Staff

Executive Leadership

Dietrich Kirk

Executive Director

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.

Lesleigh Carmichael

Graduate Residency Sr. Director

Lesleigh Carmichael

Graduate Residency Senior Director
Lesleigh holds a B.S. from Auburn University and a Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. Lesleigh oversees the national coaching, care, church and practicum components. She has been with CYMT from the beginning and was part of the original staff in launching CYMT. She is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Lesleigh also serves as a lead consultant with Ministry Architects.

Lesleigh’s Work At CYMT
I oversee the national coaching, care, church and practicum components of our Graduate Residency Program.

Stephen Ingram

Sr. 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.

Graduate Residency Team

Lesleigh Carmichael

Graduate Residency Senior Director

Lesleigh Carmichael

Lesleigh’s Work At CYMT
I oversee the national coaching, care, church and practicum components of our Graduate Residency Program.

Kris Konsowitz

Coaching Director

Kris Konsowitz

Coaching 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.

Nick Guerra

Resident Admissions & Services Director

Nick Guerra

Recruiting Coordinator
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.

Jeremy Simpson

Community Ministry Director

Jeremy Simpson

Community Ministry Director
Jeremy Simpson has been involved in ministry for over 25 years, having served as an organist, worship leader, choir director, campus minister, youth and lead pastor. He is passionate about creating wide spaces for diversity, equity and justice. An alumnus of Kuyper College and Western Theological Seminary, he holds certifications in worship studies and diversity and inclusion coaching. He engages in the work of multicultural ministry as a diversity and belonging coach. He also supports the global church as Supervisor of Race Relations and Advocacy for the Reformed Church in America.

Jeremy’s Work at CYMT
I connect with our residents serving in non-profit contexts, and create space for conversation to journey alongside all our students and provide support to our BIPOC community.

Tiffany Malone

Recruiting Coordinator

Tiffany Malone

Recruiting Coordinator
Tiffany has spent 9 years working as a Youth Minister and she is an alumni of CYMT. Tiffany is passionate about helping build strong Youth Ministries that provide places for youth to grow and belong. She believes in the mission of CYMT because she believes that CYMT helps churches build sustainable youth ministries and empowers Youth Ministers to live out one’s calling.

Tiffany’s Work At CYMT
I am responsible for recruiting new residents and assisting churches in the partner church application process.

Christina Moore

Area Coordinator

Christina Moore

San Antonio/TX Area Coordinator
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 is an Area Coordinator for CYMT in the San Antonio Texas area and coaches Residents in the program. 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, Texas area and work to recruit new residents and partner ministries for CYMT.

Jonathan Hobbs

Area Coordinator

Jonathan Hobbs

Philadelphia Area Coordinator
Jonathan has worked in professional ministry for almost 25 years, including churches in New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania. He has spoken for multiple camps and retreats around the country. He co-authored Don’t Do This, which is full of youth ministry failure stories and what we can learn from them. He contributed to Youth Ministry in This Season of Disruption and regularly contributes to the Youth Specialties blog. Jonathan grew up in Eagleville, Pennsylvania. Jonathan can skillfully juggle two balls and does a halfway decent impression of Kermit the Frog. Jonathan and his wife Carolyn live just outside of Philadelphia, PA with their two beautiful daughters, Kaylin and Julia.

Jonathan’s Work at CYMT
I oversee and care for the Residents and coaches in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area and work to recruit new residents and partner ministries for CYMT.

Meghan Dever

Area Coordinator

Meghan Dever

Austin Area Coordinator
Meghan is a graduate of Baylor University with a BA in Radio, Television, and Film, and is currently seeking her Master of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary. Meghan has a passion for working with youth and making sure they are provided with a safe and inclusive space to learn about and share God’s love. She currently serves as the Youth Ministries Director at United Christian Church of Austin. Meghan is the mother of two teenage boys and one feisty rescue dog. In her spare time, Meghan enjoys hiking with her kids, baking bread, and playing board games.

Meghan’s Work at CYMT
I oversee and care for the Residents and coaches in the Austin, Texas area and work to recruit new residents and partner ministries for CYMT.

