EMMAUSFELLOWS

Emmaus Fellows are second-year fellows based in the greater Boston area. This cohort is focused on capacity building. Fellows either continue work in their first year site placements, building on the initiatives started and relationships built in year one, or they pursue a new site placement, which enables them to broaden their skill set. Emmaus Fellows work at non-profit organizations and churches, focused on social and structural change. In addition to site work, Emmaus Fellows serve in a programmatic leadership role for 15 hours per week with Life Together. Intentional community is not a required part of the Emmaus Fellowship.

katieernst

Hi! I cannot express how excited I am to be part of Emmaus!  After a year in Boston, my life has been transformed by the relationships I have built, the community that surrounds me and the time I have spent diving deep into the heart of God and Her people.  I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me this year!

I am a product of the prairies of South Dakota, where I spent the first 18 years of my life and where my heart still finds its home.  I have had the amazing opportunity to travel the country and the world, which has opened my heart to humanity. Through many journeys I have learned that community and relationships are at the core of who I am and creation. I believe God has called us to restore, reconcile and transform His beloved community. I have a passion for social justice, difficult questions and life giving creativity. Sometimes the work of social justice can be intense and difficult but i am convinced it should also be fun. Emma Goldman puts it wisely, ‘If I can’t dance I don’t want to be in your revolution”. Here’s to sharing our stories with one another, eating together and dancing…

hazeljohnson

Hello you beautiful people! My name is Hazel Monae Johnson and I hail from the biggest little city in the world! That’s right, good ol’ Reno, NV. I am so excited to continue my work with Life Together as an Emmaus fellow! Not only do I get to work with the amazing staff, intriguing incoming fellows and this wonderful Diocese, but I also get to continue my work at ECCO. Who wouldn’t be excited to help a region that makes up 1/3 of the state of Massachusetts fight for the social injustices they face and do it in God’s name? Sign me up! I am thrilled and blessed to do this work. I look forward to all the new ways I will grow and learn this year! I hope you are ready for the bigness that is me! I am bold and if you can’t tell from my photo, I love dogs!  Most important thing you should know about me is that I am funny! If you don’t believe me, you will pretty soon! I’m excited for Life Together’s work!

lacreshajohnson

Oh hey! My name is Lacresha Johnson. I am from Shaker Heights, Ohio. I moved from Biddeford, Maine where I attended the University of New England to the big city of BOSTON to join Life Together. After spending 5 months in Mexico, I realized service work and community building gave me more energy and life than I could have ever imagined. So I hunted for opportunities to give me the same breath of life with an added spiritual component and that’s when I found Life Together. After a year of working with the amazing youth and adult staff at Boston-area Youth Organizing Project (BYOP) and all of the spiritual and leadership training I had received from Life Together, moving on was not an option. There was still work to be done, things to learn, and growing to continue. Which brings me to this very moment, becoming an Emmaus Fellow, continuing to work at Boston-area Youth Organizing Project and becoming the Life Together recruitment coordinator. I get the opportunity to continue building community with Life Together and BYOP while encouraging others to apply to a life-giving program that cultivates prayerful and prophetic leaders.

MICAHFELLOWS

Micah Fellows are first-year fellows based in the greater Boston area. This cohort is focused on training leaders who want to pursue a career in ministry or non-profit management. Micah Fellows work at non-profit organizations and churches, focused on social and structural change. During their year with Life Together, Micah Fellows: work for social justice, grow as leaders, and live in community with other fellows. In addition to working four days a week, these fellows will participate in about eight hours a week of leadership training and spiritual reflection, and they live in community with one another.

samanthaakwei

Raised in Harlem New York, I am a city woman with a country spirit! I studied English at Spelman College because have a passion for spoken word poetry. It has helped me to craft my own voice and empower others by writing about issues that affect them. AmeriCorps, NAACP and Green For All are only a few of the organizations that I’ve worked with which have inspired my interest in social justice. My hope is to turn my words into action and become an attorney that ensures individuals’ voices are heard.

