2025 Keynote, Class Descriptions & Bios
KEYNOTE: President Jeffery Chipman
BIO: Jeffrey Chipman, M.D., is the Frank B Cerra Professor of Critical Care Surgery and an Acute Care Surgeon in the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Acute care surgery combines emergency and trauma surgery with critical care and complex general surgery. He graduated with a BS in Chemistry from Brigham Young University and attended medical school at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. He then completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Arizona and a fellowship in surgical critical care at the University of Minnesota. Besides his clinical work, Dr. Chipman has active research projects in global health, surgical infections, and education. He spends a couple of weeks each year in Uganda, East Africa operating and performing procedures for HIV research. Dr. Chipman has had multiple leadership roles at the University of Minnesota and M Health Fairview. He currently serves as the Senior Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education, which includes everything related to medical student education at all three University of Minnesota Medical School campuses. Since March 2019, Chipman has served as the stake president of the Oakdale Minnesota Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife, Paula, are the parents of 3 children and 3 grandchildren. They like to ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer. They are still trying to decide what to do when they grow up.
MORNING WORSHOPS- You will get to attend 2 of the 3
Brianna Bly- Cultivating Spiritual Resilience
Workshop Description: Overwhelmed? Doubts? Unrealized promises? Explore how cultivating spiritual resiliency can lift and strengthen you while bringing you closer to the Lord.
BIO: Brianna is the mother of 6 amazing children and 9 extraordinary grandchildren. She and her husband have been married for 40 years and have lived in Rochester, MN for 30 of those years...27 years longer than she had intended. In addition to their 6 children, the Blys were resident directors for "Rochester A Better Chance" program. This program allowed academically talented inner city young men to live in Rochester and attend John Marshall High School for their high school career. This opportunity allowed the Blys to increase their family by 12 young men over the course of 6 years. Brianna currently serves as the Rochester Stake Communications Director. In the past she has served a Young Woman’s President, Primary President and 3 times in Relief Society presidencies. She taught Gospel Doctrine for 12 years, but her favorite calling was being an early morning Seminary teacher, which she taught for a combined 17 years. Brianna has been the head coach for John Marshall/Lourdes Girls Lacrosse team for the last 9 years. She has also taught volleyball and basketball at the high school and middle school level. She facilitated an afterschool program for John Adams Middle School called Girls Talk that ran for 16 years. Brianna was on the Rochester School Board for 12 years, serving twice as the board chair. And for 13 years she and her friends could be heard Thursday mornings on KROC’s radio show “BroadTalk”. She currently works as a Standardized Patient for Mayo Clinic. In her free time (hahaha) Brianna enjoys spending time with family, spoiling her grandchildren, coaching, gardening, writing and going to lunch with friends.
Patriarch Bator- Preparing for the Future: Setting Goals with Eternal Perspective
Workshop Description: In this powerful and practical workshop, participants will learn how to define and achieve meaningful life outcomes by planning backwards—from the final result they truly desire. Whether your goals are emotional, spiritual, career-driven, or eternal, this class will guide you through prioritizing, balancing, and aligning your efforts with your values. You’ll identify non-negotiables, discover overlapping activities for efficiency, and learn to create achievable sub-goals. With tools to navigate life’s unexpected turns, you'll walk away with a personalized, realistic action plan to move forward with confidence and purpose.
BIO: Patriarch Bator was born in Anoka, Minnesota in 1953 and raised on a dairy farm by his mother, uncle, and grandparents. A graduate of St. Francis High School, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Oakland Mission from 1972 to 1974. He earned a degree in Agricultural Economics with an emphasis in Agri-Business Management from BYU in 1979 and received a commission as an Infantry officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Professionally, he began his career in the agriculture sector before spending several decades as an executive with multinational companies across industries including food equipment, machinery, and optics. He and his wife, Frances, his high school sweetheart, are the parents of five children and grandparents to fifteen.
His Church service includes time as a bishop, high councilor in multiple stakes, and over a decade as both a patriarch and temple ordinance worker. Now retired, he continues to dedicate his time to faith, family, and service.