Eddie Erwin

Area Coordinator

Eddie Erwin

Houston Area Coordinator
Eddie has been in youth ministry for 20+ years. He is the Executive Director of the Methodist Youth Ministry Alliance.

Eddie’s Work at CYMT
I oversee and care for the Residents and coaches in the Houston, Texas area and work to recruit new residents and partner ministries for CYMT.

Resource & Initiatives Staff

Stephen Ingram

Senior Director of Resource Development

Stephen Ingram

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.

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. Meghan has 12 years of experience serving rural, urban, and suburban congregational settings in the areas of pastoral leadership, youth ministry, new church development, and community engagement. She has a passion for reaching young people, revitalizing churches, and helping everyone find their place in God’s Big Story. Meghan lives in Austin with her husband Corey.

Meghan’s Work At CYMT
I direct the strategic and programmatic aspects of the Innovation Laboratory. I also establish partnerships with churches and organizations, coach participants through the Lab’s cohorts, and guide the development and dissemination of resources related to the Lab’s learnings.

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.

Lindsey Johnson

Initiative Admin & Communications Coordinator

Lindsey Johnson

Initiative Admin and Communications 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. She is currently finishing a B.S. in Integrated Studies with emphasis in Leadership and Administration at Middle Tennessee State University. 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
Lindsey provides support for the Innovation Lab, ensuring that Lab participants have the tools they need to be successful in the innovation process.

Operations Team

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.

Michael Hurst

Director of Donor Engagement

Michael Hurst

Director of Donor Engagement
Michael is a married father of three girls. He previously served on the local Nashville CYMT Board and has many fond memories of his youth group at Brentwood United Methodist Church. Michael has traveled the country in his business development career and is excited to be able to contribute his relationship building skills with CYMT.

Michael’s Work At CYMT
Michael is currently directing the donor engagement space of CYMT. He is interested in sharing the CYMT “story” and connecting with others that believe in the mission.

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.

Katie Thompson

Communications Director

Katie Thompson

Development Associate
Katie studied Anthropology & Nonprofit Studies at George Mason University. She is passionate about purpose-driven work and has over 7 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Previously, she worked with organizations focused on human rights and international development. She is originally from the suburbs of Washington D.C., and moved to Nashville in 2015, where she continues to uncover the best spots for live music and good coffee.

Katie’s Work at CYMT
I tell the story of CYMT’s impact through communication, fundraising, and marketing efforts.

Professors

Rev. Dr. David White

Professor of Christian Education & Youth Ministry
Rev. Dr. David White joined the faculty of Austin Theological Presbyterian Seminary in 2005. Prior to his appointment, he was Visiting Assistant Professor of Youth and Education and Associate Director of Research for the Youth Theological Initiative at Candler School of Theology, Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. From 1997-2002 he was executive director of the Youth Discipleship Project at Claremont School of Theology, a research project exploring alternative approaches to work with youth and with congregational discernment. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Bethany Theological Seminary, the Claremont School of Theology, and Columbia Theological Seminary. Ordained in the United Methodist Church, White served United Methodist churches across the country.
His publications include Dreamcare: A Theology of Youth, Spirit, and Vocation (Cascade, 2013), Awakening Youth Discipleship in a Consumer Culture (Cascade, 2007, coauthored with Brian Mahan and Michael Warren), Practicing Discernment with Youth (Pilgrim Press, 2005), and his newest book, Joy: A Guide for Youth Ministry (2020).

Dr. Andrew Zirschky

Professor & CYMT Initiatives Consultant
Andrew has more than 20 years of congregational youth ministry experience and holds an M.Div. and Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is the author of Beyond the Screen: Youth Ministry for the Connected but Alone Generation and Teaching Outside the Box: Five Approaches to Opening the Bible with Youth. As the father of two adolescents, he has both a passion and vested interest in helping students creatively re-imagine youth ministry for a new generation.
Andrew’s Work At CYMT
I am a professor at CYMT’s partner seminary, Austin Seminary, and am Intiative Consultant for CYMT’s Innovation Laboratory. I help develop new ideas and direction for the lab and its participants.

Coaches

Jill Altom

Coach

Jill Altom

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.

