← All Faculty

Athena Dean Holtz

Publisher – Redemption Press

Athena Dean Holtz serves as founder and publisher at Redemption Press in Enumclaw, WA where her Romans 8:28 Books & Gifts is one of the few remaining independent Christian bookstores in Western Washington.

Get To Know Athena


The life story of Athena Dean Holtz is a tale of a search for affirmation, meaning, and significance that trapped her in spiritual deception and caused her to lose everything she had. Out of the great loss of her marriage, family relationships, home, her reputation, and a twenty-year career in publishing after thirteen years in a toxic and restrictive cult, has come great restoration. Athena now uses her growing and multi-faceted platform to encourage and uplift others through sharing the faithfulness of God. Her turnaround story continues.

Athena Dean Holtz serves as founder and publisher at Redemption Press in Enumclaw, WA where her Romans 8:28 Books & Gifts is one of the few remaining independent Christian bookstores in Western Washington. Having pioneered the indie publishing movement in the Christian space over 3 decades ago she is past president of the Northwest Christian Writers, was named Publisher of the Year 2022 by the Soul Café Awards and Best Female Podcast Host 2021 by the national Spark Media for her All Things Podcast. She is the author of Full Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God, and is co-author of Together for a Purpose: Love and Mission in Marriage and Ministry with her pastor-husband. She also founded the She Writes for Him movement, launched during the pandemic. Their virtual events continue to equip, inspire, and create connection through its extensive global community.

Breakout Session


Facebook Lives – Engaging Your Audience and Adding Value

Connection is one of the most important aspects of developing a following and creating a unique voice among the many others out there. Athena Dean Holtz utilizes Facebook Live to offer hope since the beginning of the pandemic and has continued to expand and improve her daily encouragement over the last 18 months. Learn the basics of hosting a Facebook Live and develop strategies to accomplish what God is asking of you in using this amazing technology.

15-Minute Appointments


Publisher – Redemption Press

Bringing 30 years of industry expertise to an author-centric publishing model, Redemption Press is the “best of both worlds.” All the benefits of self-publishing, along with the support and representation of a traditional publisher. One thing I know. If you’re going to self-publish, the last thing you want to do is LOOK like you did it yourself. Your book should look and read at the same level of excellence as the largest traditional publishers, and available in all the same channels. We take the time to develop custom publishing and promotion strategies specifically for you and your message. No one size fits all at Redemption Press. We are a full service, turn key, custom publishing option providing as much or as little support as you need.

I’d love to meet with you to see if we’re a good fit for each other!

Ready To Register?

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity. Sign up now & join us at Speak Up 2023!