Presenters/ Classes
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Erica Anderson and Dillon Searcy
Chronically Healthy
Nutrition Label Literacy
Learn how to confidently read and interpret nutrition labels so you can make informed food choices. This class breaks down ingredient lists, serving sizes, hidden sugars, and misleading marketing claims, equipping you with practical tools to stock your pantry wisely and support long-term health.
Bio
Erica Anderson, CTNC – Co-Founder of Chronically Healthy LLC
Erica Anderson is a Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach with a specialty certification in Autoimmune Health and host of the Diagnosis Redefined Podcast. She has a deep-rooted passion for functional medicine. After being diagnosed with Still’s Disease at 17, she refused to accept a life of chronic illness. Through extensive research and personal experience, Erica transformed her health and has since helped countless individuals do the same. As a co-founder of Chronically Healthy LLC, she empowers others to reclaim control over their health by identifying root causes and implementing science-backed, sustainable lifestyle changes. Erica specializes in autoimmune conditions, gut health, and metabolic healing, bringing a compassionate and results-driven approach to every client she works with.
Dillon Searcy, CINC – Co-Founder of Chronically Healthy LLC
Dillon Searcy is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Coach and co-founder of Chronically Healthy LLC. His journey into functional medicine began after surviving a stroke at age 28, only to later be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes—a diagnosis that traditional medicine failed to catch for weeks. Determined to take back his health, Dillon immersed himself in root-cause medicine, nutrition, and metabolic health. Today, he works alongside clients to help them understand their bodies, optimize their health, and break free from chronic conditions. His expertise in blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and hormone health makes him a sought-after educator and speaker in the functional health space.
Together, Erica and Dillon are on a mission to redefine health and wellness through personalized, science-backed coaching that empowers individuals to take ownership of their well-being. Their approach bridges the gap between traditional medicine and functional health, offering a real, sustainable path to healing.
The 7 Deadly Sins of Health
Jeremy Clift
Wakatomika Homestead
Bio
Jeremy Clift of Wakatomika Homestead is a dedicated homesteader committed to practical, hands-on self-reliance. Through real-world experience in gardening, livestock care, and sustainable living, Jeremy focuses on building a productive and resilient homestead rooted in hard work and stewardship. He enjoys sharing the lessons learned from daily life on the homestead to help others grow in confidence and capability.
Class Description
Class Description
Jordan Smith
Phoenix Survival
Bio
Natural fibers like wool, cotton, and silk were once vital for everyday survival — yet today, they’re often overlooked or misunderstood in a world of synthetics. Knowing how to create your own clothing and textiles can make all the difference in sustaining comfort, warmth, and self-reliance during challenging times.
In this class, Jordan will explore the many sources of natural fibers — from animals, plants, and even insects — and how they can be processed, spun, and used for practical homesteading and preparedness. Attendees will get hands-on exposure to fibers and the tools used to transform them into usable materials.
Whether you’re a homesteader, prepper, or simply curious, this session will give you a new appreciation for the value of natural fibers and the confidence to begin your own fiber journey.
Class Description
Class Description
Cari Dunn
Homesteading in Ohio
Bio
Cari Dunn is an author, educator, and lifelong advocate of homesteading and self-reliance. Through her platform, Homesteading in Ohio, she shares practical knowledge on food preservation, herbal remedies, and sustainable living to help others live more independently and intentionally.
As the owner of a freeze-dried candy and food company, Cari is a licensed food manufacturer who specializes in crafting high-quality preserved foods. She also produces a popular line of herbal infusion kits, salves, and bath essentials, thoughtfully blending traditional herbal wisdom with modern convenience.
Cari lives near Smithville, Ohio, with her husband and three children, where they fully embrace the homesteading lifestyle—growing, creating, and living with purpose on their family’s homestead.
