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REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Armenia & Georgia
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REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Armenia & Georgia
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REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Ukraine
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REGIONAL DIRECTOR
The Far West
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Arman grew up during a very difficult time in Armenia’s history. The dissolution of the Soviet Union led to a dark and cold time in his country and he felt little hope. Then some missionaries came to his village and showed the film “Jesus.” That was when he became a Christian and found meaning in his life. When he discovered Young Life, he also found his passion to serve God by reaching out to young people. Arman says that his one goal is to reach more kids and make them followers of Jesus. After many years of volunteering and training, Arman is now the Regional Director of Young Life in Armenia and Georgia. Together with his wife, Lilit, he is a strong and encouraging leader over multiple staff and volunteers as they share God’s love throughout Armenia and Georgia.
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With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Lilit felt her life was turned upside-down. She was looking for something to depend on when she heard about Jesus. She says that He came into her life like sunshine, and she was never the same after that. When Lilit and her husband, Arman, discovered Young Life ministry, they felt as though they had found the way they wanted to reach kids. Together they serve in Yerevan, Armenia, as Regional Directors over Camp Pioneer in Armenia and the many Young Life clubs in Armenia and Georgia. Lilit remembers having a lot of questions as a teenager, and now that memory shapes her ministry as she helps teens find their own answers through Jesus.
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Sasha was born into an unbelieving family and raised by his mother in Chernivtsi, Ukraine. In 1994, at 18 years of age, he went to the first Ukrainian Young Life camp held in Ukraine, and a few months later decided to commit his life to Jesus. Later that year, he married his wife, Ira. After getting baptized, they joined the Young Life ministry as volunteers. In 1999, Sasha came on staff and, in 2008, became the Regional Director for Ukraine.
God used Sasha to build a thriving ministry, spreading to over 24 regions and reaching thousands of teenagers. Young Life training centers were established in several cities and used to teach current leaders and prepare future teams for work in the ministry. By 2021, 73 ministries were serving high schoolers, kids with special needs, orphans, and young mothers.
Today, as the war with Russia continues, Sasha remains full of hope. The dream is to restore what was lost and seek out God’s vision for the future of Young Life in Ukraine. He trusts God for 10,000 volunteer leaders by 2030 – an audacious goal yet possible with God.
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As a teenager, Sergei wrestled with the issue of death and feared the unknown. Those worries went with him as he joined the army, married, and began raising his family. Then some co-workers invited him to a Bible study, and there Sergei formed relationships and heard stories about Jesus. Over time, Sergei realized that though he was a sinner, Jesus offered Him salvation and eternal life. His long-time fears were erased!
Shortly after becoming a Christian, Sergei was asked to help with a Yong Life camp for street kids, and his desire to be involved with the YL ministry grew from there. Sergei’s heart is for young people to come to know Jesus at an early age so they can avoid some of the fears and life mistakes that he went through himself. Now Sergei lives in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, and serves as the regional director for the Far West countries - Moldova, Belarus, and the Baltics. Pray for Sergei as he trains up a new generation of leaders in this area of the world.
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AREA DIRECTOR
Armenia
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AREA DIRECTOR
Armenia
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AREA DIRECTOR
Eghvard
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Ani has been coming to YL since 2005. During her first YL camp, she felt suddenly awakened as she heard about Jesus and what He had done for her. She couldn’t wait to tell other young people about him! Today, Ani serves as an Area Director. She works with kids and leaders, disciplining the next generation of Christ's followers. “I think my gift is building relationships with young people. I want to meet and get to know them everywhere I go.” Ani is a prayer warrior. Many kids and today’s YL leaders are a result of her answered prayers. “I’ll continue praying with the hope of seeing many young lives turning to Jesus and growing in faith.” Please lift Ani and her ministry to the Lord as she faithfully follows His steps and serves Him in important ways.
Naro remembers feeling like she had every reason to be happy as a child, but still, an emptiness persisted. At the University, she studied business and thought that the meaning of life was to become a successful business lady and be rich and famous. That opinion changed when she met Jesus through Young Life and found the meaning of life in Christ. Soon after, Naro felt a calling
to introduce that sense of wholeness to other young people through a relationship with Jesus. When the local Young Life leaders left town for a conference, Naro stepped into a leadership role so the club could continue. She discovered it was a great feeling to be used by God.
