Staff

Residency Team

Eddie Erwin

Minstry Residency Director & Houston Area Director

Eddie Erwin

Ministry Residency Director & Houston Area Director
Eddie has been in youth ministry for 30+ year and has served in all levels of young people’s ministries with The United Methodist Church. In addition to CYMT, he also is the Director of Student Ministries at Wildwood United Methodist Church and Executive Director for the South Central Jurisdiction and Methodist Youth Ministry Alliance. He lives with his wife, Emily, and three children in Klein, Texas.

Eddie’s Work at CYMT
I oversee the Residency Team at CYMT and coordinate the Youth Ministry Practicum Course. Additionally, I support and care for the residents and coaches in the Houston, Texas area and work to recruit new residents and partner ministries for CYMT.

Contact Eddie at Ext. 103

Nick Guerra

Resident Admissions & Services Director

Nick Guerra

Resident Admissions & Services Director
Nick is an alumni of CYMT. He served at Heartsong UMC, serving youth and families in different roles, for 11 years. Nick felt a call to ministry while receiving degree in Sociology from the University of Memphis. While there, he became passionate about helping people find the sweet spot where their passions and what God is already up to in the world intersect. Where he found this for himself was youth ministry. Newly-wed, he and his wife live in the greater Memphis area with their dog Jack.

Nick’s Work At CYMT
I oversee the Resident admissions process, orientation, and provide support for Residents throughout their CYMT journey.

Contact Nick at Ext. 116

Jessica Hernaiz

Residency and Community Ministry Coordinator

Jessica Hernaiz

Residency and Community Ministry Coordinator
Jessica Hernaiz received a Bachelor of Science in Policy, Planning, and Development with a concentration in Nonprofit and Social Innovation and a minor in International Relations from the University of Southern California (USC). She also received a Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from USC. Jessica has experience working in academia as an academic program administrator. Her mission is to expand access to higher education for minorities and low-income individuals. Jessica enjoys leading worship and loves spending time with her family.

Jessica’s Work at CYMT
Jessica provides logistical support to the CYMT residency, certificate cohorts, and community ministry programs.

Contact Jessica at Ext. 105

Kris Konsowitz

Coaching Director & Memphis Area Director

Kris Konsowitz

Coaching Director & Memphis Area Director
Kris has over 35+ years of experience in youth ministry. Her ministry experience includes serving as the Youth Minister at Collierville UMC in Tennessee. Kris has experience serving in youth ministry at the local, conference, jurisdictional and national level of the United Methodist Church. Kris served as the Director for Young People in Mission for 13 years and served on the ministry team with Breakthru for 26 years. Kris and her husband Bob are originally from Pennsylvania but following three cross country moves they have lived in Collierville, TN for 30 years. Kris and her husband are the parents to three adults children and their spouses and also have three young grandsons. Kris enjoys, reading, traveling, the beach, and time with her family and friends.

Kris’ Work At CYMT
I oversee the Southeast coaching and graduate residents and lend support during the Southeast intensives. I also serve on the recruiting team by recruiting future graduate residents and new churches for the Southeast.

Contact Kris at Ext. 106

Rev. Terence L. Mayo

Community Ministry Director

Rev. Terence L. Mayo

Community Ministry Director
Rev. Terence L. Mayo is an accomplished public theologian, educator, and social impact strategist who strives to co-create change through social justice, critical education, and racial equity. His education career spans various institutions and levels, serving as a secondary teacher, instructional lead, and adjunct professor. In his administrative roles, Terence has significantly contributed to organizational efforts around DEI, anti-racism, and leadership development. He has been a fellow with such institutions as Vanderbilt University’s School of Divinity, Georgetown University, Howard University, and the Institute for Policy Studies. As a Public Theologian, he has worked with organizations such as Bread for the World, Children’s Defense Fund, and the Poor People’s Campaign. Terence holds degrees in Business Administration, Education, and Religion.

Terence’s Work At CYMT
As the Community Ministry Director, I develop and lead programs that equip leaders for ministry in community-based organizations and multicultural church ministries. Support CYMT efforts to develop resources for parents/caregivers and youth in marginalized communities. Expand and diversify CYMT’s relational network and partnerships with individuals and organizations that align with our mission.

Contact Terence at Ext. 103

Christina Moore

Partner Ministry Director & San Antonio/Austin Area Director

Christina Moore

Partner Ministry Director & San Antonio/Austin Area Director
Christina has been involved in youth ministry for twenty years as either a paid youth minister or volunteer. She graduated from the University of Texas, San Antonio in 2006 with a B.S. in Health. Christina is an alumni of the CYMT Graduate Residency, graduating from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2020 with an MAYM degree. She loves devoting time and energy to youth ministry and listening to the needs of youth and young adults. Christina enjoys all sporting events, doing puzzles and being outdoors.

Christina’s Work At CYMT
I oversee and care for the residents and coaches in the San Antonio and Austin regions in Texas. I am also responsible for guiding partner ministries through the application process of CYMT, as well as recruiting future residents.

