SOAR IMPACT CONFERENCE 2026
Break the Silence
📅 September 19, 2026
📍 Ivy Tech Community College, Sellersburg, IN
🎟️ Tickets from $65
You were made to be free. This is your day to begin.
VENUE: Ivy Tech Community College Sellersburg, Indiana
BUILDING / LOCATION ON CAMPUS:
Follow signage for the Caesars Foundation Assembly Center as you get onto campus.
Turn right once you are on campus
Follow that road all the way to the end of that building
Turn left, then follow to the last entrance. That is the door to the conference.
Look for directional signage and a tall flag with the SOAR logo marketing the way.
FULL ADDRESS: 8204 Hwy 311, Sellersburg, IN 47172
PARKING: There is a large lot nearest the door to include several handicap spots. All parking is FREE.
ACCESSIBILITY: The venue is level throughout with no steps or ramps to navigate. The auditorium has a slight slant. Wheelchair seating is available in the middle section in the auditorium. All other rooms offer plenty of open space for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
CHECK-IN / DOORS OPEN: 7:30 AM Registration & Coffee Networking
About the Conference
The SOAR Impact Conference is a one-day gathering for survivors of abuse, those who walk alongside them, and communities ready to break the silence. Rooted in faith and grounded in truth, this day is designed to equip, empower, and restore.
Whether you are on your own healing journey, working in ministry, or simply someone who believes every voice deserves to be heard, there is a place for you here.
Break the Silence is more than a theme. It is an invitation to step out of isolation and into community, truth, and the healing that only Christ can bring.
Who Should Attend
Survivors of abuse seeking healing, community, and renewed hope
Family members, friends, and advocates walking alongside survivors
Pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders serving abuse-affected communities
Anyone ready to learn how to break the silence in their own sphere of influence
Day-of Schedule
Reserve Your Seat
Seats are limited. Register early — and bring someone with you.
Ticket Pricing
Every ticket includes full access to all mainstage sessions and breakout content. Choose the experience that's right for you.
⭐️ EARLY BIRD PRICING – June 1 through June 29 only
Save $10-$20 per ticket. Early bird pricing closes automatically on June 29.
Meet the Speakers
Carol Dougherty, LMFT
Morning Keynote Speaker | Founder, Dougherty & Summers Counseling Center
BIO
Carol Dougherty is a retired Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, founder of the Dougherty & Summers Counseling Center, and one of the founding voices behind SOAR Ministries. With 40 years of experience serving survivors of childhood sexual abuse, Carol brings a lifetime of clinical wisdom, compassionate care, and deep conviction that healing is possible for every survivor. As a foundational figure in the ministry that gave birth to this conference, her presence and her message carry the weight of decades of faithful, healing-centered work.
SESSION
Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Healing the Whole Person
Childhood sexual abuse leaves marks that reach far deeper than most people realize, touching the body, mind, emotions, and soul in ways that can last a lifetime. This opening keynote session with SOAR co-founder Carol Dougherty draws from 40 years of clinical experience to deepen understanding of how abuse shapes the whole person, what signs and symptoms to look for, and how to respond with truly compassionate care. Carol sets the foundation for the day's conversations with wisdom, honesty, and hope.
Leslie Thomas
Mainstage Speaker & Panelist | Founder & CEO, SOAR Ministries
BIO
Leslie Thomas is the Founder and CEO of SOAR Ministries, a Christ-centered healing ministry she has led for more than 26 years. Coming from a medical background, Leslie has devoted her life to walking alongside adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, building a community where healing is possible and no one has to walk the road alone. Her vision for SOAR is simple and profound that every survivor would know they belong, they are seen, and they are not alone.
SESSION
The Impact of SOAR
For over 26 years, SOAR Ministries has walked alongside adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse building a community rooted in faith, compassion, and the belief that healing is possible. In this session, SOAR Founder and CEO Leslie Thomas shares the story, heart, and impact of the ministry and the community it has created. Survivors will leave reminded that there is a place where they belong, they are not alone, and the healing journey is one they do not have to walk by themselves.
BIO
George Ross brings 47 years of local church ministry to his work as founder of Finishing Well Ministries, a ministry encouraging and equipping those in life's second half. Throughout his pastoral career, George served in children's, youth, worship, counseling, and lead pastor roles across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Nevada most recently as Lead Pastor of Northside Christian Church in New Albany, Indiana from 1999 to 2018. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries from Lincoln Christian University and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Cincinnati Bible Seminary. George has been a board member of Blessing Ranch Ministries since its founding in 1994.
