Daring 2 Believe

Melodie Leake has served in ministry alongside her husband, Jeff, at Allison Park Church for more than two decades. She has been actively involved in many roles at Allison Park Church, including serving as an Interim Campus Pastor, director of Sisterhood and as the Campus Liaison Pastor.  Her passion is to see women set free from past pain and released to be all that God has called them to be. She and Jeff have five children (four who are married to amazing spouses)  and five grandchildren. They reside in Allison Park, PA.

Cece Manning is one half of the lead pastoral team at Kinport Assembly of Godin Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania. Additionally, she is the lead team member of the women’s and missions ministries at Kinport. 

Cece’s heart is on the mission field, serving as a difference maker in India and Nepal, and always seeking opportunities in other areas around the world. She has a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialization in visual impairment and technology for the blind. Together with her husband of 12 years, Thomas, they have four children from ages 12 to 2 - Jameson, Parker, Miles, and Madeline.

Joni Cranston lives in Robinson Township and describes herself as a wife, mom, teacher, and musician.  She is married to David and has two sons; David, who is 24, and Jonathan, 16. She is an accomplished pianist and sings on the worship team at Allegheny Center Alliance Church where she and her family are active members.  Joni holds a degree in Education with a Bible minor, from Tennessee Temple University.  

Formerly a middle-school teacher, Joni has been involved in leading women’s ministries for over 22 years.  For the last 16 years, Joni has been the full-time Teaching Director of Community Bible Study, a vibrant group of over 320 women and 100 children meeting weekly, primarily in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, but more recently, virtual online groups have formed, as well.  

Joni has a passion to teach God’s word and takes seriously the Lord’s commission in Matthew 28:19-20which says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…. teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”  Joni finds great joy in seeing lives transformed by the study of the Word of God.

Don't forget to register for the upcoming studies on Revelation andDaniel on www.pittsburghnorth.cbsclass.org

Kim Masengale is the founder of theShe Is Conferenceand serves as the pastor ofSummit WomenatSummit Church. She is passionate about life and serving God will all of her heart, soul, & mind. She loves leading & pastoring alongside her husband, Mel. Kim’s heart is to help women of all ages discover their worth in Christ & the freedom that only He can give. Born and raised in Texas, Kim loves Tex-Mex, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with her family & friends. She has her Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling, Specializing in Marriage + Family Therapy. Kim is married to Mel, her college sweetheart and the lead pastor ofSummit Church. They’ve been married for 21 years and have two daughters.

Pain is something we all experience whether through a death of a loved one, dire medical diagnosis, unfortunate circumstances, or words/actions of another human being. 

Anna Aiken, the founder of Daring 2 Believe, gets real and shares how she has walked through the valley of pain. Every valley is different but the one thing that stays constant and true is her complete dependence on God to guide her through it. 

Lean in as she shares some painful experiences and what she has learned in the process. 

This Daring 2 Believeepisode features a mother/daughter conversation & kicks off our SECOND SEASON. Perfect timing for Mother's Day Weekend!  

It is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite episodes because it was an amazing opportunity to share the mic with my beautiful daughter Sarah Leake. It was such a treat to laugh, share thoughts, and experiences from a mother and daughter perspective. We answered questions from our listeners that ranged from parenthood, marriage, beauty secrets (LOL), and growth development.  

Daring 2 Believe was founded and anchored on Luke 1:45 "Blessed is she who BELIEVES that God will fulfill ALL that He has promised." 

It all started as a small dream that was birthed while riding on school bus for a field trip. I am completely blown away that D2B has reached OVER 26 countries- Ethiopia, Sweden, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Rwanda to name a few and has amassed close to 4000 listens!!

Daring 2 Believe's second season is based on the theme "ARISE" founded on Isaiah 60:1 "ARISE, SHINE, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." 

You will hear stories from every day women who are making a difference by using their voices to bring God's truth to those in their sphere of influence. Every woman regardless of age, color, ethnicity, position, title, shape, and season in life matters to God. You are valuable. You are worthy. My heart is that these stories will INSPIRE, ACTIVATE, & ILLUMINATE. May you "dare to believe that God will fulfill all that He has promised." 

