Youth
Meet Our Leaders
James Allen - our newest staff member!
Student Ministry Associate
A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, James felt called to ministry while on a mission trip to the Czech Republic in October 1999. He and his wife, Julie, were houseparents at the Omaha Home for Boys for three years prior to being called to Metro East as Associate of Student Ministries to work primarily with Middle School students. James graduated from Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL) with a B.A. in Intercultural Ministry and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (Lynchburg, VA) with a M.A. in Religion. James and Julie have been married since 2001 and have two children: Nathaniel and Lydia.
David and Sally Ledgerwood, teachers of 6th grade "Morphis" SS class. Sally also helps with the Wednesday evening Middle School gathering.
Beauty and the Beast. David of course is the beauty. Jesus Christ is the center of our lives and we live and breathe him. We have 3 wonderful children.
Melissa McConeghey, teaches 9th grade girls’ SS.
I am from Topeka and met my husband, John, at K-State. I have a degree in elementary education and taught at a Christian school in Kansas City for two years. I am currently staying at home with our son, Isaac, while John finishes medical school.
Tracy Stevenson, teaches Sunday night small group.
Married almost all my life, have 3 kids who keep me busy with their activities. Biggest desire for my "girls" is that they catch a desire to own their relationship with Christ and walk with Him, especially throughout their high school years.
Melissa Hanson, teaches 11th grade girls’ SS.
Married to Chad for 6 years. Have 3 very cute little boys; Chad is 5, Mitchell is 3 and Bradley is 18 months. I love to spend time with my family, singing, scrapbooking or anything that is a craft. I continue to learn and strengthen my relationship with the Lord. I understand how important it is for our youth in High School to do the same. I truly enjoy the girls I have in my class, they are each a precious blessing!
Russ & Kristin Yost
Russ co-teaches 10th grade boys' SS class.
Kristin teaches 10th grade girls' SS.
We have been married for over four years. Our daughter, Addison, is 4 months old. Our other "member" of our family is TITUS - our 190 pound Enlish Mastiff! We have attended Metro East for a little over a year and just recently became involved in the youth group. Russ is a sales/marketing representative and Kristin is a 5th grade teacher.
John McConeghey, co-teaches 10th grade boys' SS class.
My life is busy working as a resident in general surgery, being husband to my wonderful wife, Melissa, and father to our two children. Russ Yost carries the real load with the guys, but I like to show up for all of the parties! The only disadvantage to my plan is that I end up getting shot repeatedly with airsoft pellets at some of those social events!
Jodie Karsak, co-teaches 12th grade girls' SS and Sunday evening small group
Laid-back, fun, athletic, a little smart, responsible and independent wife of Ben and mother of Jake and Kacie,.who likes to sleep-in, run, mow the yard and act silly with Ben and kids.Who needs a little chocolate and a little time alone from time to time.Who shares stories about her life when teaching.Who loves to see God working in the hearts of the youth.
Scott White, teaches 11th grade boys’ SS class.
Obsessed with loving Jesus, Pastor Doug Holt’s personal trainer and nutritionist AND accountability partner. Lover of Jesus and lover of youth. Personal ministry statement: "Live in such a way that those who know you and don't know Jesus, will come to know Jesus because they know you."
Scott Waddell, co-teaches 7th & 8th grade boys' SS class.
I've been involved with the youth group since the Terradyne days. I'm in the Air National Guard so my schedule is erratic and I am basically a free agent teacher; a floater! I teach wherever needed, but mostly for 7th and 8th grade boys. Sometimes I teach 10th grade boys. I'm a golfer, pilot, and huge Dallas Cowboys fan, but I mostly enjoy seeing the youth at this church grow in Christ. It makes me feel young and old at the same time. When I first started teaching, Morgan Morris was in the 6th grade and Sam was even younger. Now she's married and a youth teacher and he's a missionary and college student! I enjoy being part of a youth program that promotes that kind of growth!
Brian Nelson, teaches Sunday evening small groups.
Yo my name is Brian Nelson and I like long walks by El Dorado lake and sitting under the stars on a beautiful cloudy night. If I could choose just one thing to do in life, it would be to hang out with sophomore guys from Metro East. They are the greatest bunch of interesting dudes I know. Fortunately for me, I started doing this last year and I now have the distinct privilege of watching these sweaty boys grow and attempt to graduate from their respective high school establishments in two more years. For a quick personal bio, I have a GORGEOUS wife named Ruby. I have a desk job at Cornerstone Financial and I eat a lot of peanut butter. So in a nutshell, El Dorado, stars, and sophomore boys, Ruby, desks, and peanut butter. That pretty much sums it up! If you have any questions call our church office at 733-5088 and ask for Tracy.
Ruby Nelson, teaches Sunday evening small groups.
I will graduate from WSU in May of '08 and will hopefully find a job teaching English. I have been married to my wonderful husband for a little over a year. I like to be outside, and I like playing and watching sports.
Brock Morris, teaches 9th grade boys' SS class.
Bio to come.
Julie Allen, co-teaches 7th & 8th grade girls' SS class.
As the wife of James and mom of Nathaniel and Lydia, my life is full and filled with love. We love spending time as a family playing at the park, going to the zoo, playing games, spending time with friends, and being in ministry together. Teaching the middle school girls on Sunday mornings and learning more about their lives is something that I really enjoy being a part of each week.
Elena Whitetree, teaches 7th & 8th grade.
Bio to come.
Krista Taylor, teaches 9th grade girls' Small Group.
I have attended Metro East for two years, participating in the New Mercies Sunday School class and most recently, teaching 9th grade girl's small groups. I have three great kids who make life interesting and exciting. I not only strive to teach my girls about God's word, but also how to apply it to their life and grow into spiritually mature adults who will someday become leaders. I am blessed beyond measure. God is awesome!!!!!
Laurie Little, teaches 10th grade girls' Small Group.
Bio to come.
Angie Peluso, teaches 11:00 Sunday School.
Bio to come.
Sam Morris, teaches 9th grade boys' Small Group.
A man striving to become more like Christ is only possible through His aid. After graduating from Sunrise Christian Academy in the spring of 2007 I am now a full-time student at Butler Community College. Being a part of this youth group since 6th grade, I want the absolute best for the kids within its walls. That they might know the power of the Risen Lord, and aim to make God's glory their affinity. I feel that the best way to describe me is in this verse, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God - through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 7:24-25).
Branden Whitetree, teaches 7th & 8th grade.
Bio to come.
Chad Hanson, teaches 12th grade boys' Sunday School.
Husband of Melissa and dad to Little Chad, Mitchell, and Bradley. I enjoy spending time with my family and raising my boys to be men of God and followers of Christ. We enjoy making each other laugh, playing games, and mostly being silly. I enjoy working out, watching boxing, college basketball, video gaming, and eating good food. I am humbled to teach the Senior guys' Sunday School class and have a lot of fun with them. We have a great group of guys!
Todd Fawver, teaches 7th & 8th grade.
My wife Tina and I have three children from college age to elementary school. We found MEBC when we moved from Chicago to Andover in 2005. I'm excited to be a part of the middle school boys Sunday School family. We are all students of the Bible and need to continue to study the Word. I'm pleased to be a part of MEBC!
Josh Primm, band.
Bio to come.