Thank you to our sponsors!
Today, a woman's fertility, and her ability to get pregnant, are seen as something to be feared, and avoided. Much of the modern women’s movement is at odds with the natural functions of women’s bodies, and so we see women’s healthcare promoting practices like sterilization, long-term birth control, and abortion, which are opposed to our natural health. From adolescence through menopause, the prevailing model often prioritizes intervention over education, suppression over cooperation, and fragmentation over integration. But what if there was a better way?
We believe there is. This conference will explore how.
Thank you to our sponsors!
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
Women's healthcare is in crisis. It's time for a revolution.
Did you know that 53% of women have reported dissatisfaction with their medical care? This needs to change—women deserve better. At Guiding Star, we believe every woman deserves excellent healthcare and solutions that work with her natural female body, not against it.
The time for a revolution is now—will you stand with us?
Women deserve excellent care, but the current
Healthcare system is FAILING women
53% of WOMEN
have reported dissatisfaction with their medical care
58% of WOMEN
are on the pill to "treat" a health concern other than birth control
1 in 3 WOMEN
have had a hysterectomy by the age of 60
17% of WOMEN
have reported mistreatment during pregnancy and/or childbirth—including being ignored, dismissed, or not give adequate information
WHY SHOULD I ATTEND?
This isn’t just another event—it’s a bold movement to revolutionize women’s healthcare. By attending, you’re standing with a community dedicated to this vision and get inspired by visionary leaders while learning practical and empowering knowledge. Together, we can build a fearless future and advance a healthcare model that provides a compassionate, informed, and dignified approach to women’s healthcare at every stage of a woman's life.
INSPIRATION FROM VISIONARY LEADERS
Hear from healthcare experts, advocates, and women who are driving meaningful change in healthcare. Gain insights that honor the natural rhythms of the female body and recognize the inherent dignity of every woman.
LEARN PRACTICAL & EMPOWERING KNOWLEDGE
Learn practical information about tracking fertility signs, understanding hormonal health, and making informed choices in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. This event will empower you to take charge of your health and make decisions aligned with your values.
BE PART OF A SUPPORTIVE NETWORK
Connect with healthcare professionals, like-minded women, and advocates who share your commitment to a pro-woman, pro-life approach to healthcare. Build connections that support your journey, no matter your stage of life.
STAND WITH HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
Show your support for the dedicated healthcare professionals who champion comprehensive and respectful care. Together, we can inspire change in healthcare systems that align with the natural biological functions of a women's body.
Take Action for Future Generations:
By joining us, you’re helping to shape a new era of women’s healthcare for yourself, your family, and future generations to come. It’s time for healthcare that celebrates and respects every aspect of a woman’s body and journey.
Be part of this pioneering movement. Join us in creating a brighter, healthier future for all women.
THE VENUE: Holy Family Catholic Church Orlando
Located in the heart of Orlando, Holy Family Parish offers a welcoming and serene environment ideal for gathering and community building. Known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful ambiance, the parish provides a meaningful setting for this transformative event.
PLUS—you can make it a family vacation!
Holy Family is located within a short drive of Disney World, Universal, Seaworld and more!
We have a vision of a future where no woman fears pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and motherhood.
Through community, education, and Wholistic Women's Healthcare©, we strive to make this a reality.