Contact Christina at Ext. 113

Matt Vaughan

Director of Ministry Leadership Initiatives

Matt Vaughan

Director of Ministry Leadership Initiatives
Matt is from Lawrence, Kansas, known for the Jayhawks (RCJH!). He is an expert skier, a questionable guitarist, and a decent mechanic. Matt emphasizes grace and intentionality in ministry with young people. He holds a B.A. in Architecture from the University of Kansas and an M.A. in Youth Ministry from Southwestern College. Matt is also the founding director of Ministry Leadership Initiative (MLI), a non-profit training organization in Kansas City. He previously served two churches in youth ministry for over 17 years – plus a few seasons in a Teach For America classroom and an architectural firm. He is married to Amy, the kindest person he knows, and they have two boys and a Labrador Retriever.

Matt’s Work at CYMT
I help build certificate training cohorts and professional development events so that youth and children’s ministry leaders might become better equipped and more theologically informed.

Contact Matt at Ext. 109

Resource & Initiatives Staff

Stephen Ingram

Senior Director of Resource Development

Stephen Ingram

Sr. Director of Resource Development
Stephen is a dad, husband, writer, and foodie. He has served in churches since 1998 and also has served as a lead consultant with Ministry Architects since 2009. He lives in Homewood, AL with his wife Mary Liz and their three kids. Stephen has his undergraduate from Samford University where he majored in Religion and his Masters of Divinity from McAfee School of Theology. Stephen is a conference speaker, youth ministry consultant, and author. His books include Hollow Faith: How Andy Griffith, Facebook, and the American Dream Neutered the Gospel, ExtraOrdinary Time: 365 Ordinary Moments with an Anything But Ordinary God; and Organic Student Ministry. Stephen deeply loves working with students and equipping youth ministers, helping both answer the questions: Who am I and why am I here?

Stephen’s Work At CYMT
I work to create as well as enable and empower others to create resources that help youth workers and parents invest in youth.

Contact Stephen at Ext. 111

Meghan Hatcher

Innovation Lab Director

Meghan Hatcher

Innovation Laboratory Director
Meghan holds a Bachelor of Journalism and Master of Science in Sustainable Development & Applied Sociology from the University of Missouri, and a Master of Divinity with a specialization in community engagement from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. The thread that runs throughout Meghan’s academic and professional experiences is the power of story to knit communities together around a collective vision. She is a graduate of The Life Stories Institute in Washington, D.C., and has a tremendous passion for guiding individuals to reflect on their personal stories and the timeless stories of faith. Meghan has served rural, urban, and suburban congregational settings in the areas of pastoral leadership, innovative ministry development, youth ministry, new church development, and community engagement. Meghan makes her home in Austin with her spouse Corey.

Meghan’s Work At CYMT
I direct the strategic and programmatic aspects of the Innovation Laboratory. I establish partnerships with churches, denominations, and organizations; coach participants through our Ministry Transformation Labs; train leaders in the Theological Innovation Process; create curricula and resources; and guide the dissemination of resources and insights related to the Lab’s learnings.

Contact Meghan at Ext. 110

Andrew Mochrie

Theology Together Director

Andrew Mochrie

Theology Together Director
Andrew Mochrie is a CYMT Alum and previously served in congregational youth ministry for over a decade in Georgia, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, and North Carolina. He and his wife EJ, a chef, live in Western North Carolina and they love to spend time trekking around the Blue Ridge Mountains with their two children, Iris and Edmund, and two dogs, Ginger and Olive. You can find Andrew outdoors, reading, rock climbing, or enjoying live music.

Andrew’s Work At CYMT
As director of Theology Together Andrews manages its initiatives and programs. He oversees the Theology Together 2.0 grant project and is charged to develop and execute a plan that creates a sustainable model for Theology Together.

Contact Andrew at Ext. 114

Lindsey Johnson

Innovation Lab Coordinator

Lindsey Johnson

Innovation Lab Coordinator
Lindsey has been involved in youth ministry in formal and informal ways for over 20 years. She has a passion for including student voices in decision making at the congregational level and helping students explore the role they play in the beautiful and diverse tapestry that is God’s kingdom. As an Enneagram 5, Lindsey is always learning and is a bit of a jack of all trades. She could sew you a new outfit, decorate your birthday cake, provide you with an exorbitant amount of random knowledge, and would love to tell you about the benefits of sunlight before noon.

Lindsey’s Work At CYMT
I provide support to faith communities who participate in our Ministry Transformation Lab and who purchase Lab Resources, ensuring they have all the tools they need to be successful throughout their innovation journey. I develop content for the Lab, and assist with virtual workshops and in-person trainings and workshops held by the Lab.

Contact Lindsey at Ext. 101

Alissa Hornbuckle

Resource Coordinator

Alissa Hornbuckle

Resource Coordinator
Alissa currently resides in TN with her husband and three children. She holds an MBA from Marshall University (Go Herd!) and has a background in recruiting, marketing, business development, and events. A lifelong member of the Disciples of Christ Church, she is passionate about important social issues and loves creating new and meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life. Her favorite things are talks over coffee, watching her kids grow, spending time outside, sharing good food and music, and helping others.