SESSION
Break the Silence... and You'll Break the Chains
In John 4, Jesus's conversation with the woman at the well demonstrates how trust, honor, and respect can create a safe space for even the most guarded of hearts to open. This session explores how the power of secrecy keeps survivors bound and how breaking silence, in the right environment and with the right support, is where freedom and healing begin. Drawing from 47 years of pastoral and counseling ministry, George will speak to both survivors and those who walk alongside them about what it truly means to create space for that conversation. George also leads worship with his team throughout the day, closing the conference in song.
Rob Schettler
Mainstage Speaker & Panelist | Men's Director, SOAR Ministry · Survivor (Breakout 1) track
BIO
Rob Schettler brings nearly three decades of ministry and pastoral care experience to his work walking alongside individuals, men, couples, and families through trauma, grief, and healing. He holds a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care & Counseling from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist with extensive training through The Allender Center, Sustainable Faith, and Christian Psychology Institute. Rob's passion is creating honest, compassionate spaces where people can find language for their experiences, move beyond shame and isolation, and pursue deeper healing and connection with God.
SESSION
Breaking the Silence: Men, Trauma, and the Journey Toward Healing
Many men carry the wounds of sexual abuse quietly unsure how to name what happened or where healing even begins. This breakout session creates an honest, compassionate space to explore how trauma shapes a man's emotions, relationships, faith, and sense of self. Attendees will leave feeling less alone, more understood, and with a clearer picture of what the journey toward healing can look like.
Carissa Miller, LCSW, CADAC V
Breakout Speaker | Coordinator, CEASe of Scott County · Professional (Breakout 1) track
BIO
Carissa Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Consultant (Level V) with a decade of experience in clinical settings. She specializes in co-occurring trauma and substance use, with a particular focus on survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Carissa is passionate about helping clinicians build more effective, trust-centered therapeutic relationships with survivors and has presented her work at national and state conferences including the NASW Indiana Conference and CADCA National Leadership Forum.
SESSION
Trauma-Informed Care for Survivors
Delivering truly effective care to survivors of childhood sexual abuse requires more than knowing the basic principles of trauma-sensitive practice it requires an honest look at how existing clinical practices may be getting in the way. This session helps clinicians identify where current approaches may unintentionally impede the therapeutic relationship. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to build more trusting, effective relationships with the survivors they serve.
Alexis Gentry
Breakout Speaker & Day-of Wellness Support | Interim Lead Pastor, Crossroads Community Church · Pastoral (Breakout 2) track
BIO
Alexis Gentry is the Interim Lead Pastor of Crossroads Community Church in New Albany, Indiana, and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. She also serves as a leader with SOAR Ministry, walking alongside survivors on their healing journeys for nearly a decade while continuing her own path of restoration. Alexis is passionate about seeing people set free from the lasting effects of abuse and deeply committed to helping the Church become a place where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered to experience the hope and healing found in Jesus Christ.
SESSION
What Every Survivor Wishes Their Pastor Knew
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse are sitting in our pews, serving on ministry teams, and raising families in our churches many carrying their stories in complete silence. This session draws from both personal experience as a survivor and vocational experience as a pastor to explore what survivors often wish church leaders understood about trauma, disclosure, healing, and faith. Attendees will leave with practical, concrete steps for creating church environments where survivors feel safe, believed, and empowered to heal.
Cathy Jo Summers, MA, LMHC
Breakout Speaker | Clinical Director, SOAR Ministries · Professional (Breakout 2) track
BIO
Cathy Jo Summers is the Clinical Director of SOAR Ministries and co-owner of Dougherty/Summers Counseling Center in Sellersburg, Indiana. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary and brings 20 years of experience working with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse as a licensed mental health counselor. Cathy Jo's practice sits at the intersection of clinical care and faith-based healing, exploring how prayer ministry and the work of the Holy Spirit can carry healing further than clinical approaches alone.
SESSION
Counseling vs. Prayer Ministry: Where Clinical Care Meets the Holy Spirit
What is the difference between mental health counseling and prayer ministry and what happens when both work together? This small-group breakout session explores how prayer ministry and the Holy Spirit can carry healing further than clinical approaches alone, addressing the core lies, unresolved anger, and deep wounds that often underlie mental health struggles. Attendees will discuss practical ways to invite Jesus into the healing process and integrate faith more fully into their care for survivors.
Nicole Escobar
Breakout Speaker | Executive Director, Trees of Hope · Survivor (Breakout 2) track
BIO
Nicole Escobar is the Executive Director of Trees of Hope, a survivor-led nonprofit focused on prevention education, survivor healing, and equipping churches, families, and communities to respond to sexual abuse. With a background in Human Rights Law and nearly two decades of ministry leadership, Nicole has developed healing studies, prevention resources, and leadership trainings used by churches and ministries internationally. As a survivor herself, she brings lived experience, professional insight, and a deep faith-based perspective to her work, passionate about breaking harmful myths and helping the Church engage these conversations with wisdom and compassion.