Schedule of Events
***all times listed are Eastern Standard Time***
Friday • February 28, 2025*
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Registration & Coffee
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Keynote Address: Leah Jacobson
Creating and Upholding a Wholistic View of Women's Healthcare
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Networking Break
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Empowering Women
Through Fertility Awareness
with Jamie Rathjen, MA, CFCP
& Teresa Kenney, APRN-NP
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
How Fertility Awareness Sets Up a Successful Life Path
with Katie Vidmar
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Lunch with networking opportunities
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Why Mindset in Motherhood Matters with Lisa Canning
2:30 - 3:15 PM
Creating a Fearless Future, One Birth at a Time: Restoring Trust in Birth and Postpartum Care
with Tammy Masut, MSN, APRN, CNM, Rachael Killackey, Author and Speaker, Serena Sigillito, Editor of Fairer Disputations and Dr. John Bruchalski, OBGYN
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Small Group Discussion
3:30 PM
Afternoon break
6:30 PM
Cocktail Reception
7:00 PM
Fundraising Gala & Awards Ceremony
Honoring Marian Tompson, Dr. John Bruchalski, Dr. Marguerite Duane, Jennie MacGregor and Dr. Susan Bane
*Schedule Subject to Change
Saturday• March 1, 2025*
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Coffee & Networking
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Building a Supportive Network for Women with Guiding Star Executive Directors Kaleigh Van Middendorp, Amy Dall and Mark Cavaliere, and Jennie MacGregor
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM - 11:25 AM
Advancing Women’s Health Advocacy in Bioethics with Arina Grossu Agnew
11:25 AM - 11:45 AM
Advancing Women’s Health Advocacy in Policy with Tina Whittington
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
How to Create Pro-Woman, Pro-Life, Pro-Motherhood Ethical Policies in Culture
Arina Grossu Agnew and Tina Whittington
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Lunch with networking opportunities
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Next Steps for a Fearless Future—Concrete Ways Attendees Can Implement and Support Change in Their Communities with Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa and Leah Jacobson
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Closing Remarks
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Closing Social Reception
*Schedule Subject to Change
Fearless Future Gala
Dress to Impress!
Join us for an evening of celebration, connection, and recognition—where excellence in women’s healthcare takes center stage! Dress to impress, enjoy a catered dinner, bar, and an inspiring speech from our VIP guest, while we honor those who have made groundbreaking contributions to the advancement of Wholistic Women's Healthcare©.
Honoring a Lifetime of Dedication
Guiding Star Lifetime Achievement Award
Marian Leonard Tompson • Co-Founder of La Leche League
We are thrilled to share a VERY special announcement with you: Marian Tompson, Co-Founder of La Leche League, will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at our Fearless Future Gala!
Marian Leonard Tompson is one of the seven founders of La Leche League International. She was President of La Leche League for 24 years, from 1956 to 1980, and a member of the Founders Advisory Council. Wife of the late Clement Tompson, she is the mother of seven children, a grandmother and great-grandmother.
Recently, Marian's resignation from La Leche League following their decision to allow men identifying as women to join breastfeeding support groups made waves across the breastfeeding and medical community.
We are excited to honor her work with a Lifetime Achievement Award! Marian will be joining us virtually during the Fearless Future Gala in Orlando, FL on February 28, 2025.
Gala Award Recipients
Dr. Marguerite Duane
Excellence in Fertility and Family Planning
Dr. Marguerite Duane is a board-certified family physician and a leading advocate for fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) in reproductive healthcare. As co-founder of FACTS: Fertility Appreciation Collaborative to Teach the Science, she has dedicated her career to educating medical professionals and empowering women and couples with evidence-based advances in women's healthcare. Her commitment to woman-centered care has transformed the landscape of fertility and family planning. In recognition of her pioneering work, we are honored to present her with the Excellence in Fertility and Family Planning Award.
Dr. John Bruchalski
Excellence in Pregnancy and Birth Services
Dr. John Bruchalski is an OB/GYN dedicated to compassionate, life-affirming women's healthcare. Early in his career, he followed the conventional medical model, but experiences with patients and a profound spiritual awakening led him to embrace a more holistic approach to fertility, pregnancy, and birth. He founded Tepeyac OB/GYN and Divine Mercy Care to provide comprehensive, dignified care that honors both mothers and babies. His memoir, Two Patients, details his journey from abortion provider to pro-life advocate. We are honored to present him with the Excellence in Pregnancy and Birth Services Award.
Jennie MacGregor
Excellence in Breastfeeding and Postpartum Care
Jennie MacGregor, a Certified Lactation Counselor and Texas A&M University graduate, is passionate about supporting breastfeeding mothers and families. With personal experience of breastfeeding preemies, NICU stays, and exclusively pumping, she uses her expertise to support families and help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals. Jennie currently lives in Louisiana with her husband and their three homeschooled children, where they enjoy volunteering with her family, as well as traveling. We are proud to present Jennie MacGregor with the Excellence in Breastfeeding and Postpartum Care Award in recognition of her dedication to mothers and infants.
