Character Advocacy: How to be a Positive Advocate in a World of Contention

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Tim Rarick is a Professor and program director of Marriage and Family Studies at Brigham Young University-Idaho. He received bachelor's, master’s and doctorate degrees in Marriage, Family, & Human Development. Dr. Rarick has worked with several organizations to promote and protect the family through public policy, research, and public scholarship including National Center on Sexual Exploitation, Educate Empower Kids, Native American Fatherhood & Families, and many others. 

 

In 2017, he worked as a Research Fellow for the Marriage & Religion Research Institute at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC where he has published a research synthesis paper on the unique impact fathers have on their daughters’ sexual development, activity, and exploitation.

 

In 2018, Dr. Rarick was appointed by the governor of Idaho to the board of the State Department of Health & Welfare where he currently serves as the chairman of the board.

 

He has also been contracted as an expert witness (typically by fathers) in the family courts to write research briefs and testify regarding the importance of equal shared parenting custodial arrangements for children of divorce. 

Recently, he worked with an incredible team to create an app and a website called RAISE. This is a free parenting resource that helps parents navigate the challenges of today’s digital landscape, while encouraging their children to develop healthy relationships with technology.

 

In addition to speaking in Asia, Central America, Europe, the Caribbean, and all over the U.S. on fatherhood, family policy, sexual exploitation, technology, and many other family-related topics, Dr. Rarick has presented numerous times at the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women in NYC. He and his wife, Jodi, have been married for 24 years and have one son and three daughters.

The Convergence of Faith, Family, and Sexuality

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Preston Jenkins was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the second of nine children. His parents' Christian faith grounded him in a world of options. As a gay man, he wrestled with his faith in his early twenties but ultimately made the decision to marry his best friend and start a family with her. So far they have one daughter and live in Boise, Idaho. Preston has a bachelor's from BYU-Idaho in Marriage and Family Advocacy and is the author of "This Boy and His Mother -- Healing from Trauma as a Gay Latter-day Saint". He has spoken at many religious events, sharing his story about the intersectionality of his faith, family, and sexuality.

The Power of Values:

Navigating Anxiety, Depression and Identity 

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Jacquie Nielson is a seasoned Clinical Mental Health Counselor renowned for her expertise in the field, currently serving as a pivotal member of the Chateau Health & Wellness team for over 8 years. With an impressive tenure of 18 years as a therapist, Jacquie has navigated diverse realms within mental health, specializing in addiction, EMDR, crisis intervention, trauma, and inner child work. 

 

Her professional journey reflects a commitment to continuous growth and excellence, holding esteemed certifications as a CCTS (Certified Clinical Trauma Therapist),  and a Certified Grief Informed Professional. Jacquie's academic contributions include instructing Bachelor degrees at the University of Phoenix and steering operations as the Clinical Director at Discovery House.

 

Driven by her ethos of Value Oriented Healing, Jacquie passionately advocates for personal agency in the healing process. Her mantra, "We heal because we decide who we want to be, how we will treat others, and how we choose to treat ourselves," underscores her dedication to empowering individuals on their paths to recovery and self-discovery.

 

Beyond her clinical pursuits, Jacquie finds solace and expression through music, showcasing her talents as an accomplished singer in a choir. Her altruistic spirit extends to her volunteer engagements with OUR (Operation Underground Railroad) and the Protect Child Health Coalition, where she dedicates her time and skills to advocating for and safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable populations.

 

Jacquie Nielson epitomizes a multifaceted professional whose unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy, coupled with her diverse skill set and compassionate approach, continues to positively impact the lives of those she serves at Chateau Health & Wellness and within the broader community.