Now Naro leads a team of volunteers in two clubs in the Nor Hachn area of Armenia — in Abovyan and Byurghavan. “Many young people like me are looking for the meaning of life in different things. I love supporting them and witnessing their growth.” Please pray for Naro and her ministry in this part of the world.
In 2009, Sergey was invited to a Young Life winter camp. He liked how kind the leaders were to him and the exciting things discussed. He began attending club after camp, and one evening during the club talk, Sergey was struck by how small he was compared to how big God was. He gave his life to Jesus and began volunteering at clubs.
Today, Sergey serves as an Area Director, leading three clubs in and around Yerevan: Yeghvard Club, Ararat Club, and Club 36. I lead teams and engage in the spiritual growth of leaders and discipleship. In my teams, we share deep and strong relationships to achieve a common goal: to serve one another and, through that, serve God because that’s the embodiment of Christ: he served His Father by serving people. Sergey is married and has a daughter. Please pray for Sergey and his growing ministry.
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AREA DIRECTOR, LATVIA
The Far West
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CAPERNAUM DIRECTOR, LATVIA
The Far West
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Alyona is one of ten siblings, born and raised in a Christian home in Chernivtsy, Ukraine. She received her first Bible when she was nine during the Soviet time when Bibles had to be smuggled in. “I loved and valued that Book and still have it, but my parents warned us not to tell others that we had Bibles.” When Alyona turned 13, she realized that she needed a Savior, and two years later, she attended her first Young Life camp. She remembers crazy games and how the love of Jesus Christ was shared in an exciting and intimate way! Alyona became involved with Young Life, volunteering as a leader and translator. As she saw how God could use her in these ways, Alyona felt called to work for Young Life. In 2014 she was led to Latvia, where her leadership and relational skills were very much needed. Since she moved to Riga, she has started several clubs and has been committed to discipling new teams of leaders. She dreams of building a high school and Capernaum ministry in every Baltic country. Please pray for Alyona as she disciples the next generation of leaders and follows God’s guidance in her calling.
What do you hope to see in your ministry?
I hope to start the Capernaum ministry with clubs, camps, a new leadership team, and new partners in Moldova, Latvia, and Belarus. My dream is to have a Capernaum camp for 20 kids in Latvia, to create one new club in a new city in Moldova, and to start Capernaum in Belarus officially.
What are the most significant needs in your ministry?
An Internet platform that will host all Capernaum communication and project management. We will also need committed leaders, partners, and volunteers.
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AREA DIRECTOR, MOLDOVA
The Far West
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AREA DIRECTOR, MOLDOVA
The Far West
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REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR AND CMC REPRESENTATIVE
The Far West
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Ted was born in Chisinau, Moldova, to a hard-working family. In high school, Ted played handball for the national team of Moldova, and he thought this sport would be his future. However, in 1995, the team disbanded and Ted was left searching for a new life. At that time, he was invited to Young Life club and met the Lord. He says, “Jesus has filled my life with meaning; He is my Savior and best friend.” Ted served in the army, graduated from Bible seminary, and began volunteering in church ministry.
Ted worked with all different ages until 1999, when he began working with teens through Young Life. This is when he discovered his heart for kids who haven’t heard the Gospel. In 2006, Ted married his wife, Lena, and was hired as the Area Director for Moldova. He and Lena have two daughters and enjoy their ministry together to kids and leaders. Ted hopes that recent growth will continue into new cities so all of the teens in Moldova can have the opportunity to hear about Jesus.
Lena was 18 years old and tired of living a lie. She wanted something that would help her, so that her heart would no longer feel condemned for lying. After a while, God did a miracle with her heart and set her free . Now she has a great relationship with her parents, God gave her a handsome husband and two beautiful girls. She has truly gained His peace and joy.
For the first couple of years, Lena’s ministry was accounting and reports. Then her ministry included school work and teaching courses — “Preparation for success.” The unique aspect of Lena’s ministry is that she can reach both teenagers and their parents as well, doing a parents’ camp and parents’ club. She shares the word of God in the club and does weekly contact work with the kids.
