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Meet Our Writers...

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Editor in Chief

Allison Smith

Hi! I love writing and I love Jesus even more. After contributing to my college newspaper, I was inspired to start a Christian publication with my friends. I am passionate about the negative effects of social media and urging people to enjoy the world around them, and I wrote and published a children's book about this topic. I just graduated college and I am continuing on with my Master's while working in the Christian financial planning field. I'm praying to see what God wants me to do next. I hope to write many more books in the future and serve in Christian ministry!

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Logistics Manager / Contributor

Joshua Boyles

I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and plan to pursue graduate level work with an end goal of Christian ministry. I do not enjoy writing all that much, but I love to share ideas that command the need to be shared. I pray that my writing will be God writing through me to help someone, somewhere, grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus.

And thanks for reading my bio! God bless, and I’ll see ya in eternity.

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    Contributor

    Karinna Andersen

    Hi everyone!! My name is Karinna Andersen and I recently graduated from USF with my degree in Psychology!! I’m blessed to be on this amazing team of writers and to share my passion for the Lord and excitement for the Heavenly revelations He gives us on earth!  

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    Contributor

    Kayla Ashley

    Radically saved, redeemed, restored, free from sin, a Child of God, a broken yielded vessel. Hi,  my name is Kayla, ever since I was a little girl I have often found myself in front of a journal and pen writing and writing and writing. However I’ve never been one to publish anything until now. My hope and great joy would be that you would find the heart of Christ in any of the articles published. Somehow, some way I pray you are touched from my overflow as I share my love from abiding in the great vine. Rooted in the faith of our majestic, glorious, everlasting king Jesus. With all my love.

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    Contributor

    Alyssa Boyles

    Hi! My name is Alyssa Boyles! I recently graduated from USF with a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering, and now I am working as a controls engineering programmer in Tampa, Florida! I am a member of Creekside Church and one of my favorite things is serving with a first grade class on Sundays! The Lord has redeemed my life in the most amazing ways and I am grateful for the opportunity to praise Him in my articles for Rooted in Faith!

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    Contributor

    Justin Boyles

    Hello, my name is Justin and I am a graduate from USF in industrial engineering. I have been following Jesus since my senior year of high school and have really grown in my faith since then. My motivation for writing is to help believers discover the deeper truths in the Scriptures as well as sharing how experiencing God isn’t just limited to reading the Bible or praying but how God is active in everything in life, throughout our whole day. I believe that the most important question you can ask is “why?”, which is why I am excited to inspire readers to ask themselves deeper questions and grow deeper in their faith.

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    Contributor

    Lauren Brandt

    Hi everyone! My name is Lauren Brandt and I’m a 23 year old graduate from USF. (Go bulls!) I love Jesus and am passionate about sharing His word and love through writing. These past few years I have been able to truly see the difference of believing in Jesus and following Jesus with a fully surrendered heart. I started writing more when I started a blog called little to a lot where I share personal experiences in my faith journey as the Lord continues to teach me what it looks like to live unashamed for Him. I pray God can use Rooted in Faith to reach those at every step of their faith journey and I am so excited to join this team. 

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    Contributor

    Kelly Carney

    Hi I’m Kelly! I recently graduated from USF and moved across the country! I love sharing my love for Jesus through content creation & hope to share his light in everything that i do! God has always been my constant and i love sharing it with other people!! 

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    Contributor

    Blake Crowther

    Hi, I’m Blake. I’m originally from a small town about an hour outside of Dallas, TX, where I met Jesus during high school. Shortly after, I joined the Coast Guard, which has taken me to nearly every city along the East Coast. It’s been such a wild journey with the Lord, and I’m grateful to be able to share all the things Jesus has done in my life.

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    Contributor

    Daynie Cutler

    Hi! My name is Daynie. I’ve always had a passion for writing. Since becoming a Christian 3 years ago, I noticed my main inspiration to do so now comes from a place of joy instead of sorrow like it used to. I’m grateful for the way Jesus has transformed my life and hope to display his loving kindness to others through the words He places on my heart to share.  

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    Contributor

    Annabelle Fait

    My name is Annabelle Fait and I am an accounting major at the University of South Florida! Since moving to Florida almost 4 years ago, I have grown in my faith so much. Moving all the way across the country and starting at a university with over 50,000 students has come with many challenges, but also countless opportunities, experiences, and friendships. I am so excited to write and share about some of the amazing things Jesus has taught me, and to praise Him through my words!

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    Contributor

    Lauren Fitts

    Hi! My name is Lauren Fitts and I’m studying agriculture in the Tampa Bay Area. I love Jesus and am in awe of the way he has faithfully pursued me. No matter how high or low you feel in life right now, I believe he loves you and is faithfully pursuing you too! I can’t wait to use writing as a way to share the love joy peace and restoration his freedom gives.

