Power & Purpose Conference

Heather Khym

Heather Khym is the cohost of the internationally acclaimed Abiding Together podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally, and serves as assistant director of Evangelization at Franciscan University. She is the author of Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy in Jesus and the award-winning Encountering Emmanuel. Along with her husband, Jake, she cofounded Life Restoration Ministries, where she serves as director of Vision and Ministry, and is co-executive director of the Celtic Cross Foundation, which serves the underprivileged. With over 30 years of experience as a speaker and retreat leader, Heather is passionate about evangelization, discipleship, and creating spaces for transformative encounters with God. She lives in Steubenville, Ohio, with her husband and their three young adult children.

David Calavitta

David Calavitta is a passionate Catholic in love with Christ and his Church. He’s also very much in love with his wife, Brittany, and their two sons. In addition to his speaking ministry, he is the co-founder of Seen + Unseen.

Sister Josephine Garrett, CSFN

Sister Josephine Garrett is a native Texan, a convert to the Catholic faith, a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, living and serving in Tyler, TX as a licensed professional counselor. She also loves traveling around to share the love of God with the young Church.

John Paul Von Arx

John Paul Von Arx seeks to share his faith and love for country music in venues all across America and has been performing professionally for the last 12 years. Since the release of his debut solo album in 2018, John Paul has been known for his advocacy work for people with Down Syndrome and their families. Additionally, in 2020, he began working as a staff member at Franciscan University where he currently oversees Men’s and Women’s Ministry. When not performing or giving talks, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters outdoors.

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2019. A prolific Catholic speaker, author, and host of multiple video series, he received his bachelor’s degree from Franciscan University, then earned his MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. In 1996, he was ordained a priest in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Franciscan Third Order Regular. Before his election as president, he served Franciscan as vice president for Mission and Planning, then as director of the TOR’s Post-Novitiate Formation and the TOR’s Franciscan Pathways.

Father Johnathan St. Andre

Fr. Jonathan St. André, TOR, grew up in Reston, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. He began his studies at Franciscan University in 1992, earning a bachelor's degree in mental health and human services in 1996. During that time, he encountered the Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular, and entered the community in 1998. He was ordained a priest in 2006. Fr. Jonathan went on to earn a master of divinity, master of arts in Franciscan Studies, and a doctorate in education. He has served as director of Vocations, director of Novices, and for the past six years as vice president of Franciscan Life, helping to strengthen the Catholic and Franciscan charisms of the university community through his wisdom and leadership.

Father Louis Merosne

Rachel Herbeck

Rachel Herbeck is the director of Young Adult Discipleship for Renewal Ministries and hosts Burning Hearts, a daily podcast and radio program. She received her degree in Catholic Studies from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has worked extensively in youth ministry and speaks to youth and young adults at retreats, conferences, and events in the U.S. and Canada. Rachel is passionate about life issues and has worked for multiple pro-life and political organizations in Minnesota and Washington, D.C. She formerly worked for the Minnesota Catholic Conference, doing outreach and lobbying for the Catholic Bishops of Minnesota. She currently resides in Plymouth, Michigan.