. As a storyteller, I delight in memorable illustrations. As a Bible teacher, I am enthusiastic about unearthing the treasures to be found within the pages of God’s book. As a fellow traveler, I relish the opportunity to share practical takeaways with other Jesus followers.

Historical Fiction

I am a life-long history nerd and historical fiction is my first love as a reader and writer. I am available for talks about being an author, the history of ancient Britain (the setting of my novels), the writing process, researching for historical novels, the journey of getting a book into the hands of readers as an indie author, and the intersection of faith and creativity. 

Sample Video

Featured Topics

Among Lions: Finding Rest in the Perils of Parenting

1-2 hour seminar/workshop

“My soul is among lions; I must lie down amongst those who breathe forth fire…” Psalm 57:4a

Kirsten has parented her son, who has Bipolar II Disorder, through years of crisis. From the springboard of that experience, she explores the beasts which can attack during times of crisis and suffering. We cannot escape them or make them go away. Touching on times parents feel lonely, spent, disappointed, and lost, she offers defense strategies and hope.

This seminar can be offered with or without spiritual content.

Dealing with the Past to Reach for the Future

45 minute talk

Jesus-followers are challenged to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” But what if our eyes keep swiveling back to past hurts? We will explore the impact of the past on our present and consider strategies to help us “forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead” in our walk with Jesus. Based on Philippians 3:13.

Reclaiming Joy: Labor in the Vineyard, Led to the Pasture, Liberated at the Altar

Three 45-minute retreat/conference sessions

How do we lose our joy? What steals, blocks, and kills it? How can we reclaim joy? This retreat series delves into loss and restoration, and then forges ahead with the challenge and celebration of a life shaped by joy even in the middle of difficult circumstances.
A meaningful activity designed to enhance the teaching can be added to this series.

When Parenting Cracks Your Windshield

15 minute talk, plus 10-15 minute discussion time

Using examples from her life as a mom of a kid with bipolar disorder, Kirsten explores expectations and self-identity. She shares how hope repaired and restored her soul.

Small group discussion questions available.

The Shepherd's Staff

10-20 minute devotional talk

How can we keep our focus and our balance when our vision is filled with confusion? This devotional talk encourages us to meditate on the leading and protection of Jesus.

Giving Pieces Away

45 minute talk

When we break, we are left with pieces. Some shapes are old hopes and dreams, ready to be abandoned. Some are new shapes, or textures, or colors, formed during the breaking. These God masterfully moves into place in the new life He is building. Other pieces, though, are not meant to be discarded, nor fitted into our own lives. These fragments are our gifts for others. With our honesty, encouragement, and humble transparency, we can participate with God when He rebuilds another shattered life.
With illustrations from her experience parenting a son with mental illness, and practical workshop exercises, Kirsten shares how our brokenness can be a source of healing and hope for others.

Resources for Event Planners

“Kirsten Panachyda spoke to a group of women at one of our events. She responded to correspondence in a timely and professional manner. Kirsten came prepared and eager to help. Her speaking was organized, vulnerable, and honest. The visual tools she used were especially powerful as well. I can always gauge the impact our speakers make by the comments we get from our guests, and I know that what Kirsten shared resonated with so many women because I heard so many wonderful things. Kirsten even stayed afterwards to connect personally with the women and prayed with them. She went above and beyond and was a blessing to all of us that night. Kirsten will always be welcome back."

Alicia Yost, Something to Chew On, co-founder, CEO, co-chair 

“You reached a lot of spiritually hungry women this weekend. Thank you for your transparency and gift of mixing human frailty, history, and biblical truth in a way to help others!”

audience member feedback

“Kirsten Panachyda, my eyes well every time I think about what you spoke to us. You brought new light to “old” scripture. The time, dedication and prayer you put into this weekend was evident. You are a true gift. Thank you so much.”

audience member feedback
Do you need a speaker? I’d love to discuss how I can partner with you to serve your community.
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