Growing up in a large family, caring for others was the norm. In fact, being nurtured and mentored by the people at the City Tabernacle Seventh-Day Adventist Church in my community is the reason I am here. I never really “grew up in the church” but after being invited at the age of nine, my life has changed forever. Thus, it is my desire to fulfill God’s plan for my life; becoming a Micah Fellow is the perfect opportunity to set me on my ordained path.

tiffanycurtis

I am a passionate person whose passions extend to the mundane, such as my love of avocados & maps & of discerning quirky cloud formations hidden in a bright sky.

I am a recent graduate of Harvard Divinity School (MDiv ’11), where I focused primarily on Christian post-colonial & liberation theologies. Much of my time outside of the classroom while at HDS was devoted to building women’s spiritual community and to economic & ecological justice organizing. When I graduated from HDS in 2011, I was awarded a research fellowship from Harvard University, and spent 9 months studying the intersection of Indigenous cosmovision & alternative sustainable development models in Ecuador, focusing specifically on the lived experiences of Indigenous women in the Andean Highlands.

I came back from the Andes in May 2012 and immediately began a summer interfaith chaplaincy-training program at the hospital that serves my home community – Claremont, California. Moving back to Boston again to begin the Micah fellowship for 2012-13 feels like the right time & the right place for me. I am excited to delve into intentional community, intentional spiritual growth, and intentional & thoughtful justice work. I am also thrilled to return to running along the Charles, reading in my favorite coffee shops, and grooving with some beloved beings who reside in Boston.

My soul is fed by dancing, poetry, bluegrass, and connecting with beautiful people and places throughout the world.

pauldaniels

I am Paul Daniels, a cradle Episcopalian born and reared in Raleigh, North Carolina. I have salt of the earth parents that gave me love and the room to dream, sisters that laughed with me, and a community that encouraged me.

I recently received a BA in Philosophy from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA where I was deeply moved and transformed by the teachings of the 20th century spiritual leaders Howard Washington Thurman and Martin Luther King, Jr. It was also at Morehouse that I did social justice work with Jump Start, Park Pride Atlanta, and the Morehouse College Community Revitalization Initiative.

I love LOVE as elusive as it is, philosophy, random adventures down unknown streets, long walks through big cities, gardening and being in nature, laughing a lot, and trying new restaurants. I’ve a deep interest in contemplative and spiritual practices, and how they might strengthen the psychosocial well being of marginalized groups. I feel EXTREMELY blessed to be a Life Together Fellow — to live in faith community and discover, firsthand, how spiritual formation in an inclusive community can make an individual more of whom they really are. My Micah year will also serve as a year of discernment in preparation for seminary. I am open to whatever God has in store for me, and excited to grow alongside other young spiritual thought leaders.

evaenglert

Hello! I am Eva Englert, and I love people and am passionate about social and environmental justice. I also love drinking coffee, writing, cooking, and enjoy playing and listening to all different kinds of music. Within the past couple of years I have become increasingly interested in food justice issues, and have done some research and community garden work in the hopes of learning about and alleviating issues of healthy food access. I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. My parents are from opposite ends of the country, which has made for a wonderfully interesting exchange of culture and ideas in my growing up. I am currently beginning the candidacy process for ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church, though I am still very much discerning which direction I am called to. I have been working as a children/youth/family ministry intern at a church during the past year, and I am interested in pursuing more grassroots-level social and environmental justice work in Boston to broaden and compare my experiences. I couldn’t be more excited to begin a year of service work, relationship-building and spiritual reflection with Life Together!

neilflores 

My name is Neil Flores and I am very excited about the journey for this upcoming year with Life Together. I am a graduate of Florida State University and during my time there, I grew closer to my faith and developed a deeper spiritual life.  I joined the Catholic Student Union at FSU where I was privileged to be a part of the Outreach Board. This was one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. I developed many deep and personal friendships, acquired leadership skills and most importantly, deepened my relationship with God.