Alissa supports the initiatives and programs within Theology Together, focusing on marketing, events, partnerships, and launching new content.

Contact Alissa at Ext. 108

Mark Boggart

Innovation Catalyst

Mark Boggart

Innovation Catalyst
Mark Bogart has the privilege of serving as Director of Youth Ministry at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church in Houston, TX. He has a degree in marketing from The University of Texas (’03) and earned a Certificate of Training Completion from the Allender Center at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. Mark first teamed up with CYMT as Team Coordinator for MDUMC’s participation in the Innovation Lab Cohort (2019-2021). He is passionate about youth culture, creative thinking, and helping students discover and develop a meaningful relationship with Jesus. In addition to sharing life with his wife Becky and son, Jake, Mark loves enjoying music, playing sports, and preparing delicious meals. When Mark grows up he wants to play second base for the Houston Astros.

Rev. Emily Meyer

Innovation Catalyst

Rev. Emily Meyer

Innovation Catalyst
Rev. Emily Meyer is ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Her passions lie in discovering connections, eco-justice, dreaming about what’s next, and liturgical arts. Daily dog walks, evening yoga and gratitudes, and an amazing partner keep her balanced. She serves as executive director of The Ministry Lab, a resource curation, creation, and consultation organization of the MN UCC, MN UMC, and MN PC(USA).

Rev. Wren Clanton

Innovation Catalyst

Rev. Wren Clanton

Innovation Catalyst
Rev. Wren at the age of 15 set out from her childhood home in Talladega, AL to study, explore, and grow. Her travels and training led her to foreign and domestic sites of enlightenment in 10 different countries. In 2009, after finishing her MDiv at Yale University, she followed her calling to begin serving as a pastor in the United Methodist Church-back home in Alabama. Rev. Wren is the Senior Pastor for a vibrant, creative, and constantly innovating congregation in Huntsville, AL where she uses her formal training mixed with personal interests in Photography, Feng Shui, Enneagram, and Dream Analysis as jumping-off points for outreach, evangelism, and spiritual direction.

Operations Team

Rev. Dietrich Kirk

Executive Director

Rev. Dietrich Kirk

Executive Director
“Deech” Kirk has been in youth ministry for 25+ years. He served as the youth minister of Brentwood United Methodist Church for six years before becoming the Executive Director of the CYMT in 2006. He has a Master of Art in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary. He is the author of Raising Teens in an Almost Christian World: A Parent’s Guide and one of the co-authors of Now What? Next Steps in Your New Life with Christ.

Deech’s Work At CYMT
I lead CYMT with the help of our amazing staff and board. I am responsible for overseeing the administration and strategic plan of the organization. What do I really do? I answer questions.

Contact Deech at Ext. 102

Corrie Summerville

Finance Director

Corrie Summerville

Finance/HR Director
After graduating from Auburn University, she moved to Nashville where she has worked in both the public and nonprofit accounting fields. Corrie lives in Franklin, Tenn. with her husband, Joe, and their two sons, Jack and Ben.
Corrie’s Work At CYMT
I can help you with anything related to CYMT’s business finances.

Contact Corrie at Ext. 107

Lindsay Brooks

Operations Director

Lindsay Brooks

Operations Director
Lindsay holds a B.A. in Secondary Education from Clemson University and a Masters in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary through CYMT. She served in full time youth ministry for 12 years before joining the CYMT staff. She loves to cheer on the Clemson Tigers, run outside, drink coffee, and spend time with her family.

Lindsay’s Work At CYMT
I provide operational management to the board and staff and logistical support to all of CYMT’s ministries. I work to find ways for all of our ministries to increase in efficiency and effectiveness.

Contact Lindsay at Ext. 100

Jess Rocco

Marketing and Communications Director

Jess Rocco

Marketing and Communications Director
Jess has a B.S. in Journalism from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and over ten years of marketing experience across a variety of industries. She is passionate about empowering and supporting at-risk youth and vulnerable communities. In her free time, Jess enjoys reading, yoga, and trips to the beach with her dog.

Jess’s Work At CYMT
I create marketing campaigns that help people find and access solutions to their challenges. I also develop communication plans that keep our community connected and engaged.

Contact Jess at Ext. 118

Coaches

Jill Altom

Coach

Jill Altom

CoachJill Altom was in the first graduating class of CYMT in 2008 and has served in Youth Ministry in primarily Episcopal churches for 17 years and has been coaching residents since 2019. Jill graduated from Sewanee with a B.A. in Psychology and completed her M.A. in Youth Ministry in 2012 through Memphis Theological Seminary. She is passionate about community building, sabbath, and story telling. Jill is married to Clayton and has three sons.

Rev. Stacie Ballard

Coach

Rev. Stacie Ballard

Coach
Rev. Stacie Ballard is the Family Life and Children’s Ministry Pastor for the Cathedral of the Rockies. Stacie has been in pastoral ministry since 2008 serving children, youth, and their families and is passionate about partnering with families in the spiritual formation of their children. Stacie and her husband Brad have two daughters, Canyon and Karleigh.