SESSION
Prevention and Healing Are Not Separate Conversations
Many churches, families, and communities lack the tools to recognize, prevent, or respond to sexual abuse leaving survivors unseen and harmful patterns unaddressed. In this session, Nicole draws from years of survivor advocacy and healing-centered ministry to explore how silence, myths, and gaps in education keep these two conversations artificially divided. Attendees will leave with practical insight into how prevention and healing work together to create lasting change in families, churches, and communities.
Linda Fox
Breakout Speaker & Panelist | Writer & Speaker, Fox Tales of Truth, LLC · Pastoral (Breakout 3) track
BIO
Linda Fox is an author and speaker with over 40 years of ministry experience and a deep calling to advocate for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. As a survivor herself, Linda brings both lived experience and hard-won wisdom to her work equipping pastors, church leaders, and communities to recognize the needs of survivors, respond with compassion, and create safer, healing-centered church environments. Through powerful teaching and real-life story, she helps the Church become a place where survivors feel seen, supported, and safe to begin healing.
SESSION
The Silent Wound: What Pastors Need to Know About Childhood Sexual Abuse
Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse quietly carry shame, fear, and spiritual confusion well into adulthood often while appearing completely fine on the outside. This session equips pastors and church leaders with the insight and tools needed to recognize the needs of survivors, respond with wisdom, and create safer, more supportive environments. Linda draws on both personal experience and decades of ministry to help the Church become a place of true healing.
Dr. Eric L. Johnson, Ph.D.
Breakout Speaker & Panelist | Director of Training, Christian Psychology Institute · Professional (Breakout 3) track
BIO
Dr. Eric L. Johnson is the Director of Training at Christian Psychology Institute and one of the leading voices in the field of distinctly Christian psychology. He has taught psychology and counseling for over 35 years at Christian universities and seminaries and has authored or edited numerous influential works, including Foundations for Soul Care, God and Soul Care, and Psychology & Christianity: Five Views. With over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters to his name, and more than 25 years of pastoral counseling experience, Dr. Johnson brings both scholarly depth and practical wisdom to the intersection of faith and psychological healing.
SESSION
Christ-Centered Therapy: Bringing Jesus into the Session with Christian Clients
Most Christians believe that God desires their healing through Christ — but few know how to practically access that healing presence in a consistent, meaningful way. This session draws on evidence-based therapeutic strategies including guided imagery and chair-work to demonstrate how clinicians can bring Christ's healing presence more fully into sessions with Christian clients. Attendees will not only learn the framework and its evidence base, they'll have the opportunity to experience it firsthand through a brief group exercise.
Ginny Weigleb, MSW, LSW
Breakout Speaker | Trauma Therapist & Owner, Graceology Counseling · Survivor (Breakout 3) track
BIO
Ginny Weigleb is a trauma therapist, speaker, advocate, and survivor who has spent more than a decade serving survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Southern Indiana. She is the founder of The Mustard Seed Thrift on Mission and owner of Graceology Counseling Services. Drawing from both professional experience and her own healing journey, Ginny speaks honestly about the realities of trauma, the courage required to heal, and the obstacles survivors face along the way. At the heart of her message is the conviction that healing can transform pain into purpose and brokenness into a life marked by hope and restoration.
SESSION
The Long Road Home: What Survivors Need to Heal
Healing from childhood sexual abuse is rarely quick or straightforward it grows in environments of safety, connection, courage, truth, and hope. This session explores the common obstacles that can stall or derail the healing journey, as well as what survivors truly need to move forward. Attendees will leave both inspired and informed, with a deeper understanding of the healing process and renewed confidence that freedom, growth, and restoration are possible.
Your Host
Andi Adams
Conference Director & Emcee | SOAR Evansville Site Coordinator
BIO
Andi Adams is the architect behind the SOAR Impact Conference bringing together her background in marketing, communications, and mental health advocacy to create an event that is both professionally executed and deeply personal. As Conference Director and Emcee, and as SOAR's Evansville Site Coordinator, she holds the space for every speaker, survivor, and attendee in the room. Andi is passionate about creating spaces where survivors feel seen, supported, and reminded they are not alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Partner With Us
SOAR Impact Conference is made possible through the generosity of sponsors and ministry partners who believe survivors deserve to be seen, heard, and restored.
When you partner with this conference, you are not just funding an event — you are investing in lives that are being reclaimed and restored by the power of Jesus Christ.
Your partnership makes it possible for someone who couldn’t otherwise afford a ticket to walk through these doors.
For sponsorship inquiries: