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
Associate DirectorLesleigh 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.
Teresa Kingsbury
Texas Regional DirectorTeresa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Iowa, as well as a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She has 25+ years of experience in Children’s and Youth Ministry. Her ministerial experience includes serving as the Director of Children’s Ministry at Laguna Hills UMC in California as well as Student Ministries Pastor at Bethany UMC in Austin, TX for 12 years. Appointed to Bethany UMC, she continues to serve on the pastoral staff. Teresa and her husband Chris have 3 children and 2 additional children through their marriage, as well as 5 grandchildren. Teresa enjoys the outdoors, cooking, reading and time with family and friends.
Teresa’s Work At CYMT
I oversee Texas residents and church recruitment, as well as serving the Texas region coaching and partnering with churches to build foundations for effective youth ministry. Witnessing the transformational love of Christ in the residents, and the churches and youth they serve makes my heart sing!
Kris Konsowitz
Southeast Regional DirectorKris 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.
Brady Banks
Development DirectorBrady has spent over a decade in nonprofit management and development in various organizations, including as outreach director at the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation and as the executive director of The Contributor, Nashville’s homeless street newspaper and magazine, where he led a financial turnaround and strategic revitalization of the social enterprise. He has also served as a councilman in Metropolitan Nashville/Davidson County. He’s a graduate of Harvard Divinity School and Mercer University. He’s married to Rev. Kristin Clark-Banks and the father of Thaddeus. He’s a Nashville sports enthusiast, frequent world traveler and hiker, writer and poet, and lay preacher and teacher. He loves being a part of a team dedicated to training youth ministers, making young disciples and building up the Church.
Brady’s Work At CYMT
I am responsible for the development of relationships, planning and implementation of fundraising efforts in support of CYMT’s mission.
Jill Johnson
Development AssociateJill has spent most of her career serving healthcare and faith-based nonprofit organizations in communication, management and legislative advocacy roles. She recently worked at Bethany United Methodist Church in Austin as Director of Inviting Ministries, where she oversaw welcoming, connecting and spiritual formation programs. Jill is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘Em!) and a lifelong Austinite. She is also a freelance writer and spiritual formation teacher. In her spare time, she loves to listen to music, watch movies, read and garden–even if it’s just one tomato at a time!
Jill’s Work At CYMT
I work with the development team, organizing communication strategies and annual fundraising plans.
Anna Kathryn Simmons
Marketing DirectorAnna Kathryn (AK) is the Marketing Director at CYMT. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Communication Studies from Mississippi State University. Prior to coming on board with CYMT, she worked as the Project Leader and Associate Artist at the Foundation for Hospital Art in Atlanta, GA. She lives in Atlanta with her husband Andrew and two dogs, Piper and Crosby. AK is a singer, songwriter, and design lover. She would love to connect with you to help promote the mission of CYMT!
AK’s Work At CYMT
I lead the marketing efforts of CYMT. I collaborate with Recruitment, Innovation Lab, and Events on a daily basis to further tell the mission and story of CYMT to the greater youth ministry community. I also, along with CYMT resourcing team, help manage the content development, distribution, and awareness of CYMT’s vast library of youth ministry resources.
Rachel Kuehl
Digital Marketing & Communications CoordinatorRachel is a missionary kid, a former midwest girl, and a storytelling connoisseur. Her greatest desire is to help youth encounter the greatest story ever told: that of Jesus Christ. Prior to CYMT, Rachel worked for 5+ years as Communications Director for National School Project. Rachel’s bachelor’s in English with Writing Concentration is from Wheaton College. She loves to travel, but when not on the road, she lives in Walnut, CA.
Rachel’s Work at CYMT
I meet the digital marketing and communications needs of CYMT. I partner with our multidisciplinary teams to help create and define our story.
Dea Wathen
Admissions DirectorDea Wathen is the Admissions 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. She lives in Louisville, KY with her husband David and son Davis. Dea loves yoga, creative writing especially rap music, and adventuring to new coffee shops.
Dea’s Work At CYMT
I help those inquiring about whether or not CYMT might be a good fit for them. I answer questions related to the graduate residency for either those wanting to be placed in a church or ministry (Graduate Resident) or already serving as a youth director at a ministry (Professional Education Resident). I walk with students throughout the entire application process from start to finish.
Tiffany Malone
Residency Support CoordinatorTiffany 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.
Lindsay Brooks
Resource and Operations DirectorLindsay 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 logistical support to CYMT’s events and resources that serve the youth ministry community outside of the Graduate Residency. I also help with the day to day operations of CYMT creating systems and processes to help the ministry be efficient and effective in our work.
Elise Burns
Academic Support CoordinatorElise’s Work At CYMT
Dwight Johnson
Theology Together DirectorDwight has dedicated the last 10 years to youth and family ministry in both Mississippi where he is from and now Nashville, Tennessee where, for the last 8 years, he served as the director of youth at Preston Taylor Ministries. Having served both in the local church and in parachurch organizations, Dwight loves working with teenagers, specifically middle schoolers, and enjoys seeing youth see and reach their potential. He is the author of Black Boy Soar, a children’s book written to help inspire and encourage young people of color to dream big, know who they are and what they are capable of!