Don Carlson

Coach

Don Carlson

Coach
Don Carlson is new to Texas arriving to All Saints’ Episcopal Church in September of 2019 as Children and Youth Minister but brought over 20 years of experience with him in the Episcopal Church and non-profit world.
Don started his church career as a Junior Choir Director and soon fell in love with building programs and preparing and equipping volunteers with the gifts to lead Christian Formation and Youth Programs.
He has done over 18 youth mission trips in the USA believing that the need to help others is right in our backyard. He has worked for both the Girl and Boy Scouts and seen their excellent leadership programs excel in youth and volunteers and been part of opening a non-profit shelter for the homeless. He also served as a General Convention Deputy in 2006 and was a part of electing the first woman Presiding Bishop.

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 is currently working towards completing a M.Div at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. 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, Kaila and Kiba. 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”.

Rev. Amanda Crice

Coach

Rev. Amanda Crice

Coach
Amanda has a huge heart for ministry with youth. In her career she has worked in three different states as a middle school teacher, a volunteer youth worker, a part time youth director and a full time youth director. She graduated from Candler School of Theology in May 2016 with a Master of Divinity and was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in June of 2019. For five years she has served as director of the UTM Wesley Foundation alongside duties on the Memphis Conference Youth Leadership team. She now serves as the pastor of Martin First United Methodist Church.

Rev. Joanna Cummings

Coach

Rev. Joanna Cummings

Coach
Joanna Cummings is a writer, innovator, ordained United Methodist pastor, creator of A Sacred Home (asacredhome.com) and CYMT alumni. Joanna is the Pastor of Children and Families at East End United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN. She’s been leading children’s, youth, family and intergenerational ministry for over 15 years. Joanna believes in developing and equipping intentional, theologically-rich and engaging faith formation in the local church and in the home. Joanna lives in Nashville with her husband, son and their rescue dog. She enjoys waterfall chasing, gathering around the table with friends and neighbors, nurturing her houseplants and the crispy edges of brownies.

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.

Joshua Gill

Coach

Joshua Gill

Coach
Joshua Gill was born in Lockport, New York. In 2002 he graduated from Eastern University with B.A. in Youth Ministry. Upon graduation he began working at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Malvern, PA as the Director of Youth Ministries. In 2007, Josh earned an M.S. in Non-Profit Management and in 2013 he earned a Masters of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary.
Josh was ordinated in 2013 at Covenant Presbyterian Church where he remained on staff until July of 2014. In 2014 he joined the staff of Doylestown Presbyterian Church as the Associate Pastor of Youth and their Families. In 2019 he moved to York, PA as Pastor of Eastminster Church. Josh has also been published in the peer reviewed Journal of Youth Ministry, the Youth Worker Journal, and Youth Ministry 360. His interests include building thriving youth ministries, leadership development, and integrating students with disabilities into the youth ministry context. He has taught at several area churches and conferences including the annual Messiah Youth Workers Convention, the Parish Resource Center, and the Engage Conference. In his spare time Josh enjoys hanging out with family and friends, cooking on his smoker, and wood working.

Jae Gottam

Coach

Jae Gottam

Samantha Hassal

Coach

Samantha Hassal

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.

Christian Hesling

Coach

Christian Hesling

Coach
Christian, a CYMT alum, lives outside of Philadelphia with his wife and high school sweetheart, Jessica, 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’s been in full-time ministry for 25 years 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 the mind and heart in ministry. Jim lives intentionally in an inner city neighborhood in the heart of Memphis with his wife, Stacy, and their six children.

Regine Jean-Baptiste

Coach

Regine Jean-Baptiste

Coach
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.

Chad Kennington

Coach

Chad Kennington

Coach
Chad Kennington has been in youth ministry for 13 years. He is from Tuscumbia, Alabama where he serves at Tuscumbia First United Methodist Church. He began in youth ministry while working to received his bachelors in Music and Education at The University of North Alabama. He was licensed as a pastor in the United Methodist Church and 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.

Julie LaFosse

Coach

Julie LaFosse

Coach
Julie has been in youth & children’s ministry over 20+ years. She attended Perkins school of Youth Ministry at SMU and obtained Certification in Youth Ministry. Julie currently serves as Director of Student Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Pineville, Louisiana. Julie also serves as Youth Ministries Strategist for the Louisiana Annual Conference.