After college I worked for Disney Cruises and the Florida Department of Financial Services. Though both were great opportunities, I felt that God was calling me to do something else. I wanted to do something that helped people on a humanitarian level. I found out about Life Together and quickly submitted my resume. I was drawn to Life Together’s mission of implementing social change through the church and its passion for helping those who need it the most. I am very excited about this upcoming year and I know it will be an experience I will never forget!

daltonfunkhouser 

Hi, I’m Dalton Funkhouser. I grew up in Hobart, Oklahoma, a small farming community in the southwest part of the state. Growing up in a small town afforded me many great opportunities. One of the things I learned in Hobart was how interconnected individuals are, whether that connection is acknowledged or not. After graduation I headed off to Oklahoma Baptist University, a small liberal arts college. There I majored in Religion and minored in Philosophy.

While at OBU I had the opportunity to be a Resident Assistant and was introduced to a form of community building. I also participated in organizing various events and coordinating volunteers for churches around the state. My time in college helped me form a love of people and I am very grateful for the time I spent there.

I am really excited about the upcoming year and the chance to live, serve and grow in a religious community. I love running, reading, concerts, talking, and learning about people.

andygordon 

Hey guys, I’m Andy from the ‘Mistake on the Lake,’ also known as Cleveland, Ohio.  Though I was born in Reading, PA, I am a Midwesterner through and through, which means I love a good conversation. I especially enjoy deliberating with people who disagree with me, so resist the urge to curb your words on tough subjects: I want to hear your opinion and I definitely want you to challenge mine. That’s just how I grow and make friends.

This spring I graduated from Denison University in Granville, Ohio where I majored in political science and minored in philosophy. My religious perspective is definitely a work in progress, though not for lack of religious experience.  I’m the son of an ordained Methodist minister and attended a Catholic High School.  My spirituality is grounded in my politics, which is a big reason why the Episcopal Church is so appealing to me.

I’ve been active within the Democratic Party since the beginning of my college career, so I’m all about community organizing. As drummer of twelve years and guitar player of roughly two, I love music. If you’re interested in concerts, I’m your guy. Beyond that, I’m just looking forward to a great year of work and growth with some great people!

jamillehoward

Peace! “Rasta-style Flower-child,” as Erykah Badu sings in one of her songs, would be the phrase to best describe my “livity.” I am reminded daily that life is a journey, and I have been blessed to find my way along the Life Together Fellowship path. As I am ever evolving and growing, my love for spirituality grows greater. Serving and helping others is just one of my passions, and I am hoping that other passions will be revealed as I work toward social justice and undergo further spiritual formation, during this phase of my life. I count it a blessing to have experienced ups and downs, been privileged, and loved, as I grew up in Syracuse, NY, attended Colgate University, and spent the last 2 years in Atlanta, GA. Studying in culturally diverse Trinidad and Tobago led me to my love for various religions, and inspired me to re-evaluate and further nurture my spirituality. I feel the most connected to my spirituality when I dance, meditate, and draw energy from nature. I aspire to volunteer in the Peace Corps after my fellowship in Boston, and possibly begin a summer camp for children promoting religious pluralism, culture, and diversity. Lastly, I try to live by this phrase, as stated by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Peace and love to every living thing!”

humejamison

I hail from a city that at one time allowed Jerry Springer to serve as mayor and produced Nick Lachey of the popular 90′s boy band, 98 degrees, Cincinnati, Ohio, home of the greatest NFL team, the Bengals (yes I am a diehard fan, WHO-DEY). I am a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati, with a degree in history. I have a twin brother (we are exact opposites), and I have two older brothers, I also have a mom and dad that are the worlds greatest and oldest parents. I have worked for the Diocese of Southern Ohio summer camping program for the past 3 summers, which have been the greatest of my life and for Calvary Episcopal Church as their Youth Director. I am currently in what I have coined Discernment-Limbo to become an Episcopal priest with my diocese. I am an avid golfer and supporter of all Old Man sports. I have a love/hate relationship with running, completing the 2011 Flying Pig Marathon being my crowing achievement. And I love wearing Bow Ties. I look forward to expanding my current ministries and growing in my faith in the coming year with the Life Together program.

