CENTER for STUDENT MISSIONS

Amanda Brown

Amanda is from Capistrano Beach, California and is a Sociology major at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, TN. Her missions experience includes trips to Mexico, Jamaica, Russia and CSM Los Angeles. Her leadership experience began in her high school youth group and continues now with Baptist Collegiate Ministries at Carson-Newman, as well as volunteering with Disciple Now – which are weekend retreats for junior and senior high youth groups. She likes the outdoors, reading, snowboarding, and painting by numbers. “I am so excited about spending my summer loving those that often go unnoticed, and watching the students enthusiastically serving Christ and others in the inner city!”

Tara Trammell

Tara is a junior at Judson College in Elgin, IL majoring in youth ministry and adolescent studies. Home is just 45 minutes south of Chicago in Plainfield, IL. She likes to play softball, having played since age ten. She has quite a bit of experience working with youth, both at her home church as well as in a practicum at Willow Creek. She has experience working with Kids Across Americe (Kanakuk) last summer as a counselor to inner city kids. Tara also loves art and music. “I hope this summer allows me to become a better servant of Christ and others.”

Jon Vales

Jon is from Berwyn, IL (right outside Chicago). A junior at Judson College in Elgin, IL, his major is Youth Ministry. Jon’s mission experience includes trips to South Dakota, Romania and many other places. For the last six years, he has worked with Junior High and Senior High students and absolutely loves them. During the last two school years he has worked with CSM in Chicago. It has been an amazing experience hearing and seeing the different testimonies of people. His hobbies include playing tennis, baseball, basketball and most any other sport. When not watching the Cubs or playing sports, he enjoys going out for coffee. “This summer I hope to show others the real problems of city life, but also to show them how God is working in the city too. I love working with people from all walks of life and am looking forward to showing others Christ’s love this summer and also just serving people.”

Laolu Oladosu

Lu is from Lagos, Nigeria and is a senior at Valley City State University (Valley City, North Dakota) majoring in Computer Information Systems (Networking) and Business Administration (Finance). Some of her interests are reading books, working out and touring. Juggling two majors and a part time job has prepared her for long hours. She hopes to have and give a great experience to all this summer.

Laura Welling

Laura grew up in San Jose, CA and Kenmore, WA, which is her home now. She has a degree in elementary education from Western Washington University and is a substitute teacher for grades K-8 and has learned that she thinks middle schoolers are a lot of fun! She has missions experience in Australia, Mexico and CSM Washington, DC Laura has been involved in youth ministry through Young Life since 1999, working with school clubs and at Young Life camps. She likes to make cards, sip coffee with friends or a good book for company and likes to laugh. A favorite place is her family’s cabin on Puget Sound. “I am excited to be in LA this summer and see God move in the city and within my own heart. I hope to fall more in love with Jesus and with His people throughout the summer.”

Sam Strazin

Sam is from a small town in Southern Ohio and attends Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a junior Youth Ministry/Bible major there. Through his experience at CSM LA on a missions trip, he discovered a love for the city, the diversity and cultures and also ethnic food! He loves God, loves people and hopes to help the CSM participants and people he meets in LA to feel God’s love and call on their lives.

Aaron Boeke

Aaron hails from the beautiful state of Colorado and attends school at Pomona College near Los Angeles where he is in his senior year. He has been involved in urban and international mission work since a young age and is excited to continue that tradition this summer through CSM. Aaron loves backpacking, running, frisbee, music, reading, and travel. “I am excited to learn what God has to teach me about the city and to see where God wants to lead me in the future.”

Kenn Knisely

Kenn was born in Washington Court House, Ohio. Since he has moved 17 times, it is hard to call one place home, but his parents now live in Stockbridge, Michigan. He is a History and Spanish major in his second year at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Throughout college and high school, he has worked with lots of teens and young people leading both small and large group activities. During his spring break this year, he went to CSM San Francisco and loved the experience, so much that he decided to apply for summer staff. “I really want God to put the passion in students’ lives, like He has mine!”