WHERE DID YOU COME FROM? I grew up in Shoreview, MN. I came in the Spring of 2004 from Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina where I was leading the 6th & 7th grade ministry.

WHY ARE YOU HERE? What draws me to work with sr. high students is two things, the questions they are beginning to ask, and how as a result they are beginning to make their faith their own. At this point in their journeys, life has begun to get real for them, some students walking through incredibly difficult circumstances. As they navigate this reality in high school, the questions they are asking as a result are incredibly profound. Students in high school have a fascinating sensitivity to God's voice in their lives as they question - as a result I get to watch students begin to own their faith. There is nothing greater than seeing kids commit their lives to follow Jesus and impact their worlds' around them at this place in their journeys.

BEST BOOK EVER READ? The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A KID? A fighter pilot in the Air Force, just like my Grandpa.

WHERE DID YOU COME FROM? I grew up in northwest suburbs of Chicago and came to St. Paul to go to college. After college, I served at a church in Minnetonka in junior high ministry. I've worked in 3 church here in MN in junior high, high school and 4th-6th grade ministry too. My undergraduate degree is in Youth Ministry from Bethel College and I also received a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Bethel University in 2006. For more than a decade, I have been working, serving, caring for, and learning with students.

WHY ARE YOU HERE? I love 7th, 8th and 9th graders! They have great energy, great questions, great interest in exploring the combo of life and God together. Student ministry gives me great joy, as I love to walk along side students and leaders as they learn to love Jesus and grow in Christ. I always see the best in students and believe that they matter to God.

BEST BOOK EVER READ? The one I'm reading right now.

FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY? When I get to go to Caribou or when my head hits the pillow at the end of the day.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A KID? A 2nd grade teacher. Not 3rd or 1st, but 2nd. I had a wonderful teacher and a classroom with pigeons, guinea pig and fish. I wanted to be just like her!

WHERE DID YOU COME FROM? Originally, I'm from California, so I'm a fun in the sun type of guy at heart. But more recently, I've come from the frozen north (aka Bethel University).

WHY ARE YOU HERE? The short answer is that this is where God is calling me to be. The long answer would be that six years ago I had a football coach named Brian Suter and in college I had a friend named Josh Meyer. Little did I know that Brian went on to be a youth pastor working with Josh Meyer's older sister. Through some fairly crazy connections, the next thing you know, I am starting in a job where I get to serve God through serving young people, it doesn't get much better than that.

FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY? I'd have to go with the morning, right around sunrise and after. I think it's amazing to see God's creation at moments like that. Of course, it could have something to do with the fact that that is also the time of day that I'm least likely to be awake for, so it's still kind of a mystery to me...

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A KID? Actually, I had two primary options. First and foremost, I wanted to be the person who colored in the cartoons on TV. This was before they did it on computers, and even though I knew I couldn't draw the cartoons, I was pretty good at coloring and that was my hope. When I got a little bit older I wanted to see the world, so I figured if coloring cartoons didn't work out, I would be a missionary.

WHERE DID YOU COME FROM? Since my parents are divorced, I grew up in both Chaska and Plymouth. Before coming to Westwood, I was working with District 112 in the Community Education department with the before and after school program.

WHY ARE YOU HERE? I decided to come to Westwood, because I love working with students. I really enjoy all of the behind the scenes activities of youth ministries. I find it fun to plan activities and keep everything organized.

FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY? My favorite part of the day would be evening time. It is a time that the whole family is together. Spending time with the family is the best part of the day.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A KID? I wanted to be a veterinarian. I discovered that I couldn't make it through 10th grade biology, so I needed to change my career choice.

WHERE DID YOU COME FROM? Pam, her husband, and 2 children, Alyssa and Ryan have lived in Chanhassen for 16 years. She has been employed at Westwood for the past 3 1/2 years as one of our Receptionists.

WHY ARE YOU HERE? I thought it would be a great idea to become involved in Student Ministries now that my kids are involved in the programs. As well as a desire to work behind the scenes with Students Ministries to further the growth of the kids that come here.

BEST BOOK EVER READ? There are too many choices. I enjoy quiet time spent reading, it's how I recharge my batteries.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A KID? A flight attendant . The closest I got was being a travel agent for about 5 years.