Staff

Resident Admissions & Services Director
Nick is an alumni of CYMT. He served at Heartsong UMC, serving youth and families in different roles, for 11 years. Nick felt a call to ministry while receiving degree in Sociology from the University of Memphis. While there, he became passionate about helping people find the sweet spot where their passions and what God is already up to in the world intersect. Where he found this for himself was youth ministry. Newly-wed, he and his wife live in the greater Memphis area with their dog Jack.

Nick’s Work At CYMT
I oversee the Resident admissions process, orientation, and provide support for Residents throughout their CYMT journey.

Contact Nick at Ext. 116

Equipping Coordinator
Jessica Hernaiz received a Bachelor of Science in Policy, Planning, and Development with a concentration in Nonprofit and Social Innovation and a minor in International Relations from the University of Southern California (USC). She also received a Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from USC. Jessica has experience working in academia as an academic program administrator. Her mission is to expand access to higher education for minorities and low-income individuals. Jessica enjoys leading worship and loves spending time with her family.

Jessica’s Work at CYMT
Jessica provides logistical support to the CYMT residency, certificate cohorts, and community ministry programs.

Contact Jessica at Ext. 105

Coaching Director & Memphis Area Director
Kris has over 35+ years of experience in youth ministry. Her ministry experience includes serving as the Youth Minister at Collierville UMC in Tennessee. Kris has experience serving in youth ministry at the local, conference, jurisdictional and national level of the United Methodist Church. Kris served as the Director for Young People in Mission for 13 years and served on the ministry team with Breakthru for 26 years. Kris and her husband Bob are originally from Pennsylvania but following three cross country moves they have lived in Collierville, TN for 30 years. Kris and her husband are the parents to three adults children and their spouses and also have three young grandsons. Kris enjoys, reading, traveling, the beach, and time with her family and friends.

Kris’ Work At CYMT
I oversee the Southeast coaching and graduate residents and lend support during the Southeast intensives. I also serve on the recruiting team by recruiting future graduate residents and new churches for the Southeast.

Contact Kris at Ext. 106

Community Ministry Director
Rev. Terence L. Mayo is an accomplished public theologian, educator, and social impact strategist who strives to co-create change through social justice, critical education, and racial equity. His education career spans various institutions and levels, serving as a secondary teacher, instructional lead, and adjunct professor. In his administrative roles, Terence has significantly contributed to organizational efforts around DEI, anti-racism, and leadership development. He has been a fellow with such institutions as Vanderbilt University’s School of Divinity, Georgetown University, Howard University, and the Institute for Policy Studies. As a Public Theologian, he has worked with organizations such as Bread for the World, Children’s Defense Fund, and the Poor People’s Campaign. Terence holds degrees in Business Administration, Education, and Religion.

Terence’s Work At CYMT
As the Community Ministry Director, I develop and lead programs that equip leaders for ministry in community-based organizations and multicultural church ministries. Support CYMT efforts to develop resources for parents/caregivers and youth in marginalized communities. Expand and diversify CYMT’s relational network and partnerships with individuals and organizations that align with our mission.

Contact Terence at Ext. 103

Partner Ministry Director & San Antonio/Austin Area Director
Christina has been involved in youth ministry for twenty years as either a paid youth minister or volunteer. She graduated from the University of Texas, San Antonio in 2006 with a B.S. in Health. Christina is an alumni of the CYMT Graduate Residency, graduating from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2020 with an MAYM degree. She loves devoting time and energy to youth ministry and listening to the needs of youth and young adults. Christina enjoys all sporting events, doing puzzles and being outdoors.

Christina’s Work At CYMT
I oversee and care for the residents and coaches in the San Antonio and Austin regions in Texas. I am also responsible for guiding partner ministries through the application process of CYMT, as well as recruiting future residents.

Contact Christina at Ext. 113

Director of Ministry Leadership Initiatives
Matt is from Lawrence, Kansas, known for the Jayhawks (RCJH!). He is an expert skier, a questionable guitarist, and a decent mechanic. Matt emphasizes grace and intentionality in ministry with young people. He holds a B.A. in Architecture from the University of Kansas and an M.A. in Youth Ministry from Southwestern College. Matt is also the founding director of Ministry Leadership Initiative (MLI), a non-profit training organization in Kansas City. He previously served two churches in youth ministry for over 17 years – plus a few seasons in a Teach For America classroom and an architectural firm. He is married to Amy, the kindest person he knows, and they have two boys and a Labrador Retriever.

