LIVING ON JESUS & WHITE MONSTER

Ryan has served in Youth Ministry for 25+ years and his passion for youth ministry continues to grow each day! He loves to raise the bar for those he walks alongside, and to point people to Jesus and the life that He wants for them.

At home he's a father to five boys, Leighton, Ty, Decker, Tayson and Taylor. Ryan loves traveling and taking in as many hiking trails as possible.

He's excited to create life changing events for students and adults through Cultivate and to work with and walk with youth leaders throughout the region to best help them lead in their personal contexts of ministry.

Ryan is a firm believer that “it’ll be good,” and while joy comes from the Lord, happiness comes from a white Monster each afternoon.

Contact: ryan@cultivate-co.org | (712) 737-4959

LOVE LANGUAGES: SHOES & PLAYLISTS

Zoe started working at the Synod office as an intern in the spring of 2022, and is so honored to continue working as an Event + Content Coordinator. She was born and raised in Orange City and has two older brothers. Zoe graduated from Northwestern College (IA) in 2023 with a degree in Marketing and minors in Multimedia and Mission & Justice.

A passion of Zoe’s is creating a space for the Holy Spirit to move and impact others’ lives in ways they never could have imagined. With a heart for justice and reconciliation, she is always searching for ways to grow closer to Christ and is excited to help others do the same.

Zoe loves being active, traveling, creating content, and finding new adventures - which are easy to come by living in Denver. In her rare free time, she’s probably making Spotify playlists or looking for a new pair of shoes.

Contact: zoe@cultivate-co.org | (712) 737-4959

PLANT & PEOPLE PERSON

Gabi fell in love with Synod Youth Ministries after being a Communications Intern for the summer of 2022, and now works as a part-time Event & Communications Coordinator. Gabi is from Hull, IA, but now calls Vermillion, SD home as a proud Coyote at the University of South Dakota. Gabi is a Communications Studies Major with Minors in Business Administration, Spanish, and Multicultural Studies.

Gabi has a passion for learning each person's unique story and how we can all come together to find community in Christ. As a firm believer that everyone belongs, she'll never turn down an opportunity to meet new people and somehow make a connection.

Gabi loves plants, yoga, and people. She'll always say yes to going to any concert or weekend road trip. She'll let you know she loves you by buying you coffee or gifting you one of her 125 aloe plants.

Contact: gabi@cultivate-co.org | (712)-578-9160