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Abby Rike  

Health & Wellness Advocate, "The Biggest Loser" Alum, Author

Abby Rike Rockenbaugh, an inspirational speaker specializing in health and wellness and overcoming tremendous adversity, experienced profound personal tragedy in October 2006 when she lost her husband, 5-year-old daughter, and 2-week-old son in a fatal car crash. Empowered by her faith and dedication, she has transformed her grief into a journey of healing and purpose.

After the accident, Rike pursued further education, earning a Master's of Education degree with a 4.0 grade point average. Her academic success paved the way for a new chapter in her life, which began prominently when she joined NBC's hit reality series "The Biggest Loser." This platform marked a significant step in her public journey of recovery and wellness, allowing her to connect with and inspire a wide audience. Before her television appearance, Rike dedicated 13 years to teaching high school theater and debate, during which she was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2003.

Today, Rike continues to promote a message of hope and resilience. She has spoken to hundreds of audiences, including corporations, hospitals, churches, grief groups, universities, and schools, sharing insights from her personal experiences. Her keynote program, "Hope, Even In Your Darkest Hour," encourages others to find purpose through faith during challenging times. Rike also leads a healthy lifestyle and advocates for holistic wellness, embodying the principles she teaches. Additionally, she has authored the book "Working It Out", published in 2011, which further explores her philosophies on faith, health, and educational success.

Rike remarried in 2011 and now resides in Nashville with her husband, TJ, and their pets. The couple is actively involved in their church community, where TJ serves as a deacon and Rike teaches a Bible study class. Through her speaking engagements and personal interactions, Abby Rike Rockenbaugh continues to be a beacon of hope and an advocate for living fully, even in the face of adversity.

Speech Topics


Working It Out: Do you want to be healed?

This 45 to 60 minute multimedia presentation provides the biblical basis for grieving. Participants are tasked with asking themselves the hard questions so they can move forward in the grieving process.

Working It Out: Creating an environment for teacher and student success

This 45 to 60 minute multimedia presentation is geared for Educators including: 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.

Working It Out: Finding hope, in your darkest hour

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.

Working It Out: How Health and Wellness Promotes Mind, Body, and Soul Healing

This 45 to 60 minute multimedia presentation focuses on whole health. Participants are challenged to look at their lives through a different “lens” to change their perspective on health. Participants are presented with actionable steps to take home to be equipped and empowered to live a healthier life.

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