Dr. Susan Bane
Excellence in Motherhood and Family Life
Dr. Susan Bane is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist based in Greenville, North Carolina. Throughout her career, Dr. Bane has been a staunch advocate for women's health, emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding and comprehensive postpartum care. She has contributed to medical literature, including works on postpartum exercise and lactation, with insights into the benefits of exercise and its impact on breastfeeding. Dr. Bane also serves as the Medical Director at Choices Women's Center in Wilson, North Carolina, where she oversees medical services and supports women facing unintended pregnancies. In recognition of her dedication to maternal and infant health, we are honored to present Dr. Bane with the Excellence in Motherhood and Family Life.
Ticket Options
All ticket purchases are non-refundable.
All profits support the mission of Guiding Star Project, a 501(c)3 Non-profit Organization.
If you desire a type of healthcare that gives women solutions in line with their natural bodies and demand doctors provide them with solutions that do not destroy their healthy feminine functions, this conference is for you.
We need your voice to get the women’s movement back on track and in line with the intended design of our natural female bodies.
"The shifting identities of feminism have led us to a place where men, our bodies, and our very female nature are now seen as barriers to our fulfillment and happiness." - Leah A. Jacobson
Let's change that.
Meet Your Hosts
Leah A. Jacobson, MA, IBCLC
Founder & CEO of Guiding Star Project
Author of Wholistic Feminism: Healing the Identity Crisis Caused by the Women's Movement, Leah has been working with young people and mothers since 2000. Leah founded The Guiding Star Project in 2011 after feeling called to help women and families by providing resources that honor Natural Law and promote wholistic feminism. She seeks to create Guiding Star Centers to serve as beacons of hope, joy, and truth — safe havens that uphold human dignity in all stages of life. Leah lives in Minnesota with her family and works as a board-certified lactation consultant. As a mother to seven children, she has a special interest in supporting young women as they transition into their roles as new mothers.
Lisa Canning
President of Guiding Star Project
As a former interior designer on HGTV, Lisa went from helping people redesign their homes to helping moms redesign their lives. Lisa is a mom of 12 (one in heaven and one on the way) who defies all stereotypes regarding children being an impediment to goals and dreams. Author of The Possibility Mom: How to be a Great Mom and Pursue Your Dreams at the Same Time, Lisa will share why it is vital for women to contribute to society, and share concrete ways we as a society can help mothers thrive. Married to the love of her life, Lisa resides in Canada with her husband Josh and their children.
Meet Your Speakers
Jamie Rathjen, MA, CFCP
Founder of Fiat Institute & Co-host of Hormone Genius Podcast
Jamie Rathjen is a passionate Community Health Professional and FertilityCare Practitioner dedicated to empowering women with knowledge and support for their reproductive health. As the founder and former Director of Guiding Star Cedar Valley, a nationally recognized non-profit women’s healthcare center, she has been a leading advocate for providing women-centered, holistic care. In addition, Jamie is the founder and owner of the Fiat Institute, a hormone coaching certification program designed to train the next generation of professionals in fertility awareness and hormone health.
A true culture changer, Jamie is dedicated to illuminating the truth about the beauty and genius of the feminine body, advocating for a deeper understanding of the unique power of women’s hormones. With a deep belief in the goodness of our natural design, she continues to inspire and lead the movement for wholistic, informed women’s healthcare.
Teresa Kenney,
APRN-NP
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified and Co-host of Hormone Genius Podcast
Teresa Kenney is a dedicated Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and a NaPro Technology-trained Medical Consultant, specializing in holistic, women-centered care. As a Certified Medical Consultant at Sancta Familia Medical in Omaha, NE, she works collaboratively with women to align their healthcare with the natural rhythms of their bodies, addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just masking symptoms. With a deep commitment to restoring women’s health and quality of life, Teresa is also the author of The Happy Girl's Guide to Being Whole: What You Never Knew About Your Natural Body, a newly released book that empowers women with knowledge about their bodies and natural health. She is passionate about providing comprehensive, holistic care that empowers women to take charge of their health and well-being.