Corrin Pontzloff is the Communications Coordinator at Light of Life Rescue Mission on the North Side and a ministry student at Allison Park Leadership Academy. She has a passion for sharing the hope and love of Jesus with others, especially women and those grieving.

Corrin loves writing to encourage others, deep friendships, a good dark roast coffee, and traveling and hiking with her husband Mike and dog Dottie. Corrin has two babies in Heaven and one on the way, and is expectant of the ways that the Lord is going to use her story to minister to others.

Daring 2 Believe fam...I can't wait for you to hear Sonita Bell's story! I mean did y'all see what she titled her story?! Refill your cup my friends before you listen because you will want to be sitting still. You do not want to miss all she has to share. 

Sonita Bell is an awarding boutique owner & wardrobe stylist in the Pittsburgh area. She is the wife of Stanley Bell and bonus mom to her son Timothy Bell.  She attends The Lords Church of Pittsburgh where Niecy Dennis White is pastor. She serves as a facilitator for the Wisdom in the Raw series and Events Coordinator at TLC (The Lords Church). She is a woman of God who is tearing down the walls of religion and reaching women from around the world with the message of the gospel.

Daring 2 Believe Family ~ I can't WAIT for you to hear Gia's fun and vivacious story! She will have you laughing in stitches.

Giannie is the founder of Grace International Ambassadors, which provides resources to internationals in order to help them with long term civic assimilation to the United States and helps bridge the communications with the community. 

She has a Masters of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising.  Giannie has served on staff as the RED Youth Director at the Northside Campus for the past two years. 

Toni Simmons is the Life Coach & Founder, behind "The Diary of a Resilient Queen" blog and community where she teaches young girls and women how to level up in their faith in the face of adversity and resilience strategies to turn their obstacles into opportunities. 

Through content, coaching, and resources young girls and women are taught to live a life of resiliency that helps them to reach their optimal wellness. Toni is also a mental health advocate, a wife, and a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters Program student.

Facebook Page: The Diary of a Resilient Queen

Instagram: @thediaryofaresilientqueen

Website: www.thediaryofaresilientqueen.com

Join Daring 2 Believe hosts, Anna Aiken, as she has a conversation with founder Jane Abbate of Messy Miracles https://messymiracles.com/

Jane is a follower of Jesus, wife to Bill, and mom to her three cats Bella, Luca, and Tony. Jane’s personal adventure of faith is rooted in her successful executive career when she learned firsthand the challenges, benefits, and downsides of success.  With a warm heart for women, Jane enjoys coaching, speaking, equipping, and encouraging women to lead fulfilling, purposeful, happy lives.

Jane is the author of Where Do Broken Hearts Go? Healing and Hope After Abortion and a co-author of Learning to Follow Jesus for Women. A native of Pittsburgh, Jane now lives in Richmond Virginia.

Wow! I wished I knew Mauri Tate when I was a young mom. 

Mauri Tate is a wife, mother of 3, an Independent Therapist, and an upcoming entrepreneur, and will soon launch Bridging the Gap Services, LLC . Mauri seeks to fulfill her many roles in life through the scope of her God given purpose. Mauri enjoys spending time with her family and friends and making memories. 

You will want to sign up for her course Thriving in Motherhood. There are only a few spots left!! 

Hey Daring 2 Believe Family!

You are going to absolutely fall in love with Ms. Debbie Lynch if you haven't already! She is warm, loving, and accepting of EVERYONE! I mean everyone! She makes you feel like you are family! 

The story she felt lead to share is about being single for most of her life. So much gold in her story for ANYONE to hear! Listen y'all, people and things don't complete us. 

So who is Ms. Debbie? Well... keep reading below. She's shared a bit about herself. 

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. At age 20 I married a man who was in the  Air Force and we lived in several US cities, and in Germany. At age 37, I was divorced and raised my two daughters as a single parent.  They are now married and blessed me with 5 grandchildren, ranging from 16 years to 2 months, 3 boys and 2 girls.

I’ve worked most of my life and currently am one of the staff pastors of Allison Park Church, serving in the Pastoral Care area. I love to meet people, encourage them, and to serve as best as I can.  Currently, I mentor a group of young women and also lead a group of older adults.