Dwight also partners with other organizations throughout the South as a curriculum and content developer and speaker, helping to create theological content for workshops, retreats, and conferences aimed to guide youth to think critically about their faith and where their personal creation collides with greater purpose with the hope to inspire the next generation of the church to be world changers. Dwight is a graduate of Millsaps College where he received the Bachelor of Arts in music and is also a cum laude graduate of Memphis Theological Seminary through the CYMT where he received his Master of Arts in Youth Ministry.
Dwight’s Work at CYMT
I am responsible for overseeing the curriculum and content development for the Theology Together program. I represent CYMT in a relationship with City Service Mission to ensure curriculum and content is written to equip youth to know Jesus through service to the community.
Mark Devries
Co-FounderFor over 20 years, Mark has served as Associate Pastor for Youth and their Families at First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tenn., where he continues to oversee the youth ministry on a part-time basis. Additionally, Mark is the founder of Youth Ministry Architects, a hands-on coaching service for churches whose youth ministries are in transition (intentional or unexpected) or churches who hope to see their youth ministries move to the next level. He is also the author of Family Based Youth Ministry and Sustainable Youth Ministry.
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.
Andrew Zirschky
Chief StrategistAndrew 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 act as the chief strategist of CYMT’s Innovation Laboratory. I help develop new ideas and direction for the lab and its participants.
Meghan Hatcher
Innovation Laboratory DirectorMeghan holds a Bachelor of Journalism and Master of Science in Sustainable Development and Applied Sociology from the University of Missouri, and a Master of Divinity 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. Prior to joining CYMT, Meghan served as the pastor of community engagement at a progressive church in East Austin, spent years serving in youth ministry, and helped plant a church in the D.C., metro area. She has a passion for reaching young people, revitalizing churches and helping all people find their place in God’s Big Story. Meghan lives in Austin with her husband Corey, and loves cooking, creative writing, running and practicing yoga.
Meghan’s Work At CYMT
I implement the Innovation Laboratory with partner churches, coach participants through the Theological Innovation Process, and help develop and disseminate resources related to the Lab’s learnings.
Lindsay Brooks
Resource and Operations DirectorLindsay 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 logistical support to CYMT’s events and resources that serve the youth ministry community outside of the Graduate Residency. I also help with the day to day operations of CYMT creating systems and processes to help the ministry be efficient and effective in our work.
Southeast Coaches
Bryant Fisher
Coach
Jill Altom
CoachJill Altom was in the first graduating class of CYMT and has served in Youth Ministry in primarily Episcopal churches for 15 years. Jill graduated from Sewanee: University of the South with a B.A. in Psychology and completed her M.A. in Youth Ministry in 2012 through Memphis Theological Seminary. She is passionate about practical theology and building community in the Church body. Jill is married to Clayton and has two sons, Peter and Seth. Her favorite activities include hiking, live concerts, game nights, road trips, cooking and reading (which works out well since Clayton is a librarian.
Lisa Vegors
CoachLisa is the Director of Youth Ministries at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Franklin. She graduated from Vanderbilt with a Masters in Theologocial Studies. She has over 19 years of experience in church youth ministry. Lisa founded and organized “Servio Deo” a Bay St. Louis, MS Mission Trip with 290+ teens and chaperones in 2012 that is still in service today. She 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.
Andrew Davis
CoachAndrew Davis has been involved in youth ministry for twelve years, either serving as a youth minister or as a volunteer. He graduated in May of 2019 from Memphis Theological Seminary, through the CYMT graduate residency program, and serves as the Youth and Young Adults pastor at First United Methodist Church, in Covington TN. When Andrew is not doing student ministry, he performs stand up comedy and loves when he is able to take time to travel and perform in new places. As far as personal interests goes, Andrew is very into music, superhero movies, almost every show on the CW, and loves to hang out with friends as often as he can.
Amy Leake
CoachAmy has been married to her husband Jason for 20 years. Together, they have 3 daughters. She has also worked in ministry for 11 years as either a volunteer, mentor or on staff as a discipleship Pastor in the youth program. Her heart is for mentoring, and she has launched a program for middle school and high school students called Fierce (for girls) and Man Up (for boys) which has grown to other counties. Another ministry God has laid on her heart is marriage and blended families. She enjoys walking through the process of blending a family to teach them the tools, through Focus On The Family, to a smooth transition. Currently, she is developing a community ministry for women in ministry.
Nick Guerra
CoachNick is an alumni of CYMT and is the Director of Student Ministries at Heartsong UMC in Cordova, TN. He has been at Heartsong, serving youth and families in different roles, for the past 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.