Julie and her husband, Tim, have been married for 32 years. They have two grown, married children and four amazing grandchildren. Tim & Julie love to cruise, spend time with family & their dogs Coco & Cookie.

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.

Jeff Milton

Coach

Jeff Milton

Coach
Jeff entered the ministry because he desires to help individuals close the gap between their life as it is, and their life as they desire it to be, specifically in their experience and relationship with God. He wants to help individuals know God more fully, to be more authentically themselves, and to make an impact in the world.
Jeff has his master’s degree in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership through Friends University, with degrees in sociology and psychology from Baker University. Jeff has been involved in Christian ministry for the past decade, serving in youth ministry positions at large and small Methodist churches, with his focus centered on mentoring youth and engaging them in both local and international missions.
Jeff enjoys reading, coaching group fitness classes, photography, traveling, and soaking in the beauty of nature. Everyday he is beyond thrilled and humbled to be married to his wife of five years, Caroline, and their two-year old son.

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.

Linda O’Donnell

Coach

Linda O’Donnell

Coach
Linda O’Donnell is the Director of Youth Ministries at Faith United Methodist Church in Richmond Texas. I have been in my current position since 2005 and have a deep passion serving the Lord by loving His youth. I have a son Doug who is married to Lianne with two children, Evelyn and Davis and they live in Fulshear. My daughter Mandy is in ministry in College Station. I am ever thankful that God has never given up on me, used me in ways I could never have imagined and guides me home to Him always.

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.

Eric Peltz

Coach

Eric Peltz

Coach
Eric Peltz is a husband to Ellen, father of 4 children under age 8 (Theo, Henry, Eliza, and Waverly) and Associate Pastor at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. where he has worked with the church’s Mission, Youth, Deacons, Connections, Outreach, and Christian Formation ministries since 2015. From 2011-2015 he served as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in the rural town of Defiance OH, and he’s been involved in big and small churches in Joliet IL (his hometown), Bloomington-Normal IL, Michigan, and New Jersey. He graduated from Wheaton College in 2008, received his MDiv at Princeton Theological Seminary in 2011, and is pursuing his DMin from Lexington Theological Seminary.

He serves on the board of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, chairs the Transformation Team of the National Capital Presbytery’s Church Development Committee, and uses his International Coaching Federation training to coach pastors and C-Suite executives.

In his free time, he’s usually hauling his family to a museum, festival, zoo or splashpad in the DMV. When the silence creeps into his apartment around 8:30pm, 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.

Kathy Rios

Coach

Kathy Rios

Coach

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.

Cole Seaman

Coach

Cole Seaman

Coach
Cole Seaman serves is the Director of Student Ministries at New Hanover UMC. Before serving at NHUMC, Cole worked for 7 years at a church in West Chester. He graduated from Eastern University with a double major in Biblical Studies and Youth Ministry. He enjoys working with teams, students and cares deeply about their spiritual journeys. A passion of Cole’s has been working with interns in his ministries to help them gain the necessary experience they need to jump into their role post-graduation. Cole is married to his wife, Gina and they live in Gilbertsville, PA. They love spending time with their families, taking trips to the beach, hiking, and traveling to new places.

Rev. Jeremiah Stone

Coach

Rev. Jeremiah Stone

Coach
Jeremiah Stone is a licensed local pastor serving in the North Alabama Conference at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church as the Pastor of Students. He is a graduate of Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL. He graduated from CYMT and Memphis Theological Seminary in May of 2020. When Jeremiah isn’t serving the church and hanging out with students he can be found dancing and singing just about anywhere. He recently married the love of his life, Allison and is looking forward to starting a family in the future.

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.

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.

Valerie Vogt

Coach

Valerie Vogt

Coach
Valerie Vogt

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.

Rev. Whitney Waller

Coach

Rev. Whitney Waller

Coach
Whitney Waller is a profound extrovert and nice enough Enneagram 8 who has probably been asked to use her inside voice at least three times already, today. Whitney serves as a pastor in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and strives to share the good news of God’s justice and joy. She is also a mom to a tornado of a toddler, Josie, who is simply the best.

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!