District: CHS speaker will focus on kids' challenges, not religion

An upcoming assembly at Coeur d’Alene High School intends to provide messages of hope and healing to a school still struggling from loss, according to a spokesperson from the Coeur d’Alene School District.

Karrie Garcia, who works as a life coach and minister, is currently on her Something New tour with fellow minister Hosanna Wong, but is making a stop in Coeur d’Alene to speak to the students Friday.

In an email, Principal Bret Heller informed parents that Garcia will “be speaking to the students about hope, overcoming adversity and healing.” The email goes on to explain how Garcia speaks from real-life experiences on the impacts of drug addiction, suicide and trauma.

Heller’s email does not specifically mention Garcia’s ministry, which prompted some parents to contact The Press with concerns about religious teachings in school settings.

The homepage for Garcia’s website, www.karriegarcia.com, promotes her work as a life coach and “advocate for misfits who is passionate about proclaiming the freedom that can come from a life surrendered to Christ.” Garcia is also the founder of Freedom Movement, an organization that promotes the empowerment of “now liberated women committed to bringing the truth and love of Jesus Christ to all women so they, too, can walk into a life of victory.”

YouTube videos advertising the Something New Tour invite “women who are unsure about God, who He even is or what He is even about ... This event is for you and for women who are close to God and close to freedom ...”

In a statement to The Press, Scott Maben, the district’s director of communications, said that while Garcia often speaks of her faith in certain arenas, her presentations during public school forums are secular.

“Recognizing the ongoing process of healing at CHS following the suicides in the spring of 2018,” the statement said, “some CHS parents recommended Ms. Garcia to the CHS administration for a school assembly.” The statement emphasized, as well, that Garcia will not reference her religion or faith to the students, nor will she proselytize in any way.

Heller urges at the end of the email that if parents do not want their students to attend the assembly, they may email him at bheller@cdaschools.org. In a call with The Press, Maben said that giving parents a choice to opt out of an assembly is not unusual for certain topics.

“That’s fairly standard,” Maben said. “That’s common. In October, for example, we brought in a speaker who came in and talked about a lockdown during an incident with a school shooter. We gave an opt-out then. We give an opt-out for all assembly students when the topic might be sensitive.”

While Garcia does provide teachings, trainings and literature for a fee, Maben said the speaker is providing her services to the student body for free to the district. Garcia did not respond to Press inquiries.