Herbal Infusions
Learn how to safely infuse herbs into oil, alcohol, or vinegar to create natural products for cooking, wellness, and home use. We’ll cover choosing the right herbs and base ingredients, proper infusion techniques, and how to store and label your creations for maximum shelf life. You will leave with the knowledge and confidence to make their own herbal infusions at home—perfect for crafting salves, tinctures, dressings, and more.
Dave Dunn
DD Tactical
Bio
Dave Dunn is the owner of DD Tactical Instruction and brings more than 40 years of experience in the firearms industry. A highly skilled gunsmith, licensed firearms dealer, and firearms manufacturer—including the design and maintenance of fully automatic weapons—Dave has trained civilians, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and federal agencies in firearm safety, tactical instruction, and responsible ownership.
His expertise spans everything from precision gunsmithing to advanced defensive training, helping students develop not only technical skill but also confidence and situational awareness.
When he’s not on the range or in the workshop, Dave enjoys homesteading with his wife and children on their small farm near Smithville, Ohio, where they live out the same principles of self-reliance and preparedness that he teaches.
Countering the Mass Shooter Threat
This class gives you practical tools to recognize warning signs and respond effectively during an attack. Learn what drives attackers, how to use the Run, Hide, Fight method, and how to protect yourself and others in schools, businesses, and public spaces.
Greg Elle
62nd Citizen
Bio
Greg, known as “The 62nd Citizen,” is a retired United States Secret Service Agent with over 34 years of distinguished law enforcement experience. Throughout his career, he has operated around the globe, conducting high-risk security operations and honing a broad range of specialized skills in protection, survival, and emergency response.
An Amazon Best-Selling Author, Greg wrote “The Secret Agent’s Guide to Medical Preparedness,” a practical handbook designed to equip everyday citizens with the tools and knowledge to save lives when seconds count.
He is a certified survival instructor, former SWAT operator, and law enforcement EMT, bringing together real-world tactical experience and medical expertise.
Through The 62nd Citizen, Greg offers an extensive catalog of hands-on training — from basic to advanced medical preparedness, survival skills, and custom tactical courses — all designed to empower individuals to protect themselves, their families, and their communities when it matters most.
Building Your Own First Aid Kit
- Are you tired of store bought first aid kits full of Q-tips and cotton balls?
- Are you overwhelmed by vendors you want to sell you kits full of things you don’t know how to use?
- Do you or your family members have specific medical needs that require dedicated meds or devices?
Marie Hill
Promethean Sewing Machines
Bio
After decades of sewing—and years of frustration trying to find someone to properly repair her machines—Marie Hill finally grabbed a screwdriver and wrench, took matters into her own hands, and never looked back.
Today, she specializes in restoring beloved vintage sewing machines, bringing them back to life in both beauty and function. Her passion lies in preserving the craftsmanship and reliability of these timeless tools so they can continue stitching strong for another hundred years.
Bring Old Sewing Machines Back to Life: Hands-On Basics
Getting a Sewing Machine Back in Time: Hands-On Basics
Jay Ryan
Classical Astronomy
Bio
Jay Ryan of Cleveland, Ohio—known to many as “Gramps” or “jayfromcleveland”—has been active in astronomy education since 1996. A former Sky & Telescope Contributing Editor, Jay has written extensively on astronomy and helped promote five major American solar eclipses, including the total eclipses of 2017 and 2024.
Jay and his wife Debbie homeschooled their five children and founded Classical Astronomy, a Biblically based approach to studying the heavens. Since 2002, Jay has published the Classical Astronomy Update newsletter and authored Signs & Seasons, a popular homeschool and adult astronomy curriculum.
Jay’s approach is to explain traditional sky observing methods practiced down through all pre-industrial history, especially in the farmers’ almanacks of early America. Jay enjoys giving outdoor sky tours at rural dark sky locations, to explain the signs in the sky that point to the time of day, the day of the month, and the month of the year, useful information “hiding in plain sight” over our heads every night of our lives. Jay is very excited to participate in The Heartland Self Reliance Conference.
