Hey there!
I’m Dawn, wife to Tony, mom to three grown children, “Booga” to three silly yet precious granddaughters, one adorable baby grandson, and mother-in-law to two special guys and a beautiful daughter-in-law.
I am also a women’s minister, writer, public speaker, and Bible teacher who is passionate about people and the Bible. I am devoted to helping you know God deeply and understand His Word accurately, cultivating an unwavering faith grounded in Scripture and active in your daily life.
Born and raised in the Chicago burbs, I grew up an only child of divorced parents, so a hefty loneliness followed me everywhere. I was, and still am, a person who craves meaningful, loyal friendships.
I remember when that feeling of lonesomeness washed away. It was my grandma who helped. She introduced me to the Bible at a young age and the importance of prayer and knowing God’s Word. Her example and love for Jesus caused me to hunger for that same devout faith – passionate about Scripture and deep in relationship with Jesus. By this, I found that even when I was alone, I wasn’t alone!
We have a loving, personal God in the person of Jesus Christ who longs for a relationship with us. Discovering this truth led me to where I am today.
A common question asked is, “How did you get into ministry?”
Like most callings from God, ministry found me. I grew up in our family-owned bakery in a small farm town west of Chicago, so I knew the restaurant business and loved working with the public. It turns out this early experience of working with people would serve me well down the road.
At the age of 21 I married the LOML, Tony and over the next 10 years we bought a dog and started a family. It was during this period that I was invited to a Bible study. In short, I went kicking and screaming the whole way. No way was this Catholic-raised girl going to be influenced by a bunch of “Bible beating crazies.” Yet here I am. God can be funny that way.
After attending said Bible study for a few short months I was transformed, and within a few years my husband and I left our Catholic roots and joined the Protestant church where I was attending Bible study. Soon after, I was asked to lead the same ministry that I had literally griped my way into. Surely God was mistaken! Turns out He wasn’t and I was catapulted into the position of Director of Women’s Ministries. I have never looked back.
In 2005 a friend asked me to start a Bible study in my neighborhood and Getting Real Ministries was born. Then, in 2008 I figured that this ministry gig was getting serious. If I was going to be all-in I had better have credentials, so back to school I went. I graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Biblical Studies and Communications, equipping me to help you discover the truths within the pages of the Bible.
At the age of 21, I married the LOML, Tony, and over the next 10 years, we bought a dog and started a family. It was during this period that I was invited to a Bible study. In short, I went kicking and screaming the whole way. No way was this Catholic-raised girl going to be influenced by a bunch of “Bible-beating crazies.” Yet here I am. God can be funny that way.
After attending said Bible study for a few months, I was transformed. Within a few years, my husband and I left our Catholic roots and joined the Protestant church where I was attending Bible study. Soon after, I was asked to lead the same ministry that I had literally griped my way into. Surely God was mistaken! Turns out He wasn’t, and I was catapulted into the position of Director of Women’s Ministries. I have never looked back.
In 2005, a friend asked me to start a Bible study in my neighborhood, and Getting Real Ministries was born. Then, in 2008, I figured that this ministry gig was getting serious. If I was going to be all-in, I had better have credentials, so back to school I went. I graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Biblical Studies and Communications, equipping me to help you discover the truths within the pages of the Bible.
Today, GRM has grown to over 100 members, with roots reaching three continents! Insane, I know! Once you have witnessed the hand of God moving and shaping your life, you won’t look for anything else.
Because, I believe with my whole heart that if you want to walk in life freely you must know God deeply through His Son, Jesus Christ.
I told you, God is funny that way.
Thanks for taking the time to get to know me. I hope to meet you one day soon.