My grandchildren are the loves of my life, I also enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, and anything that I physically can do.  I am always up for an adventure. My favorite place to visit is Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  The beauty of God’s creation is breathtaking.  It’s where my soul catches up with my body.

Okay Daring 2 Believe Fam... Sarah gets real in her story and unpacks some things that we as a society shy away from talking and that is SINGLENESS. I love this girl's heart! I know her story will speak to any one of you whether you are single or not. I learned so much by just listening to her. 

Sarah loves Jesus with all her heart. She is a part time explorer, full time coffee-enthusiast, and likes to draw cartoons on the side. Her real job is a crazy honor - serving as a children's pastor at Allison Park Church. She often dreams of the middle east, long walks in bookstores, and her next great AirBnB adventure.

Daring 2 Believe Fam- You will LOVE listening to Sarah's story. How many of us had plans that were all of the sudden altered, changed, or delayed?! I know I have! Lean in and hear what Sarah has to share. 

Sarah Hemler lives in Pittsburgh, PA and is working on her PhD in Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Wow! I mean this girl is SUPER smart. But she doesn't carry an ounce of superiority! LOVE THAT ABOUT HER!!! In a world where people are throwing around their credentials, positions, and titles, THIS girl has a heart posture of gratitude and humility. 

Sarah is  a Jesus-follower first, then engineer, musician, and worship leader who loves traveling and almost any kind of adventure. She is also passionate about sharing the gospel and using her resources for God’s glory, whether through her past mission trips to El Salvador and across Africa, serving the local church, or researching hydrodynamics and biomechanics to prevent slips and falls.

Christina Hanfere shares her story of complete surrender of her plan for God's plan. Some of the words you will hear in her story are HUMILITY, DYING TO SELF, and POWER OF PRAYER. There is no denying that she has a deep love for Jesus and a burning desire to tell anyone and everyone about Him. But her journey didn't start out that way. 

Christina moved to Washington, DC in 2016 from Toronto and married Paul Hanfere. 

In September of 2018, they moved on from a young adult ministry and officially launchedOverflow City Church in the heart of downtown Silver Spring,  just 7 miles away from the Capitol.  

She is currently a co-Pastor at Overflow City Church and oversees the discipleship process so that they can effectively raise up healthy disciples.  Christina also preaches the Word on Sundays and provides premarital counseling.

Wow! Wow! Wow! It doesn't matter how old we are, we've all struggled with a lack of confidence. Ellie Curry gets real and raw in sharing her story. You will love the tool she shares on how to kick those negative thoughts to the curb! 

Ellie Curry, a certified life coach, built Own Your You to coach women on self confidence, self care, and creating a life you love. Own Your Youwas founded with the mission to help women learn how to believe in themselves. 

Friends~ You will love hearing from my sweet friend Shaundes Wilcox. 

Shaundese was born in Miami, Fl to two teenagers. She surrendered her heart to the Lord toward the end of her senior year in high school. Three months after graduating she enlisted in The United States Navy where she served 5 years on Active Duty. After feeling a tug on her heart that there was something more she began to pursue God's will for her life to become a Military Chaplain. God has given her a heart for the nations and she wants to serve Jesus wherever she is sent. Loving God and loving others is her life Motto.

What would you do if from the very beginning of your pregnancy, you were told that you should terminate your pregnancy?  Penny Aiken is an amazing mom of six children. 

Since the start of her pregnancy with her daughter Kaya, it has been an uphill battle of negative doctors, 4000 medical procedures that Kaya had to endure, and a near miss of being present at the finish line at the Boston Marathon bombing. 

Penny loves Jesus, chocolate, and running. You can truly hear her love, unshakeable faith, and trust in God during this entire season. 

Daring2Believe Family- you will love hearing Dayna's story and learning more about this free spirit who has a tender heart for girls caught in human trafficking. She is on a mission to build a safe space for them by using what is in her hands to reach others for Christ. 

