Trudy is our regional catalyzer in the Midwest Region (Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin). She lives in Minnesota, and feels blessed to also work for the CRC’s Connections Project. In 2017 she opened up a coffee and ice cream shop called King Sparrow Coffee & Soda Shop in her hometown of Milaca, Minnesota. Trudy has a deep passion for local churches and loves to hear their stories over a cup of coffee! Learn more about Trudy in this interview.

Ron has been working to strengthen youth ministry for more than 20 years. He serves as a Youth Ministry Catalyzer for the CRC and Canadian SERVE director for Youth Unlimited. His work focuses on supporting and equipping youth leaders. Read more about Ron in this CRC News article and this interview.

Laura Keeley is a Regional Catalyzer for congregations in Michigan. She also serves as director of children’s ministries at Fourteenth Street CRC in Holland, Michigan. Laura is the author of the Church Staff Handbook, several units of Faith Alive’s WE curriculum, and co-author with her husband, Bob, of articles on faith formation, Christmas dramas, and the books Celebrating the Milestones of Faith, and Psalms for Families. Learn more about Laura in this interview.

Liz is  Regional Catalyzer for Canada West. She’s especially passionate about faith formation with children/families and involving children and youth in the life of the church. Learn more about Liz in this interview.

Lesli is Director Congregational Ministries-Canada and oversees Thrive Regional Catalyzers. She is ordained in the CRC and has co-pastored in both Canada and the US with her husband, Tom. Along with supporting local congregations in strengthening their cradle to grave faith formation practices, Lesli is passionate about building into the next generation of leaders through leadership workshops for youth, young adults, and church councils.  Learn more about Lesli in this interview.