Navigating Over Land and Water by the Sun, Moon and Stars
Natural Timekeeping by the Sun, Moon and Stars
Paul White
Pleasant Chapel Farrier
Bio
With decades of experience working with horses of all breeds and temperaments, Paul White of Pleasant Chapel Farrier in Heath, Ohio, has earned a reputation for expert craftsmanship, practical knowledge, and genuine care for both horse and owner.
Paul specializes in hoof care, corrective shoeing, and equine soundness, combining traditional farrier techniques with a deep understanding of modern hoof science. His goal is simple — to help horses stay healthy, balanced, and performing at their best.
Known for his down-to-earth teaching style, Paul enjoys sharing the “why” behind proper hoof care and maintenance, helping owners recognize the signs of good farriery and what it takes to keep their animals strong and serviceable for years to come.
Hoof Trimming
Rabbit Processing
Denny Dillman
The Homesteading Pastor
Bio
Known affectionately as “The Homesteading Pastor,” Denny Dillman brings together faith, family, and the fundamentals of self-reliance in a way that inspires and uplifts. Drawing from years of hands-on homesteading experience, Denny has built a life centered around sustainability, stewardship, and spiritual purpose — raising livestock, growing food, and living simply while guiding others to do the same.
Through his teaching and ministry, Denny reminds others that homesteading is more than a lifestyle — it’s a calling to live gratefully, work diligently, and trust fully in the One who provides. His approachable, heartfelt style connects with audiences of all backgrounds, offering both practical knowledge and timeless encouragement.
At the Heartland Self Reliance Conference, Denny will share insights that blend old-fashioned know-how with faith-based resilience — a message sure to inspire everyone seeking a stronger, simpler, and more intentional way of life.
Class Description
Class Description
Dr Jennifer Dillman
Charge Wellness
Bio
Dr. Jennifer Dillman of Charge Wellness is dedicated to helping individuals take control of their health through informed, proactive wellness strategies. With a passion for education and whole-body well-being, she empowers families to strengthen their resilience through practical health knowledge and sustainable lifestyle choices. Dr. Dillman believes that true preparedness begins with a strong, healthy foundation.
Class Description
Class Description
Caleb Thompson
Central Ohio Outdoors
Bio
Founder of Central Ohio Outdoors, is a skilled outdoorsman dedicated to teaching practical survival and wilderness skills. With a background in hunting, bushcraft, and self-reliance, Caleb brings real-world experience to every class and demonstration. His instruction focuses on safety, resourcefulness, and respect for the natural world—values that align perfectly with the Heartland Self Reliance Conference mission. Through his approachable, hands-on teaching style, Caleb inspires others to build confidence in the outdoors and develop the skills needed to live more independently and in harmony with nature.
Class Description
Fire Starting
Matt Wilkenson
YardBird
Bio
Matt Wilkenson – Teacher, Farmer & Yardbird Demonstrator
Matt Wilkenson is a lifelong farmer, educator, and hands-on homesteader who believes in teaching practical self-reliance through real-world experience. As a demonstrator for Yardbird Chicken Pluckers, Matt shares his knowledge of humane and efficient poultry processing, helping others gain the confidence to harvest their own food and build sustainable homestead skills.
Class Description
Poultry Processing Demonstrations
William Bond
The Permaculture Consultant
Bio
William Bond is a seasoned permaculture consultant dedicated to helping families, farms, and communities design sustainable, regenerative landscapes. With years of hands-on experience in soil health, water management, food forestry, and holistic land planning, William blends practical know-how with a deep respect for natural systems. His work focuses on creating self-sufficient homesteads, resilient ecosystems, and productive land-use strategies that thrive long-term. Passionate about teaching, he empowers others to understand their land, work with nature, and build abundance from the ground up.
Class Description
Jim Tubbs
The Bushcraft Preacher
Bio
Jim Tubbs, known as The Bushcraft Preacher, blends faith, wilderness skills, and practical wisdom to inspire others toward true self-reliance. A lifelong outdoorsman and teacher, Jim shares the art of bushcraft, survival, and stewardship of the land—reminding us that resilience begins with both heart and hands.