Matt’s Work at CYMT
I help build certificate training cohorts and professional development events so that youth and children’s ministry leaders might become better equipped and more theologically informed.

Contact Matt at Ext. 109

Sr. Director of Resource Development
Stephen is a dad, husband, writer, and foodie. He has served in churches since 1998 and also has served as a lead consultant with Ministry Architects since 2009. He lives in Homewood, AL with his wife Mary Liz and their three kids. Stephen has his undergraduate from Samford University where he majored in Religion and his Masters of Divinity from McAfee School of Theology. Stephen is a conference speaker, youth ministry consultant, and author. His books include Hollow Faith: How Andy Griffith, Facebook, and the American Dream Neutered the Gospel, ExtraOrdinary Time: 365 Ordinary Moments with an Anything But Ordinary God; and Organic Student Ministry. Stephen deeply loves working with students and equipping youth ministers, helping both answer the questions: Who am I and why am I here?

Stephen’s Work At CYMT
I work to create as well as enable and empower others to create resources that help youth workers and parents invest in youth.

Contact Stephen at Ext. 111

Innovation Laboratory Director
Meghan holds a Bachelor of Journalism and Master of Science in Sustainable Development & Applied Sociology from the University of Missouri, and a Master of Divinity with a specialization in community engagement from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. The thread that runs throughout Meghan’s academic and professional experiences is the power of story to knit communities together around a collective vision. She is a graduate of The Life Stories Institute in Washington, D.C., and has a tremendous passion for guiding individuals to reflect on their personal stories and the timeless stories of faith. Meghan has served rural, urban, and suburban congregational settings in the areas of pastoral leadership, innovative ministry development, youth ministry, new church development, and community engagement. Meghan makes her home in Austin with her spouse Corey.

Meghan’s Work At CYMT
I direct the strategic and programmatic aspects of the Innovation Laboratory. I establish partnerships with churches, denominations, and organizations; coach participants through our Ministry Transformation Labs; train leaders in the Theological Innovation Process; create curricula and resources; and guide the dissemination of resources and insights related to the Lab’s learnings.

Contact Meghan at Ext. 110

Theology Together Director
Andrew Mochrie is a CYMT Alum and previously served in congregational youth ministry for over a decade in Georgia, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, and North Carolina. He and his wife EJ, a chef, live in Western North Carolina and they love to spend time trekking around the Blue Ridge Mountains with their two children, Iris and Edmund, and two dogs, Ginger and Olive. You can find Andrew outdoors, reading, rock climbing, or enjoying live music.

Andrew’s Work At CYMT
As director of Theology Together Andrews manages its initiatives and programs. He oversees the Theology Together 2.0 grant project and is charged to develop and execute a plan that creates a sustainable model for Theology Together.

Contact Andrew at Ext. 114

Innovation Lab Coordinator
Lindsey has been involved in youth ministry in formal and informal ways for over 20 years. She has a passion for including student voices in decision making at the congregational level and helping students explore the role they play in the beautiful and diverse tapestry that is God’s kingdom. As an Enneagram 5, Lindsey is always learning and is a bit of a jack of all trades. She could sew you a new outfit, decorate your birthday cake, provide you with an exorbitant amount of random knowledge, and would love to tell you about the benefits of sunlight before noon.

Lindsey’s Work At CYMT
I provide support to faith communities who participate in our Ministry Transformation Lab and who purchase Lab Resources, ensuring they have all the tools they need to be successful throughout their innovation journey. I develop content for the Lab, and assist with virtual workshops and in-person trainings and workshops held by the Lab.

Contact Lindsey at Ext. 101

Resource Coordinator
Alissa currently resides in TN with her husband and three children. She holds an MBA from Marshall University (Go Herd!) and has a background in recruiting, marketing, business development, and events. A lifelong member of the Disciples of Christ Church, she is passionate about important social issues and loves creating new and meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life. Her favorite things are talks over coffee, watching her kids grow, spending time outside, sharing good food and music, and helping others.

Alissa supports the initiatives and programs within Theology Together, focusing on marketing, events, partnerships, and launching new content.

Contact Alissa at Ext. 108

Digital Resource Director
Brian is a husband, dad, artist, podcast co-host, movie soundtrack fan, and writer. He has over 20 years of youth ministry experience and currently serves as a pastor in the UMC. Brian holds a Master of Ministry with a focus on organizational culture, team-based leadership, change, conflict, and peace-making from Warner University. In addition to his degrees from Warner, he studied Christian Education at Asbury Theological Seminary.

