Andrew Zirschky

Andrew holds an M.Div. and a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. He oversees the development of our academic program and also teaches many of our youth ministry courses offered through Memphis Theological Seminary. He
has 20 years of ministry experience as a youth and college minister at churches in Idaho, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. He has also been named a Timothy Scholar by the United Methodist Foundation for Evangelism based upon his research emphasis in youth and young adult ministry.

Email Andrew

Kate Unruh

Kate holds an M.Div and M.A. in youth ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary, where she is also a Doctoral Candidate in practical theology.  Kate co-directs the Innovation Grant and teaches education and formation at Memphis Theological Seminary. Her research interests include youth ministry, confirmation, and the intersection of youth, faith, and culture. Kate is married to Kyle, an architect. When they are not chasing around their two young children, they like to travel, cook, and watch KU basketball.

Email Kate

Lindsay Brooks

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 to manage our major events.  She loves to cheer on the Clemson Tigers, run outside, drink coffee, and spend time with her family.

Email Lindsay

Dea Wathen

Dea Wathen is the Recruiting Coordinator at CYMT. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kentucky Wesleyan College and then went on to graduate with a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry from Memphis Theological Seminary through CYMT. Prior to coming on board with CYMT, she worked as a Youth Minister in Fayetteville, TN as part of CYMT’s Graduate Residency. Shelives in Louisville, KY with her husband David and son Davis. Dea loves running, talking about life, and exploring coffee shops. She would love to connect with you to help promote the mission of CYMT!

Email Dea

Tiffany Malone

Tiffany is an alumni of the Center for Youth Ministry Training. She graduated from the Northeast Nazarene University and Memphis Theological Seminary. She is the youth minister at Hope UMC in Denver, Colorado.

Email Tiffany

Chad Kennington

Chad Kennington has been in youth ministry for 12 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 son, Jack.

Email Chad

Jae Gottman

Jae Gottman is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He earned his Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and his B.A. in Biology from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. He has served two congregations in his 20 years of ministry. He served as Senior Minister at Century Christian Church in Owensboro, KY, and then as Lead Minister at First Christian Church in Paducah, KY.  J. is married and has two children in high school – one a senior and the other a freshman.  He enjoys traveling, good food, movies, and thriller novels.

Email Jae

Dee Wells

Dee Moore Wells is a third generation Disciple minister and has spent many years at Bethany Hills as a counselor or director of camps. She earned her Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. and is serving as Senior Minister at First Christian Church in Livingston, Tenn. She is married to Al Wells, and they live together on a 10 acre mountainside with dogs, cats, a brood of chickens and a host of goats. She has two children, David and Dana, and two grandchildren, Lizzy and Clay. Dee enjoys camping, boating, golfing, backpacking, entertaining friends, vegetable gardening, watching good movies, and reading.

Email Dee

J Nelson

J Nelson has been the Director of Youth Ministries at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi since August 2013.  J initially began working in youth ministry while in college at Mississippi State University, continued throughout his time studying at Wesley Biblical Seminary and is approaching nearly 18 years in the field all directly associated with the local church. Specific to youth ministry, J has an affinity for Middle School ministry, the creative process and how it can shape what we communicate, as well as one-on-one discipleship opportunities.  J lives in Madison, Mississippi with his wife, Wesley, and their three children.

Email J

Robert Mercer

Robert Mercer is the Family Formation Pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham Alabama.  Robert works with the youth and children staff and leads the confirmation program.  He began working with students in college where he was also known as “Southpaw” the Mascot of the University of South Alabama. Robert has over twenty years experience working with students and families. He was ordained in the United Methodist Church and did his seminary work at Memphis Theological Seminary. Robert is married to Dr. Tracey Mercer and they have two children, Drew and Hannah.

Email Robert

Lisa Long

Lisa Long is the Middle School Pastor at Belmont Church in Nashville where she has served Belmont’s Mosaic Youth for nearly six years. She has walked with the group through two youth pastor transitions; during the last transition she served as Interim Youth Pastor for a little over a year. Lisa earned a Doctor of Divinity from Tabernacle Bible College & Seminary where she is pursuing her Ph.D. She has 20 years of experience as an ordained minister. Teaching, training, and shaping youth and young adults is her passion. She enjoys life with her husband, Tom, who is a Worship Director. Her daughter, Bethany, is in college at Belmont University. Her son, Isaiah, graduates from high school this year.

