WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

Yelena was born and raised in Ukraine. She graduated from Kryvyi Rih Pedagogical University. She has a wonderful husband and five children who also work in Sunday School. In Ukraine, God gave her the opportunity to work with children of different ages: from a year and a half to seventeen years old. For the last two years in Ukraine, Yelena has worked in a rehabilitation center for homeless boys. After moving to the United States, Yelena graduated from the Theological Seminary. Today, she works in Sunday School as a methodologist and makes programs for children’s camps. The center of all her ministry was the creation of the Sunday School program called “You Are in My Heart”. The goal of the program is to help young hearts discover and build a relationship with the Heavenly Father that will lead to a beautiful eternity. She loves to read, hike and spend time with her family. 

(Vancouver, WA)

Valentina Boutko is in the children's ministry since 1991. She studied at the Teacher's Courses with Sherry Ifft in 1996. From 1996 to 2011 Valentina was a Sunday school Principal at church "Grace" in Minsk, responsible for the children's ministry of the UCEC (United Church of Evangelical Christians) in Belarus. In 2004 she graduated from the Theological Institute of the Evangelical Christians of Belarus with a bachelor's degree in Christian ministry. From 2001 to 2011, Valentina was a director of the ministry "Service to Children" UCEC of Belarus. In 2011 she moved to the United States and is currently responsible for the children's and youth ministries at the "Word of Life" church in Minnesota (Pastor S. S. Khomich). She is also responsible for the children's ministry of the Central Region of the Evangelical Christians of America. Valentina is a co-author of the training program for children and adolescents "From time to infinity", as well as the author of the book "Methodology of Teaching a Bible lesson." 

(Minnesota) 

Liliya is the coordinator of the Teen Mentorship Program at Bethany Slavic Missionary Church. She has worked with teens in some capacity for the past fifteen years. Liliya is also a Principal at a private Christian school in Orangevale, CA. She graduated with a Master's Degree in Christian Organizational Leadership. She loves working with kids, teens, and youth and is passionate about equipping the next generation for Christ!   

(Sacramento, CA) 

Tatyana was born in the beautiful Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia. In 1991, she was baptized in a local Pentecostal church. She graduated from The Pedagogical College at Vinnytsia and earned a BA Degree in Elementary Education. Tatyana is a wife and mother of four. She enjoys reading, singing, and crafts. She has been part of the children’s ministry for over 32 years. Currently serving as a curriculum and activities coordinator in a Light of the World Church (LOTW church) in North Highlands, California.  

(Sacramento, CA)

Larissa moved from Belarus in 1992. She is married to an amazing man, Serge who is the lead pastor at AOS Church, where she serves as the Women's Ministry leader. Larissa has 4 grown and married children and 9 grandchildren. Larissa has a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, and two AA Degrees in Accounting & Bookkeeping. She earned her Administrative and Finance and Business Credentials from the California State University of Sacramento. Larissa brought her passion and experience to the US along with the dream of serving the community in the most diverse society in the world. She devoted herself to educating the local community and children using her ability to organize, lead, and bring a sense of unity. Larissa is a role model for students, teachers, and parents alike. She creates a positive and productive environment at Community Outreach Academy allowing everybody to reach their potential.  

(Sacramento, CA) 

Maksim immigrated with his family from Belarus to America in 1992. At the age of 18, Max had a deep desire to know God more and make Him known. God opened a door for him to go to YWAM (Youth with a Mission). Upon his return, Max took up a Youth Bible Study group at his church that has grown to be a fully functioning youth ministry. At this point in his life, he finds himself married to a beautiful and God-fearing woman (Alina), serving as the Youth Pastor at Ark of Salvation Church, holding a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Sacramento State University and finishing his Masters in Ministry from North West University. Max's vision in life is to love God and love People, wherever God sends him.  

(Sacramento, CA) 

Marina has been active in children’s ministry at Bethany Slavic Missionary Church for over 7 years. She works professionally as a Recreational Therapist. In ministry, Marina serves as activities coordinator during Sunday school camps and church events, as well as completes administrative work. She enjoys traveling and learning new things. The Bible verse that grounds her daily life is, “let all that you do, be done with love” 1 Corinthians 16:14. Marina has a Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist), and completed the Bethany Leadership Academy.

(Sacramento, CA)

Lyudmila is married and has one daughter, Yana. She loves nature, traveling, fishing, and designing clothes. Lyudmila is very passionate about kids and more kids for Jesus! She received her BA in Liberal Studies (2007), and MA in Higher Education Leadership (2017). Lyudmila is currently working as an Elementary School Teacher and serves at LOGMC Kids Ministry as a director since 2012. Prior to the director’s position, she worked as a Sunday school teacher for 12 years. 

(Sacramento, CA)

Viktoriya is a Coordinator of the Preschool program at Bethany Slavic Missionary Church. She has over ten years of experience of working in Sunday school with children of all ages. Viktoriya is a Vice-Principal at a private school in Sacramento, California. She graduated from Sacramento State University with a Master of Arts in U.S. and world history.  Viktoriya is passionate about raising the next generation in the knowledge and fear of God to equip them to be world changers for Christ Jesus. 

(Sacramento, CA)

Principal of Sunday school at Bethany Slavic Missionary Church. Lyubov develops curriculums for summer camps and Sunday school. She is the coordinator of the Teacher’s Education course. She has over 25 years of experience in children's ministry. Lyubov has a MA Degree in Theology, completed the Institute of Leadership and Management, graduated from Bethany Leadership Academy, and earned an AA degree in Accounting and Marketing. Her passion is to help children to know Jesus personally, love the Word of God, and serve God. 