Although Natasha grew up in a family of unbelievers, she always knew there was a God who cared for her. But it wasn’t until her high school friend invited her to club that she felt His tangible love and presence. She loved everything about Young Life: the people, the leaders, and even the messy games she thought she would never participate in. Club talks were Natasha’s favorite – that’s when the Bible came to life for her! Shortly after, Natasha asked Jesus into her life, joining the team of leaders and becoming a student in the Developing Global Leaders program. “It is so rewarding to see God answer kids’ prayers and change their life’s paths,” she says. Today, Natasha serves as a Regional Administrator for the Far West Region. Born and raised in Ukraine, she and her husband recently moved to Norway with their six-year-old son, Alex. Together, they are learning Norwegian and are volunteering with Young Life Nordic. Please pray for Natasha as she continues to faithfully serve God and provide crucial support to Young Life in the Far West.
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REGIONAL DIRECTOR, YOUNGLIVES
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AREA DIRECTOR
Ivano-Frankivsk
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REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Central Ukraine
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REGIONAL DIRECTOR
West Ukraine
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REGIONAL DIRECTOR
North Ukraine
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Ira Utkin, the Divisional Director of YoungLives, came from a dysfunctional family, spending much of her youth in the streets with her friends and little hope.
Miraculously, in the summer of 1994, she learned about a Young Life camp in her hometown and gave her life to Jesus during that unforgettable week.
Over time, having served as a co-director of Young Life Ukraine alongside her husband Sasha, Ira sensed God calling her to lead her own ministry. At this point, she was the mother of six children, four of whom were adopted. So, YoungLives was born.
Today, Ira dedicates most of her time to the YoungLives ministry, which she calls YoungMoms. She invests in the lives of young women, pointing them to Jesus, and helping them become everything they were created to be. “For me, the most important thing is to stay committed and remember that I’m an instrument in God’s hands.”
Natasha remembers being invited to the Young Life club many times before finally saying yes. Her first experience was in 2001, at the summer camp. During that week, Natasha encountered Jesus not as a strict and distant God but as a friend. After camp, Natasha started going to club and volunteering, and by the following summer, she got trained as a group leader. Natasha served in her hometown, Chernivtsy, for thirteen years before answering God’s calling and moving to Ivano-Frankivsk in 2008 to start the Young Life ministry there.
Today, as an Area Director, Natasha dreams about having Young Life ministry all over Ivano-Frankivsk. Together with a team of four leaders, they build relationships with teens, parents, and the local community.
Sasha remembers a difficult childhood — he was bullied at school and had an alcoholic father at home. In college, he had a friend who connected him to Young Life and his life was never the same. Young Life was his first experience of friendship and love; he never wanted to go home! In 2004, Sasha went to camp and while looking up into the stars, he asked God for forgiveness. He remembers instant relief.
Sasha became involved in Young Life ministry and was soon offered a staff position. Though newly married and starting a family, he left his well-paying job to devote himself to full-time ministry. Sasha wants to offer his experience of transformation to young people all across Ukraine. He is now the Area Director in the city of Khmelnytskyi, where Young Life is growing at an incredible pace, reaching even more kids with the love of God.
Volodimir grew up knowing about Jesus . As a young teen, he even went to the Young Life club. But as he became older, peer pressure got the best of him, and he walked away from the Lord. When he was 18, his old Young Life friends invited him to camp. Volodimir decided to go, although his heart was set on stirring trouble. Instead, something shifted in his heart during that week, and he became a child of God. After that camp, Volodimir immediately joined the Young Life ministry.
Today, Volodimir serves as an Area Director of Western Ukraine. Driven by his passionate desire to share the Gospel with kids, Volodimir is tirelessly pouring into his team of leaders. He dreams that leaders from different denominations and churches would come together one day in unity and love for Jesus and teenagers.
Serhii decided to follow Jesus in 2008. One day, his classmate invited him to a Young Life club and asked him to play one of his rap songs in front of all the kids. Serhii loved it and kept coming back. Eventually, he became a leader, and in 2013 he moved to another city to open a club. Five years later, he did it again. This is how he discovered his passion for building relationships with new people and churches, opening clubs, and forming teams. Today, Serhii is the Regional Director in North Ukraine, responsible for four areas in that region. He and his wife of nine years live in the city of Vinnytsia. In his spare time, Serhii still loves to produce rap music and play basketball.
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AREA DIRECTOR
Ivano-Frankivsk
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Natasha remembers being invited to the Young Life club many times before finally saying yes. Her first experience was in 2001, at the summer camp. During that week, Natasha encountered Jesus not as a strict and distant God but as a friend. After camp, Natasha started going to club and volunteering, and by the following summer, she got trained as a group leader. Natasha served in her hometown, Chernivtsy, for thirteen years before answering God’s calling and moving to Ivano-Frankivsk in 2008 to start the Young Life ministry there.