kyleejohnston

I’m Kylee Johnston from Perrysburg, Ohio. Most recently Cleveland has been my home as I completed my undergraduate degree in Marketing at John Carroll University. My time at John Carroll was filled with incredible people and experiences. I built many relationships through activities in campus ministry and had the opportunity to work in the Office of Admission and as a Resident Assistant. My time in college affirmed my passions for relationships, faith, and service. A traveler at heart, I was able to study for a semester in London and visit several cities across Europe. I love seeing new sights, deep conversations, journaling, live music, games, art, and running; I also have a serious sweet tooth.

I am more than excited to be a part of the Micah Project this year. I look forward to new friendships, faith-filled growth, and expanding my horizons.

ruthnkemontoh 

A lover of people and of cultures, I aim to explore the world and see all the beauty in it. In school I double majored in Communication Studies and Black Studies. Throughout life, God and my relationship with Him has been at the forefront of all my movements. Born in California but raised in Oregon, I’m still trying to find a place to call home. After finishing my degree and doing web-based work, I decided I needed a change — I wanted to interact with people on a more personal level and I was itching to leave the States again. Since then, I’ve found myself working in Ukraine and India, with opportunities to explore other countries along the way.  I see myself as a Global citizen and I’m happy to have the opportunity to explore Boston as a member of Life Together. In my spare time I enjoy having a last minute adventure, reading, watching a movie, attending a fight, baking or attending community events.

annapetrie

Growing up in New Jersey and experiencing this diverse society drew my attention to issues of social justice from a young age.  I am the oldest child of Clark and LuAnne Petrie and grew up in a loving home with my two brothers, Ty and Zack, and my sister, Molly. I graduated from Warren Wilson College with a dual major in Spanish and Global Studies. During and after college I worked as a cook in vegan restaurants and was involved in the food localization movement in both North Carolina and New Jersey. During this time, my focus shifted from issues of food quality to issues of food quantity. This shift inspired me to work as a missionary in Niger. During my time in Niger I grew much closer to God.  My experiences taught me a lot about inner-peace and the importance of glorifying God through action. I am looking forward to Boston and the opportunity to work and live in a community of people who are spiritually engaged. In my free time, I enjoy reading and hiking. I love my family, my friends, morning walks, good coffee, chopping vegetables with sharp knives, good shower pressure, dancing, maps, my hiking backpack, camp fires, my books, sit down dinners, peanut butter, and my two dogs.

simonesanders

What makes me “me”? Is “me” my hometown, major in college, hobbies, accomplishments, life goals, spirituality and family? I do not want my bio to just be about these aspects of myself. Although they are a very important part of who I am, telling you that I am from Queens, New York, have a B.A. in History from the University of South Florida, love to travel and draw, hope to create a more peaceful global society through conflict resolution, believe that all religious traditions have “truth” and have a loving mother and fiancée could never capture who I am; my essence, soul or potential.  Even telling you that I am passionate about social justice, LGBTQ rights, and African American history doesn’t really tell you about my path to the Micah Project. I am not the amount of languages I speak or places that I have been. Fortunately, none of my accomplishments matter without the collective- without you. I am not a lonely human, plunked down on earth to aimlessly wander. My journey is our journey. What makes me “me” is us.

meganshepherd

Hello from Oklahoma! I just graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BA in English, and plan to pursue an MFA in creative writing… eventually. Until then, it’s Life Together! And maybe some other adventures. I’ve always been extremely passionate, whether in my faith life, relationships, school, community organizing or my favorite things.  I love to laugh, and I love feelings. Also, it’s only fair that I tell you…I’m a little sassy.