Courtney Blacksten

Coach

Courtney Blacksten

Coach
Courtney is a CYMT alum (Class of ‘12) and has been in youth ministry for 12+ years. She is currently the Director of Youth Ministries at the United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd in Yukon, OK. Courtney graduated from Oklahoma City University with a B.A. in Religion/Youth Ministry and completed her M.A. in youth ministry in 2012. Courtney is married to a United Methodist pastor, Brandon, and they have two daughters, Elsie and Cece. Courtney loves all things Disney, enjoys running, hiking, and playing with her family.

Katie Brown

Coach

Katie Brown

Coach
Katie Brown is on the discipleship staff at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston. Katie desires for everyone to know the love of Jesus and recognize their gifts as they further the Kingdom. Katie obtained a B.A. degree in Elementary Education from The University of Texas at Austin and a M.A. in Youth Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary through CYMT. During her time in college, Katie helped plant LiveOak Church where she felt a call to ministry. Katie has worked in youth ministry. Katie is a formation leader for the Houston residents, CYMT Coach, and to serve on the National Board of CYMT.

Savanah Burch

Coach

Savanah Burch

Coach
Savannah Burch is an Associate Director of Student Ministries at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston, where she’s been serving in ministry for 11 years. Before that, she volunteered at Methodist conference youth camps during college, where she answered the call to youth ministry. Savannah has a B.A. in English Literature from Texas A&M. She loves introducing students to the hope found in Jesus and helping families follow and serve him together. Savannah especially enjoys equipping students to have “aha!” faith moments through studying scripture and pointing them to where God is already at work in their lives. In her free time, Savannah enjoys reading, going on food tours in new cities, and watching old movies with friends.

Rev. Lesleigh Carmichael

Coach

Rev. Lesleigh Carmichael

Coach
Lesleigh holds a B.S. from Auburn University and a Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. For 18 years, Lesleigh served on CYMT’s program staff, first as the Director of Coaching and then as our Sr. Director of the Graduate Residency. She is back doing what she loves as a CYMT coach. She is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Lesleigh also serves as a lead consultant with Ministry Architects.

Alex Cato

Coach

Alex Cato

Coach
Alex is the Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries at St. Martin’s in the Fields Episcopal Church in Columbia, South Carolina. She is a recent graduate of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and CYMT with her Master’s of Arts degree in Youth Ministry. She has been in student and camp ministry for over eight years and is passionate about equipping and empowering youth ministers. She has a heart for creating safe, inclusive spaces for children and youth, and walking alongside them on their faith journeys. She enjoys spending time with her wife and their dog, Sprout.

Kristen Crawford

Coach

Kristen Crawford

Coach
Kristen Crawford is the Youth Minister at W.R. Cannon United Methodist Church in Snellville, GA. She has been serving in youth ministry for the last 15 years in United Methodist Churches in North GA. She earned a M.Div at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2022. Kristen graduated from the University of Georgia in 2011 with an MSW (Master in Social Work) and graduated from Georgia Southern University with a B.S. in Sociology and a Minor in Religious Studies. She is also a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Over the past few years, Kristen took a short hiatus from youth ministry and began providing trauma therapy with primarily children and teenagers, but has returned to youth ministry. Kristen lives in Lawrenceville, GA, with her husband, Kevin and two huskies, Kiba and Luna. She loves traveling, the beach, scuba diving, and a good cup of coffee. She is passionate about supporting other youth pastors as we all work to build communities for our youth to belong. Church is a place where youth learn and grow in the intersection of God’s love and the complexity of the world. There, in that confluence of God, youth, and the world she has found a home where her “passion meets a great need in the world”.

Megan DeHaven

Coach

Megan DeHaven

Coach
Meg DeHaven is a wife, mom of 3, and follower of Jesus Christ. She currently serves as the Director of Mobilization at InFaith and was a youth, children & family director for 14 years. She is passionate about young people and encouraging them in their faith journey.

Conner Fowkes

Coach

Conner Fowkes

Coach
Connor Fowkes graduated from CYMT and Memphis Theological Seminary in 2020. After the program he moved to Memphis and got married to another CYMT Alum! Following his passion for working with youth Connor spent 10 months working with Youth Villages until he transition to his current role. He is currently working at the Memphis Jewish Community Center as the Associate Director of Youth, Camp and Family services.

Adrienne Harrell

Coach

Adrienne Harrell

Coach
Adrienne has been in ministry since 2004. She loves working with young people and giving them a safe place to discover who God created them to be and reminding them of how loved they are. She is currently the Director of Family Ministries at Moody Methodist Church. She has been married since 2006 to her husband that she met through church camp acquaintances. She has been a Mom since 2010 to her son that she can’t believe is now old enough to be in youth group! She has also been a Foster Mom since 2020, hoping to grow her family through adoption.