Email Lisa

Kris Lott

Kris Lott was in the first graduating class of CYMT and has served as the Director of Youth Ministry at Calvary United Methodist Church since 2004. Kris graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.A. in history. He is currently finishing his Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. 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.

Email Kris

Jim Hinkle

Jim is a youth minister at Sycamore View Church of Christ, Memphis, TN. He’s been in full-time youth ministry for 20 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 five children.

Email Jim

Jerrod Gunter

Jerrod Gunter currently serves as the Youth Pastor at New Direction Christian Church in Memphis, Tenn. Prior to joining New Direction, Jerrod worked for the Urban Youth Initiative serving as an Educational Outreach Specialist. For six years, Jerrod also worked at Youth Villages, working as a Teacher-Counselor, Senior Supervisor, Senior Program Manager, and a Transitional Living Senior Specialist. The Lakeland, Fla., native earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2001 from Tusculum College. He has a Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy in 2008 from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minn. He is married to Lakeicha, and they have three children, Dezmon, Ariana, and Jalen.

Email Jerrod

Joanna Cummings

Joanna Cummings is the Minister of Children and Spiritual Formation at Forest Hills United Methodist Church in Brentwood, TN where she has served since 2009. Previously, Joanna has worked in youth ministry, serving churches in middle TN as well as middle school camp ministries. Joanna is an alumnae of CYMT with a Master’s degree in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary. Additionally, Joanna is a curriculum writer and enjoys resourcing others in ministry and in faith. She is passionate about nurturing the spirituality of children, their families and bringing generations together in the faith community. Joanna is married to Chris, and they have a dog named Shalom. You can usually find them creating up-cycled art and doing DIY projects around the home.

Email Joanna

Toby Chastain

Toby is an alumni of the Center for Youth Ministry Training. He graduated from the Huntingdon College and Memphis Theological Seminary. He is the youth minister at FUMC Hartselle, Alabama.

Email Toby

Trey Carey

Trey is the Pastor of Youth and College Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, Tenn. He has a Masters of Divinity from Asbury Seminary and is currently finishing up a Doctorate of Ministry from Fuller Seminary in Youth, Family, and Culture. He is an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church and has been in full-time youth and family ministry for over 15 years. Trey is married to Abbey and they have two kids, Lilly Broox and William. He is also a lover of music and boasts of being able to sing and play the guitar…as well as at least three songs on the piano (unfortunately, all of them are from the Frozen soundtrack). Trey is passionate about encouraging and equipping people of all ages to grow in their relationships with Christ and others.

Email Trey

Rozella White

Rozella Haydée White is a life and leadership coach, creator, and consultant. She is the owner of RHW Consulting, which focuses on accompanying individuals, organizations and communities as they figure out how to live meaningful lives by embracing the fullness of who they are. As a writer, teacher, preacher and public theologian, Rozella is a known presence, boldly engaging issues of faith, justice, self awareness and love, mental illness and the radical and trans-formative love of God as embodied in the person of Jesus. She is committed to the pursuit of justice and accompanies people as they build communities of connection, empowerment and support for resistance against injustice. Rozella is desperately seeking justice, mercy, humility and love. She believes that everyone is gifted and has the power to transform themselves, their communities and the world when they tap into their most authentic self.

Joshua Warthen

Joshua is a graduate of Howard Payne University and though he does not possess nun-chuck skills, bow-hunting skills or computer hacking skills, he does hold a degree in theology and bible. Teaching teenagers stuff like “it is in the Bible to not wrestle your neighbor” is what Joshua lives for. He and his wife, Kristin, have two daughters, Catherine and Mikayla. Joshua has served at several churches with the most recent being St. John the Apostle UMC. Joshua looks forward to partnering with parents to provide a positive spiritual influence that inspires students to be involved in the culture-changing power of Christ.

