Women’s Ministry in Phoenix, AZ
Ignite Life is a Christian Women’s Ministry that began in Las Vegas and expanded to serve the women of Phoenix, AZ.
We exist to equip, empower, and mobilize women to be the spark that ignites change in the world for the sake of Christ.
Ignite Life is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is passionate about spiritual and personal development.
EQUIP:
TO PREPARE FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD
We believe you were created on purpose and for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10. Through workshops, retreats, and curriculum development, Ignite Life is training up individuals to ready their hearts and lives for what God has around the next corner.
EMPOWER:
TO BE MADE STRONG & CONFIDENT
We believe you were created to do life in community (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Through demographic specific communities and conferences, Ignite Life is creating space for connection and discipleship to take place.
MOBILIZE:
TO GO & DO
We believe you are called to make the gospel known (Matthew 28:19). Ignite Life is committed to offering platforms for individuals to serve, speak, give, and pray.
Katy Gossner, Phoenix Ambassador
Katy Gossner is a woman whose life has been flipped upside down—in the best way—by God’s relentless, transformative love, and she’s eager to share that fire with everyone she meets. Serving as Ignite Life’s Phoenix Ambassador, she fulfills her passion to gather women into community where they can uncover their God-given purpose and fall deeper in love with the wonderful Father who made them and loves them with an indescribable love. She is happily married to her high school sweetheart—who still gives her butterflies (and routinely steals her last sip of coffee). Together, they’re navigating the glorious, messy chaos of raising four kids, a daily rollercoaster of endless snack requests, questionable fashion choices, the occasional Lego-induced foot injury, and those rare, magical moments when everyone’s actually getting along.
Vanessa Hartsell
Vanessa is a dynamic speaker and author who is passionate about world change! She has been speaking professionally for the past 15 years throughout the US. Originally from Michigan, Vanessa calls Las Vegas, Nevada her home.
Vanessa has a heart for people to grow in intimacy with Christ. She is passionate about transforming potential into action. At the age of 24, Vanessa founded her ministry, Ignite Life, with the mission to equip, empower, and mobilize women to be the spark that ignites change in the world for the sake of Christ. Out of her desire to mobilize women in the Church, 1 small conference gave birth to a movement of Christian women now impacting thousands in the Las Vegas valley. Although this ministry is a huge priority in her life, her first ministry to is to her family. Vanessa has been married to her “prince” Evan, for 13 years and her life is filled with joy and chaos raising her three children (Owen, 11; Ethan, 9; Charlotte, 7).
-
Robin Smith is a passionate individual who seeks to help others clarify their passion and purpose by identifying their strengths and unique giftings from God. One of her greatest joys comes from encouraging, strengthening, and challenging others to reach their full potential and become all that God created and intended them to be.
Robin founded RS Focus Consulting in 2021 with the mission to empower individuals to lead to their fullest. She specializes in leadership development for people of all ages and stages, with a particular emphasis on supporting women in the non-profit sector. With over 38 years of experience in non-profit leadership, she offers one-on-one coaching for personal and professional development, women’s masterminds, staff and board development sessions, and public speaking engagements.
Robin is a gifted speaker and teacher of God's Word. She delights in witnessing the moment when others connect with God through a deeper understanding of Scripture. Robin enjoys speaking at women's conferences, retreats, and Bible studies. Robin also applies her gifts and strengths in the ministry of Ignite Life by serving on the Board of Directors, the teaching team, and providing consulting for training and development.
Robin currently lives in Henderson, NV, with her husband, Homer, whom she has been married to since 1986. They attend Avenue Church where they lead mission trips to Mexico, mentor young adults, and participate in small groups. Robin and Homer also love exploring God's creation through hiking, walking, or simply soaking up the sun while reading a good book. Together, they have two children and one grandchild.
-
Stephanie is passionate about theology and people and has served in ministry in various capacities over the past 23 years. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Ministry and Leadership, a Master's Degree in Theological Studies, and a Master of Divinity from Life Pacific University. Stephanie is currently working towards her Doctorate in Spiritual Formation and Leadership at Portland Seminary.