Rev. Samantha Hassall

Coach

Rev. Samantha Hassall

Coach
Samantha has a Masters of Arts in Youth Ministry from Memphis Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Bethel University. She has been serving youth through the Cumberland Presbyterian Church since 2001, serving churches in TN & KY. She is currently serving the Dyersburg Cumberland Presbyterian Church as the Associate Pastor for Youth & Christian Education. Samantha loves sarcasm, books, laughing, making lists, being outside and her three kids – not necessarily all in that order.

Rev. Ray Haulser

Coach

Rev. Ray Haulser

Coach
Ray has served in student and children’s ministry for over 25 years in volunteer and vocational roles and is currently the Director of Next Generation Ministries at Long’s Chapel UMC in Waynesville, NC. He and Michelle were married in 2005 and they have three children. Ray is a graduate of Solano Community College and William Jessup University and is currently an MDiv student through Duke Divinity School.

Christian Hesling

Coach

Christian Hesling

Coach
Christian, a CYMT alum, lives outside of Philadelphia with his wife Jessica, their twin girls Everly and Whitley, and their adorable boxer puppy, Belle. Christian serves as a student pastor and tech director at the Christian Life Center in New London, PA. Christian loves guitar, karaoke, long-boarding, short walks on the beach, and french toast. Lastly, he is passionate about journeying alongside young people as we all discern how God is actively working in our world and in our lives.

Jim Hinkle

Coach

Jim Hinkle

Coach
Jim is the Executive Minister at Sycamore View Church of Christ, Memphis, TN. He spent 25 years in full-time youth ministry before changing to his current role and has been serving in Memphis since 2005. Jim has had the opportunity to adjunct at several universities and seminaries, and he’s passionate about connecting people from different backgrounds. Jim lives intentionally in an inner city neighborhood in the heart of Memphis. He and his wife, Stacy, have seven children – 4 “bios”, 2 bonus, and 1 adopted.

Rev. Chad Kennington

Coach

Rev. Chad Kennington

Coach
Chad Kennington has been in youth ministry for 15 years. He is from Tuscumbia, Alabama where he serves at Tuscumbia First Methodist Church. He began in youth ministry while working to received his bachelors in Music and Education at The University of North Alabama. He continued on to receive his Master of Arts in Youth Ministry with CYMT. He is passionate about students and music, and he loves spending time with his wife, Grace, and their three sons, Jack, Jon, & Jude.

Rev. Michael LeBlanc

Coach

Rev. Michael LeBlanc

Coach
Michael was born in Boston but was raised in Polk County. He served in youth ministry for ten years and is a graduate of Iliff School of Theology. He is passionate about people and helping them know Jesus. Michael believes the church is how the world will change and he can’t wait to see it happen.

Michael is married to Amanda and they have a daughter who loves princesses and riding her bike.

Kris Lott

Coach

Kris Lott

Coach
Kris Lott was in the first graduating class of CYMT and served as the Director of Youth Ministry at Calvary United Methodist Church for 18 years. Kris is a graduate of University of Tennessee and has a Masters from Trevecca Nazarene University. Kris is a licensed Marriage and family therapist and practices at Brentwood Counseling Associates. Kris is married to Allison and has three daughters, Jenny, Claire, and Molly. When not in school or working, Kris enjoys coaching his daughters’ different teams, playing sports, and relaxing at the lake.

Cynthia McCarthy

Coach

Cynthia McCarthy

Coach
Cynthia was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. As a lifelong Episcopalian, she was involved in EYC, served on the Diocesan Youth Commission, and was the Diocesan representative for the Province VII Youth Commission. After earning a B.S. in Health Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Cynthia moved to Memphis and worked as the Aquatics Director at the Olive Branch Family YMCA.
In 2007, Cynthia was called back to Little Rock and served at the Director of Youth and Young Adult ministries at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. During this time, she earned a Masters in Education in Middle Childhood Education. Upon moving back to the Memphis area in 2011, Cynthia worked for four years as a middle school teacher for Shelby County Schools.

Cynthia is married to Chris and has two sons, Alex, 13, and Sam, . They live in Germantown and have called Holy Apostles their church home for the last 8 years. Cynthia has served as Director of Children and Youth Ministry for the past 6 years.

Natalie Moon

Coach

Natalie Moon

Coach
My name is Natalie Moon and I have been working in youth ministry with my husband, Seth, for the last 17 years. After graduating from the University of Georgia (go Dawgs!), we spent 14 years at Riverchase United Methodist Church in Hoover, AL. We are currently a part of the staff at Canterbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham, AL.

William Parker

Coach

William Parker

Coach
William Parker serves as the Director of Programs at Harvest Hands Community Development. As a Center for Youth Ministry alum, he holds a Masters of Arts in Youth Ministry from Memphis Theological Seminary. William has a passion for youth development and empowering those who have been marginalized from popular culture. When he is not investing in youth, William enjoys basketball, running, and making music.

Rev. Eric Peltz

Coach

Rev. Eric Peltz

Coach
The Rev. Eric Peltz is a husband to Ellen and father of 4 children age 11 and under. He has served churches in Washington D.C., rural Ohio, central Illinois, southern New Jersey, and he’s now proud to be the Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Hampton, Virginia. He also worked as the Performance Director at the technology education start-up Data Protocol. He is Chair of the board of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary and serves as Vice-Moderator on the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia’s Congregational Vitality Team. In his “free” time, he’s usually hauling his family to a museum, festival, zoo or splashpad. When the silence creeps into his home around 9:00pm, he reads about organizational behavior, gets passionate about the newest podcast, and dreams about starting a social enterprise.