Hey! My name is Dayna Azevedo and I’m 28 years old. I’m originally from sunny California and moved to Pittsburgh about 4 years ago to work at Allison Park Church as their media coordinator. I just finished my year at NMS, and will be moving to Scotland UK to work with Global Family. Missions is my heart; I’ve been blessed to have built 5 churches in Bolivia South America, 1 school in West Bengal, India, start a house church in Cuba - and have been working with victims of human trafficking in India for the past 3 years. To sum me up, I love Jesus, missions, and food! 🤙🏼

I had a blast recording Shekiaya's story! I have known this sweet friend of mine for over 7 years. I am blown away by her spiritual growth. You will LOVE hearing how she went back to basics and started to read the entire Bible not one time but, EVERY year! That's DISCIPLINE right there y'all! 

Shekiaya Nyarko is a disciple (since 2013), math nerd, and Michigan native. An alumna of Spelman College and the University of Pittsburgh, she loves to travel, explore the world, and is a fashionista. Shekiaya works remotely and resides in Pittsburgh, PA, as a Data Analyst. She is married to Josh of 5 years, and recently had her first child, a baby boy, Noah Nyarko.

Meet Dr. Shannon Polk. She is a lawyer, a pastor with a doctorate in ministry, a wife, a mom, and a woman of color who is passionate about helping churches and organizations do better with diversity.

Her story is a must listen for any woman in leadership especially those in ministry or thinking of entering ministry. She brings so much depth and insight mixed with love and grace when delivering the truth. 

To learn more about Dr. Shannon Polk visit her website https://shannonpolk.com/

What a treat it was to capture Gabrielle's story! Emotions ran high for me in the beginning of recording Gabrielle's story. It was simply amazing to hear my friend's voice when she is over 7k miles away in Kenya, Africa. She shares her journey of Raising the Sailand stepping out for God's best for her life. 

Gabrielle Strandberg is from Ohio but now lives in Kenya with her Swedish husband and 2 kids. They have been missionaries with Mission SOS, moving around Africa and Asia since 2007. She is passionate about reaching the unreached and creating businesses that make a difference. She is building an Inn in Kenya where guests can step off the beaten path and experience the heart of Africa while making a difference on their journey.

Lisa Pinney is a certified encounter coach through Leadership Metaformation Institute. In 2019 she left the workforce to start coaching full time. Since then she wrote a book called Deeper Living: The Christian Life In The Deep Down and developed a therapeutic deck of cards called Cut Cards. Visit www.ptcenter.life andPittsburgh Transformation Center on Facebook to discover more about Lisa and her company. 

Maddie Krills is the youngest to share on Daring 2 Believe. WOWZERS! Her story will blow your mind! So much maturity and depth, that it is so hard to believe that she is only 18 years old. Grateful that I was able to capture her story. If you have any young women in your life, share this podcast with them. She provides wisdom on how to live a life that is rooted in who you are in Christ and not be defined by the world. 

Maddie graduated from Hampton High School during the first week of June and will be attending Southeastern University in the fall to dual-major in Organizational Leadership and Theological Studies and minor in Business Entrepreneurship. She's the second of five kids, loves to bake, and is hoping to one day start her own Christain non - profit!

Candice Coffey is a wife, mother of two daughters, and the founder of EverBe Cosmetics. The FIRST EVER beauty brand to AFFIRM a woman's God-given identity https://everbeyou.com/

Candice's story will surely amaze you because cosmetics wasn't even in her wheelhouse when she said "Yes" to what God was calling her to do! 

Psalm 34 was deposited into Candice through a dream and is the foundational verse for EverBe. 

"He called me to create a makeup line that proclaims the Word of God. He called me to encourage the literal application of God’s Word to our own faces. But who am I Lord? I have no experience, no contacts, no knowledge of the cosmetics industry! Well, He has shown me first-hand that when He calls you to it, He will qualify you for it!

EverBe is no longer a dream – these products are a beautiful reality and a direct message from the Father, to his daughters. I’m just the messenger and am humbled to be serving as his hands and feet."

“Let’s make him famous! Let’s make his name glorious to all.” Ps. 34:3

God is moving mountains for EverBe. Priscilla Shirer has even highlighted EverBeon her own personal Instagram. 

