high school staff
Sarah BoederAs an Air Force brat, I moved around quite a bit. I graduated high school in Japan before moving to Tucson in 2003. I started working in Student Ministries at Pantano Christian Church during the summer of 2004 leading a middle school small group. I also teach math to 7th graders at Desert Sky Middle School. While the I spend much of my time with middle school students in an academic setting, it excites me to lead high school small groups and join with them in this unique phase of life. I believe students need someone to walk alongside them and to model following Jesus. I enjoy simply being present as they navigate life and figure things out.
Hobbies:
Fun Facts:
Joycelyn ConnetI've been married to my husband Richard since 1994. I'm a step-mom to Jessica, and mom to Cory, Megan and Jacob. I work full time as a Nurse Case Manage, and recently completed a dual Masters Degree in Nursing and Health Care Administration. I am currently pursuing certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. My favorite ways to spend time are doing anything with my family and time in the Word. My experiences growing up has propelled me to want to help others have a better experience filled with the love of Christ and an understanding of God's breathed word.
Hobbies:
Pet Peeves:
Mikelle CronkI am currently a fifth grade teacher at Sycamore Elementary in the Vail School District. I have been in youth ministry for the past seven years, and moved from being a middle school youth coach to working with the high school students when Vail Christian first launched. It is such a blessing to be able to speak into the lives of these kids, and truly see God in them. I enjoy every moment I spend with them and live a life I am proud to share with them. Thank you for letting me be a part of your student's life!! Hobbies:
Fun Facts:
Matt JohnsonOur small group's been meeting for a couple years now and the magic refrigerator never ceases to refill itself. If you are in high school and have not seen it, it's worth a look. If you're not in high school, buy a DeLorean, slam it to 88 mph, then check it out. At group, I enjoy discussing life applications that can be gleaned from what the Bible teaches... studying it not in cold academic pursuit, but as the Word of God spoken to His people. It is as relevant today as it was when it was originally penned. In this spirit, most Wednesday nights conclude with the challenge to apply something learned that week to our lives.
I moved to Tucson from Colorado after graduating from college in 2005. I have one sister, a mom, and dad, all in Colorado. After several months of "church shopping" I learned of the plan to start Vail and jumped on board. It's been a blast ever since. The people are amazing.
Hobbies: If I'm not at work or church, I'm probably....
Fun Fact: I make vinyl static-cling decals. Not stickers.
Aaron Maddox For most of my life I tried to do everything perfectly hoping to earn love and acceptance. I often blamed God for my shortcomings and viewed Him as a harsh master, failing to see His astounding grace and mercy. I grew up in the church but it was not until three years ago that I gave my life to Jesus with no reservations or conditions and He breathed life into my dead heart. I belong to Him.
I have four beautiful children that my wife Joy and I are trying to love and gently correct as God has done for us. I do youth ministry because I know that during middle school and high school the foundations that have been laid really begin to be tested, it is the perfect time for kids to come to Christ for the first time or to solidify what they have been taught in Sunday school. I strive to develop the talents that God has given to me as He continually gives grace and leads me through life.
I enjoy spending time with my family, writing music and playing card and board games. I HATE, HATE, HATE bananas even just the smell activates my gag reflex.
Erica McLaughlin I love high school students. I teach English at Empire high school, and I volunteer with the high school students at VCC for fun. I think high school students are a blast to be around, and I love Jesus, so being a youth coach allows me to put those two passions together. When I’m not with high school students, I live life with my hot husband Chris and our funny little girls, Taylor and Sierra.
Hobbies:
Fun Facts:
Mat MillerI’m originally from California. My 4 brothers and I are only a year apart which made for some good times growing up. Tucson is my new home and has been for the past five years. I find leading high school small groups very rewarding. High school is unique because students start to develop real depth in their relationship with God. It’s also the point where they really shape into the people they’ll be for the rest of their lives. I believe students are a significant part of the Church today and make up one of the greatest mission fields in the world.
