About Us

Transforming lives, one heart at a time

Our non-profit organization, founded by Elza Spaedy, is dedicated to healing the minds and souls of those affected by assault and abuse through the transformative power of faith and community support. As a survivor herself, Elza understands the profound impact of these experiences and has channeled her journey into creating a haven for others seeking solace and recovery. Our mission is to provide compassionate care, spiritual guidance, and a supportive network to help individuals reclaim their lives and find peace. With the help of our devoted community, we strive to empower survivors and foster an environment where healing and hope can flourish.

Elza Spaedy

Founder, Executive Director

Elza grew up in Brazil as part of a big, lively family with seven brothers and three sisters. Having walked through her own journey of healing from childhood trauma of sexual abuse, Elza now feels called to share her story and help others find hope and restoration. Her faith has become the heart of her mission, and she loves seeing others experience true healing.

Elza is the author of Freedom Through Christ, Healed and Restored, and Spiritual Mentoring. She leads retreats that create safe spaces for women to heal and grow. In 2020, she founded Healed and Restored to support women recovering from all types of trauma, offering encouragement and community along the way.

At home, Elza is happiest entertaining family and friends. She loves preparing a wonderful meal and gathering loved ones around her table to share stories, laughter, and joy. Elza’s warmth and compassion inspire everyone she meets, and she feels blessed to be part of each person’s healing journey.

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Speaking Info Page

Meet Our Board of Directors

Meet our dedicated Board of Directors, committed to guiding our mission and fostering healing for those we serve.

Heidi Bauders

Heidi has been a corporate lawyer for 20 years, specializing in technology and outsourced services transactions. She has served as legal counsel for several nonprofits and is honored to use her expertise to support Healed and Restored in helping women find healing through faith. Heidi lives in Davidson with her husband of 20 years, their two teenage children, and a loving golden retriever.

Gary Breit

Gary has 25 years of consulting experience, managing teams of 10-20 members and overseeing budgets of $50-100M. He is currently the formation leader for the 2021 Welcome Retreat at St. Mark, mentoring 50 men to come closer to Jesus through testimonials and fellowship. Celebrating 25 years of marriage, Gary enjoys communing with God through cooking, hiking, and running.

Kelly Fernandez

Kelly is a devoted supporter of Healed and Restored, because of its mission to lead women to true healing and restoration through the love of Jesus Christ. Rooted in her own journey of faith and healing, she brings warmth, authenticity, and a heart full of hope to everything she does. As a wife, homeschooling mom of three, and active member of her church community, she is passionate about walking alongside others in faith and pointing them to the ultimate Healer—Jesus.

Myrna Cosby

Born in Cuba and raised in Puerto Rico, Myrna enjoyed a successful career with 13
years at IBM and 28 at Wells Fargo, serving in technical, business, and leadership
roles. Now retired, Myrna shares life with her husband of over 30 years in Huntersville, NC. Together, they are the proud parents of four children and grandparents to five. She
remains active in ministry, having served in Faith Formation, Evangelization, Pastoral
Council, and Stewardship at St. Mark Catholic Church, where she currently co-leads the Capital Campaign Follow-Up Team.

Chaplain

Father John Putnam

Growing up in Newton, NC, John was captivated by the 1978 media coverage of Pope Paul VI's death and the subsequent papal elections. Invited to Mass by a local priest at 14, he felt an immediate connection and converted at 16. Ordained in 1992 for the Diocese of Charlotte, he later earned a licentiate in Canon Law from The Catholic University of America. With over 25 years as a Catholic priest, he is now the pastor of St. Mark in Huntersville and serves on the Presbyteral Council, the College of Consultors, and the Diocese Vocations Board.

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Elza Spaedy understands the trauma that many women and girls endure. As a survivor of sexual abuse, Elza aches for them to experience community connection, heart healing, and a safe place to receive both. Healed and Restored is such a place. Their counseling and healing program is designed to help women heal from the devastating effects of physical abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and all other forms of trauma. This impactful ministry is a much-needed healing balm for a hurting population.

Carrie Daunt

Author of Undone: Freeing your Feminine Heart from the Knots of Fear and Shame.