Abby Rike
Abby Rike, a loyal, hard working, lover of life, faced an unfathomable tragedy in October 2006. In light of losing her beloved husband, 5 ½ year old daughter, and 2 ½ week old son in a fatal car crash, with God's grace, she chose to forge ahead in her new life.
She worked as a high school theater and debate teacher for 13 years inspiring students to achieve their personal best. She and husband, Rick, lead their school to an overall state speech championship as well as numerous state speech qualifiers and two state champions. A favorite among teachers and students, Abby was voted Teacher of the Year in 2003.
Following the wreck, Abby graduated with a Master's of Education degree maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Currently she is taking her message of hope to businesses, schools, churches, grief groups, and health and wellness communities as a motivational speaker hoping to inspire them in the same manner she did her students.
Deciding there was more living to do in this life, in May of 2009, Abby embarked on a very public journey of healing and wellness when she went on NBC's hit reality series "The Biggest Loser." Abby began her journey on the show weighing in at 247 pounds. Despite suffering a stress fracture early on, while on the "ranch" she lost 46 pounds. She then went home utilizing the knowledge she gained and lost an additional 54 pounds to weigh in at 147 pounds at the December finale. Abby feels blessed to have had the opportunity to realize God's grace full circle and feels compelled to share with others what she experienced firsthand. She continues her healthy lifestyle and vigor for life and is a living example that even in your darkest hour, there is always hope.
Abby Rike, a loyal, hard working, lover of life, faced an unfathomable tragedy in October 2006. In light of losing her beloved husband, 5 ½ year old daughter, and 2 ½ week old son in a fatal car crash, with God's grace, she chose to forge ahead in her new life.
She worked as a high school theater and debate teacher for 13 years inspiring students to achieve their personal best. She and husband, Rick, lead their school to an overall state speech championship as well as numerous state speech qualifiers and two state champions. A favorite among teachers and students, Abby was voted Teacher of the Year in 2003.
Following the wreck, Abby graduated with a Master's of Education degree maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Currently she is taking her message of hope to businesses, schools, churches, grief groups, and health and wellness communities as a motivational speaker hoping to inspire them in the same manner she did her students.
Deciding there was more living to do in this life, in May of 2009, Abby embarked on a very public journey of healing and wellness when she went on NBC's hit reality series "The Biggest Loser." Abby began her journey on the show weighing in at 247 pounds. Despite suffering a stress fracture early on, while on the "ranch" she lost 46 pounds. She then went home utilizing the knowledge she gained and lost an additional 54 pounds to weigh in at 147 pounds at the December finale. Abby feels blessed to have had the opportunity to realize God's grace full circle and feels compelled to share with others what she experienced firsthand. She continues her healthy lifestyle and vigor for life and is a living example that even in your darkest hour, there is always hope.
Working It Out! How Health and Wellness Promotes Spiritual, Emotional, and Physical Healing - See mo
This 45 to 60 minute multimedia presentation focuses on whole health, i.e., mind, body, and spirit. Participants are challenged to look at their lives through a different "lens" to change their perspective and ultimately be empowered to live their best lives.
Hope, Even In Your Darkest Hour: Finding your purpose when life gets you down. - See more at: http:/
This 30 to 60 minute multimedia presentation focuses on how faith allows us to get through even the hardest times. Participants see first hand how God's grace has allowed Abby to move forward despite hideous circumstances. Audience members leave with a sense of hope that they too can know the healing found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
What Defines You?
Participants are encouraged to analyze self-truths to enable them to live purpose-filled, balanced lives. So many times people get bogged down in the day-to-day of surviving that they miss the actual living. Audience members are tasked with reevaluating current self-truths and empowered to know they can find joy despite difficult circumstances.
Triumph Over Tragedy
This 45 to 60 minute multimedia presentation chronicles how Abby's Journey on The Biggest Loser aided in the grieving process. Participants are empowered by knowing they too can find joy despite hard circumstances.
I “See” You! (This speech is geared for administrators, teachers, and support staff.) -
Audience members are challenged to see the world from a new perspective. With current demands on educators, sometimes students get lost in the shuffle. The goal of this presentation is for participants to be empowered to make the ripple effect of their lives great.
The Power of Choice!
This speech is geared for middle school and high school students. This 45 to 60 minute multimedia presentation focuses on student empowerment. Students are encouraged to make good choices regarding drugs and alcohol, making the most of their education, and redefining self truths.