Rev. Kevin Portwood

Coach

Rev. Kevin Portwood

Coach
Kevin serves as Pastor of Medina Valley United Methodist Church in Castroville, TX. Kevin is an ordained elder in the Rio Texas Annual Conference. He studied Psychology and Business at UT-Austin before earning a Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School in 2015. Kevin is passionate about seeing the greater Church support new people in ministry and he is excited to partner with CYMT. Kevin is married to Allie, a nurse, and they have two children, Harper and Spencer, and a crazy springer spaniel named River. Kevin likes to play golf, explore nature, solve crossword puzzles, and cheer on teams at UT, Duke and Medina Valley.

Maggie Ridgeway

Coach

Maggie Ridgeway

Coach
Maddie Ridgeway is a youth and young adult director at Paoli Presbyterian Church. She has been in that role since 2021, but it no stranger to Paoli. She attended there as a college student and intern. After a few years she came back to work their part time and has continued her ministry journey there since. She studied youth ministry at Eastern University and plans to begin her masters in Practical Theology at Palmer Theological Seminary in the fall. Over this time, she has overseen multiple interns from Eastern University as well as high school students in Paoli.

Whitney Robinson

Coach

Whitney Robinson

Coach
Whitney Robinson currently serves as the Missioner for Children and Youth Formation for the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. She has just over 15 years experience serving as the director of formation ministries of both children and youth in the Episcopal and United Methodist Churches. She holds a B.A. in Religion from Sewanee: The University of the South, is a graduate of the Education for Ministry (EfM) program, and recently became a Licensed Lay Catechist. She and her husband, Chris, who is an Episcopal priest, live on the MS Gulf Coast with their Boston Terrier, Sweet Pea.

Shelby Ruch-Teegarden

Coach

Shelby Ruch-Teegarden

Coach
Shelby holds a B.S. in Church Vocations from Martin Methodist College and a Masters of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Her ministry experience includes both churches and non-profit organizations throughout Tennessee and the Chicagoland area. Shelby has been serving in both youth ministry and children’s ministry for 9 years. She is married to Austin Teegarden, who is also a youth minister. They also have a sweet puppy named Snips.

Sarah Scott

Coach

Sarah Scott

Coach
Sarah is the Director of Children’s Ministry at Marvin Methodist Church in Tyler, TX. She has experience in music education with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wayland Baptist University. She earned her Children’s Ministry Certification from SMU Perkins School of Theology and served as an instructor for the program in 2023. She leads conferences and workshops and enjoys serving with others in ministry. She has been in children’s ministry and education for 20 years and loves working with kids and families! Sarah also enjoys team building and equipping volunteers. Sarah is married to her high school sweetheart, Lance, and they have one fantastic little boy and two dogs, Henry and Digby!

Rev. Jeremiah Stone

Coach

Rev. Jeremiah Stone

Coach
Jeremiah Stone has been serving at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church as the Pastor of Students since 2017. He is an alumni of CYMT and Memphis Theological Seminary. When Jeremiah isn’t serving the church and hanging out with students he can be found dancing and singing just about anywhere. He and his wife, Allison (who works in administration at the Vestavia Day School!), were actually set up by a former co-worker at VHMC and were married at the church in 2019. Most of his students think they just live at the church.They are expecting their first child, Cash, in May 2023!

Laurie Strawbridge

Coach

Laurie Strawbridge

Coach
Laurie Strawbridge is a 27 year veteran of Children and Youth Ministries. Laurie attended Asbury Seminary and graduated with her Masters in Christian Education in 2002. Laurie has served United Methodist churches in Alabama, Florida, and Texas. Laurie currently serves as the Director of Children’s Ministries at Palm Valley Luther Church (ELCA). She has served in this position since 2015.

Sue Suneson

Coach

Sue Suneson

Coach
Susan Suneson is a certified church educator and spiritual director, currently serving in Garland TX. She has been a church educator for thirty years, serving churches in the Dallas area. The ministry questions that currently fascinate her are: how to do ministry in a multicultural context, and how does the church listen to the deconstructed, the spiritual-but-not-religious, and others who are disenchanted with church?

Sue is married to Mark, a geologist, and has two grown children. She enjoys hiking, gardening, reading, and keeping up with the adventures of her children and the clatter of tortoises who live in her back yard.

Joel Timmons

Coach

Joel Timmons

Coach
Joel Timmons is a Youth Minister serving at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Austin, TX, where he’s been since 2018. In the spring of 2022, he completed his Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He’s currently seeking ordination in the ELCA. When he’s not working, you can find him riding his bike, playing cards with friends, or searching for Austin’s best cheeseburger.

