Our Speakers

Gem State Round Up Welcomes the Following Speakers for Our 2025 Event!

Cece G.

Cece Garrison started her sobriety on July 8, 1985 and is proudly celebrating 40 years of continuous sobriety on July 8, 2025.  Cece has shared her experience  strength and hope since her 4th month of sobriety.

Her speaking has taken her all over America as well as Vancouver and Toronto, Canada, and on a cruise ship headed to Cozumel, Mexico.  Cece believes everyone should have a personal mission statement. Hers is: “I believe that one person CAN make a difference, I will strive to be that person!”

Paula

Hi, I’m Paula, and I’m an alcoholic. Those words changed my life in the most incredible and beautiful ways. I was led by my HP to Alcoholics Anonymous on April 22, 1985. I had the gift of desperation when I arrived and Alcoholics Anonymous wrapped me in a cloak of love and taught me everything of value that I know today.

I was first asked to share my story early in recovery as the miracles of a spiritual awakening began to unfold and my “sparkle”, which I believe today is undeniably the light of God began to show. I would rather have been washing cups, but God asked me to share my story as it might be of help to others. So I said yes to being an instrument of my HP and hopefully a source of hope for others. I have shared my experience, strength and hope for many years both locally and at conventions.

About the last 10 years I have had health concerns and surgeries which prevented my speaking and traveling. Now, I am better, and I am excited to come share my “sparkle” with you and the miraculous journey of my recovery! I am filled with the gifts of gratitude, hope, love and joy that all have been the result of the Steps, my HP and the people of Alcoholics Anonymous. I Thank you so much for asking me to come share with you and I hope to meet each of you and get a hug while I am there!

Sarah L.
Friday Night AA Speaker

Sober since March 5th, 2021. I am an Idaho native who loves nature, sunshine and the outdoors. A stay-at-home mom, I have a wonderful husband, three children and a blended family that adds even more. I am grateful for my recovery journey and excited to be of service!
 

Phil F.
Friday Night Al Anon Speaker

Hello. I’m Phil F., and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my journey at the 2025 Gem State Roundup. Sharing my journey is always a learning and growing experience. I have spoken at multiple conferences, including the first Gem State Roundup in 2006. I also have decades of service experience, including 20 years as an Alateen sponsor and district coordinator.
 
 I’m looking forward to sharing some of what I have learned about living a life guided by the 12 steps since my first of many spiritual awakenings 35 years ago. As a long time Al-Anon member, I’ve had many awakenings in the practice of the 12-step program, including some recently, that showed me how when I grow and change, so does my 12-step experience.

Chere F.
Saturday Luncheon Al Anon Speaker

I am a very enthusiastic and grateful member of the Al-Anon Family Groups and my name is Chere. My first meeting was on October 21, 2001, and I have been a committed member ever since. Sharing my Al-Anon recovery is always an honor and over the years, it has been a privilege to meet many wonderful friends in both fellowships. My husband is an active member of AA and together we have been presenting Traditions in Relationships workshops for over 15 years. The spiritual principles we learned saved our marriage and we get to keep practicing those principles with our six adult children and their families.

As a past NW Regional Trustee on the Board of Trustees, I have had the opportunity to participate in many Al-Anon conferences, Area Assemblies, and a variety of AA Conventions including Alaska, California, Florida, British Columbia, etc. My favorite part of my recovery is sponsorship. I have had the best sponsors and always feel honored to work with another member through our Steps, Traditions, and Concepts of Service. Al-Anon has given me a life beyond anything I could have imagined and for that, I will be forever grateful. I am so excited to be a part of the Roundup this year!