Jelise Ballon, Author and Speaker

Perhaps the best way to get a glimpse of what an audience can expect is to hear from others who have attended events where I was a keynote speaker or workshop leader:

“It has been said, ‘Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.’ I believe God has instilled vision in Jelise. She speaks from her heart on true-life issues that all can relate to. She always uplifts and encourages while serving you with love.” – retreat attendee and ministry leader

“Jelise Ballon is an amazing woman. Her strength and wisdom are so powerful. She speaks from the heart, sharing her life stories and her love and passion of God’s word. My experience with Jelise as she led my first women’s retreat was so encouraging. I left feeling loved, inspired and full of faith. Jelise has such compassion to share God’s grace, she connects so well with her audience, encouraging and lifting them up to have a strong and faithful relationship with God.” – retreat attendee

“Jelise Ballon combines an engaging and highly personal speaking style with an openness about her own life and faith journey. She is vulnerable and real about how messy that has sometimes been, and about the difference God’s grace has made for her and those around her. She leaves her audience inspired to lean more heavily on the love and redemption only found in Christ. While Jelise can connect with audiences of both genders and all ages, she will particularly appeal to women who are navigating marriage, motherhood, and/or careers as a Christian woman.” – retreat attendee

“Jelise Ballon is a beautiful speaker in so many ways. She walks on stage with this confidence and inspiring personality. Her words are organized and connected to the point. At the end of her speaking we are left wanting more.” – retreat attendee

Jelise Ballon is an educator, writer, and speaker. She's the author of the book Forgiven & Restored, which offers hope for healing and forgiveness to anyone who is carrying the wounds of relational trauma. In addition to her blog, (link hidden), Jelise's writing has been featured by The Today Show, Her View From Home, Motherly, Inspire More, and others. She's been speaking at women’s retreats, conferences, churches, and special events for more than six years, and as a certified ATD Master Trainer, she's led workshops and training sessions for a variety of audiences, including executives, teachers, high-tech employees, and more.

Jelise's passion is encouraging and praying with women who are burdened or hurting; sharing the good news that through God we can find strength, hope, and unfailing love. It's this passion that led to the very first Renew & Restore Women's Retreat, which is now in its sixth year. Jelise also serves as the head of Women’s Ministry at Compass Community Church located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, where she lives with her husband David, and their three teenagers.

She holds a Master's Degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications from West Virginia University, and a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Appalachian State.