2023 NORTH STAR ANNUAL CONFERENCE
BREAKOUT SESSION 1 | FRIDAY | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM | BRIGHTON/ALTA
BUILDING BRIDGES OF UNDERSTANDING
How can we maintain relationships with friends and loved ones when our paths diverge? President Nelson, in October 2021 said, “One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.” This group discussion will explore what compassion towards others looks like, while maintaining our testimonies and without compromising our personal values.
DEMOGRAPHIC: GENERAL
TANYA BENNION
Tanya began her own healing work after the death of her first husband when she joined a support group for widows and eventually started her own group. Tanya has now been a part of and leading various support groups for almost 25 years. In 2008, she co-founded North Star’s Women of Worth conferences – 2-day experiential retreats for wives, and in 2012, she created North Star’s Couples’ Retreat – a week-long retreat designed to improve connection and communication within marriages. In 2014, she co-founded Daughters of Light and Toolbox Healing where she and her two partners create and execute various experiential healing retreats. Tanya has a BA Liberal Studies from American University in Washington, DC, with an emphasis in Communication. She is a web developer and graphic designer for the design firm she founded, Kawa Design Studios, and is a life coach. She loves traveling, photography, organizing anything, and spending time with her husband Jeff, son Nathaniel, and dogs Joey & Lacey.
JENN CURTIS
Jenn is married to her husband of 28 years and has two adult children. When she came out to herself 15 years ago, she questioned her marriage, her church activity, and her testimony. Jenn found hope in her Savior. She knew he would help her find her way through. He did and has continued to help, constantly proving that all things are possible through God.
DAVID FISHER
David is a graphic designer and architect living in North Carolina. He’s designed anything from high-rise office buildings to homes to websites to 3D animated videos. He and his wife have been married for 26 years and have 4 children. David loves spending time with his family, camping and hunting, and woodworking. Eight years ago his oldest daughter told him she wanted to transition to a boy, which she did three years later. Today he and his wife and extended family still have a great relationship their son. David is currently the service coordinator for his Elder’s Quorum and served in the San Bernardino, California mission.
BRYAN HILL
Bryan was born and raised in Clinton Utah. He served a mission in Tulsa Oklahoma. After returning from his mission, he attended Utah State where he graduated with a B.S. Degree in Marketing. Almost 19 years ago, Bryan began his journey that led him to become involved with North Star. Bryan has a deep love for the Savior and a strong testimony of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. He loves spending time with his 8 nieces and nephews, friends & family, skiing, white water rafting, biking, and gardening.