Displaying items by tag: training
Become a Life-Affirming Specialist
Heartbeat International has developed a professional designation for those working in Life-Affirming Ministries. Having the Life-Affirming Specialist (LAS) designation will provide you with credibility when working with clients. Its purpose is to show that you have studied and are aware of the latest research and findings surrounding life affirming information and training.
A Life Affirming Specialist (LAS) has up-to-date training on information surrounding pregnancy, abortion, abortion recovery, client programs, sexual integrity and other related life affirming issues.
You can receive and maintain your LAS designation through the application process, signing the LAS agreement, and fulfilling the on-going continuing education requirements.
What is a Life-Affirming Specialist?
LAS is a professional designation developed specifically for those serving faithfully in the pregnancy help movement. The LAS designation indicates that the holder has participated in on-going training on the latest information surrounding pregnancy, abortion, abortion recovery, client programs, sexual integrity and related, life-affirming issues.
Why should I want the LAS designation?
The LAS designation behind your name provides you with professional credibility when working with clients. The designation shows that you have studied and are aware of the latest research and findings surrounding life-affirming information and training. Example: Sarah Smith, LAS
Professional Designation
Heartbeat International has developed this professional designation for people working in life-affirming ministries.
Those eligible must have completed the requirements as stated by Heartbeat International.
Life-Affirming Specialist Requirements:
- Person has received HB training: L.O.V.E. Approach, all chapters or attended the New Directors track at Pregnancy Help Institute –OR–If person has not had L.O.V.E. Approach training or attended the New Directors track but can provide proof of training from a ministry that abides by the Commitment of Care and Competence the first requirement has been met.
- Person has two years of consistent experience in a Life-Affirming Ministry: Pregnancy Resource Center, Medical Clinic, Maternity Home, Abortion Recovery, and/or Adoption Agency.
- Person attended the Annual Heartbeat International Conference (14 hours minimum) or future qualified Heartbeat International conference or training. 14 conference hours may come from: Seven hours of key notes, seven hours of workshops and/or seven hours of an in-depth day training. Person has received Heartbeat training: L.O.V.E. Approach training and all chapters completed or completed the New Directors track at Pregnancy Help Institute.
- Must receive a minimum of 14 hours qualified Heartbeat International training every two years to maintain LAS Designation available online .
Designation Fee
The initial $99.00 fee is paid upon application. A Designation Certificate of Completion is mailed to those who meet the qualifications. The bi-annual membership remains in effect for two years from the original date of earned designation. The bi-annual renewal fee is $99.00.
For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Heartbeat Academy
Heartbeat International Academy offers life-affirming leaders, staff members, volunteers, and supporters access to pregnancy help training through various educational formats tailored to the needs of pregnancy help professionals. Webinars provide on-demand training accessible anytime and anywhere with an internet connection, featuring a growing selection of programs at cost-effective prices. Online courses offer customizable options for group instruction or self-paced study, available 24/7 with dynamic, multi-media activities and progress-tracking features. Additionally, Heartbeat Academy hosts live virtual classes each quarter, taught by Heartbeat faculty members. These classes, varying in topic and length, provide in-depth training designed to enhance your expertise over a few weeks.
Learn the difference between a webinar, course, and live class. ▼
Plus, the Academy offers an online Store with a library of previously recorded training and in-depth Manuals.
Essentially, with Academy, we hope to offer a one-stop shop where pregnancy help leaders can access sector-specific training that will help them and their organizations continue to serve their clients and communities with excellence. We recognize the difficulty of trying to research where to go get training on raising funds, leading organizations, and serving clients, while simultaneously doing all of those things so our goal is to come alongside you to make it a bit easier. With our new learning plans feature, it’s even easier to identify what you need to know about any given topic and locate those trainings and resources that you need to raise funds, lead your organization, serve clients, etc. It doesn’t take much effort in today’s age to find a piece of information or training video online, but what sets Academy apart is our training goes beyond social work, Christian counseling, and nursing education, instead offering training and information through a Christian worldview specific to our pregnancy help community. With the expertise that we tap into through our faculty, we’re able to provide sector-specific training which means we’re not just training nurses in the physics and technical stuff on ultrasound, but training nurses to perform ultrasound in a pregnancy help organization as part of the process of building a relationship with that client. Not just the latest information on chemical abortion, but how best to respond to clients in this shortened window of opportunity. Now with our learning plan feature added in, even if you don’t know where to start, and don’t know what you don’t know you have a built-in guidance system of sorts to help make sure you find the right training for you. The short answer is anywhere and everywhere! When Heartbeat Academy was first launched, we focused on creating online coursework and a virtual learning space; that was what we were missing! Since 2020, we've brought those virtual and in-person worlds together so that now by completing the surveys offered onsite you can receive credit for training you’re doing in person with Heartbeat as well as credit for those digital and online training.
Why Academy? ▼
Plus, Affiliates receive 20% in the Academy! Click here to learn more.
What’s in the Academy? ▼
Where does training happen? ▼
How to use the Academy? ▼
With each webinar in the Heartbeat Academy, we now include an affiliate bonus registration for another member of your staff!