Taylor Young
CoachTaylor is the Associate Pastor over Youth, Children, and Young Adult Ministries at Clarksville Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He received his Certificate of Youth Ministry from CYMT while obtaining a Master of Divinity degree from Memphis Theological Seminary.Taylor has served in youth ministry for over 7 years, has helped coordinate youth mission trips and camps for Nashville Presbytery, and also serves on the Board of Christian Education for Nashville Presbytery. Taylor loves traveling, Tennessee football, and Disney theme parks.
Chad Kennington
CoachChad 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.
Jae Gottman
CoachJae 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.
Robert Mercer
CoachRobert 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.
Lisa Long
CoachLisa 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.
Kris Lott
CoachKris 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.
Jim Hinkle
CoachJim 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.
Texas Coaches
Joe Wilson
CoachJoe Wilson is the Area Director for Young Life in the Rio Grande Valley (Texas-Mexico border near the Gulf Coast). For the last 20 years Joe has served with Young Life in numerous roles including both camping and field ministry. Originally from Tulsa, OK, Joe has been a part of rebuilding and establishing new ministries in OK, GA, and now on the Texas-Mexico border. Joe has always had a passion for the unchurched and the fatherless kids in culturally diverse areas, and enjoys engaging his entrepreneurial spirit in efforts to reach more kids. Joe lives in Harlingen, TX with his wife Rebecca and their son Levi, where they attend First United Methodist Church – Harlingen, TX
Amy Howell
CoachAmy has 20+ years of experience in children, youth and family ministry. She is passionate about empowering the local church to expand its reach and relevance so that the next generation will develop a faith of their own that lasts a lifetime and beyond. Amy lives in central Texas with her husband, Phil, and their two daughters, Emma and Cara. In her free time, you can find Amy enjoying life with her family, spending time outside, or in deep conversation with a friend.
Joseph Bradley
Coach
Kathy Rios
Coach
David McMinn
Coach
Jodi Marfell
CoachJodi Marfell currently serves as the Director of Student Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Round Rock, TX. Prior to serving in Round Rock, Jodi was the Youth Director at First United Methodist Church in Killeen, Texas from 2008-2013. Jodi is a 2007 graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul MN with a major in Parish Education and Administration, minor in Lutheran Confessionalism and a certificate as a Director of Christian Education. Jodi is married to Timothy Marfell and they have three boys, Landon, Logan and Lane. Jodi enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, watching her boys play baseball and long distance running.
Camie Minter
CoachCamie’s training for ministry began with Young Life where she learned the importance of “earning the right to be heard” and the value of relationships over programs. Though her formal ministry education (Princeton Seminary) is foundational as she helps people understand the bible, it is her work in several congregations that has shaped her approach to ministry. Over the years, Camie has started dynamic children’s and youth programs, developed ministries that meet the specific needs of women, and mothers, as well as overseen discipleship for whole churches. However, when you meet Camie, you’ll see that it is the way she loves people that makes her ministry so effective.
Joseph Patty
CoachJoseph serves CYMT as both a coach and formation group leader, and he is passionate about equipping highly influential people to have an impact for the Kingdom in their own context. Joseph is the Associate Director of Student Ministry at St. Luke’s UMC in Houston. He also serves as a Vocation and Formation Leader for Fuller Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Courtney, serve as Community Life Architects together in their community. They have two children, Shiloh (age 4) and Micah (age 3). If Joseph could be anywhere, it would be backpacking in the southern mountains of Colorado.
Rachel Toomire
CoachRachael Toomire currently lives in Bandera, Texas with her husband Kyle, who is a United Methodist Pastor. They have two boys, Elias and Micah. Most weekends their family can be found at a sporting event. Her boys are great at keeping her active. She became a Christian in college and was immediately called into youth ministry. She served in small church youth ministry settings for over 7 years. Later, Rachael served at the Texas Wesley in Austin doing college ministry for 11 years. She is passionate about the CYMT model because of the support that is given to new youth ministers. She has wanted to be a part of the CYMT ministry for years and now celebrates that everything has aligned to make that possible.
Valerie Vogt
CoachValerie is an Associate Pastor at Travis Park United Methodist Church in San Antonio, TX. Valerie and her husband, also an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, met at Duke Divinity School and moved to Austin soon after they were married. Valerie has served as a Youth Director, Director of Missions, and Associate Pastor with four congregations in Central Texas. Her passion is helping people to grow in their love for God, discern their gifts, and use their resources to partner with and bless others. Valerie and Eric spend a lot of time chasing their two young boys. She loves running, reading, cooking and enjoying good food, and watching t.v. and movies that tell great stories.
Linda O-Donnell
CoachLinda is the Director of Youth Ministries at Faith United Methodist Church in Richmond Texas. She has been in her current position since 2005 and has a deep passion for serving the Lord by loving His youth. She has a son Doug who is married to Lianne with two children, Evelyn and Davis and they live in Fulshear. Her daughter Mandy is in ministry in College Station. She is thankful that God has never given up on her, used her in ways she could never have imagined and guides her home to Him always.
Whitney Waller-Cole
CoachWhitney 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.
Randy Knighten
CoachRandy 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
CoachAbby 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
CoachJoel 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
CoachEddie 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.