Class Description
Ropes and Knots 101
Rope Making 101
Spoon Carving
Suzanne Shires
Simple Homestead Living
Bio
Suzanne Shires has spent years building her homestead into a place of comfort, efficiency, and abundance. From gardening and food preservation to soap-making, animal care, and water management, she has embraced every aspect of self-sufficiency with creativity and practicality. Through Simple Homestead Living, Suzanne shares her favorite tools, recipes, and time-tested tips to help others simplify their own homesteading journey. Her mission is to show that with the right knowledge and a few helpful resources, homesteading life can be not only sustainable and frugal—but joyful and fulfilling too.
Class Description
Coming Soon
Bio
Dr. Jocelin Whitaker, ND, PhD, is a Doctor of Traditional Naturopathy and Natural Health who now calls Bellville, Ohio home. A former homeschooler, she built her foundation in Biblical and natural approaches to wellness early in life. Dr. Whitaker holds multiple certifications—including Aromatherapy, Biblical Medicine, Nutritional Counseling, Holistic Health, Fertility Counseling, and Bioenergetics—and is a Certified Chaplain in Holistic Approaches.
She is the author of The Real Truth About the Danger of Stevia and Xylitol and works with a wide range of health concerns, including thyroid issues, digestive imbalance, adrenal and hormone support, and fertility. She is especially known for her expertise in Toxic Mold Syndrome, Epstein-Barr, Lyme disease, and Candida—areas in which her specialized knowledge is highly sought after.
Class Description
Coming Soon
Bio
My herbal journey began at Prescott College in Prescott, AZ and led to the completion of the two year program at California School of Herbal Studies in 1997. After my first birth I found myself pursuing an education in Midwifery. In 2008 I completed my apprenticeship in Central Ohio and became a Certified Professional Midwife supporting families to birth at home. Green Magic Farms is the 25 year effort to create safe, sustainable, plant based products for the whole family. Exploring nature, live music, adventures, and family time keep
me ticking.
Class Description
Self Reliance through the journey of Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum.
Bio
After the Flash: A Modern Guide to Nuclear Survival cuts through the noise with
evidence-based, practical strategies grounded in today’s realities. Authored by Mark A. Rush, a U.S. Navy ballistic missile submarine veteran and former nuclear power plant engineer, the book draws on decades of hands-on experience and more than two years of in-depth research.
Class Description
This talk examines what a modern nuclear war would likely look like and how
it differs from Cold War assumptions and common Hollywood portrayals.
Today’s nuclear arsenals are far smaller and more constrained than in the
past, which changes both the scale of destruction and the practical steps for
civilian survival. These differences mean that planning today looks very
different from the all-or-nothing narratives many people still carry from the
Cold War era.
The second part of the talk focuses on and why location matters more than
most people realize. Modern fallout risk is greatly reduced. Distance, terrain,
building type, and wind direction strongly shape real-world exposure.
Understanding these factors allows for realistic, location-based planning that
reduces exposure and avoids the common mistakes driven by outdated
assumptions and exaggerated media depictions.
Preparedness Sewing: A Review of Beneficial Equipment and Skills
This class will focus on the sewing supplies and skills that would be beneficial in short or long term emergency situation. Hands-on sewing will be included.
Bio
Tina Milenovic is a former home educator who has been teaching emergency preparedness for nearly two decades. Known for her practical, encouraging style, Tina helps individuals and families build confidence through real-world planning and everyday self-reliance skills. In addition to preparedness, she enjoys teaching a variety of hands-on life skills—including gardening, sewing, and other traditional homesteading techniques—that support a more capable, resilient lifestyle.
Class Description
Are You Ready? Emergency Preparedness for Your Home and Family
Mike Milenovic
Bio
Mike Milenovic is a licensed General Class amateur radio operator with a passion for both learning and teaching. He enjoys helping others understand the fundamentals of radio communication and its vital role in preparedness and self-reliance. Mike believes strong communication skills are essential in both everyday life and emergency situations.