Lisa Vegors

Coach

Lisa Vegors

Coach
Lisa has over 21 years of experience in youth ministry. She has spent those years in Catholic and UMC churches. She graduated from Vanderbilt with a Masters in Theological Studies. Lisa founded and organized “Servio Deo” a Bay St. Louis, MS Mission Trip with 290+ teens and chaperones in 2012. She is wife to Josh, an outdoor enthusiast, an incredible husband and father, and passionate man of faith. Together we have 4 amazing boys, Clark, Elijah, Jonah Patch, and Graceson. Lisa has a lot of leadership and ministry experience in a variety of intercultural contexts. Overall, Lisa hopes to bring teens, their families, and youth ministry volunteers closer to Christ and aims to help develop infrastructure within the Church that can sustain long term healthy youth ministry.

Adam Witter

Coach

Adam Witter

Coach
Adam Witter has been serving in ministry for almost fifteen years now. Adam grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA, where he heard the call to ministry while in high school after leading middle school students as a student leader. He has worked as a youth pastor at various churches in the Atlanta area and is currently serving as a Children’s & Families Pastor.
He believes there is no better way to lead the next generation to Christ than through the local church. To that end, he feels that it is crucial to disciple the next generation to continue on its legacy. It is his desire that kids & students have a faith that sticks after graduation, and believes this is done best through an authentic gospel presentation, mobilizing young people in the church through service, and a partnership with parents.
Adam holds a B.S. Ed. in Business Education from the University of Georgia, a M.Div. from Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and is accredited as a ministry coach through the Center of Advanced Coaching.
Adam his wife Brooks, have two children, Norah age 5 and Judah age 1.

Jason Woodall

Coach

Jason Woodall

Coach
Jason has been involved in youth ministry for 17+ years. He was in the CYMT Class of 2010. During his time with CYMT he was placed at Winchester FUMC where he has been serving since 2008! Jason also coaches the Cross Country, Track & Field distance athletes at Franklin County High School and coaches Crossfit. He also enjoys Marvel movies, working out, hiking ,and long walks on the beach in what little free time he has!

Rev. Terence L. Mayo

Coach

Rev. Terence L. Mayo

Coach
In addition to being a coach, Terence is CYMT’s Community Ministry Director. Terence is an accomplished public theologian, educator, and social impact strategist who strives to co-create change through social justice, critical education, and racial equity. His education career spans various institutions and levels, serving as a secondary teacher, instructional lead, and adjunct professor.

In his administrative roles, Terence has significantly contributed to organizational efforts around DEI, anti-racism, and leadership development. He has been a fellow with such institutions as Vanderbilt University’s School of Divinity, Georgetown University, Howard University, and the Institute for Policy Studies. As a Public Theologian, he has worked with organizations such as Bread for the World, Children’s Defense Fund, and the Poor People’s Campaign. Terence holds degrees in Business Administration, Education, and Religion.

Emily Nelson Dixon

Coach

Emily Nelson Dixon

Coach
Emily Nelson Dixon is the Director of Youth and Family Ministries at Rolling Hills Church in Overland Park, KS. She has been working in youth and children’s ministries since 2000. Emily is passionate about helping young people understand that they are loved by God, just as they are. She is an ally who is open and affirming.

Emily has been teaching and coaching youth ministers since 2014 and loves helping others hone their God-given strengths in their ministry settings. She was a musical theatre major in her undergrad studies and also went to Columbia Seminary and received a certificate in Youth Leadership. She and her spouse have three children that they think are pretty cool.

Formation Leaders

Rev. Robin Blakemore

Formation Leader

Rev. Robin Blakemore

The opportunity to walk with people as they realize God’s love and discover and use their gifts in ministry is the passion that motivates Robin’s ministry in the church. For over 20 years served in youth ministry in a variety of contexts, with a particular interest in spiritual formation and intentional discipleship. An ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Robin serves First Christian Church in Birmingham as Associate Minister.

Lindsay Brooks

Formation Leader

Lindsay Brooks

In addition to being a Formation Leader, Lindsay is CYMT’s Operation Director. Lindsay holds a B.A. in Secondary Education from Clemson University and a Masters in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary through CYMT. She served in full time youth ministry for 12 years before joining the CYMT staff. She loves to cheer on the Clemson Tigers, run outside, drink coffee, and spend time with her family.

Katie Brown

Formation Leader

Katie Brown

Katie Brown is on the discipleship staff at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston. Katie desires for everyone to know the love of Jesus and recognize their gifts as they further the Kingdom. Katie obtained a B.A. degree in Elementary Education from The University of Texas at Austin and a M.A. in Youth Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary through CYMT. During her time in college, Katie helped plant LiveOak Church where she felt a call to ministry. Katie has worked in youth ministry. Katie is a formation leader for the Houston residents, CYMT Coach, and to serve on the National Board of CYMT.

Rev. Heather Hanson

Formation Leader

Rev. Heather Hanson

Rev. Heather Hansen is an experienced congregational pastor, youth minister, campus pastor, and mom, serving in a variety of roles related to these categories since December of 1992. She received a B.S. from Texas A&M in 1995 in Biomedical Science, and a teaching certificate for secondary science at the same time. She then went on to study at Luther Seminary, receiving a MA in Children Youth and Family Ministry in 2004 and a MDiv in 2015. And finally, Pastor Heather was ordained October 17, 2015 as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA.

