John Bytheway

Bestselling author and popular speaker John Bytheway is no stranger when it comes to connecting with the youth of the Church. With books such as How to Be an Extraordinary Teenager, as well as multiple talks on CD, Bytheway continues to inspire those around him. Bytheway holds a master’s degree in Religious Education and currently works as a part-time instructor at BYU.

Brad Wilcox

As a professor at BYU, Wilcox has written many LDS youth-inspired books. Wilcox has also been involved with the youth in multiple church-sponsored programs such as Especially for Youth and BYU Campus Education Week. Brother Wilcox served as a mission president from 2003-2006 in the Chile Santiago East Mission and currently serves as a member of the General Sunday School Board.

Russell Wilcox

Russell Wilcox is a nurse at Primary Children's Medical Center. He served his mission in Malaga, Spain and he and his wife have two daughters. He has spoken at BYU's Women's Conference and at Education Week. He has had articles published in The New Era and is the co-author of Raising Ourselves to the Bar and Keep Texting from Taking Over along with his father, Brad Wilcox.

Chad Hawkins

Chad Hawkins began painting his series of temple artwork in 1989 and has continued to inspire with his artwork appearing in many LDS magazines including the New Era and Ensign. His artwork has also been selected to be placed in the cornerstones of multiple LDS temples. Hawkins’ is the author of many Temple-inspired books including Youth and the Temple, an inspiring book for youth looking to get the most out of their temple experience.

Julie de Azevedo Hanks

One of the few Latter-day Saints to break into the mainstream market, Julie de Azevedo Hanks has been inspiring listeners for over 20 years as a professional singer-songwriter, performer and recording artist. Alongside her meaningful contributions in social work, Hanks has released 10 CDs. Hanks’ latest album, Masterpiece: The Best of Julie de Azevedo, was released earlier this year.

John Hilton III

John Hilton III is a religious educator with degrees from Brigham Young and Harvard Universities. John frequently speaks with Especially for Youth, Education Week, and Time Out for Women. He has published several titles with Deseret Book, including Isn’t Being Good Good Enough?, How?: Essential Skills for Living the Gospel, and Why?: Powerful Answers and Practical Reasons for Living LDS Standards.

Jenny Oaks Baker

Jenny Oaks Baker is one of America’s most accomplished violinists. She has recorded ten albums, earning a Grammy Nomination and reaching No. 1 on the classical Billboard Charts. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and opened for Carrie Underwood at the Stadium of Fire. She performed with the National Symphony Orchestra for nine years before resigning in 2007 to devote more time to her family.

Shane Barker

Barker has come to know the youth through his many years serving as an advisor in his ward’s deacons and priests quorums, running Boy Scout summer camps, and working as a junior high school math teacher. Barker is the author of many youth titles, including Youth Leading Youth, and his most recent title, Even the Prophet Started Out As a Deacon.

Paul Cardall

Four-time Billboard charting recording artist Paul Cardall has been entertaining and inspiring audiences worldwide for years with his natural piano abilities and unique personal story. Born with half a heart, Cardall continues to inspire those around him through his music and words. His latest book, Before My Heart Stops, serves as a memoir on faith, living, and love.

Mercy River

Whitney Permann, Brooke Stone, and Soni Muller met while singing in the Jenny Phillips Choir and there found a common love for tight harmonies and sharing the gospel through song. Over the past five years, Mercy River has become a highly sought after ensemble, performing for thousands of people while testifying of the Savior. They have released three albums.

J. Scott Savage

Best known for his popular fantasy series, Farworld, J. Scott Savage has been creating stories for as long as he can remember and is the author of eight published novels. Savage’s latest fiction novel, The Fourth Nephite, was released earlier this year.

Lisa Mangum

Lisa Mangum has loved and worked with books ever since elementary school and has working for Deseret Book in their publishing department since 1997, after graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in English. Mangum is the author of popular young-adult fiction novel The Hourglass Door as well as the sequel, The Golden Spiral.

Tamara Hall

Before she was married, Tamara Hall spent time as a full-time seminary teacher, world traveler, hospice volunteer, ardent voice for the homeless, student working on a Masters Degree, frequent movie goer, Champion Oreo eater, and a devoted Daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. Tamara’s life has taught her that Heavenly Father really does hear and answer our prayers, and like the Widow of Zarapeth He answers our prayers when we need them answered and not always in the way that we think.

Anthony Sweat

Anthony Sweat is a full-time religious educator for the Church Educational System, and also a speaker at Especially For Youth and Education Week conferences. He is the co-author of the best-selling Deseret Book publication Why?: Powerful Answers and Practical Reasons for Living LDS Standards and the author of the book I’m Not Perfect. Can I Still go to Heaven? also published by Deseret Book. His latest book, HOW? Essential Skills for Living the Gospel was released in September.

Laurel Christensen

Laurel Christensen currently works for Deseret Book Company as the General Manager of Time Out for Women, a program that seeks to inspire women with hope. Laurel has released multiple talk CD’s and books that focus on strengthening young women.

Hank Smith

A popular speaker for EFY groups, Hank Smith grew up in St. George, Utah, has served a mission to California, and has an MBA from Utah State University. He is currently working on a Ph.D. at BYU and teaches in BYU.s Religion Department.

Meg Johnson

Meg Johnson has motivated tens of thousands of people across the globe with her motto: When life gets too hard to stand, just keep on rollin'! Meg fell off a cliff and broke her neck in 2004 and spent four months in the hospital recovering from multiple injuries and returned home without the use of her legs, back, stomach, or hands - a quadriplegic. Wheelchair bound and determined, Meg refuses to sit still. Since she was paralyzed, Meg has competed at the national Ms. Wheelchair America pageant in New York, winning the Spirit Award; founded and directs Ms. Wheelchair Utah; instituted a service outreach program; and authored several books. Her motivational CD, When Life Gets Hard, is available at book stores now. Meg’s newsletter, “Meg’s Monthly Message” is read by thousands in many countries across the globe. Let Meg help you past your own limitations and Keep on Rollin'!

Bill Bennett

R. William (Bill) Bennett grew up on the New Jersey shore and in New England. He spent more than thirty years in business, including many years as an executive of various technology companies, and most recently, as a division president of FranklinCovey. He is also the author of the award-winning novella The Christmas Gift and Jacob T. Marley. Bill and his wife, Loree, have been blessed with four wonderful children and two grandchildren and reside at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Alpine, Utah.

Lani Hilton

Lani Hilton is the fifth of twelve children. She was born in Hawaii and grew up in San Diego, California. She graduated from BYU with a degree in family life education and music minor. She loves being married, raising her children and teaching gospel truths. Her favorite high school memories are running cross country, taking a dance class with her mom, hiking Mt. Whitney with her siblings, and leading service clubs. She loves teaching youth at EFY and BYU Education week.