Brian works with our team to create engaging resources that bring hope and success into ministry contexts. He also creates community for those in vocational ministry throughout the Orlando area.

Ministry Services Director
Kirsten, a native of rural Indiana, grew up in small towns throughout the state. After graduating from Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, in 2001, she moved to Clearwater, Florida, to begin a career in youth ministry. With over 23 years of experience, Kirsten continues to serve in the local church and was ordained in 2022. She is currently an Associate Pastor at Radius Church, where she leads the student ministry. In addition to her pastoral role, Kirsten has a background in social work, focusing on supporting students and their families. As the Executive Director of the Youth Ministry Institute and the Ministry Services Director at CYMT, she is dedicated to helping the church and ministry leaders thrive. Kirsten is passionate about helping individuals discover their God-given value and creating safe spaces for people to be their true selves and have encounters with God.

Kirsten leads a team dedicated to supporting churches and faith communities in hiring ministry leaders. By conducting national searches, her team helps find candidates who align with each community’s culture and mission, enabling these organizations to continue helping others experience God’s love.

Innovation Catalyst
Mark Bogart has the privilege of serving as Director of Youth Ministry at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church in Houston, TX. He has a degree in marketing from The University of Texas (’03) and earned a Certificate of Training Completion from the Allender Center at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. Mark first teamed up with CYMT as Team Coordinator for MDUMC’s participation in the Innovation Lab Cohort (2019-2021). He is passionate about youth culture, creative thinking, and helping students discover and develop a meaningful relationship with Jesus. In addition to sharing life with his wife Becky and son, Jake, Mark loves enjoying music, playing sports, and preparing delicious meals. When Mark grows up he wants to play second base for the Houston Astros.

Innovation Catalyst
Rev. Emily Meyer is ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Her passions lie in discovering connections, eco-justice, dreaming about what’s next, and liturgical arts. Daily dog walks, evening yoga and gratitudes, and an amazing partner keep her balanced. She serves as executive director of The Ministry Lab, a resource curation, creation, and consultation organization of the MN UCC, MN UMC, and MN PC(USA).

Innovation Catalyst
Rev. Wren at the age of 15 set out from her childhood home in Talladega, AL to study, explore, and grow. Her travels and training led her to foreign and domestic sites of enlightenment in 10 different countries. In 2009, after finishing her MDiv at Yale University, she followed her calling to begin serving as a pastor in the United Methodist Church-back home in Alabama. Rev. Wren is the Senior Pastor for a vibrant, creative, and constantly innovating congregation in Huntsville, AL where she uses her formal training mixed with personal interests in Photography, Feng Shui, Enneagram, and Dream Analysis as jumping-off points for outreach, evangelism, and spiritual direction.

Executive Director
“Deech” Kirk has been in youth ministry for 25+ years. He served as the youth minister of Brentwood United Methodist Church for six years before becoming the Executive Director of the CYMT in 2006. He has a Master of Art in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary. He is the author of Raising Teens in an Almost Christian World: A Parent’s Guide and one of the co-authors of Now What? Next Steps in Your New Life with Christ.

Deech’s Work At CYMT
I lead CYMT with the help of our amazing staff and board. I am responsible for overseeing the administration and strategic plan of the organization. What do I really do? I answer questions.

Contact Deech at Ext. 102

Finance/HR Director
After graduating from Auburn University, she moved to Nashville where she has worked in both the public and nonprofit accounting fields. Corrie lives in Franklin, Tenn. with her husband, Joe, and their two sons, Jack and Ben.
Corrie’s Work At CYMT
I can help you with anything related to CYMT’s business finances.

Contact Corrie at Ext. 107

Operations Director
Lindsay holds a B.A. in Secondary Education from Clemson University and a Masters in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary through CYMT. She served in full time youth ministry for 12 years before joining the CYMT staff. She loves to cheer on the Clemson Tigers, run outside, drink coffee, and spend time with her family.

Lindsay’s Work At CYMT
I provide operational management to the board and staff and logistical support to all of CYMT’s ministries. I work to find ways for all of our ministries to increase in efficiency and effectiveness.

Contact Lindsay at Ext. 100

Marketing and Communications Director
Jess has a B.S. in Journalism and over ten years of marketing experience across a variety of industries. She is passionate about mentoring and supporting at-risk youth. In her free time, Jess enjoys reading, yoga, and trips to the beach.

Jess’s Work At CYMT
I create marketing campaigns that help people find and access solutions to their challenges. I also develop communication plans that keep our community connected and engaged.

Contact Jess at Ext. 118