Inner Views
BIO
Shauna’s passion for the inherent worth and dignity of every human life was deeply solidified when her third child was diagnosed with Down syndrome, a near fatal heart defect, and a slew of other genetic abnormalities. As a speaker, author, and disability rights advocate, Shauna shares the gift of viewing challenges through the lens of God’s Word and does so with incredible transparency and vulnerability. Despite the many trials of life, Jesus remains the anchor of her soul. Shauna became part of Joni and Friends over 16 years ago as a desperate mother in need of help and hope. She has been a staff member for 14 years now, currently serving as the Director of Direct Response and Radio Channel Marketing. The testimony she and her daughter, Sarah, share shines a spotlight on the never-ending love of Christ.
Over one million weekly listeners hear Shauna as she encourages radio listeners alongside Joni Eareckson Tada. Shauna has also lent her voice to Focus on the Family, Life Matters with Brad Mattes, Women of the Word Christian Conferences, the Dear Mom Conference, the Life Counsel Bible, and Real Families, Real Needs: A Compassionate Guide for Families Living with Disability.
INNER VIEW
Kathleen Cooke: The public stares at high profile actors and stars. They have to be aware of who is always watching them. As a single parent of a special needs child, you get stared at lots, too. What has God taught you about living in the public’s eye?
Shauna Amick: Recently, God reminded me that we always have an audience. People are watching what we do and how we live—whether we realize it or not. I had taken my daughter, Sarah, out for lunch. We had a lovely girls’ day out, full of joy and laughter. When it was time to pay the bill, the restaurant owner approached our table and explained that a woman sitting on the other side of the dining room had anonymously paid for our lunch. A complete stranger felt compelled to bless us that way, and she explained to the owner why… She saw the love between Sarah and me and found it unusual. Maybe she was surprised that the mother of a child with Down syndrome could be so happy and full of love for someone with a disability. Or perhaps what surprised her was witnessing Sarah glorifying God in the beautiful ways she does just by being who he created her to be. It was at that moment that God taught me once again: the way we live our lives and the way we love others influences people dramatically. We have the choice to influence others in such a way that they choose to love and lead like Jesus, or we can influence others to question the sanctity of life and doubt the goodness of God. What will you choose? Are you living life out loud in such a way that those who are watching you are inspired to spread the lasting aroma of Christ everywhere?
Kathleen: As professionals on secular sets or working in production offices, the culture can often be toxic and challenging to our Christian values and beliefs, leading to mistreatment, bullying, and sometimes being fired from work. What has God taught you about not backing down or compromising your faith?
Shauna: It’s taken me 50 years to fully comprehend that the Word of God and the individual mission that God has placed on my life are what should define my boundaries. Like all humans and, therefore, finite beings, I have limits regarding time, energy, and matters of the heart. God expects me to set and keep boundaries not only for my peace of mind but also for my daughter’s. Specifically, God does not want me to enable the mistreatment of my disabled daughter or myself. Matthew 18 instructs us to deal with mistreatment directly and gives us a plan for conflict resolution. First, we’re to have a one-on-one conversation. If that doesn’t help, then we should bring another person in for guidance. If that’s not successful, we’re to go to the church for counsel, and if there’s still no resolution, we need to take a very serious look at the relationship and decide if it’s healthy or safe to stay in it. Matthew 18 does not instruct us to endure mistreatment indefinitely. The Bible doesn’t say that if the mistreatment won’t stop, just keep putting up with it. Yet that was a misconception I had for many years. I allowed (even enabled) toxic behavior because I felt stuck. I didn’t understand the power of respecting my own boundaries until later in life. Other people don’t have to agree with our values and boundaries. Even when they don’t, we can still maintain our own boundaries and thus protect our mental and emotional health, as well as the health of those God has entrusted to us. Ultimately, setting and keeping boundaries determine our quality of life. Are you fearful that setting boundaries will bring consequences in your relationships that you don’t want to face? (more…)
Inner Views
BIO
Anna Zielinski has over 15 years of experience producing faith-based and family films, spending her entire career at Pinnacle Peak Pictures. Anna began her producing career in 2010, partnering with David A.R. White and Pure Flix Entertainment to produce multiple films, including Marriage Retreat, Apostle Peter and The Last Supper, and Brotha White, and made her directorial debut with The Book of Daniel (2013). In 2014, Anna served as a producer on the faith-based hit God’s Not Dead, which became the highest-grossing indie feature of that year. Anna continued her momentum in 2014 with Dancer and the Dame and the sitcom Hitting The Breaks, and in 2021, Anna produced and directed Courting Mom & Dad. She went on to expand her portfolio as executive producer on The Encounter and Sons of Thunder: Redemption, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, Nothing’s Impossible, Revelation Road: The Series, and God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust (2024). Throughout her career, she has successfully led the production of both original films and series, solidifying her reputation as a leader in faith-based entertainment. Now solid with wisdom and knowledge and wanting to see others excel in the industry, Anna launched The Producers Desk, a YouTube channel providing aspiring producers with practical tips and strategies to bring their creative visions to life.
INNER VIEW
Kathleen Cooke: There are many challenges as a producer and director. What’s one of the most significant recent lessons God has taught you?
Anna Zielinski: One thing God has recently taught me is the importance of surrendering control and trusting His timing. As someone who loves to plan and organize every detail, I’ve learned that trying to control outcomes often leads to unnecessary stress and frustration. God has been reminding me that His plans are always better than mine, even when they don’t align with my timeline. When I choose to let go and trust Him, I find peace and clarity, even in uncertain moments. This lesson has been significant as I navigate new opportunities and challenges in my life, reminding me to lean into faith and not fear.
Kathleen: A producer’s job requires a calm hand on the steering wheel. This means one must manage one’s time and responsibilities and align priorities. What tips can you share on how to do this?
