Meet Fern

Fern is a big believer in seeing what others refused to see - Fern is a Treasure Hunter! She sees value in people whom others have cast aside. She has spent 30 years journeying with survivors of severe abuse.

The journey with others laid out a surprising path for Fern during the last 30 years as a lay prayer minister/counselor. Finishing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2002 at age 43, Fern is a lifelong learner with a passion to understand the effects of trauma on individuals. In 2015, she completed the Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies offered by The Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute, Brookline, MA. She continues to attend trauma-informed seminars and review current trauma research and methods to help survivors walk in freedom and live out of love.

While understanding the dehumanizing effects of trauma on an individual's development and identity is important, Fern believes sound Biblical theology offers solid re-humanization for the marginalized survivor to walk in the fullness of being human as God designed. She desires to build up the body of Christ with sound Biblical theology. To that degree, each year for 7 years she hosted Dr. Michael Heiser in a “Round Table” discussion. Typically 15 or more attendees met with Dr. Heiser for three days to ask questions and examine the scriptures to ensure beliefs and understanding are theologically sound. Dr. Heiser continued to support our ministry personally until he died in 2023. However, his non-profit Miqlat, continues to support Fern & Audrey.

• 1996 – 2002: Fern worked out of her home, meeting with individuals that suffered severe trauma. She assisted church leaders and lay ministers with tools to help individuals who are hurting and conducted personal growth and healing classes for church leaders and lay ministers.
• 2002-2006: Fern began counseling traumatized individuals within a church. As a lay minister/counselor she worked full-time counseling the hurting and continued to host seminars and personal growth and healing classes for church leaders and lay ministers.
• 2006-2016: Fern's ministry moved into the marketplace, where she leased office space in Lehighton, PA. Audrey had a separate ministry but joined her in ministry to traumatized individuals.
• 2017-2024: Fern & Audrey collectively launched Discovering MErcy as a 501c3 non-profit.
• 2024: Fern & Audrey launch a new adventure

Fern holds a B.S. degree in Applied Psychology from Albright College where she graduated summa cum laude, with honors from Alpha Sigma Lambda and Psi Chi in 2004. She also has an A.S. degree in Business from Lehigh County Community College.

On a personal note, Fern is a lifelong Pennsylvania native, raised with two sisters and two brothers. She has been married to a supportive husband, and together, they have grown children and grandchildren. When she isn't in the office, you will find Fern connecting with nature on a walk, reading, gardening, or creating beauty where there wasn't any before.

In 2020, Fern & Audrey earned 50 continuing education credits with Dr. Daniel Amen's Brain Health Coaching Course and are Amen Clinics Certified Brain Health Coaches. Amen Clinics is one of the world leaders in applying brain imaging science to help people and Dr. Amen is one of America’s leading psychiatrists and brain health experts.

Heidi is not merely a coach; she is a dedicated and passionate helper with over a decade of experience accompanying individuals on their unique journeys. Her heartfelt commitment to healing and personal growth stems from a rich history in lay ministry and life coaching. Through her comprehensive training with the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), which includes Mental Health Coaching, Childhood Attachment Stress and Trauma, and Stress Management, she has gained invaluable insights into the field of mental health. 

Heidi's meaningful journey began in February 2021 when she took Fern & Audrey's course, "The Treasure of Being Human." This experience transformed her self-perception and deepened her understanding of grace and empathy. With a compassionate spirit, Heidi empowers others to build resilience and embrace wholehearted living. Her participation in courses like "The Treasure of ME: Being Human" and "The Trauma That Hid Me" enhanced her insights into trauma and the significance of vulnerability and connection for personal growth.

As the administrator for Fern & Audrey, LLC, Heidi combines her coaching skills with her passion for nurturing others. She supports survivors and students through tailored personal and curriculum coaching. In addition, she plays a crucial role in the growth of the organization's educational resources, ensuring they remain impactful and relevant. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive and compassionate learning environment continues to inspire those she works with, making a lasting difference in their lives.

In her spare time, Heidi delights in reading, expresses her creativity through painting and music, or explores new ideas, all while cherishing time with her family. Her comprehensive approach combines creativity and empathy, leaving a lasting, positive impact on everyone she encounters. Through each interaction, Heidi is devoted in her commitment to fostering growth and resilience, lighting the way for others to uncover their true potential.

Christine has over 30 years of experience in working with marginalized, misunderstood and underserved people.  Her work with individuals in the Community Mental Health system has allowed her to become familiar with available resources, utilize active listening skills, assist individuals with problem solving and express compassion for people in need.

Christine enrolled in Fern & Audrey’s Course 1: “The Treasure of Being Human” in February of 2021. It was through this class, the resulting interactions with other students and Fern & Audrey, as well as immersing herself in Dr. Michael Heiser’s teachings about the Bible, that she experienced a radical shift in her understanding of how God views and values humanity. This is when she began to truly understand and be open to experiencing God’s immense, unending and unchanging love for His human family. 

Additionally, Christine has completed Courses 1 and  2 and continues to meet regularly with Fern & Audrey to further develop and increase her understanding of the effects of childhood trauma, and the God-given defense mechanism of dissociation. 

As a parent of two adult children with disabilities, Christine brings a unique and meaningful understanding and empathy to relating to individuals with chronic illness, trauma and mental health challenges, as well as being able to relate effectively to these individuals’ families.

In her free time Christine enjoys baking, volunteering as the social worker at a local food pantry ministry, reading non-fiction books, listening to good music and spending quality time with friends.

With 28 years in financial services, Michelle has expertly guided client wealth through economic highs and lows, while also developing her skills as a mentor and coach for her team of financial consultants. Nine years ago, she transitioned to non-profit ministry as Executive Director of a pregnancy resource center, where she led the organization through complex political and legislative challenges. Under her guidance, the center adopted a trauma-informed approach centered on unconditional support, which helped reshape its messaging resulting in new collaborative partnerships with agencies throughout the community and secured additional funding to expand services for expectant parents and families.

An advocate against human trafficking, Michelle co-founded a ministry that collaborates with a regional Human Trafficking Task Force, where she serves on the Steering Committee and Co-leads the Outreach Committee to drive community awareness and education. She also lends her experience in trauma-informed care to a faith-based addiction recovery program, where she plays an active role in supporting participants on their healing journeys.

Her own transformative healing journey through Course 1: Treasure of Being Human and Course 2: Trauma That Hid Me, with the guidance of mentors Fern and Audrey, profoundly enriched her ability to provide empathy, understanding, and safety to those she serves. Now part of the development team at Fern and Audrey, LLC, Michelle supports survivors and students through personal and curriculum coaching and contributes to the evolution of the organization’s educational programs.

Outside of her work, Michelle finds joy with her family and shares a passion for football. She also loves the adventure of travel and finds creative inspiration and rejuvenation in cooking for family and friends at home.