Hobbies:
Fun Facts:
Julie SpierI have always had a passion for students and began serving in youth ministry as a volunteer leader in 2001. I began working as a Middle School Director in 2004 while I finished classes at UofA. I earned a degree in Psychology and Sociology as well as a Master’s degree in Ministry from Hope International University. I was married in December 2009 to Dave Spier, who shepherds our community groups and leads worship. I had the great privilege of having wonderful youth coaches speak into my life as a teenager and I feel blessed to pass along that wisdom.
I feel called to live life with students, allowing God to work through me to impact young people. I excitedly pursue relationships to encourage, mentor and empower others towards fulfilling the gifts and passions God has placed on their hearts.
Hobbies:
Fun Facts:
Lisa TaylorWe moved to Tucson 5 years ago from another country - Texas. We now (finally!) feel at home in Tucson although I still really long for a big plate of Tex-Mex. I have developed a real love for hikes and cookouts in the mountains, beautiful lightning storms during monsoon season, and the most beautiful rainbows, sunsets and sunrises that I have ever seen in my life.
Ever since I was a young teen, I wanted to grow up to marry a tall, handsome man, have a big family, and be an active, involved stay at home mom. In the 70's, it wasn't really cool to admit that that is "all" you wanted so I pretended that I wanted to be career woman, but God knew my heart the whole time. His Word declares, He longs to give us the desires of our hearts. So when I grew up, I went to college and got that degree, but I did indeed marry a tall, handsome man by the name of Thomas Taylor. We have three amazing kids - Lane, Lindsay, and Megan - who are very involved in 'The Movement'. They make my life very happy and full. I have been privileged to be the stay at home mom I longed to be. God fulfilled my deepest wishes.
I started teaching Sunday school when I was 16 and haven't stopped since. Over the years I have been constantly drawn back to serving children and teens. I find them to be funny, smart, and insightful. It is my hope that God will effectively use me to help them discover a true relationship with Him.
Thomas TaylorI grew up in Houston Texas and am the youngest of 5. Lisa and I met at Texas Tech University and were married in 1988. I finished school with an Engineering degree and I currently work for B/E Aerospace where we produce first-class suites for commercial airlines. Even though I grew up going to church I didn't hear the gospel until 19. I walked on the football team and met a couple of guys from Athletes in Action. On Feb 1, 1983 I accepted Christ.
It seems like no matter where Lisa and I serve in church at some point it involves children. Through teaching and training at work or leading small groups at church I love to watch people grow which is why I always end up working with the youth. It's amazing to see all of the talents with which God has blessed your kids.
Hobbies:
Fun Facts:
Mike Van FleetI was born and raised in eastern Pennsylvania. I attended Lehigh University for Electrical Engineering and started with Raytheon in 1998 in Tewksbury, MA. I transferred to Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, where I’ve been ever since. In late 1999 I began attending Pantano Christian Church and soon after started working as a high school youth coach. In some way or another, most of my current life has some connection to youth ministry.
My wife Sherri and I met while working with youth at Pantano. We’ve been married since 2002 and have a daughter named Avery. In 2005 we began working with the team that eventually planted VCC a year later. I’ve had the privilege of serving as an Elder at the church. I started youth ministry looking for a way to serve where I would fit in. I’ve stayed so long because I’ve seen so many students grow and mature in the church. There is no doubt that youth ministry requires serious time and effort, but even with that, God’s return for my investment has been paid back many times over.
Hobbies:
Fun Facts:
Sherri Van FleetI'm married to Mike and we have a daughter named Avery. I am a stay at home mom with a few odd jobs that keep me busy. I coach volleyball and track & field at Empire HS, and I work for VCC one day a week as the Lead Pastor's Assistant. If you get an annoying, yet cleverly designed email from the church, I probably made it :-)
I started working with students when I was 16. I continue to do youth ministry because it is incredible to be involved in the everyday lives of teenagers. I want to help provide a safe, consistent relationship amongst all the craziness in their lives. It's really great to see the students grow in their relationship with Christ. They discover new aspects of God as they continue down their life's course. Selfishly, I like to be there to when it happens.
Hobbies:
Fun Facts: