The Hosts
Rev. Dr. Christine A. Smith is the National President of American Baptist Women's Ministries, senior pastor of “Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland, Inc.” She is the founder of “Women Together in Ministry of Greater Cleveland,” and author of a weekly blog, “Shepastor,” dedicated to equipping and encouraging female clergy. Her first book,
Beyond the Stained Glass Ceiling: Equipping and Encouraging Female Pastors was published by Judson Press in 2013. Since 1993, Rev. Smith has been engaged locally with American Baptist Women’s Ministries of Greater Cleveland. She has served as workshop leader, keynote speaker, Bible study leader and host for AB Women annual days and retreats
Rev. LaThelma Yenn-Batah is the interim executive director of American Baptist Women's MInistries. An ordained American Baptist minister, Rev. Yenn-Batah made history as the first African American pastor of Flemington Baptist Church in Flemington, NJ. Prior to this groundbreaking role, she served as the Associate Executive Director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries, where she was instrumental in sourcing the STEAM program for AB GIRLS, organizing events for young adult women, and preached and led Bible studies at regional ABWM and ABC events.
Joyce R. Camp has served American Baptist Women's Ministries as the 2007-09 Coordinator of Conference and 2001-04 New York State President. She previously served in several other state office capacities. Joyce enjoys Bible study, travel, swimming, drama, attending ABW Conferences, and meeting new people! Her love of humor is expressed in her alter-ego, "Aunt Maude," who first emerged when she was a High School senior. Joyce is a Registered Nurse who worked for the Cortland County Office for the Aging until 1986 and still volunteered weekly as an advisor for the Fourscore Club prior to the COVID crisis.
Lovena Van Haaften is the Coordinator of the Midwestern Section. She is a retired certified hospice and palliative care nurse, a previous certified gerontological nurse, a certified instructor for American Heart and Red Cross CPR and First Aid, Water Safety Instructor, and Lifeguard. As an AB woman, she has led a local women’s circle, served in various positions in the local, area, and regional women’s ministry and AB GIRLS; taught Sunday school for primary and middle schoolers, plays handbells, and serves on her church Diaconate Board. She is an active member of First Baptist Church in Pella, Iowa.
Rhonda Compise has spent the last decade serving in ABWM of Indiana/Kentucky. While serving as state president (2017-2019), translation equipment was provided for Congolese and Hispanic women to participate in State gatherings and hear speakers in their own language. She worked with national ABWM to bridge cultural differences between two ethnically different congregations in Indianapolis, IN. Active in her home church, Rhonda leads a weekly women's Bible Study and is President of their local ABWM. She also serves on the IN-KY Regional Board. Rhonda spent her professional career in the management and delivery of services for the Indiana State Department of Family Resources. Retirement now allows Rhonda to enjoy spending time outdoors.
Joyce Kellam is the Coordinator of Young Adult Women's Ministries. Joyce serves on the leadership team, as Growth Group Bible Study leader, and is an ordained Deacon at Berean Baptist Church of Raleigh, North Carolina. She has established the Expressions of Love Ministry, by USPS mailings of greeting cards, which are done monthly and/or as needed. Joyce is passionate about Missions.
Joyce is retired after 30 years of service at the State University Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. She is also retired after 13 years of employment as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor.
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Rev. Abigaíl Medina Betancourt is the National Coordinator for Intercultural Engagement at American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), where she encourages sensitivity to cultural awareness, supports ministries in multicultural and intercultural contexts and works to strengthen American Baptist leaders’ capacity to implement effective ministries. Rev. Medina Betancourt earned a Master of Divinity degree at Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico and in 2020 a certificate as Project Management Professional (PMP
®). She is an ordained minister in Iglesias Bautistas de Puerto Rico since 2022.
Crystal Newton is the Coordinator of the Western Section. She was self-employed as owner/manager of a retail clothing store in her hometown of Placerville, California. As an ABW woman, she began as a Guild Girl and has served as region of the West President and National Conference Coordinator.
Crystal is a sports fanatic--especially NBA basketball and loves her Golden State Warriors.