Fall Excursion 2026 Speakers
Our speaker list for this year is still being finalized. Stay tuned for more details.
Dr. Darrel Ray is the founder and President of the Board of Directors of Recovering from Religion. He has been a psychologist for over thirty years and is the author of four books: two on organizational teamwork as well as "The God Virus-How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture" and "Sex and God-How Religion Distorts Sexuality".
Dr. Ray has been a student of religion most of his life and holds a Masters Degree in religion as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a Doctorate in Psychology.
Gayle is a former Southern Baptist who left the faith years ago when her then-teenagers began asking questions she could not answer. Her research led her (and her children) into the light of reason and rationality. Years later, she still feels the effects, both positive and negative, of that dramatic shift in perspective and attitude. It is this sympathy and compassion that drives her to reach out to help others navigate the emotional and physical process involved in leaving one’s faith.
Gayle lives in Oregon and is an estate-planning attorney. She raises goats and chickens, and is trying her hand at grape-growing at her sunny hillside home affectionately known as Peak Heathen. She blogs about a variety of topics at Happy. Healthy. Heathen.
David Klinge, a former Evangelical Christian and the son of a Pentecostal preacher, was once a self-proclaimed “Young-Earth Creationist.” Through critical thinking and the scientific method, he gradually broke free from those beliefs and now identifies as a secular humanist. Passionate about reason, compassion, and social justice, David is a long-time volunteer for Recovering from Religion, where he currently serves as both IT Director and a member of the Board of Directors. He is also the principal engineer for Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project.
David has lived most of his life in Washington State, growing up in rural areas before settling in Seattle. With over 20 years of professional experience in technology, he combines technical expertise with a commitment to meaningful causes. Outside of his work in tech and activism, David is a classically trained bass vocalist who has performed with several choirs, primarily those affiliated with the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses. He is a dedicated advocate and ally in the LGBTQ+ community.
Kara Griffin was born in Texas and raised in Southern Baptist, evangelical, and non-denominational mega-churches and private schools. After leaving the faith in the mid-2000s, Kara was able to pursue their passion for learning, traveling, and experiencing diverse cultures and perspectives. They hold undergraduate degrees in Psychology, International Relations, and Criminal Justice, a Master’s Degree in Dispute Resolution & Conflict Management, and a PhD in Anthropology.
Kara enjoys working with secular community services that support other people who may have experienced judgment, repression, or other struggles related to involvement with religious groups. At RfR, Kara volunteers as the Online Programming Director and hosts the weekly RfRx Talks sessions.
Rachel is a motorcycle-riding ballroom dance teacher from rural Texas.
Married with two adult children, Rachel has a strong interest in psychology, philosophy, and communication, in addition to the creative arts and home improvement. She was raised in Christian Science but drifted off as a teenager. She explored Scientology, Law of Attraction, and a variety of Protestant churches before settling comfortably into atheism.
Since joining RFR in late 2020, Rachel has come to view this community as a core part of her life. She has become friends with many of her fellow volunteers and loves the opportunity to grow her peer support and leadership skills. You may have seen her hosting the Women’s Support group, posting in the Online Community as Spinouette, or at the Fall Excursion.
Anthony was born into a marginally Catholic family, but showed a keen interest in religion from a young age. Involved with Jehovah’s Witnesses in high school and Neopaganism in college, he slowly drifted away from faith over many years while studying religions more seriously. He describes Elaine Pagels as his “gateway drug” into Biblical studies.
Apart from his work with RfR, Anthony also volunteers for Bart Ehrman’s blog doing audio production. He is a veteran of the US Air Force and has had various other jobs such as opera singer, film score composer, and singer/songwriter. He currently works for a publishing company. He was born in Philadelphia and currently lives in nearby southern New Jersey with his wife.
Glenda Jordan lives in Las Vegas and works full time as an artist, model, and entertainer. She grew up on a farm south of Nashville, Tennessee where she was indoctrinated into Southern Baptist faith from birth. After deconstructing religion in college, she became involved in activism for various causes. Joining the third wave intersectional feminist movement, Glenda believes that liberation from the patriarchy and the destructive influence of misogynistic faiths are inexorably linked. Focusing on atheistic feminism and sex positivity, Glenda is an active volunteer with RfR and other non-profit organizations and her local queer communities. Other passions include fantasy and sci-fi, Star Trek, art history, traveling, and national parks. When she’s not in her studio or doing marathon Zelda gaming sessions, Glenda enjoys spending time with her partners and friends
And more to come!
Program - Stay Tuned!