I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the beauty of community through the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, and am very eager to live into a similarly nurturing community in Boston. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of Life Together. From this year, I’m hoping to gain a greater sense of clarity for what I want from life, and the vocational role I will play within it.  I am excited to help, learn, share, and become a fuller version of the woman God is calling me to be.

Three things I love: beautiful language, animals that let me hold them, and spaghetti.

I’m so excited to meet you. 

nickskinas

My name is Nicholas (Nick) Skinas. I’ve grown up and lived in a small town of Northfield, Vermont (ten miles south of our capital Montpelier) my entire life. As a result I am eager to experience living in a new setting; I’ve always had an interest in Boston due mostly to some family that lives near there and my love for all Boston’s sports teams.

In trying to figure out my next step in life, I decided I wanted to do more than work a 9-5. I want to spend my time working towards my passions – helping those in need, discovering more about and bettering myself, and strengthening and developing my relationship with God. When I heard about the Life Together program it struck me as perfect place to explore these things. I feel truly blessed to be accepted into the program.

Some of my hobbies include most sports (especially football), running, biking, swimming, exercising, reading, card/board games, spending time in nature, good movies and conversation. I am extremely excited to be a part of such a beneficial program, and look forward to the coming year.

libertywhitt

Tim “Liberty” Whitt: Based out of Atlanta, GA and Cape Town, South Africa, Liberty is a scholar and social entrepreneur, in addition to the voice behind LibertyMusic. The evolving student has pursued Political Science and International Relations studies at both Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA) and Stellenbosch University (Cape Town, South Africa), with concentrations in Servant Leadership studies and Music. The international artist and businessman released “You’ve Been Liberated” “GIFTED” “Transition” and “Committed” through the LibertyMusic record label, and is coming off of a recent tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa in spring of 2012.  For the love of the world and through the support of his community the artist seeks to speak through music as the voice of the people. As a social entrepreneur and philanthropist Liberty is committed to acting out his thoughts and words and impacting the community in a positive way.  He looks forward to life together as a growing experience.

ESPERANZATEACHING FELLOWS

The Esperanza Teaching Fellowship is a partnership between Life Together and Esperanza Academy, located in Lawrence, MA. Esperanza Academy is a tuition-free, independent day school in the Episcopal tradition for low income girls in grades 5-8. The EA Teaching Fellows all teach classes, work, and coach in the extended day program of the school. This cohort is focused on training teachers and leaders who want to work for change through the education system. No pervious teaching experience is required. In addition to working as full-time teachers, EA Teaching Fellows join the Boston fellows for monthly leadership trainings, and they live together in intentional community. 

jayhayden

Hi everyone! My name is Jay Hayden and I grew up in York, Maine. I lived for five years in Burlington, Vermont where I graduated from UVM with a BA in English. After graduation I worked in an after school program and as a one on one in a local elementary school. I also volunteered with the refugee resettlement program and worked closely with a Nepalese family who had recently arrived in America. I left Burlington in 2010 and took a job teaching second grade Math in Thailand where I lived for one year. Right now, I am back in New England teaching reading at the Esperanza Academy.

 

annamoore

Hi, my name is Anna Moore, and I’ll be serving in Lawrence this year. Right now, I’m finishing up as a community organizer for 9to5 Milwaukee, a women’s economic justice organization. I work where the labor movement and women’s movement intersect to make sure Wisconsin is open for working moms! The best part of this work has been helping women grow as leaders and self-advocates.

I grew up in Southern California and went to college in Portland. I studied English and got really involved in music programs as well. This led to my studying sacred music in London for a semester. And my study of sacred music brought me to Evensong every afternoon, a welcome respite from the city. Even though I am not officially Episcopalian, it’s a church I love because of the tradition, community, and sheer beauty of the mass.