Today, as an Area Director, Natasha dreams about having Young Life ministry all over Ivano-Frankivsk. Together with a team of four leaders, they build relationships with teens, parents, and the local community.
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REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Central Ukraine
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REGIONAL DIRECTOR
East Ukraine
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REGIONAL DIRECTOR
South Ukraine
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Bohdan heard about Young Life from his classmates, who invited him to club. He loved everything about it, and when it was time for winter camp, he packed his bag and joined his friends. That was the week when Bohdan decided to dedicate his life to Christ. He was sixteen. When he returned from camp, he continued to go to club, never missing even one! During that time, Bohdan always dreamt about an opportunity to work for Young Life, and one day that opportunity became a reality. As a leader and a Regional Director of Central Ukraine, Bohdan loves carrying out God’s commission and seeing growth in his disciples. “Seeing the Kingdom of God spreading and impacting our country and the world is amazing.” With his wife, Bohdan dreams of having his own house and a dog one day. And in his spare time, he enjoys running, walking, and reading.
Oleh grew up in a family of non-believers. When he was eight years old, he began attending church with his parents and accepted Jesus when he was 15. A few years later, Oleh got involved in the youth ministry at his church, learned about Young Life, and opened up a club in his city. Today, Oleh is the Regional Director of East Ukraine. One of his favorite things about Young Life is seeing God radically changing the lives of teens, giving them the deep joy that comes from finding life’s meaning. Oleh is married to his wife, Oksana, and they have two wonderful kids and a cat. Oleh enjoys spending time with friends, hiking, and fishing in his free time
Illia learned about Young Life from the Ukraine Regional Director, Sasha Utkin. He started coming to club and eventually decided to follow Jesus. Church has always been a big part of Illia’s life, where he served as a youth leader. When Sasha invited Illia to come on staff, Illia knew Young Life was what he was called to do. Shortly after, he took on the role of the Regional Director for South Ukraine. For Illia, understanding what the ministry does and how their teams serve and answer the calling are the things he treasures the most. Illia and his wife, Mariya, have a son, David, and a daughter, Rebecca. He enjoys traveling and dreams of one day visiting every country in the world.
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DIVISIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
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SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
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OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
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OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR
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DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
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Alison is a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and has worked for Young Life for 18 years in various roles. She joined the MEA Division as the Divisional Administrator in August of 2022 after working for seven years as the International Employment Coordinator on the Expat Services team. She is passionate about the international ministry of Young Life and serving those around the world. Alison met her husband, Brian, at Young Life; they’ve been married for 16 years. She and Brian have one son, Jonathan, who is 13.
Billy Boyle grew up in Wichita, KS, and graduated from Southeast HS and Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. From 1995 through 1998, he served as the Administrative Assistant to Susan Wagle in the Speaker Pro Tem of the Kansas House of Representatives office. In 1999, Billy and his wife Stephanie moved to Lisbon, Portugal, to start Young Life for the first time in that country. After three years, Billy was asked to return to the United States to help start building the necessary infrastructure for Young Life’s international growth efforts, which included Director of International TDS (Area Developer) from 2001 – 2006, Director of International Operations from 2006 – 2008, and Director of International Administrative Services from 2008 -2014. Billy has continued to serve his local Young Life areas in many capacities, including investing in younger staff, helping begin Young Life College in Wichita, leading weekly small group campaigners of high school boys, and serving at camps in the summer. Billy served as the Vice President of International Operations for Young Life from 2014 to 2020. In September 2020, Billy became the Senior Vice President of the MEA Division, where he currently serves with humility and grace.
He lives in Wichita, KS, with his wife and three daughters: Emma, who is 21 and is a junior at Belhaven University, Vivian, who is 18 and is a senior at Trinity Academy, and Beatrice, who is 16 and is a sophomore also at Trinity Academy.