Stephanie was born and raised in Idaho, but has called Las Vegas home for the past 28 years. She and her husband Matt have been married for 26 years. They have three young adult children, Tyler, Matson, and Lily, who are all currently in college, pursuing their dreams. As avid animal lovers, their household also includes one dog, two cats, and a somewhat grumpy desert tortoise named Crush. Stephanie and Matt love exploring the outdoors and visiting National Parks.
Stephanie’s ministry experience began in Christian curriculum and education, and she has homeschooled their three children through most of their K-12 experience. This was a journey that Stephanie and Matt had never intended to embark on; however, as God led them toward homeschooling, the rewards were great, as it afforded their family the lifestyle of traveling, exploring, and learning wherever they went. Over the past 23 years, Stephanie has served with various non-profits and churches across the valley. Her passions are focused on discipleship, cultivating healthy teams, advocacy, operations, and being an empathetic witness to those who are suffering. Empowering others and seeing them utilize their gifts for the Kingdom is one of her favorite parts of ministry. As a compassionate advocate for the broken-hearted, Stephanie takes a people-first approach to all ministry projects, events, and experiences.
As a seasoned women’s ministry leader, Stephanie believes wholeheartedly in the mission and vision of Ignite Life. She is an avid believer in life transformation occurring in community and passionate about helping others find their people and supporting them on their journey to freedom and wholeness in Christ.
-
Dodjiel Hechanova has been in ministry for over 18 years.
His call to ministry began in 2004 when he was called to be a Youth Pastor, soon after he was married to his wife, Sarah. In a very clear call to ministry, Dodjiel was lead to pastor the next generation.
In 2009, Dodjiel was appointed to be the Senior Pastor of Neighborhood Church in Henderson, NV. A church that has been in the Henderson community for 75 years.
In addition to his duties as Senior Pastor of Neighborhood Church, Dodjiel presently serves as an Area Pastor for the Western District of the Foursquare Church— where he is in a position to encourage and be of support to other senior pastors and their leadership teams across the Las Vegas Valley and parts of Arizona.
Dodjiel’s heart is for God’s people to have an authentic relationship with God, and is focused on caring and nurturing those in pastoral leadership.
In addition to his role within the church, Dodjiel serves his community as a chaplain. He serves as a Prison Chaplain, where he conducts Sunday Services for the inmates in the Henderson Detention Center. Dodjiel also serves as a Hospice Chaplain. A position which he is able to minister the Kingdom of God to those at the end stages of their lives throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
Dodjiel is most passionate about his family. Dodjiel and Sarah have 4 children, Lexi, Ethan, Noah and Gabriel. In 2020, they also welcomed their first grandchild, Everly.
-
Tyler is honored to serve with the Ignite Life board of directors! He works in full-time ministry in Henderson, NV serving as the Spiritual Formation Director for his alma mater, Lake Mead Christian Academy. His role with LMCA consists of overseeing the spiritual development of the student body, PK-4 through 12th grade, as well as overseeing care initiatives for the families within the community. He is currently in the process of being ordained with Aspire Network and will have that completed in June of 2026! He attended Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, where he met his beautiful wife, Maddie. Maddie and Tyler worked and served in various ministries throughout their time living in Phoenix, so Tyler is excited to assist in the Phoenix expansion.
Tyler was first introduced to Ignite Life when he took on the role of Spiritual Formation Director at LMCA, where he took on stewarding the partnership with Ignite Life through Mom Café and Mom Camp. He immediately saw the incredible impact the ministry had on the LMCA community and beyond. In fall of 2025, he and his wife attended the Ignite Life Gala where he felt the Lord prompt him to get more involved.
Tyler is excited to see all that God has in store for Ignite Life and is open to however God asks him to serve the board of directors.
When not working, Tyler loves golfing, pickleball, and going on adventures with his wife!
-
As a Realtor for 27 years, Debra believes a home is more than walls and a roof—it’s where dreams, life and transformation unfold. Guided by her tagline, “House meets Home,” she blends market expertise, integrity, and heartfelt care to help clients turn houses into homes where they can build a meaningful foundation on.
Her passion for transformation reaches beyond real estate.
Through years in ministry, she encourages women to discover their true identity in Christ and embrace their God-given purpose and calling, creating spaces where hearts and lives are renewed.
As a church board member, she leads with faith, prayer, and stewardship, shaping environments where others experience spiritual formation, a solid foundation of faith and find their true home in Christ.
