Our Panelists

  • Meet Hazel Owens

    Rev. Hazel currently resides in Indianapolis, In. She has a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. In 2016, Hazel took a leap of faith and pursued her purpose and calling to full-time ministry that includes integrating ideals of faith and therapy. This faith leap led her to earning dual degrees at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS): a Master’s of Divinity and a Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy in 2020. 

    She is very involved in her church, Eastern Star Church, under the leadership of Pastor Jeffrey Johnson Sr., where she teaches Sunday school for young adults, Bible Study, and various ministries within the church. Hazel received her minister’s license and became ordained through Eastern Star Church in 2021. 

    She also works part-time as the Associate Pastor at Common Ground Church Midtown where she provides pastoral care and development for women, preaches and teaches, and works closely with a team to execute a vision for what the church sees as Biblical reconciliation and anti-racism work. 

    Rev. Hazel is the owner of Owens Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC, a private therapy and consulting practice integrating the worlds of faith, culture and therapy. She serves clients throughout the state of Indiana full-time as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist.

    Hazel is a sister, a proud aunt, a friend, and a cheerleader for those pursuing to be the best versions of themselves. She enjoys traveling, cooking, time with family and friends, movies, and music.

  • Meet Audra Ames

    Audra Ames is passionate about bringing healing and visibility to those suffering from grief through sharing her story and her faith.

    Audra met the love of her life at Indiana State University. She married Scot Ames, an Air Force pilot, and moved to Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi where they would start their lives together. Tragically, their forever was cut short.

    In February 2021, Scot was killed in a T-38 aircraft mishap. At just 24 years old, and before they could even celebrate their first wedding anniversary, Audra was suddenly widowed.

    Through the darkest days of her grief, she leaned on her faith and prayed that God could help her find purpose in her pain. Now, Audra shares her grief journey and how she has been able to find true joy in Jesus, and by serving, walking with, and lifting up others. She wants everyone to know: Your grief is welcome here. 

    Audra currently works as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® at Valeo in Carmel, IN, and lives in Westfield with her dogs Miles and Rowdy (named in honor of Scot's posthumously given callsign).

  • Meet Ashley Pennington

    Ashley Pennington is a wife, mother, and lover of all things Christ. As someone who has struggled with alcoholism and disordered eating, she has found healing and redemption through Christ who continues to move in her life. By using her personal story and testimony of faith, she guides countless families into freedom from the struggles of mental health challenges. As a fellow Mama raising a child in the digital age, Ashley is passionate about releasing the stigma of mental health, specifically for parents of young children, as well as setting social media limits for teens.

    Within her decades of mental health experience, Ashley has held positions within leadership, such as a Director of Admissions for a start-up residential treatment center, Associate Vice President of Business Development for a residential network of services,  and currently, the National Director of Clinical Partnerships supporting the full continuum of care for teens, young adults, and their families struggling with primary behavioral health challenges. Most recently, Ashley has also launched “A Penny for Your Thoughts: Lifting Shame & Building Community” Podcast where she shares her story, along with additional topics that thrive in isolation. 

    Ashley has served as the President of the Eating Disorders Task Force of Indiana, Marketing Officer of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp) Heartland Chapter, and Vice President of the City of Madison, IN Redevelopment Authority. Ashley resides in Madison, IN with her husband, Seth; son, Jack; and dog, Frank.  She enjoys spending quality time with her boys watching sports and strolling around their historic Rivertown.

  • Meet Keli Reese

    Keli Reese is the founder and speaker for Ministry in Mothering. 

    Ministry in Mothering is designed to encourage and equip moms to live out Biblical truths, while in the throes of motherhood. Keli uses humor, transparency, and the Word of God to expose the ongoing reality of frustration and guilt, and to help moms replace it with fulfillment and joy.

    Keli is a former music educator who now dedicates her time to speaking at various events, while also working as the Manager of Programs for a nonprofit in her hometown of Indianapolis. In addition to public speaking, Keli also enjoys writing and mentoring mothers - which allows her to provide personal guidance and support both locally and across the nation.

    Keli has been married to her husband Ken for 19 years. Together, they are raising their 5 children – Kenneth III, Kameron, Kenedi, Kylan, and Khloe – who are, as Keli calls them, her primary Ministry in Mothering.