2009 Women's Retreat - Presenter's Bios   

Laura Prato has been married to Mike for the past 32 years. They have five children: Caleb, Jacob, Mykelanne, Lara and Catherine. Laura’s faith was a gift she received from her family. However she experienced new gifts and a passion for scripture when she encountered Jesus in a personal way. Since then she has been a witness to many of the faithfulness of God, the truth found in His living Word and the hope and consolation of the Eucharist.

Kristen Strauss, mother of Gloria Strauss, will share the testimony of her journey of learning to trust in the Lord.

Fr. Jim Northrop is Pastor of St. Brendan Parish in Bothell. Fr. Jim has been active in Catholic Charismatic Renewal since his college days and was appointed by Archbishop Brunett in 2005 to serve as Spiritual Director for WWCCR. He is a frequent presider at Healing Masses and a speaker at prayer groups. He has worked with Dr. Tom Curran on a series of radio programs on Sacred Heart Radio. He is also a gifted musician and vocalist who has written several songs and has produced his own CDs.