TIna Lowe- Finding Joy in the Journey, Daily Habits of Happiness
Workshop Description: Join us for a class that blends evidence-based psychological insights with spiritual wisdom to help you better understand your emotions, respond to life’s challenges, and experience meaningful joy. Together, we’ll explore life’s deeper purpose—why you’re here, what truly matters to you, and how your values can guide you to live a fulfilling life, even in the face of disappointment or uncertainty. Through meaningful discussions, you’ll learn how to trust in the Lord’s timing, strengthen your faith, and see your experiences through a more empowering lens. This isn’t just about learning—it’s about stepping into your role as the creator and curator of your own story. Come gain the tools to live with intention, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.
BIO: Dr. Tina Lowe, PhD, LP, is a licensed Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Lowe graduated from Brigham Young University in 2017 with her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, where she worked with both children and adults. She has multiple specialities, in that she is trained in general clinical psychology, and has unique specialization in psychological and behavioral work with children, adolescents, and families and pediatric medical settings. She completed her Pediatric Psychology Residency at Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children/Nemours. She then went on to complete a Pediatric Fellowship at Children's MN, where she continues to work as a licensed psychologist. Dr. Lowe and her husband have two little girls. They love adventuring, doing diy projects, and spending time with family and friends.
AFTERNOON (Single Facilitated) WORSHOPS - You will choose 1
Heather Mylan- Conquering Conversations
Workshop Description: Are you ever unsure of what to say when you meet someone for the first time? Does your stomach feel full of butterflies and you want to hide and send a text instead? Well, the art of conversation is something you can learn! Join this session to learn a strategy and practice having conversation. When you can break the ice and engage in meaningful dialog with another person you are on your way to a great friendship, plus you will learn something and be able to continue a conversation in the future. We will talk about how to have conversations virtual and in person. There are things you should do and things you should not! Who knew? You will after this class!
BIO: Heather Mylan-Mains is from the Des Moines Iowa stake and has been a member her whole life She grew up in Des Moines, pursued her bachelors and graduate degrees there and stayed to raise her family. She is a stimulus for change as a single mom, a business analyst consultant and LDS woman. Professionally she spends her time working as a business analysis professional with organizations to understand and communicate strategy, identify problems and document processes and requirements usually for a software solution, She also teaches and trains others how to be a better analyst, critically think, work with people and communicate. As a divorced and widowed single LDS woman she recognizes the need for connection and the struggle that poor communication brings to relationships. She is passionate to serve the singles community and help others communicate better, She serves as a temple worker in the Winter Quarters temple and as ward missionary . She loves people, family history, travel and wants to visit everywhere in the world. She has an MBA from Drake University, a BA in Accounting from Grand View College, is a CBAP®, PROSCI and CSM and has survived many PhDs (pretty hard days).
Jeremiah Johnstun- Basics to Maintaining a Vehicle
Workshop Description: This practical workshop will cover the essential tips for maintaining your vehicle, recognizing minor issues before they become major repairs, and knowing when it's time to visit a mechanic. You'll also learn what emergency supplies to keep in your car so you're prepared for the unexpected. Whether you're looking to save money, stay safe, or just take better care of your vehicle, this class will give you the tools to do it.
BIO: Jeremiah Johnstun is a lifelong car enthusiast and experienced mechanic. His love of all things mechanical was solidified during his teenage years when he bought a motorcycle from a friend for $25, then spent years riding it in between major repairs that he performed himself because he was broke. He has owned and maintained multiple cars that have made it past 300,000 miles, and refuses to pay anyone else to fix his cars if he has any chance of accomplishing it himself. He grew up in Oregon, went to college at Ricks and BYU, moved to Minnesota in 2002, and has 8 kids who test his car maintenance abilities on a regular basis.
Doug Mock- Financially Planning a Bright Future
Workshop Description: In this 45-minute workshop, learn how to make informed financial decisions with a focus on Social Security benefits, budgeting, investing for retirement, and the importance of estate planning tools like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
BIO: Doug Mock is a Certified Financial Planner™ based in Minneapolis, MN. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in creating cohesive retirement strategies that integrate investments, IRAs, 401(k)s, tax and estate planning, and Social Security. This comprehensive approach helps executives and families plan for a confident retirement. Doug holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from BYU – Provo and has served as a missionary in Vienna, Austria. Passionate about the outdoors, he is committed to living and promoting a healthy lifestyle
Doug Mock, CFP ® Everest Financial Group. LLC
Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Everest Financial Group, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.