Whitney Waller-Cole

Whitney Waller-Cole currently serves as the Minister of Faith Development and Mission at Creekwood Christian Church, where she has served for over four years. As a pastor, Whitney loves to serve, teach, and empower other faithful Christians to work through and for God’s love, justice, and peace. Whitney is passionate about learning to be a better ally and advocate for dear ones living life in the margins; laughing with friends and loved ones; living authentically and attuned to God’s will and work; and finding the perfect oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Kit Tomlison

Rev. Kit Tomlison is a youth pastor at Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church. Prior to his current position he created and served a skateboard ministry in San Antonio, TX for 8 years. He has served in youth ministry professionally and in volunteer roles for the past 19 years. Kit graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts in Youth ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary. His wife is Rev. Leslie Tomlison and he has two children. Fun Fact: Kit doesn’t like Chocolate.

Adam Thorton

Adam is the Senior Pastor at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church, in Dripping Springs, TX, and is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church.  He is a youth ministry veteran of 18 years and continues to be very passionate about youth ministry at the local church level.  Adam holds a MTh from Austin Graduate School of Theology, and a MDiv from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He and his wife Melanie have two kids (Lauren and Michael) who are currently in college. Adam enjoys teaching scripture and serving with the wonderful people at DSUMC.

Jenny Monahan

Jenny Monahan is the founding and acting Executive Director of UM ARMY SWTX/Río Texas where she has served since 2003. Jenny is passionate about sharing the Greatest Commandment and leads/mentors others so that they can truly have success in living a life of faith. Jenny has close to 30 years professional experience in youth ministry and has served United Methodist Churches in Wimberley, New Braunfels and League City, Texas. Jenny holds a degree from Texas State University with an emphasis in secondary education.  Jenny and her family live in Wimberley, Texas where she and husband Thomas have raised their sons, Blake and Brazos.

Randy Knighten

Randy Knighten has worked in youth and urban ministry in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas since 2000. He currently serves as youth minister at Covenant UMC in Austin, Texas. Randy and his wonderful wife, Maya, have two amazing sons. Randy is also completing a master’s degree at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Abby Johnson

Abby was the Director of Student Ministries at Arborlawn UMC in Fort Worth, TX from 2002 – 2016 and is now focusing on Adult Discipleship. Prior to coming to Arborlawn she graduated with a degree in Social Work from TCU, worked at Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center, and volunteered with the Methodist Children’s Home. Combined that’s 20 years working with teens and their families! She loves building relationships with whole families and creating opportunities and events where participants have the chance to meet God on multiple levels. She lives in Fort Worth with her husband Mike, and 3 year old son, Trent.  When not working, they spend time traveling to State Parks in their camper, connecting with each other and to God.

Joel Griffin

Joel has worked with youth and families for 20 years through the United Methodist Church all over Texas. He is currently the youth pastor at Fredericksburg UMC in Fredericksburg, Texas. He is married to Rene and has three girls, Reese, 13, Robbie Jane, 12, and Ryan, 9. Joel enjoys doing anything outdoors, college football, going to baseball games, movies and hanging out with family.

Eddie Erwin

Eddie Erwin has been in youth ministry for over 20 years.  He started as an intern while in college at the University of Oklahoma, spent 11 years in the local church youth ministry before stepping into his current role as Director of Youth & Young Adults for the Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church.  He lives with his wife, Emily, and their three children, Quint, Kate, & Corbin James in Klein, Texas.

Russ Boyd

 A native of Radford, Virginia, Russ earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University as a Religion and Political Science in  2000. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School in 2003, and was ordained by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) after graduation. During his seminary years, Russ served as Youth Minister at Creekwood Christian Church in Flower Mound, Texas. After graduation and ordination, he accepted a call to serve as Associate Minister at Collierville Christian Church near Memphis, TN. In 2007, Russ was called as Associate Minister for Youth at University Christian Church of Fort Worth where he served for nearly 10 years. Russ currently serves as a Deputy Command Chaplain in the Army Reserve. Outside of church, Russ enjoys traveling and finding great restaurants , dabbling in home improvement projects, and attempting DIY endeavors. Russ’ wife, Sarah, is also a lifelong Disciple and TCU alumna. They have four children.