I hope to grow as a teacher and as a person this year. I especially look forward to living in community, teaching, and exploring the east coast. Some of my interests are hiking, Brit lit, music, swimming, and speaking Spanish.

SOUTHCOASTMISSION HUB FELLOWS

The South Coast Mission Hub is a pilot project of The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts to bring together local churches in the Fall River and New Bedford communities and engage them in common missional work. One of the South Coast Mission Hub’s first initiative’s is a cohort of fellows who will be living together in Fall River. Each of the fellows will work at a non-profit organization or church in the greater Fall River and New Bedford communities. This cohort is modeled on the Life Together program and is an affiliate program partner of Life Together.

larissaalter

Hello All! My name is Larissa Alter and I am from the small town of Flagler Beach, FL. Growing up with two brothers and two sisters, my life was always full of fun, laughter, and a little chaos. After high school, I ventured down to south Florida where I attended Palm Beach Atlantic University. My time at PBA holds some great memories—it was a time of great spiritual discernment from God and a time of great fun (beach days spent in the sun, late night movie marathons, and the beginnings of some lifelong friendships!).

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication with a minor in Biblical Studies. Though I did not know exactly what I wanted to do with my life, I knew that I wanted to dedicate it to God and be a Light for Him in this world. I’ve spent the last two years working in student affairs at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. I have LOVED my time working with and mentoring the students of FSC, but I have felt called to leave Florida and venture up to the Northeast to participate with Life Together. I am so excited to see what this next year holds.

In my spare time, I love to be outdoors, cook up new recipes, plan events, and more often then not, you’ll find me curled up somewhere with a good book!

rachaelmaclagan

Hello, My name is Rachael MacLagan.  I’m from Church of Our Saviour in Somerset, Massachusetts.  I’m a quiet, introverted, open-minded person. I’m the youngest of three daughters and as a child I learned a lot by watching and listening to my older sisters and their friends. That habit has continued through my life. I learn best by listening to other people’s thoughts and ideas. I find happiness through my relationships with friends and family, doing artwork, and being outside. I am an animal lover and want to follow Henry David Thoreau’s example of finding God in simplicity.

I moved to Somerset, MA in October of 2010 from a small town in Ohio. It wasn’t long before I started attending Church of Our Saviour Episcopal. I grew up Episcopalian and spiritual, but had lost my faith. It was through the people at church that I regained it. They have inspired me to become an example of a loving person in a world full of injustices and prejudices. I’m hoping that Life Together will help me discern how God is calling me to be His child in the world.

elizabethmalkin

My name is Elizabeth Malkin and I grew up in the small suburb of Wyoming, Ohio located about twenty minutes outside of Cincinnati. I left Ohio for Connecticut in 2007 to attend Wesleyan University where my interest for all things spiritual led me to a double major in Religion and French studies. When I left the University, I moved to the south of France to teach English for a year and to fine-tune my language abilities. There, I rediscovered my love for any and all outdoor sports, as well as the inevitable late night dinner party. I grew up surrounded by numerous religious and spiritual beliefs and practices and am still seeking faith communities that resonate. I am looking forward to this upcoming journey with Life Together, and am grateful to have found a group of people committed to social activism, acceptance and community.

stephenrainwater

My name is Stephen Rainwater and I’m a recent graduate of Oklahoma State University.  Though my field of study in college was marketing and entrepreneurship, my involvement in Big Brothers Big Sisters, work with Young Life camps, and internships with non-profits have shaped my passion to serve.  While interning for a social enterprise in Ngara, Tanzania last summer, I learned a lot about the East-African culture and my own weaknesses.  I grew up in a Christian home in Dallas my whole life, but never learned what it meant to live a God fearing life until recently.  When I’m not riding my bike or discovering new music I am playing ultimate Frisbee or jamming on the djembe.  What drew me to the Life Together program was a healthy combination of spiritual growth and social justice work.  I am ecstatic for what God is going to do this year, and excited to be a part of the first group in the South Coast region!