Straight out of college, Pastor Heather began a lifetime vocation of youth ministry in a number of settings on the local church, synod, and national levels. She has also taught at Texas Lutheran University in the Theology department with a focus on the youth ministry concentration that the school awards to some Theology majors. Currently, Heather serves as the called campus pastor for Lutheran Campus Ministry – San Antonio, and as contract associate pastor for Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, San Antonio.

Heather is a lover of the outdoors, animals, and her very dear family; spouse Mark and two children Hannah and Alex. In her “spare time” she is also working on the development of a non-profit called Red Hawk Ranch, which, when in full operation, will serve as an organization deeply rooted in her theology of creation/nature to help youth, adults, families and communities reconnect with their relationship to the outdoors in a way to preserve health and wholeness for people and the environment.

Regine Jean-Baptiste

Formation Leader

Regine Jean-Baptiste

Regine Jean-Baptiste is the founder of Arise to Grow (www.arisetogrow.com), an online community for those seeking to discover, develop and demonstrate faith. She has pastored in the United Methodist Church, overseen the Christian education department for a non-denominational church, and served as an Adjunct Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Saint Xavier University. Regine has lived as a missionary in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Haiti where she served as the Executive Director of Lighthouse LANDS, a nonprofit, working to overcome hunger and poverty through education and empowerment of women and children. She loves to write, having published, and authored five books including Power Words for a Power Life.

Regine is a 2019 United Nations Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent Under 40 Years Old, a Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar, and a NJIT Women Center’s Female Leader of the Year. She holds a Masters of Divinity from Duke University. Regine currently resides in Chicago, IL.

Rev. Dr. Delesslyn Kennebrew

Formation Leader

Rev. Dr. Delesslyn Kennebrew

Rev. Dr. Delesslyn Audra Kennebrew, J.D., M.Div. is a Visionary Strategist, Faithful Innovator, Inspirational Essayist, Preacher, and Foster Mom. For 15 years, she has worked to give life to the vision and mission of local churches as well as organized and spoken at ministry conferences, retreats, worship services, and other community events. Dr. Kennebrew has a passion for helping churches to discern, discover, and develop what’s next. She is founder of The WOVEN Network and co-founder of The Orchid Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit which exists to invest in the lives of girls in Africa by meeting a basic need to promote healthy personal hygiene and cultivate positive self-esteem. She is the founder of The Living Room Christian Fellowship – an online ministry gathering on Facebook Live every Thursday evening and hosts Kids Korner Radio program every Sunday evening for the last ten years. She currently serves as the Regional Minister for Ministry Innovation in the Greater Kansas City Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she gives leadership to church planting, congregational transformation, ministry innovation, and church affiliation. Delesslyn has started writing groups, facilitated writing workshops, and has written over 400 blog posts for her blog, Salvation and Stilettos hosted at www.SpiritedConcepts.net. She is also the author of two books: Step Out of the Boat: An Invitation to Walk on Water and The Power to be PERFECT: A Collection of Reflections on Spiritual Perfection. She is a proud graduate of Loyola University New Orleans (B.A. Mass Communications), the University of Arkansas School of Law (J.D.), Emory University – Candler School of Theology (M.Div.), and Columbia Theological School (D.Ed.Min., Doctor of Educational Ministry).

Dr. Darrell Pearson

Formation Leader

Dr. Darrell Pearson

Darrell Pearson is the former Associate Professor of Youth Ministry at Eastern University. He taught at Eastern for 23 years following ministry positions in the local church (First Presbyterian, Colorado Springs, CO), and in para-church ministry as well (founder and presenter, Wild Truth Events). His B.S. in Psychology was from Colorado State University, his M.Div. from Bethel Theological Seminary, and his D.Min from Palmer Theological Seminary.

Dr. Pearson’s writing credentials include a number of curricular items mostly focused in Jr. High/Middle school Ministries areas from Zondervan Publishing and David C. Cook. He speaks frequently at youth events and retreats for local churches, and also is a volunteer at Evangelical Formosan Church of Philadelphia where he is involved in multi-cultural youth ministry. He lives with his wife in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and has three grown adult daughters and three grandchildren.

Shelley Walters

Formation Leader

Shelley Walters

Shelley Walters serves as the Director of Faith Development at Saint John’s United Methodist Church in Austin. She’s been in ministry for 17 years in a variety of roles, including at Trinity Church of Austin, University United Methodist Church in Austin, and Holy Trinity Barkingside in London, UK. Shelley earned her Bachelors in Religious Studies at the University of Texas, and a Masters of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Over the years she has taught youth and adult classes, coordinated worship for conferences, and developed curriculum. Shelley has led local and national workshops in worship design, intergenerational ministry, retreat planning, and spiritual practices.

Shelley lives in Georgetown with her husband and enjoys watercoloring, getting lost in local bookshops, and finding new labyrinths to walk.