Katie Vidmar,
MA
Katie Vidmar Coaching
With a deep passion for empowering women, Katie E. Vidmar, the creator of Elevate training,m draws upon over a decade of experience in the Pregnancy Center movement. As Executive Director of Connect Medical Clinic in Dickinson, ND, Katie guided the ministry to move locations, rebrand, and expand into sexual health and holistic women's health services. She holds a Masters of Theological Studies in Biotechnology and Ethics from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies in Marriage and Family, and is a Billings Method Fertility Awareness Instructor. She resides in Bismark, North Dakota with her husband Jeremy and six children.
Tammy Masut, APRN, CNM
Certified Nurse Midwife and Clinical Director of GS Tampa Bay Birth & Wellness Center
Tammy Masut, ARNP, CNM, graduated in 1997, from Oklahoma University, with academic and clinical honors. She worked in Labor and Delivery for over 19 years and finally followed her life-long dream of becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife in February of 2013. After graduating from Frontier Nursing University with honors. Tammy gained experience with different populations of women from her work in Indian Health Services and as a travel nurse working across the country. She recently remarried and her and her husband have a blended family of 17 children and 22 grandchildren (and growing). Tammy has always felt a desire to work with women and their families to help them become the best versions of themselves. She is a certified Creighton Fertility care practitioner and loves helping women learn more about their fertility and natural family planning options. Tammy has made Tampa her home since 1999 and enjoys the beach, books, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.
Rachael Killackey, MA, SATP
Magdala Ministries
Rachael is a Colorado native (depending on your definition of native) who earned her bachelors and masters degrees in theology from Ave Maria University. Since first sharing her testimony in college, Rachael has had the privilege of hearing dozens of beautiful stories of healing from sexual addiction, and is pastorally certified in sexual addiction therapy. Rachael married her husband, Tommy, in 2021. They now live in Tampa, FL, with their two children, where they enjoy the beach (almost) as much as they enjoy the mountains. Her book, Love in Recovery, is available through Ave Maria Press.
Serena Sigillito, MA
Fairer Disputations
Serena Sigillito is a writer, editor, and mother of three. She serves as the editor of Fairer Disputations and editor-at-large of Public Discourse, the journal of the Witherspoon Institute. She recently completed a Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship focusing on contemporary American women's experiences of work and motherhood.
Serena earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Dallas. She then obtained her Master of Arts in English from the Catholic University of America, where she received awards for her writing and teaching.
Her writing often explores topics related to sex, gender, embodiment, work, and motherhood. In addition to her roles at Fairer Disputations and Public Discourse, Serena has contributed to various publications, including First Things, National Review, America Magazine, The American Conservative, The Federalist, Aleteia, and Verily Magazine.
Kaleigh Van Middendorp, BSW, FCP
Guiding Star Siouxland Executive Director
Kaleigh Van Middendorp is the Executive Director of Guiding Star Siouxland, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive support and education to women and families in the Siouxland area. She holds a degree in Social Work from Northern College.
Kaleigh's passion for women's health and education is evident in her efforts to support women through various stages of life, including fertility education, miscarriage support, and post-abortion care. She emphasizes the importance of listening to clients and providing holistic support, regardless of their choices.
Through her work, Kaleigh aims to foster a community that values and supports women's health, leading to positive outcomes such as decreased unplanned pregnancies, reduced birth trauma, and lower rates of postpartum depression.
Amy Dall
Guiding Star Cedar Valley Executive Director
Amy is a wife, mother and grandmother who resides in Dike, Iowa. As the executive director at Guiding Star Cedar Valley, she desires the restoration of our feminine identity through educating and empowering women to realize the creative design of our womanhood is enough. Her personal experience motivates her to share the mission of Guiding Star. "A lifetime of choices are impacted by the knowledge we are given. As women, it is vital to our future generations to be taught the truth and beauty of the feminine and maternal genius of a woman."
Arina Grossu Agnew, MA, MS
Areté Global Consulting
Arina Grossu Agnew is a Fellow at the Discovery Institute’s Center on Human Exceptionalism and Founder and Principal at Areté Global Consulting. She was also a News Anchor at Shalom World News. During the Trump Administration, Arina worked as a Senior Communications Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Office for Civil Rights, protecting conscience, religious freedom rights, and civil rights in healthcare. She is the former Director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council where she was a spokeswoman and policymaker on life and human dignity issues. Arina is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in Philosophy. She earned her M.S. in Bioethics from the University of Mary and an M.A. in Theology, magna cum laude, from the Dominican House of Studies. She is also certified in Health Care Ethics through the National Catholic Bioethics Center. She lives in the Washington D.C. area with her husband and son.
