Director of Youth Ministries: St. Lukes UMC, Orlando, FL
With prior education & work in music performance and audio visual production, Brandon brings a different perspective to worship leadership & youth ministry, and creating the space for youth to experience & encounter God through worship.
Brandon Sangster
Director of Youth Ministries: Hyde Park UMC, Tampa, FL
Emily has been in youth ministry for 12 years and has served at her current church, Hyde Park United Methodist in Tampa, FL for the last 9 of them. She has worked in a small and large church setting. She has been married for almost 2 years to her husband John and live in Saint Petersburg, FL. They have two dogs who are their joy!
Emily Kuche
Former District Superintendent: Atlantic Central District
Florida Conference UMC
Gary is a retired pastor. He helped start a new church. He has taught leadership principles for years to church staffs, church leadership, and youth directors through YMI.
Rev. Gary Spencer
Director: Riverside Camp and Retreat Center
David Weber
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries: Hope UMC, Trinity, FL
Britt is a youth ministry veteran who has worked with youth ministries, camps, and the Florida United Methodist Conference for more than a decade. He loves the outdoors, camping, fishing, and laughing with old friends and new.
Britt Holdren
Program Coordinator: Warren Willis Camp and Retreat Center
I am the program coordinator for Warren Willis Camp and Conference Center. Before accepting this position in January I was a children's and youth director within the Methodist Church and have worked for Tampa Urban YoungLife.
Elyse Grossman
Digital Director: Bay Hope Church, Lutz, FL
Jessica is a social media profession with over 5 years of experience in handling accounts, both personally and professionally. She manages a team of social media professionals in the Tampa Bay area that help clients of all kinds - from restaurants, event companies, wedding vendors, as well as churches.
Jessica Spivey
Asbury Theological Seminary
Dr. Brian Russell (Ph.D.) is Academic Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies on the Orlando campus of Asbury Theological Seminary. Dr. Russell is an ordained Deacon in the UMC. He has taught for the Youth Ministry Institute for over a decade. He is well know for his dynamic teaching and commitment to the missional engagement of culture.
Dr. Brian D. Russell
Search for Strength Counseling
Anthony Cravaritis, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Masters degree from Reformed Theological Seminary that specializes in men’s issues. He also facilitates father/son adventure trips that focus on honoring the transition from childhood to young man. Furthermore, he has spent 5 years working in an outdoor wilderness camp with court ordered teens as well as a youth pastor for high school students.
Anthony Cravaritis
Pastor at Winter Garden Presbyterian Church
Ministry Architects
Devon here! I am the solo pastor of Wintergarden Presbyterian Church in Port Charlotte, FL. I love working with small churches and helping folks determine their heartbeat for the community and mission. I read too many books and enjoy time watching movies, swimming, gardening, and being present with my family.
Devon Andrews
Regional Director, YMI Florida
Kirsten Knox, was part of the second class to complete the YMI two-year coaching and training class in 2009. She has since been a coach on multiple occasions. Kirsten Knox is married and a graduate of Asbury University with a degree in youth ministry. She began working in youth ministry in 2000, serving Pasadena Community United Methodist Church for a decade.
Kirsten Knox
Dir. of Church Relations at the Florida United Methodist Children's Home
Ryan's role involves speaking in churches and around the Conference about the Children's Home, as well as finding ways to strengthen the connection between the two. Both a pastor and a former youth ministry veteran, Ryan is passionate about ministry to that balances theological depth with trauma-informed care.
Rev. Ryan Frack
Senior Pastor: North Naples UMC
Mark is from Lakeland, FL. He obtained a B.A. in Religion from Florida Southern College, Master of Divinity from Duke University and a Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary as a Beeson Scholar. His doctorate dissertation focused on effective ministry practices between congregations and their schools.
Rev. Mark Caldwell
Mom, foster mom, Gator fan and ministry survivor for over three decades in the local church ministries.
Author of Nelson's Youth Ministry Manual and Children's Ministry Manual.
VBS Consultant
independent ministry consultant, speaker and trainer.
Theresa Reiter
Youth Minister at St. Lukes UMC, Orlando, FL
After his nearly 10 years as a Singer and actor for Walt Disney Entertainment, Antony felt called to teach students the love of God in new and innovative ways. Radical hospitality, unconditional love, and open arms are just some of his core values. Antony has learned through hills and valley in his life that God loves all people and everyone can serve through God’s loving hands and heart.
Antony Larry
Pastor FSU Wesley Foundation, Tallahassee, FL
Rev. Mike Toluba is the campus minister at the Wesley Foundation serving Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College. He has had ministry experiences in local church youth ministries and campus ministries over the past 20 years in Georgia, Kansas, and Florida.