(Sacramento, CA)

Tatyana is a Sunday School Methodist and Camp Coordinator at Immanuel Church. She has over twenty-five years of experience in children’s ministry. She graduated from a nursing program. Tatyana’s vision and passion are to see the children we are raising grow up to be ministers, teachers, and servants of God.

(Sacramento, CA)

Anna has been serving at Bethany Source of Light Sunday School and Bethany Source of Light Camps for over 5 years. She is an adventurous person with a strong passion for teaching the Word of God to young hearts in an interactive and comprehensible way. Anna completed the Teacher training courses and graduated from the Bethany Leadership Academy. In 2022, Anna brought her passion for kids ministry to Panama and served children on an island there. Her main goal is to “show the love of Christ to all the children I have the privilege of working with, despite the differences we may have.” 

(Sacramento, CA)

Alex was born in Tiraspol, Moldova, In 2009, he was saved and has been serving the Lord ever since. He graduated from Bendery Art College as a Graphic Designer, but also studied Theology at the Chisinau Bible School and later at the Pentecostal Evangelical Theological Seminary of Chisinau. In 2013, Alex started serving in Children’s Ministry initially in Moldova, and then at Bethany Church (Sacramento, California) in 2015 when he moved to the US with his wife. Currently, he is a deacon and teacher in the Sunday school ministry of the Slavic Evangelical Church “Sulamita.” 

(Portland, OR)

Lyubov serves as the Outreach Director of Teen Ministry at Bethany Slavic Missionary Church. She is an instructor in teacher development. Over her many years of experience, Lyubov has organized schools and Christian camps in Ukraine. Lyubov completed Bible College in Moscow as well as training in teacher development with Sherry Ifft. She holds a Master's Degree in Theology and graduated from Bethany Leadership Academy in 2021. 

(Sacramento, CA) 

Alla is a member of Life Christian Church in Northeast Tacoma and has been serving in teen ministry for over eight years. She is passionate about sharing the Gospel with the next generation and equipping them to serve God and His church. Alla is Nationally Board Certified Teacher. She works in a public school setting, coaching and mentoring elementary school teachers. Her favorite things are sunshine, family, and tea night with friends. 

(Tacoma, WA)

Lily is passionate about working with children and training people. She has worked with children and teens for 10+ years in a variety of cultures, churches, and countries, in the areas of coordinating, teaching, and speaking, while collaborating with various teams and churches. Currently, she is serving as the director of Children’s Ministries at her local church. The Lord has graciously given Lily the opportunity to complete Bachelor's degrees in Biology, Intercultural Studies, and Biblical Studies, complete training as a facilitator with Northwest Teambuilding as well as at Children’s Ministries Institute with CEF, complete DISC training with Personality Insights, and graduate with an MSN from Hopkins.  

(Seattle, WA)

Mr. Aleksandr has a passion for children's education and firmly believes that our children must "know the God of our fathers, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind." He has been married to his wonderful wife, Olga, for fifteen years and has three children. Mr. Aleksandr, together with his family, loves reading books, playing volleyball, and traveling on bikes. Aleksandr serves as a Youth Pastor at Slavic Christian Center, Tacoma, Head of Sunday School ministry in the state of Washington, and a Principal at Tacoma Christian Academy. Alex holds a B.A.E. from Pacific Lutheran University, TH.M. from Slavic Washington University, and M.S. in Education Leadership from Pensacola Christian College. 

(Tacoma, WA)

Sergey Shakh is a Director of Kids Ministry Department of the National Slavic District of the Assemblies of God in USA. He is the Director of Eagle Brook Camp and an associate pastor at Word of Life Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sergey has been in kids ministry for over 25 years. His main focus is to continue to grow and build.  

(Philadelphia, PA)

Svetlana Shakh is a leader of the Children and Teen Choir Music Ministry at Word Of Life Church in Philadelphia. She is a pastor’s wife and a mother of four children. Together with her husband, they dedicated their lives to children and teen ministry and have been carrying it out for more than 20 years. She has been singing since she can remember. Svetlana believes that singing has the power to bring everyone closer to God. 

(Philadelphia, PA)

Sergey accepted the Lord as his personal Savior at 24 years of age. He is a former officer in the USSR Army. The Lord called Sergey to ministry with children and youth in Ukraine. In the US, the Lord, by His great mercy has guided him to serve in the American Education System and open charter schools in California, Florida, and other states. At this time, this ministry has a very wide reach. 

(Jacksonville, FL)

Liliya was born in Ukraine. She became a Believer at 18 years of age. Her entire life is tied to children and the education system. Liliya started as a Sunday School teacher, then transitioned to the instructor of preparing other Sunday School teachers around Ukraine and Moldova. In the USA, the Lord called her to the education system. Together with her husband, Sergey, Liliya has been opening and expanding charter schools and currently holds the position of Co-Founder of Global Outreach Charter Academy. Having spent more than 20 years in this ministry, starting in Sacramento, California, then relocating to Jacksonville, Florida. The Lord is further expanding the ministry to other states within the USA. 

(Jacksonville, FL)

David is a Sunday school director at Smirna Christian Church and a teacher of 10-11year old students. He has been involved in children's ministry for 15 years. David participated in children’s ministry in American and Slavic churches. He is married with two beautiful kids and one on the way. 

(Vancouver, WA) 

Children’s ministry Activities Coordinator at Light of the World Church. Anna has over 20 years of experience working in Sunday school with children of all ages. She graduated from nursing school. Anna enjoys serving God by ministering to teachers and kids in church. 

(Sacramento, CA)