Team Lead for Camp Day & Night Life

I am the Youth & Family Minister at Advent Lutheran Church in Mill Creek, WA and the Team Lead for Camps & Night Life for the WSYG. I hail from Everett, WA where I have been in some sort of Camp or Youth ministry since 2009. When I’m not at church or doing something with my youth, you can find me out at camps in the PNW or on adventures with my two daughters, family, and friends.

I love taking time to take in almost any sporting event, even if I’ve never seen it before. I also love musical theater and am always ready to go watch a show. I have a passion for camps, reminding us of the beauty in creation, and that we truly all are creative kids at heart. Wherever I go, I continue to share God’s love and to make sure that everyone knows they too are a Beloved Child of God.

Team Lead for Service Learning

I’m excited to lead the service learning experience for this year’s WSYG alongside a few youth and young adults local to Ventura County. Hands-on engagement will include opportunities to explore justice, compassion, and community impact both on a local and global level. I also serve as one of the liaisons to representatives of California Lutheran University, collaborating closely to integrate engaging workshops into our time together.

My hope is to help create a well-structured, inspiring experience where young people can learn deeply, serve authentically, and connect their faith to real-world action. I currently serve as one of the pastors at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, where I focus on worship, children/youth/young adult faith connections, community outreach, and authentic diversity programs.

Team Lead for Registration & Logistics

I serve as the Registration & Logistics Team Leader and have been part of church life long enough to know when to be on the mic and when to make sure it works. For more than a decade, I have supported the synod and the wider church as a registrar, youth director, committee member, and Bible study developer, with experience spanning local, regional, and national spaces.

Whether coordinating logistics or helping shape meaningful conversation, I bring preparation, perspective, and a deep commitment to creating welcoming, well-run experiences grounded in faith.

Team Lead for Media & Publicity

I have some of the best memories from Western States Youth Gatherings, and I cannot wait to help others have similar, formative experiences! As the Media/Publicity Team Lead, I look forward to telling the story of our gathering on social media, our website, and other publicity. I’ll also be ensuring smooth communication between our planning team and attendees. 

I currently work for State Senator Henry Stern and have significant experience in government, communications, and ministry. Having worked on the Communications Team for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, I am excited to take a lead role for WSYG’26!

Team Lead for Main Sessions

I’m thankful to be returning to support the Western States Youth Gathering, one of my favorite events! I’m a pastor at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in San Diego, CA, and have been a part of planning teams for local, regional, and national youth ministry events since 2007.

This year, I am excited to support our Main Stage gatherings at WSYG 2026: A Faith Odyssey. Our main stage team works to co-create engaging sessions with our participants that include worship, speakers, music, and an odyssey into the big questions of faith and life. 

Team Lead for Tech & Coordination

I’m super excited to work with an amazing team that is crafting a Western States Youth Gathering that you won’t forget. This is going to be a highly experiential gathering where everyone will be involved. I love serving youth gathering’s by providing sound, lighting and video support as well as working to let each person know that the event wouldn’t be complete without them with us. This will be true for the 2026 WSYG.

I have been blessed to work with young peeps for over 50 years, 41 of them at Bethel Lutheran in Cupertino. I love playing bass in bands, I am a proud “Opa Tommy” to two amazing young boys, I love spending time with my extended family and friends, and will never turn down an opportunity to explore and travel.