Anna: Prioritizing my time starts with a clear hierarchy: my health and well-being come first, followed by family, community, work, and finally, guilty pleasures. I’ve learned that if I’m not at my best—physically, mentally, and spiritually—I can’t fully show up for the people and priorities that matter most. My day always starts with exercise. If I don’t get it done first thing, it’s easy for it to fall by the wayside. From there, I move on to the day’s goals, prioritizing tasks in order of importance. For work, I choose to schedule calls within specific timeframes and often conduct them as “walking” appointments to ensure I’m staying active throughout the day. Evenings are reserved for fun and connection—playing pickleball, scrolling Instagram for delicious recipes, or enjoying movie time with my son. This intentional approach allows me to stay productive, maintain my health, and make space for the lighter, joy-filled moments that recharge me. By structuring my day this way, I’ve found balance and alignment with what truly matters while still leaving room for flexibility and spontaneity.
Kathleen: Time management and getting your priorities in line requires drawing boundaries. What have you learned about staying within those boundaries in our 24/7 world?
Anna: Drawing boundaries starts with knowing my values and priorities. I’ve learned that saying “yes” to everything often leads to burnout, so I’ve become intentional about protecting my time and energy for what truly matters—my health, family, work, and personal well-being. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that boundaries are not about shutting people out; they’re about creating space to show up fully for the things and people that matter most. For example, I set clear limits on when I take work calls, ensuring I have uninterrupted family time in the evenings. I’ve also learned the importance of communicating boundaries respectfully but firmly so that others understand and respect them. Keeping boundaries requires consistency and self-awareness. It’s easy to let them slip, especially when I feel the pressure to meet everyone else’s expectations. I’ve found that regularly checking in with myself helps—am I staying aligned with my priorities, or am I overcommitting? Ultimately, boundaries are about maintaining balance. They allow me to give my best to the areas that matter while still leaving room for rest, joy, and connection.
Kathleen: The films you have produced and directed have influenced many. What have you learned about the power of influence and having one that is everlasting?
Anna: One thing I’ve learned about influence is that it’s less about what you say and more about who you are. True, lasting influence comes from character—the way you treat others, the integrity you show in your actions, and the kindness and humility you carry with you. People may forget your words, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. To be a “sweet aroma” of influence means leaving a positive impression whenever you leave the room. It’s about being intentional with your presence—listening more than speaking, offering encouragement, and treating others with respect and grace, even in challenging situations. Ultimately, influence isn’t about power or position; it’s about the legacy you leave in the hearts of those around you. When your actions align with your values and reflect God’s love, you create a lasting fragrance that inspires and uplifts others long after you’re gone.
Inner Views
Do you have trouble setting boundaries and trusting God with your career choices? With decades of experience in corporate America, Dr. Debra Dean is an expert at integrating faith in every aspect of life. In this INNER VIEW, she candidly shares the lessons she’s learned to become a successful leader who influences others for an eternal difference.
Bio – Dr. Debra Dean is a Christian, first and foremost, wife and mother. She is co-founder of His Kingdom Matters, president and CEO of Dean Business Consulting, and adjunct professor at Regent University. Dr. Dean served in corporate America for 25 years. Her most recent position was Director of Business Transformation nested in the Business Intelligence Department.
Dr. Dean is a published author and public speaker. Her TEDx talk Restorative Justice and Disrupt HR presentation Respectful Pluralism: Including Everyone relates to her faith at work passion. Dr. Dean has received numerous awards, including the Colorado Springs Business Journal 2020 Women of Influence Award and the 2020 Global CEO Excellence Award: Most Influential Business Consultancy CEO. She was nominated in 2019 as an operational excellence leader with OPEX Week: Business Transformation World Summit, and in 2018, she won the Outstanding Reviewer Award for Management, Spirituality, and Religion.
Dr. Dean was born and raised in Kentucky, spent nine years in Iowa, and currently resides in Colorado with her husband Steve and their youngest son Gavin. They have six children and four grandchildren. Her mission statement is to “Inspire each person to identify their human potential and pursue authenticity while living a life of eternal focus.”
INNER VIEW
Kathleen Cooke: We all think we are smart until things flop. What has God taught you about trusting Him for the unknown and seeing failures as opportunities for what He desires for us and not what we thought we wanted for ourselves.
Debra Dean: God is teaching me to trust him. It is so easy to get distracted with self-doubt about my ability or calling, but God is teaching me to trust that He has a plan, and I need to follow His plan. When I left corporate in 2018, I thought I was following God, but I got off track and started my business instead of God’s business. The past few years have been lessons of listening, praying, trusting, obeying, surrendering, and being willing to let God provide and guide me. I’m a hard-headed woman, so this is hard. But, when I surrender and trust Him, everything else works out much better. In December 2020, I had a call from a woman that worked with the White House Faith & Opportunities Initiative. We had planned an agenda for the call, but she started crying. I could hear how overwhelmed she was with work and life in her voice. She asked me, “Where are all the Christians?” She was fighting a good fight in D.C., but she felt all alone.
This gave me fuel to move from my business to God’s business and launch His Kingdom Matters in June 2021. Wow! When I trust God, BIG things happen. I did not want people to feel alone or unequipped with fighting the Christian battle in our world today. I have prayed and asked God for wisdom and guidance, and I trust that He divinely pre-plans all the content in the ministry. We start with Bold & Courageous and move into Revival. In retrospect, there is no way I could have come up with this content. It is God. Trusting Him is still a struggle I face daily, but when I trust Him with all aspects of life, He delivers miraculous works.
Kathleen: You have worked in leadership positions in the corporate business world for many years. What are some key things you have learned in your career journey? (more…)
