The Rev. Andrew Teal was a visiting scholar and affiliate faculty at the Maxwell Institute at BYU. He is a chaplain fellow and lecturer in theology at Pembroke College in the University of Oxford, England, and a priest of the Church of England.

Laura grew up in San Jose, California, and now resides with her husband, Alan, in Sandy, Utah. She is the mother of four almost-grown children. She loves to travel and be with her family, especially if that includes the beach. After a hard, high-risk, twin pregnancy and then delivering her twins early, Laura found a strong connection to the Savior and a passion for helping others. Volunteering, serving in the community, and helping others is one of the special things in her life. She believes Heavenly Father gifts the most amazing experiences to us when we seek Him and put ourselves in these places. Studying the scriptures (especially with friends!), going to the temple and talking about Christ are some of her favorite things. She has found that gathering and talking about Jesus transforms any discussion or friendship into a sacred holy one!

Ashley Smith is serving her second term as mayor of Cañon City, Colorado, having served on the city council for four years. Ashley participates on several community boards and committees, has a black belt in women’s self defense, and is a graduate of Brigham Young University. She and her husband, Dr. David Smith, have six children and two grandchildren and enjoy hiking the Colorado mountains.

Ben Lomu is a religious educator for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has been teaching seminary and institute for the past 18 years. He is also an actor and host of BYUtv’s “Come Follow Up”. He was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Mesa Arizona. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah studying sociology and criminology and earned a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in education. He and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 21 years and are raising four children.

Kristen Walker Smith is a co-host of the One Minute Scripture Study podcast, a Deseret Book masterclass teacher, BYU Education Week speaker, EFY teacher, and bestselling author. Kristen graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University where she met her darling husband of almost 20 years; they are the parents of three wonderful, rascally children. When Kristen isn’t teaching the gospel you can usually find her rock climbing, listening to Elder Holland talks, or eating peanut butter—frequently all at the same time.