Sandra Bivens Smith is a writer, small group leader, occasional blogger and speaker. In 2006 Sandra joined with daughters Mikki and Amy Jo to launch Heart2Heart. Now retired, she spends much of her time helping grow the ministry. Sandra loves to spend time studying God’s word and bringing bible studies to women. Her greatest satisfaction is to see women grow in faith and deepen their relationship with Christ as they gain greater knowledge of God’s word. Sandra is an active member of Faith Baptist Church where she serves as communications coordinator.
Sandra has completed six certificate courses in theology through Dallas Theological Seminary and is the published author of five Bible studies for women. These accomplishments reflect her commitment to biblical teaching and her desire to equip women to live out their faith with confidence.
Sandra is originally from Lexington, North Carolina but now makes her home in Charlotte with her husband Avon. Together they have five wonderful children, eleven amazing grandchildren and seven awesome great grandchildren.
Mikki Halbach (Co-founder/Treasurer) has been ministering to women, in various capacities, for over 20 years. She is a speaker, writer, and small group leader. Mikki is co-founder and treasurer of Heart2Heart Ministry. In 2006 Mikki established a chapter of Heart2Heart in the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin. Through her ministry there she was able to share God’s word with women in this predominately Catholic area. Through her teaching of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit’s leading, she saw the women grow in understanding and knowledge of what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Mikki is currently pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies with a concentration in Ministry and Leadership. Mikki enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her family.
In 2011, Mikki and husband Fred, returned to Mikki’s home of Lexington, NC. She and Fred have been married for 32 years and are blessed with three sons, Wyatt, Elliot, and Lucas, a daughter Alex and two grandchildren, Haven Rae and Colt.
Amy Jo McCranie has been an active member of Faith Baptist Church since 2001. She sings in the choir as well as serving alongside her husband in his role as a family deacon. Amy Jo is co-founder and secretary of Heart2Heart ministry. For almost twenty years she has taught dozens of bible studies, written devotions, and continues to be committed to helping women grow and mature in God’s Word.
Amy Jo’s ministry life extends beyond her church and Heart2Heart. She has a passion for her work as a cosmetologist and fitness instructor; both of which provide her an opportunity to minister to women. Amy Jo also leads a Christ-centered ministry dedicated to equipping, encouraging, and connecting pastor’s wives as they serve alongside their husbands to fulfill their own roles in ministering to the church.
In her “spare time” Amy Jo enjoys cooking, making memories with family and friends, traveling and listening to various genres of music. Her greatest joy is her family. She and her husband Trent have been married for 31 years. They make their home in Iron Station, NC and have two adult children; Emma, (son in law, Austin), and Coll, (daughter in law, Grace).
Alexandria Smith (Director) Alex fills the important role of managing Heart2Heart’s social media. She has a heart to see God’s word shared with other young moms in a way that meets them where they are. As a young mom herself, Alex understands the demands and needs of women who are raising a family and taking care of a home while often also holding down a full-time job outside the home.
As a coach’s wife, free time is rare, but Alex feels blessed to come alongside her husband to mentor and minister to young athletes in their community.
Alex lives in Lexington, NC with husband Jake, daughter Haven Rae and son Colt.
Kathy Dempsey currently serves as a director on the Heart2Heart Women’s Ministry board. She has been part of Heart2Heart in various capacities since 2019, and she is excited to now step into her newest role as a small group leader. She looks forward to encouraging women to grow in their faith while sharing life together.
Kathy grew up in Nebraska and later moved to Kansas, before returning to Nebraska to be close to her mom, two brothers, and sister. In 2015, she and her husband, Bill, relocated to Charlotte when his career took a new direction, and North Carolina has been home ever since.
Faith and service are at the center of Kathy’s life. She is an active member of Faith Baptist Church, where she serves on several committees and recently accepted the role of church treasurer. Outside of church, her love for animals shines through. She completed a Canine Behavior and Training course and enjoys caring for her two little dogs, MollieBee and BellaMae. She also loves helping friends by pet sitting whenever she can.
Kathy and Bill have been married for more than 45 years and are grateful for the family God has blessed them with: four children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Jeff Morrison (Pastoral Advisor) has been married to Cathy for over 30 years and they have one daughter and two sons. He has served churches in the PCUSA, the EPC, the PCA and the ARP in various capacities over the last 25 years and holds an MDiv from Reformed Theological Seminary and a DMin from Gordon Connell Theological Seminary.
Jeff’s passion is for people to know the joy that can only be found in the radical grace, unconditional love and true freedom in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Heart2Heart Women 