If you are questioning what your next steps are or what your purpose is, then you want to spend time listening to Corry Smith's story. There are so many powerful lessons we can all learn from in her story especially if FEAR is holding you back from STEPPING OUT. 

Corrine (Corry) Smith is the Creator of CorEats https://coreatsmixes.com/  The foundation CorEats is built on, is good wholesome food that everyone can enjoy.  No hidden preservatives and free of: gluten, grain, dairy, refined sugar, and soy.

When asked to tell us who she is, Corry creatively stated "a Wife. Mom. Entrepreneur. Creative. Leaning into the Identity my Creator has lovingly,  lavishly, and purposefully called me into..."

Kelly Shim is a stay at mom and felt that there was a next step that she was supposed to take in her life. However, with certain obstacles that needed to be conquered, she was unsure. Hear how she said "Yes" to God and trusted Him to write a beautiful chapter in her story. 

Kelly is the wife to Dave, mom to Connor and Aiden, and a Stitch Fix Senior Stylist. She just completed an incredible year at Northeast Ministry School! She adores Jesus, fashion, and hosting her family and friends. 

Charlene Ndayahundwa kicks off the series Stepping Out for Daring 2 Believe. 

Charlene is a 29 year old mom to 2 year old, Talitha Paige Bigirimana. She has been married to Laude Bigirimana for 3 years and they live in Canada. Charlene holds her undergraduate and master's degree from Laroche University located in Pittsburgh, PA. She also attended the Northeast Ministry School at Allison Park Church, which totally changed her life!

She currently works for the federal government in Canada and serves God in her church and through a prayer group that she started!

She is a simple girl who loves her family, loves Jesus, and loves to travel!

Lean in and listen to Kate Griffin's story of how to stay emotionally healthy while juggling the many different roles and responsibilities women typically carry. 

Kate serves, along with her husband Chris, as the Campus Pastors at the Mt. Nebo Campus of Allison Park Church, planted in September 2018. She has been on staff with Allison Park since 2003, and graduated from Grove City College with a degree in Music Business & is the founder of Pittsburgh North School of the Arts http://www.pittsburghnorthschoolofthearts.com/ 

Kate has been married to Chris for 15 years and together, they have 4 children. Kate loves family time, home improvement projects & reading in the sunshine.

Damaris Mohr shares her story of how an ordinary day at the movies turns into one of the most challenging seasons she has had to walk through. Be inspired by another everyday woman used by God to do extraordinary things as trials turn to triumph and loss isn't final for a woman of Christ!

Damaris has been a physician assistant practicing in Pittsburgh for 12 years. She is married to Scott Mohr and has a daughter Sophia. She loves Jesus, volunteering, making jewelry, and finding creative ways to help others or solve problems in her community.

Lauren Robinson shares her story of how she continues to break the chains of perfection. 

Lauren Robinson is the wife to Brendon, the mom to Jackson and Poco (the cutest Bichon you will ever see), and a benefits expert. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, shopping, working out, and being a part of Allison Park Church.

Kelli Brownlee shares her journey of recently losing her beloved father. Her story is wrapped in so much truth and wisdom. 

Kelli Kinney Brownlee is a vocalist, songwriter, and minister devoted to sharing the gospel in song and word. She's recorded and traveled stateside and internationally with legendary gospel artists such as The Clark Sisters, Dorinda Clark Cole, Deitrick Haddon, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard & many other independent Christian artists. Kelli has a heart for mentoring and teaching worship leaders and has served in roles such as minister of music, creative arts director, and youth mentor. Kelli has also appeared on television as part of the Stellar Awards, Dove Awards, Trumpet Awards as well as the tv sitcom MIKE and MOLLY. Kelli has been married to her husband Ben who is a musician and producer for 15 years and together they have 3 beautiful children.

Anna Aiken, the creator of Daring 2 Believe, shares the why behind the podcast. With no knowledge or expertise in podcasting, Anna takes a step forward to provide a platform for women to share their stories in hopes that others will be INSPIRED to DREAM, PATHS will be ILLUMINATED, and FAITH will be ACTIVATED. 

Join Anna every Friday with a new guest for #fillcupyourfriday on Daring2Believe.