Each registration gives you access to the live presentation for yourself AND access for 1 additional person from your affiliated organization to access the recording through Heartbeat Academy! That recording access includes all the benefits of the webinar, including any CEUs offered.
How? Just register for yourself, and when the recording becomes available, you'll have the opportunity to enroll your additional staff member. That's one more benefit of being a Heartbeat International affiliate!
The ABCs of NIPT: Understanding Genetic Counseling in Prenatal Care
Wednesday, August 13 from 12pm - 1pm Eastern Time
Join Caroline Aragón, MS, CGC, for a practical webinar exploring the essentials of genetic counseling and prenatal screening. You'll gain a clear understanding of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), how it works, what the results mean, and the clinical and emotional challenges families may encounter. This session will offer valuable insights for anyone supporting parents through a prenatal diagnosis.
This training offers 1.0 contact hours for nurses who meet all requirements. Heartbeat International is an approved provider through the California Board of Nursing, Provider Number 16061.
10 Things Every Maternity Home Should Track (But Probably Doesn’t)
Wednesday, August 20 from 12pm - 1pm ET
Presented by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition
A data-informed, mission-driven approach to better outcomes. In this practical, fast-paced webinar, we’ll explore 10 crucial data points every home should track—not just for grant writing, but for transformational impact. Whether you’re a seasoned director or just getting started, you’ll leave with tools to measure what truly matters.
You’ll learn:
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Why most homes collect too much of the wrong data
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10 powerful metrics that reveal real-life transformation
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How to start tracking what matters—even with a small team
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What funders, partners, and churches actually want to see
Perfect for: Executive directors, program managers, grant writers, and board members.
Paying Bills and Staying Secure: Effective Accounts Payable Procedures
Wednesday, August 27 from 12pm - 1pm Eastern Time
Presented by Heartbeat International - Tony Gruber, CPA, Controller/Operations & Kinley Nichols, Sr. Staff Accountant
Is your bill-paying process working for you—or against you? In this webinar, you'll learn how small organizations can establish efficient accounts payable procedures that save time, reduce errors, and safeguard resources. Whether you're handling payments yourself or overseeing the process, this session will equip you with tools and internal control strategies to stay organized and protect your organization’s financial integrity.
Featured Courses
Use the links below to explore the different ways you can use the Academy to enhance the knowledge and skills of you and your organization.
Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you need assistance locating your courses or migrating your account to our new home.
Pregnancy Help Institute
Not Your Typical Ministry. Not Your Typical Training.
The Pregnancy Help Institute has provided thousands of pregnancy help leaders with professional training.
Over time, this training has added key elements vital to the pregnancy help movement as services expand.
Next year is no different.
The Pregnancy Help Institute dives deep into core topics that are useful in the pregnancy help movement and life. Organized under four intensive tracks (New Director, Development, and Leadership), the Pregnancy Help Institute integrates executive-level instruction in a small-group environment, where you'll have the unparalleled opportunity to process information and strategies with experts and fellow front-line pregnancy help leaders. (Looking for ultrasound training? Click here!)
Subject Line: A Strategic Investment for Today and the Future of Our Organization Dear Board Members, As we continue to grow and serve more women and families in our community, I want to share with you a training opportunity that I believe is essential to our ongoing strength and success: Pregnancy Help Institute, hosted by Heartbeat International, this July. This is not a typical conference. It’s an intensive, small-group training designed specifically for leaders and team members in the pregnancy help movement. With four focused tracks—New Director, Development, Messaging and Media, and Leadership—Pregnancy Help Institute provides deeply relevant tools for our team members at every stage of ministry leadership. The training is executive-level, yet priced for ministries like ours ($999 for affiliates and just $1,134 for non-affiliates). It includes practical, biblically grounded instruction on strategic planning, development, media communication, board governance, team building, and more. Every session is aimed at strengthening the health and effectiveness of our organization as a whole. Why this matters: This is a one-week investment that brings lasting returns—not just to one team member, but for our whole organization. I respectfully ask that you consider supporting this training opportunity and investing in the future leadership of our ministry. Early-bird pricing ends June 21, and final registration is July 18. I’d love to discuss who might benefit most from attending this year. Thank you for your continued support, prayer, and commitment to building a life-affirming legacy together. In His service,◈ Pro tip: Need help communicating the value of this training to your board? Click here for an email template that highlights why investing in this opportunity matters for your organization and the women you serve.▼
Pricing
SAVE THE DATE!
The New Director Track - for Directors with less than 3 years of experience
"I cannot imagine a more fitting training to kick off this new position. I left challenged, inspired, feeling connected to others in the movement. I am humbled and blessed."
If you have less than three years of experience in directing a life-affirming pregnancy center, medical clinic, maternity home, or nonprofit adoption agency, the New Director training is perfect for you. When you combine the wisdom gained from this training with your calling from the Lord, you are truly prepared to navigate effectively, avoid pitfalls, and increase your effectiveness as a leader. Facilitated by Heartbeat International staff with years of experience in pregnancy help leadership, you'll be in good hands.
Designed for Directors with less than 3 years of experience leading a pregnancy help organization.