Brian Orlovich was raised in Boise, Idaho, and graduated from John Brown University, double majoring in Accounting and Business. While at university, Brian met the love of his life Amy and the two were married. Brian managed AAtronics, Inc., a medium-sized audio-visual contracting company, for the first decade of his career. In addition, Brian was the visionary and founder of AVSuperstore.com, an e-commerce company specializing in audio-visual product sales to a national and international audience. Brian has been involved with Young Life since 1987 and has experienced many different roles, from a Young Life high school kid to 15 years of volunteer experience as a leader and committee member. In 2005 Brian answered the call to become an Area Director of Young Life in the Greater Phoenix, Arizona metro, where he had the great privilege of growing the area to over 100 volunteers focusing their efforts on bringing the Gospel to the adolescents in the area. In 2011 Brian was hired to work with the Middle EurAsia Region (previously known as the Former Soviet Union) as their new Assistant Regional Director. In 2014 Brian was promoted to the International Division Operations Director. He continues to serve today by helping create and implement systems that support staff and leaders in effectively serving adolescents in their respective countries. Brian currently lives in Boise, Idaho, with Amy, and they are thrilled to have their three adult children close by, Abby (and Drake Cain), Caleb, and Elizabeth Orlovich.
Diane spent 15 years working and living at Young Life’s Washington Family Ranch in Antelope, OR. She moved to Caldwell, ID, in 2022 and has enjoyed being a part of Young Life Middle EurAsia and learning a new side of the ministry. She loves camping and being outdoors in God’s creation and also anything that involves working in Excel.
Jason began his relationship with Jesus at a young age. Born and raised in the Bay Area, CA, Jason grew up in a church and a strong Jesus-loving family. His mom met Jesus in Young Life in the 60’s and urged Jason to volunteer with YL through and after college. Jason spent the first 13 years of his career in medical sales and consulting. In 2016 he made a change to work in faith-based development and then, in 2019, joined Young Life as our international Campaign Director.
Jason and his wife, Audrey, live in Bend, Oregon, with their four children, David (12), Madison (9), Joshua (7), and Micah (4). Jason and Audrey have been deeply involved with Young Life for many years serving as volunteer leaders, on the committee, going to camp; and Audrey was Area Director for Palo Alto before she and Jason began their family. Both are excited to continue their involvement with Young Life and love our staff in Middle Eurasia!
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
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ACTION TEAMS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS ADMINISTRATOR
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DIVISIONAL FINANCIAL ANALYST
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EXPEDITIONS COORDINATOR
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Katya met Christ when Young Life was just being born in Russia in 1990. When she was 16, she hopped on a plane by herself and flew to the U.S. to study. But instead of a year-long trip, God had something else in store for her. She remained in North America, getting her BA at the College of Idaho and an MBA at the Schulich School of Business in Toronto, Canada. Katya’s marketing and communications experience was built over the years, having worked for World Vision, Decker Communications, and the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts before joining the Young Life MEA team in 2021.
She is honored to be a part of the organization God used many years ago to profoundly change her life. And she is excited to give back. Katya and her husband, Brandon, live in Meridian, Idaho, with their 9-year-old daughter, Nadia, whom they are faithfully raising to become an avid Young Life kid. When she is not telling stories, Katya enjoys playing tennis, experimenting with new recipes, and playing with their dog, Ginger.
Pam began serving Young Life in the Middle EurAsia (previously known as the Former Soviet Union) as an operations admin in 2013 and transitioned to a part-time role supporting Action Teams and special events/projects for the division in 2022. Pam and her husband, Marc, live in Boise, Idaho, near their two adult kids, Natalie and Luke. Pam cares deeply for Young Life staff in this part of the world and values being a part of their amazing ministry. Pam enjoys stand-up paddle boarding and serving in children's and women’s ministry at her local church when she isn't working.
Renee grew up in Colorado, then graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in International Business. She started with Young Life in 1993, working at Frontier Ranch in Colorado. She met her husband, Matt, there and married in 1996. They have two boys, Ryan and Grant. Over the years, she worked in various roles and for many people throughout camping and the field. She has been with YL MEA since 2010 and has fallen in love with our fantastic staff in that part of the world. Renee works to facilitate everything financial for the Division!
Carrie lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and began working for Young Life 24 years ago, beginning in the President’s Office, joining the MEA (previously FSU) Division in 2008 as assistant to SVP Gary Parsons. Carrie has served in a variety of roles, the last seven years as Expeditions Coordinator. She has cultivated deep relationships with the national staff through her calling to shine light on their ministries through service opportunities. She strongly believes this brings tremendous value in building God’s kingdom around the world and a profound awareness of the dedicated work and needs of Young Life Middle Eurasia.