Tina Whittington
Executive VP Students for Life
Tina began full-time pro-life work in 1999 as Project Manager for Rock for Life. While there, she put together pro-life literature, wrote for the monthly newsletter, spoke at high schools and colleges, organized events, and toured with Christian bands sharing the pro-life message from stage at hundreds of concerts and music festivals.
She has been a guest on Fox News, EWTN, Nightline, Loveline with Adam Carrola & Dr. Drew, and has been quoted in the New York Times and the Washington Post. She has also engaged in debate with Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, abortionist and founder of Women on Waves. She has been a guest speaker at universities across the country including Harvard, Dartmouth, University of Connecticut Medical School, and Fordham University – as well as speaking at fundraising banquets for pregnancy help centers and at state and national pro-life conferences.
Tina currently resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia and serves the Pro-Life Generation as Students for Life’s Executive Vice President. This work includes managing the daily operations of SFLA as well as an ever-growing team. When Tina started at SFLA in 2010, she helped manage a team of eleven full-time employees. Now, she helps to oversee a team of over 50 team members, the majority of whom are spread throughout the country and managed virtually!
Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa
New Wave Feminists
Destiny is the founder of New Wave Feminists, a politically independent and religious agnostic feminist group that promotes consistent non-violence from the womb to the tomb, and champions fertility awareness as a reproductive right. Destiny will share what needs to happen beyond the ballot box, how to remove shame and stigma, and what it looks like to support a woman when she needs it most. In addition to her work with New Wave Feminists, Destiny is a regular op-ed contributor to The Dallas Morning News.
Mark Cavaliere
Guiding Star Southwest Executive Director
Mark Cavaliere is the Executive Director of Guiding Star Southwest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing Wholistic Women's Healthcare© and support throughout various stages of womanhood, including fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and motherhood. Under his leadership, the center offers a comprehensive range of services designed to nurture and empower women at every stage of life.
In addition to his role at Guiding Star Southwest, Mark is the Founder and Executive Director of the Southwest Coalition for Life, based in the Borderland region of El Paso, Texas, and Southern New Mexico.
His work with the coalition focuses on promoting life-affirming choices and providing support to women and families facing unexpected pregnancies.
Mark has been featured in various media outlets discussing topics related to women's healthcare and pro-life initiatives.
Through his leadership and advocacy, Mark Cavaliere continues to make significant contributions to women's healthcare and the pro-life movement in the Southwest region.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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At every stage of a woman's fertility, healthcare must honor her body’s natural rhythms, providing the comprehensive care she deserves. This event is a call to action—not just for women, but for the healthcare professionals who share this vision. Together, we can build a future where women’s healthcare is rooted in dignity, respect, and empowerment.
The Fearless Future Conference will be held in Orlando, Florida Friday February 28 - Saturday March 1, 2025. All conference sessions will be held on the campus of Holy Family Catholic Church located at 5125 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, Florida with the option to attend our exclusive Dress to Impress Gala Event as well!
This event is for anyone passionate about advancing holistic, dignified, and comprehensive women’s healthcare. Healthcare professionals, advocates, women and families, educators, and students are encouraged to join us as we explore ways to transform women’s healthcare.
This conference is a rare opportunity to connect with thought leaders, healthcare professionals, and advocates who share a vision for transforming women’s healthcare. This isn’t just another event—it’s a bold movement to revolutionize women’s healthcare. By attending, you’re standing with a community dedicated to this vision and get inspired by visionary leaders while learning practical and empowering knowledge. Together, we can build a fearless future and advance a healthcare model that provides a compassionate, informed, and dignified approach to women’s healthcare at every stage of a woman's life.
All ticket sales are final. We greatly appreciate you choosing to support the mission of the Guiding Star Project. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all profits made from ticket purchases help advance our mission of building a fearless future—one woman at a time.
©Copyright The Guiding Star Project 2024. All Rights Reserved.
The Guiding Star Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit, EIN: 45-4370118