TonniLea isn’t just the host and producer of The Healing Conference—she’s the heart behind it. Her events help people heal from trauma, betrayal, addiction, and hopelessness through faith-based gatherings that create real transformation.
In a recent episode of Success, Motivation & Inspiration on Amazon Fire TV, M. Curtis McCoy sat down with Tonni to explore the mission behind The Healing Conference, how it began, the lives it’s changed, and where it’s headed next.
How The Healing Conference Began
The idea for The Healing Conference came unexpectedly. Tonni Lea was flying home from attending another event when the phrase “The Healing Conference” dropped into her heart. At the time, she hadn’t spoken on many stages. But instead of waiting for opportunities to come to her, she listened to what she believed was a calling from God—and created her platform.
With just six weeks to plan, she launched the first Healing Conference.
Four years later, The Healing Conference has grown into a multi-event movement that has impacted thousands of lives.
Faith is the Foundation
While open to everyone, The Healing Conference is unapologetically faith-based. Her trust in God drives every decision—from speakers to venues.
She says, “God told me it’s about healing the mind, body, soul, and spirit. They’re all connected.”
That’s why the events go far beyond emotional healing. The Healing Conference also includes self-care, nutrition, exercise, and spiritual growth resources and education.
God remains at the center of the vision.
From Pain to Purpose: TonniLea’s Personal Journey
Her passion for healing comes from her battles. In the interview, she spoke openly about dark times in her life, including moments when she felt completely broken.
Her son survived 17 suicide attempts. She hit rock bottom and survived what felt like insurmountable pain. But her faith pulled her through.
She’s not just creating these events for others. She’s walked through the fire herself. And now, she’s reaching back to help others rise.
What Makes The Healing Conference Different
Many events charge speakers to take the stage and offer little value beyond the few minutes they speak. The Healing Conference flips that model.
Here’s what she offers each speaker and sponsor:
- A dedicated search engine-optimized landing page
- High-quality video recordings of their talks
- Blog posts that link back to their websites
- Ongoing visibility from past conferences
This gives participants long-term value. It also increases visibility, strengthens credibility, and improves SEO for everyone involved.
Lives Changed by The Healing Conference
The real power of the conference isn’t in the production value—it’s in the lives changed.
- A young man once sat in the audience, planning to take his life. After attending, he began speaking, podcasting, and building a future.
- A recovering meth addict met TonniLea while ordering a burrito. She came to the event instead of ending her life and is now thriving.
- Two women meant to attend another conference stumbled across the Healing Conference while searching online. They were so moved by past videos that they drove to Colorado Springs and attended in person.
She isn’t just organizing events. She’s creating hope.
Building Community and Real Connection
TonniLea believes healing doesn’t happen in isolation but in the community.
She actively connects people before, during, and after the event. Whether it’s through group chats, social media, or in-person networking, she’s constantly introducing like-minded individuals.
She compared the community to elephants—explaining how female elephants circle the injured and protect them until they recover.
That’s precisely what her events feel like: people circling each other with strength and support.
Selecting Speakers with Purpose
Speakers come from all walks of life, but they share one thing in common: they’ve been through something and grown from it.
She says, “Everybody has a story. I invite those who’ve gone through the fire and come out thriving.”
She looks for people who can offer hope, not just heartache. From those who’ve healed from abuse to experts in oils, herbs, fitness, or nutrition, every speaker is selected prayerfully.
Staying Grounded in Faith
TonniLea clarifies that while the event welcomes everyone, the foundation is always biblical.
She has turned down speakers who are more focused on “energy” or the “universe” in ways that conflict with her values.
She respects all healing journeys but firmly believes that God is the ultimate healer.
Her approach is simple: keep the door open and the mission clear.
Planning Events with Prayer
Before any event begins, She walks the room, praying over every chair, every space, and every soul who will attend.
She says, “I invite the Holy Spirit into the room before anyone else arrives.”
Spiritual preparation is one of the reasons these events leave such a lasting impact. The logistics are planned, but the heart of the event is fully led by faith.
The Value of Sponsorship
Sponsors aren’t just logos on a banner at The Healing Conference.
They receive:
- A dedicated SEO-optimized article and landing page
- Recognition on every speaker and conference page
- Blog mentions throughout the site
- Free event tickets
The sponsorships are built for long-term visibility and high-value branding, not just a momentary mention.
Real Impact vs. Vanity Metrics
She admits, “Sometimes we don’t break even.”
But she doesn’t measure success by ticket sales or attendance numbers. She measures it by stories.
- Who found hope?
- Who made a life-changing connection?
- Who left with a new purpose?
These are the outcomes that matter most.
How the Conference Continues to Evolve
Speakers often begin by sharing their pain. But as they return for future events, their message evolves.
First year: “This is what I went through.”
Later years: “This is what I’ve learned. Here’s how you can overcome, too.”
The conference heals the speakers as much as the audience.
Future Growth and Expansion
Tonni Lea plans multiple events each year, including potential retreats like the upcoming one on Wekiva Island in Florida.
She’s received invites to host conferences in other cities and is praying over each opportunity.
The vision is clear: expand the impact without diluting the mission.
How She Balances Event Planning with Ministry
Tonni Lea sees herself first as a servant. Whether organizing seating or comforting a speaker backstage, she does it all as an act of worship.
She recalls talking with homeless people in Colorado and asking what they needed. One said, “Someone to listen.”
She’s built The Healing Conference to be a space where people are seen, heard, and valued.
Encouraging Those Who Feel Unworthy
TonniLea also addresses those who struggle with self-worth.
Some attendees act out in anger or bitterness. She recognizes these behaviors as signs of deeper wounds.
Her approach is to respond with compassion but also set boundaries, apologize if needed, take ownership when appropriate, always listen, and always care.
Final Advice from Tonni Lea
“If you’re struggling, don’t give up,” she says. “If you’re hurting, reach out. You are not alone.”
She reminds viewers that they can connect directly through her website at TonniLea.com, where tickets are available and conversations are welcome.
She also points out the added draw of Waco, Texas—home to Magnolia, the Dr. Pepper Museum, and plenty of sightseeing for those attending the event in person.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a speaker with a message, a sponsor with a mission, or someone just searching for hope, The Healing Conference is a place where you can heal, connect, and thrive.
Visit TonniLea.com/tickets to join the next event.