Emergency Communications for Families
In this presentation, we will explore the critical components of emergency communications and the various options available for families to stay connected during a crisis. Effective communication is vital to ensuring safety, coordination, and timely response during emergencies. This session will help participants understand how to develop a robust family communication plan that accounts for key factors to consider, available technologies, and exposure to a couple of plan options.
Bio
Christine Malott of Happy Dale Aviary is dedicated to preserving and promoting the diversity of domestic bird breeds. With a passion for education and responsible animal stewardship, she works to inspire appreciation for the beauty, heritage, and value of domestic fowl. Christine encourages others to become knowledgeable and responsible caretakers of these remarkable birds while helping protect rare and traditional breeds for future generations.
Class Description
Mrs Katie
Heritage Ways
Bio
Mrs. Katie of Heritage Ways is passionate about preserving traditional skills and passing them on to the next generation. Through hands-on teaching and practical demonstrations, she helps families rediscover the value of time-tested homemaking, homesteading, and self-reliance skills. Mrs. Katie believes that heritage ways are not just history—they are the foundation for resilient homes and thriving communities.
Cast Iron Care and Cookery
Join Mrs. Katie for a practical, hands-on class focused on the proper care and cooking techniques that make cast iron a lifetime kitchen staple. In this session, she will cover seasoning, cleaning, restoring neglected pieces, and everyday maintenance to keep your cookware performing at its best. Beyond care, Mrs. Katie will share traditional cooking methods that highlight why cast iron has remained a trusted tool for generations — from stovetop to oven to open fire. Whether you’re brand new to cast iron or looking to refine your skills, you’ll leave with the confidence to cook, preserve, and pass down your cookware for years to come.
Megan Bournique
Indiana Homestead & Preparedness Network
Bio
Megan Michelle Bournique is a leader and advocate within the Indiana Homestead and Preparedness Network, where she helps connect families and individuals committed to building resilient, self-reliant communities. Passionate about practical preparedness, homesteading skills, and local collaboration, Megan works to empower others through education, resource-sharing, and strong community networks. She believes preparedness begins with knowledge, relationships, and a willingness to take action.
Bio
Dayton Bournique of Ballistic Mischief brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to survival education and training. Passionate about skill development, safety, and self-reliance, Dayton focuses on helping individuals build confidence and competence through hands-on instruction and real-world application. His goal is to equip others with the knowledge and mindset needed to train effectively and responsibly.
Bio
A local cow/calf beef farmer, Keith, began with a single Holstein bull calf in an unused corner of a barn. He steadily built a herd of more than 50 head, later maintaining around 30, and has intentionally downsized to a few as he prioritizes genetics and off-farm commitments. With a lifetime of experiencing the day-to-day realities of farm life managing pastures, facilities, equipment, livestock, and crops, Keith understands both the rewards and the practical limits of farming and raising livestock. He brings clarity and simplicity to complex topics, helping participants in his sessions gain understanding, confidence, and practical direction.
“Introduction to Raising Beef”
This session is designed for individuals with little to no experience or limited land access, as well as anyone who wants to start small and grow with confidence. Through practical, foundational guidance, Keith provides a basic understanding of the beef industry and will share some basics on equipment, facilities, nutrition, and key relationships. Decisions made around these areas establish a successful homestead. Participants will gain clear expectations, understand the minimum needed to get started, and leave with straightforward guidance to move forward with confidence.
Bio
Joseph is a former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret and Deputy U.S. Marshal with almost 40 years of experience in military and federal law
enforcement operations. He led and conducted combat missions and deployed
extensively as a Green Beret, and later led and supported high-risk missions including fugitive apprehension, protective operations, and counter-surveillance. He has trained military, law enforcement, and civilian personnel worldwide. He currently leads Pineland Consulting and Development, focusing on practical security, firearms proficiency, and real-world training for responsible armed citizens.