Background
I was born and raised in Arkansas until I was ten years old. It was during my time in Arkansas that I first experienced the love I have for the outdoors. Every weekend I would go to my grandparents’ house and my grandpa would teach me how to fix and build things and how to enjoy the outdoors. After having lived in Michigan with my family I attended a small Bible/Missions training school for a year of college. After graduating, I did a summer internship for LeaderTreks and decided to come on full-time after a year of working maintenance at a Christian conference center.

How did you become a Christian?
I became a Christian at the age of 5 at my church’s Wednesday night program. The teacher of the program was a close friend to the family and she knew how important it was for me to become a child of God. There have been many experiences in my life since then that have grown me closer to God and strengthened my faith.

What is a leadership lesson you have learned while serving at LeaderTreks?
Since joining LeaderTreks I have learned that the potential of most students is so much higher than they ever thought possible. I have even learned this about myself. Because of the difference I have seen when a student realizes their potential, having them realize this truth has become my number one goal when interacting with students.

What is one of your gifts and how do you use it?
My Leadership Type is a Doer. I’m primarily concerned about the tasks at hand and getting them done on time and the right way. An aspect that I have brought to being a Doer is that I want to teach students and others how to do things the right way and with excellence.

Who is one student that you have seen grow as a leader?
Chris was a guy on a trip from my first summer that started off as an OK leader. He had a huge desire to become a leader that was going to change the world around him starting with his team. At the right times he showed compassion to those who needed it and sternness at other needed times. He realized that, with confidence, he could lead his team anywhere he wanted them to go. He became a rock star for his team and they continually, time after time, looked to him for the leadership they needed.

Family
I am getting married in December of 2007 to the most wonderful woman in the world named Elizabeth. We are excited to start a new life together and are excited about how God will use us at LeaderTreks in the future. I have 3 siblings, 1 of which is married and they, along with my parents, live in Michigan.