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    Contributor

    Sofia Lantz

    Hi!!! My name is Sofia Lantz, and I am a senior studying Psychology at the University of South Florida. I am thrilled to share my love for the Lord through this amazing platform! Jesus has transformed my heart, igniting a passion within me to spread the message of faith, hope, and love. Throughout my journey, I have witnessed the incredible power of God's grace and am eager to connect with others who share this beautiful faith.

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    Contributor

    Isabel Lugo

    My name is Isabel and this is my first venture into writing articles! I’m very excited to share my thoughts on faith and life. I’ve been a Christian and a writer since I was 6 years old, so keep an eye out for my articles! #rootedinfaith

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    Contributor

    Jimmy Hayes

    Aloha! My name is Jimmy Hayes! And I am a Christ follower at USF and I love the Lord and talking to others about Him! I’m not the best writer, but I’ve got a big heart for reaching people and I’ll do what it takes. I cannot wait to see what’s ahead!!!

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      Contributor

      Lanie Michelle De La Milera

      Hey guys! My name is Lanie and I am a 23 year old Christ follower in Tampa, Florida. I have been walking with Christ for over a year now and He has transformed my heart and my life. I know how hard it is to be a young woman in this world following Jesus so I hope we can all come together and support one another through Rooted in Faith!

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      Contributor

      Abigail Nichols

      I have been working in the University media industry for over two years. During my time, I have seen first hand how important it is to push back against the cultural divide happening among college students. But it's easier said than done. I write for the lost college students to debunk extreme cultural beliefs by combining logic and deeply rooted Christian truths. While writing for Rooted in Faith, I am attending UNF obtaining my Master's degree in Social Work and working as Spinnaker Media's Business Manager. I am an alumni of USF's English Literature program and The Oracle's opinion section.

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      Contributor

      Jenna Pellicano

      Hi!! My name is Jenna! I’m a 21-year-old creative with a heart for sharing God’s light and finding joy in life’s little moments. I’m passionate about living authentically and embracing each season with faith and gratitude.
      I hope to share my stories, experiences, and lessons through Rooted in Faith with vulnerability and encouragement. I hope to inspire others to embrace the beauty of this life even in hard times. <3

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      Contributor

      Ashlyn Pinner

      Hello everyone! My name is Ashlyn and I am a student at USF graduating May 2025. I'm excited to explore everything that the Lord has for me through the Rooted in Faith Journal and getting to share His glory with everyone who comes across this page!!

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      Contributor

      Eliana Reckner

      I am an advocate for integrating mental health into our relationship with Jesus. He cares for every aspect of our life, including our mental well-being. As a current graduate student studying counseling, I hope to share what the Bible says about mental health & encourage you in your struggles.

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      Contributor

      Brianne Sanborn

      My name is Bri Sanborn and I’m a psychology major at USF! I work at Creekside Church in the worship department and through that have fallen more in love with music and the Lord. I enjoy writing and am excited to have an opportunity to use it for His kingdom!

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      Contributor

      Ella Shelton

      Hello! My name is Ella Shelton and I am currently studying English with a writing emphasis at Lee University. Focusing on poetry and creative nonfiction, my passion for writing and how the process itself reflects humanity’s innate creativity, I aspire to be a witness of the gospel through language. I am excited to be a part of this project as the kindnesses of our Christ are illuminated through his truths given to his people. 

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      Contributor

      Hannah Turner

      Hello everyone my name is Hannah Turner! I’m 20 years old and I’m in my last year at USF. I’m going to be a speech language pathologist in the medical field working with pediatricians. My faith has been a part of me since I was born. Thank you for allowing me to share a little about myself, and I look forward to connecting with all of you as we continue this journey together!

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      Contributor

      Katelyn Turner

      Hi hi hi!! My name is Katelyn Turner, I’m a student at the University of South Florida studying Science Education in hopes of becoming a teacher! I’ve been following Christ for a little over a year now and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made! I’ve always loved writing and I am a firm believer in being vulnerable and I pray that through Rooted in Faith, the readers are able to find relatability and belonging through these articles! 

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      Contributor

      Jade Waters

      Hey friend! My name is Jade and I’m currently a USF student studying to become a Christian mental health counselor! I want to use my gift of words and writing to glorify the God who gave them to me, so I’m super excited to be an author on Rooted in Faith! As a girl who’s known Jesus ever since she can remember, I’m looking forward to sharing the words and lessons that God has put in my heart to speak on throughout my walk with Him!

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      © 2025 by Rooted in Faith Journal 

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