Topics include:
- Keys to a Healthy Organization
- Strategic Planning
- Board Governance
- Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, & Training
- Core Client Programs
- Development — Raising Friends and Funds
- Staff Growth & Development
- Energizing Tips to Maintain Focus
The Development Track - for Fundraisers
Advancing development through a more robust understanding of the nature and ministry of development is at the heart of this track. Anyone with responsibility for donor development or a part of the development plan will benefit from this advanced training. Seasoned pregnancy help leader Lisa Stueckemann will provide a comprehensive view of healthy development planning, follow-through, and steps for funding your mighty mission.
Designed for those whose role includes donor development within a pregnancy help organization.
Topics include:
- Biblical Foundations for Fundraising
- Setting Goals and Targets
- Funding Your Mission - Starting and Building
- Creating & Maintaining Monthly Support
- Developing Church Relationships
- Building Major Gift Relationships
- Writing Effective Grants
- Communicating with Financial Partners
- Creating Effective Direct Appeals
- Creating Fundraising Events
The Leadership Track - for Seasoned Leaders
"The leadership track went beyond expectations. For the first time in a long time, I was challenged in the area of strategic thinking, and I learned a lot that I will carry with me through life as a ministry leader, mother, and wife."
Created for seasoned leaders, the Leadership track contains concepts developed by Built to Lead, an executive coaching program that has trained CEOs, presidents, and ministry leaders nationwide. Here, you will learn proven techniques on how to lead effectively both at work and in your personal life and practice those methods throughout the week. Alumni are welcome to return for this track at any point for more training and refreshment!
Designed for seasoned leaders who want to invest in their ministry through leadership development.
Topics include:
- Personal Leadership Development
- Goal Setting
- Team Building
- Leadership Growth (Leading Leaders)
All Training Tracks will have prerequisite work that must be completed before attending the Pregnancy Help Institute. The list of prerequisites will be included in your registration confirmation.
Hotel & Other Helpful Information
Please remember your registration does not include your hotel accommodations. The hotel options listed below are in an area that may be convenient for you.
Within walking distance of the LAUC training facilities:
- Four Points Columbus Polaris | 8505 Pulsar Place, Columbus, Ohio 43240 USA | Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cmhpf-four-points-columbus-polaris/overview/
- Hampton Inn Polaris | 8411 Pulsar Place | Columbus, OH 43240 | 614-885-8400 | Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/cmhpshx-hampton-suites-columbus-polaris/
Within a very short driving distance:
- Hyatt Place Columbus/Polaris | 2006 Polaris Parkway | Columbus, OH 43240 | 614-964-1877 | Website: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/cmhzp-hyatt-place-columbus-polaris
- Hilton Graden Inn Columbus/Polaris| 8535 Lyra Drive, Columbus, Ohio, 43240 |Phone: 614-846-8884| Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/cmhcpgi-hilton-garden-inn-columbus-polaris/
Training Schedule
- Monday, July 21, 2025: Registration and Opening Program starts with a welcome, opening orientation and dinner at 5:00 p.m. at the training facility in Columbus, Ohio.
- Tuesday – Thursday, July 22 through July 24 will include all day sessions (typically 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
- Friday, July 25, 2025: Plan to depart from Columbus no earlier than 2:30 p.m.
Meals
Meals included with registration:
Dinner Monday, Lunch Tuesday – Friday. AM & PM breaks throughout the week. Grab breakfast and coffee at your hotel in the morning.
Cancellation Policy
By Registrant:
Refunds may be issued until 12 a.m. EDT (midnight) June 17, 2025. A 50% refund is available from 12:01 a.m. EDT June 18, 2025, to July 9, 2025, 12:00 midnight EDT. No refunds will be issued past 12:01 a.m. EDT July 10, 2025. Method of refund may require transaction fees. All refund requests must be submitted in writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
5 reasons you need to come to Pregnancy Help Institute
- It’s corporate training at a non-profit cost.
Businesses nationwide use Built to Lead to train CEOs, Presidents, and Boards in Leadership Training. We have partnered with these executive coaches to bring you business training at a price you can afford. - It’s far more dynamic and personal than a conference.
Conferences, specifically the big annual ones, are incredible. There are so many people to meet and so much to learn, but sometimes you need more personalized in-depth training. Pregnancy Help Institute is intentionally sized for an intimate learning environment. Pregnancy Help Institute provides individual interaction and personal feedback to help you grow in your role and increase your effectiveness. - It’s vital to invest in yourself.
"We must all learn to lead ourselves with excellence before we can lead a team towards excellence. In other words, we believe that excellence achieved individually will spread organizationally." - Built to Lead’s Belief - A burst of training can take you a long way.
One week can literally revolutionize your personal leadership as well as grow your knowledge and understanding. Working with trainers and fellow participants over an extended time yields an exponential return on your investment of time. - The relationships you build will be powerful.
There's nothing more powerful than realizing you're not alone, and at Pregnancy Help Institute, you are surrounded by people not only who share your values, but also are close to you on the same journey.
Pregnancy Help Institute training qualifies for the Life Affirming Specialist (LAS) designation.
