Behind the scenes: Meet the DaySpring contributors

The DaySpring Writing Community is where women of different ages, life stages, cultural backgrounds and church traditions show up with their real stories of the ways God is showing up in their real everyday lives, so you can see Him more clearly in yours. Be sure to follow DaySpring on Facebook and Instagram to get news of the latest posts and join the community discussion!

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A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Aliza Olson.

Aliza Olson

Aliza Olson is a writer, artist and pastor who is a huge fan of telling stories. She creates content for Canada’s largest youth conference, Change Conference, and is passionate about seeing people formed into the likeness of Jesus.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Barb Roose.

Barb Roose

Barb Roose is a speaker and author who is passionate about teaching women to live beautifully strong and courageous so that they experience God’s great adventure of faith and purpose for their lives. She’s a proud empty-nest mom of three and prefers to eat dessert first.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Dawn Camp.

Dawn Camp

After homeschooling her eight children, Dawn now devotes her time and love of stories to writing her first novel while raising three of her grandchildren. She enjoys mugs of Earl Grey, Taco Tuesdays, book clubbing, and cheering on the Braves. Dawn and her husband navigate a never-emptying nest in the Atlanta suburbs.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young.

Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young is a published author, speaker, mentor and co-host of the Hear Women podcast. She delights in coaching speakers and writers to find their unique voices and to flourish in their God-given callings. A remarried widow, she loves to go on travel adventures with her husband Shawn and three daughters. Connect with her at DorinaGilmore.com.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Holley Gerth.

Holley Gerth

Holley Gerth is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, counselor and life coach. Her newest release is 365 Truths for Every Woman’s Heart. She’s also wife to Mark, mom to Lovelle, and nana to Eula and Clem.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Jenny Erlingsson.

Jenny Erlingsson

Jenny Erlingsson is a speaker and author of romantic fiction and creative non-fiction. When she’s not ministering in Iceland or Alabama with her Viking husband or mothering her adorably feisty kids, she can be found writing and reading in the margins, with a side of Icelandic chocolate.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Jennifer Schmidt.

Jennifer Schmidt

Jen Schmidt encourages women to embrace both the beauty and bedlam of their everyday lives. A popular speaker, worship leader and author of Just Open the Door, Jen lives in North Carolina with her husband, where she has five adult children and a sofa for anyone who needs it.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Karina Allen.

Karina Allen

Karina Allen is devoted to helping women live out their unique calling and building authentic community through the practical application of Scripture in an approachable, winsome manner.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Kristen Strong.

Kristen Strong

Kristen Strong is the author of several books including Desperate Woman Seeks Friends and Girl Meets Change. She loves helping women who are lonely for friends find their friendship groove. Kristen and her US Air Force veteran husband, David, have three beloved adult children and live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Ligia Andrade.

Ligia Andrade

Ligia (Lee-hee–ya) Andrade was born in Antigua, Guatemala, and currently resides in Canada. She is a devoted wife, mother and leader. Ligia is passionate about serving others and sharing her story of God’s grace and redeeming power. She has a profound love for God and people.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Melissa Zaldivar.

Melissa Zaldivar Sawyer

Melissa Zaldivar Sawyer is a social in the world of academics and an academic in the world of socials. She’s an author and podcast host with a B.A. in Communications and an M.A. in Theology. She loves a good sandwich, obscure history and wandering around New England antique shops.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Rachel Kang.

Rachel Marie Kang

Rachel Marie Kang is the author of Let There Be Art and The Matter of Little Losses. She writes poignant prose on themes of culture, art and faith. Rachel lives in the New York metro with her husband and two sons. Find her work and words at rachelmariekang.com. 

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Robin Dance.

Robin Dance

Robin Dance is the author of For All Who Wander. As Southern as sugar-shocked tea, she is married to her college sweetheart and has three children. An empty nester with a full life, she’s determined to age with grace and to celebrate the beauty and magic of today.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Simi John.

Simi John

Simi John was born in India and moved to Dallas, Texas, at the age of seven. Simi is a speaker, author and full-time physical therapist. Her calling is to the local church, and her passion is to equip women to know who they are and live faithfully right where they are.

Website        Instagram

A black and white portrait of DaySpring contributing author Tyra Rains.

Tyra Rains

Tyra Rains is a wife, mom, coco, friend and author of Virtue: Living Uncommon in a Common World. Her passion is pastoring alongside her husband and making sure everyone she meets encounters the goodness of God. Tyra loves time with her crew, laughing, sunshine and jeepin’.

Website        Instagram