Jesse (he/him/his), Springtide Ambassador (21 – New York) Favorite entertainment: I love Aaron Sorkin movies and shows and any good documentary. Dessert-of-choice: Dark chocolate anything Place where I feel centered: Walks around the neighborhood—I like looking at the trees. Unique talent: I can juggle! Dream profession: I want to be
Elyse (she/her), Springtide Ambassador (15 – Massachusetts) Favorite entertainment: For TV shows, I really like Community. Dessert-of-choice: Chocolate cake Place where I feel at home: Whenever I am with my family. Unique talent: I have a good memory. Dream profession: An author
Blake (he/him/his), Springtide Ambassador (20 – Pennsylvania) Favorite entertainment: Sci-fi, apocalyptic, and action–filled television shows or movies—something that gives me a thrill or pushes me to the edge of my seat! Dessert-of-choice: Cheesecake!! Place where I feel centered: Every time I go to the beach, it feels like home! The sound of
Acadia (she/her), Springtide Ambassador (15 – Colorado) Favorite entertainment: I really enjoy reading the Hunger Games Trilogy. Dessert-of-choice: Ice cream Place where I feel centered: The mountains or a theater. Unique talent: I am a good storyteller. Dream profession: Musical therapist
Abby W. (she/her), Springtide Ambassador (23 – Michigan) Favorite entertainment: I love a good movie, but if I had to choose, it would be books. Dessert-of-choice: Gummy bears or ice cream Place where I feel centered: By the water. Unique talent: I can water ski. Dream profession: Not sure, as
Abby M. (she/her), Springtide Ambassador (17 – Louisiana) Favorite entertainment: For TV shows, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and my favorite events are music festivals, such as Jazz Fest and Voodoo Fest in New Orleans. Dessert-of-choice: Churros and cookies and cream milkshakes (can’t pick just one!) Place where I feel
Andrew Zirschky (he/him/his), Research Advisory Board Andrew is a Research Professor in Youth Ministry at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Director of the Master of Arts in Youth Ministry (Nashville Extension). In addition to his work as a professor and director, Andrew is also the chief strategist of the Lilly-funded Innovation Lab at the Center for
Rev. Abigail Visco Rusert (she/her), Research Advisory Board Abigail is the Director of the Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary, where her work bridges theological discourse with the practice of youth ministry: creating programs, resources, and classes for Christian ministry leaders. She is the Principal Investigator on the Log
Casper ter Kuile (he/him/his), Research Advisory Board Casper describes his life’s mission as “helping to build a world of joyful belonging. I spend my time thinking about how to design for social connection and spiritual meaning-making.” The cofounder of research and design consultancy Sacred Design Lab and the coauthor of the
Chris Stedman (he/him/his), Research Advisory Board Chris is a writer and community organizer. “As a writer, I explore how and where people find meaning and belonging. As a community organizer, I try to support nonreligious people as they seek connection and fulfillment in life.” The author of Faitheist: How an Atheist Found Common Ground