Rooted in faith and family, Debra and her husband of 44 years, Anthony, are blessed with three children, two “sons” and six grands—their greatest joy. Whether guiding a client, discipling women, or serving her church and community, Debra is dedicated to transforming lives, one home and one heart at a time, all for the glory of God.
She is excited and humbled to be part of God‘s Kingdom work serving on the Ignite Life Board.
-
Stephanie is a proud native of Las Vegas and finds fulfillment in spending quality time with her family. She has been married to her husband, Rick, for 24 years. They enjoy spending their time with their three adult children, their respective spouses, and the most amazing grandbabies!
She is a 31-year tenure at PepsiCo where she currently holds the role of Senior Director of Go-To-Market. In this pivotal role, she leads the charge in shaping and driving the Go-To-Market productivity agenda as well as P&L oversight. During her career, she embarked on a dynamic trajectory, seizing diverse roles in Merchandising, Administration, Compliance & Control, Sales & Operations, Transformation, Capability and Project Management.
Concurrently with her career, she pursued her academic ambitions and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management in 2001 and acquired her Master of Business Administration in 2008.
Stephanie, along with her husband, are committed supporters of Dave Ramsey's financial principles. They have effectively applied his strategies over the last 15 years and have dedicated their time to teaching over 20 Financial Peace University classes.
-
With over 20 years of dedicated experience in women's ministry, Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for empowering women to realize and utilize their God-given gifts. Shannon has worked for several local non-profits over the past ten years, helping in various capacities.
Originally from Northern Minnesota, Shannon has called the Las Vegas valley home for the past 45 years. She is a proud UNLV alumna, holding a BS in Business Marketing and a Master’s in Education. Most of her professional experience is in corporate marketing, church communications, and non-profit management. Her academic background, combined with her extensive experience in women's ministry, uniquely positions her to contribute valuable insights and leadership to Ignite Life.
Shannon’s commitment to serving others extends beyond her professional life. She is a devoted wife, mother of five grown children, and grandmother to six, with another grandchild on the way. Her family-oriented perspective and rich life experience deeply inform her approach to ministry and community service.
Shannon enjoys traveling, spending time at her summer home in Idaho, writing, serving her home church (Eastside Christian), and spending time with her family!Shannon is excited to get to work with this amazing team to help further the impact and mission of Ignite Life.
-
Faith Cannella was born in Las Vegas, NV, and decided not to leave the great valley she grew up in. She built a life and family. She is married and has two sons.
She has been working in accounting since 2004. Which is the year she graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Faith took advantage of the shutdown in 2020 and attained her Certified Public Accountant license.
Faith loves to volunteer, and not just at Ignite Life events. You can find her serving on Sunday mornings at Avenue Church or once a month volunteering with The Just One Project during their Pop-up and Give mobile markets. Making an impact, big and small, in the lives of others continually brings a smile to Faith’s face.
In her free time, Faith enlists her husband to drive her off-road to hidden remote spots so she can practice her amateur landscape photography. Also, if you ask nicely, she just might bake you a plate of delicious cookies.
-
Doreen is born and raised in Michigan, moving to the Wild West nearly two decades ago she now calls Nevada her home.
The relocation was to obtain her Masters in Physician Assistant studies. After completing school she has had the privilege of being a PA specializing in cardiology for the Las Vegas community. With her education and training along with her love for others and positive attitude she delivers compassionate care.
Throughout her years in Nevada she has grown in her faith and love for Jesus. This has been fostered by attending and serving at Neighborhood church as well as gathering in the Ignite Life community. She knows the significance of time spent alone with the Lord and time spent with others who strive to grow in Christ- likeness. She longs to see others come to faith and the healing found in Jesus as well as experience the freedom that is found in their personal journey with the Lord.
Doreen is inspired by her husband, Jason and is blessed by her two daughters that keep her on her toes. She enjoys traveling with family and being amongst trees in the mountains or next to a lake. When there is extra time you’re likely to find her fishing or golfing.
Our Staff
-
![]()
Katy Gossner
PHOENIX AMBASSADOR
-
![]()
Vanessa Hartsell
FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
-
![]()
Robin Smith
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
-
![]()
Melissa Atuatasi
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
-
![]()
Diane Kincaid
BOOKKEEPER
