REV. DR. LAURIE J. FERGUSON’S vocational calling is to work with leaders who are seeking to transform themselves and their organizations in a time of difficult challenge. Focusing on building resilience and creating adaptive skills, she uses coaching, consulting, facilitation, and teaching to help people move forward in new ways. She brings a biblical and theological lens, along with training in organizational and personal change theory and group dynamics.

Ferguson has over 30 years of experience as a Presbyterian pastor, and is a licensed clinical psychologist. She is certified as a professional certified coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation. Ferguson began teaching coaching skills for the Lilly-funded pastoral excellence project in New York City in 2000, and began coaching professionally in 2002. She worked with Auburn Seminary where she was the senior fellow for coaching, and provided leadership for their Coach Training Program as the lead faculty. She coaches and does process consulting with individual leaders, congregations, and judicatories.

Ferguson, MDiv’ 80, earned her AB from Smith College and her PhD from Adelphi University. She is a member of the Hudson River Presbytery and lives in Rockland County, New York. Learn more about her at lauriejferguson.com.

REV. SHELLEY S. SMITH is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Certified Mentor Coach (CMC) recognized by the International Coaching Federation. She also holds an endorsement as a Life Coach Chaplain (retired) from the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. As the CEO of Emerging Path Coaching LLC, Shelley partners with clergy, leaders, and ministry teams from various denominations to create strategies for effective leadership, foster healthy team cultures, and promote sustainable ministry impact. In addition to her coaching work, she mentors coaches preparing for credentialing and leads retreats, workshops, and leadership development programs.

Shelley is a retired pastor within the Greater New Jersey United Methodist Church Annual Conference, bringing over 30 years of ministry experience to her coaching practice. She served as a senior pastor for 11 years before transitioning to Extension Ministry as a coach. She continues to serve as the GNJ UMC Conference Secretary. Shelley holds a Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary, St. Davids, PA. and has contributed to theological education as an adjunct professor, preparing leaders for faithful and effective ministry.

Shelley’s coaching is rooted in creating confidential and reflective spaces that encourage clarity, motivation, and transformation. She supports clients in aligning their leadership, calling, and well-being with their deepest values and goals.

REV. LOIS ANNICH’S career has been a rich blend of pastoral ministry, pastoral counseling, coaching, chaplaincy, and consulting with faith communities, non-profits, and businesses. A graduate of Yale Divinity School and ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Annich frequently leads workshops and retreats on topics related to healthy, sustainable leadership. She’s a certified coach in the International Coach Federation, a pastoral psychotherapist in the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, and a teacher of yoga and meditation. Annich loves great theater and great books; yoga and exercise; and, most importantly, her husband, two grown children and quirky rescue dog. Learn more about her at loisannich.com.