Mark was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. He attended the University of Minnesota and studied social work. Mark received his Bachelor of Science Degree summa cum laude. Two years later, he was granted his Master’s Degree in social work from the same university. Mark completed a second Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from the University of Dallas.
Mark has been active in youth ministry since 1972 and began full-time ministry in 1978 at the former St. Paul Catholic Youth Center. Mark is the Executive Director of NET Ministries, Inc., which he founded in 1981. In the last 29 years, Mark and his staff have successfully trained and sent out over 2,000 young adults to share the Gospel with over a million youth. Mark feels that it is a privilege to help young people experience an awakening of faith and grow in living as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Mark resides in St. Paul with his wife and their 4 children. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, camping, fishing and playing and coaching sports with his kids.
Lauren originally hails from Bryan, TX where she grew up with her mom, dad and two sisters. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Psychology.
Lauren served on the home team with NET during the 2003-2004 year. She joined staff as the Development Assistant in 2004 and began her current work as the Database Administrator in 2007. Currently, Lauren is completing her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, serving as in intern therapist at Christian Recovery Counseling in Golden Valley. Lauren enjoys reading, traveling and photography.
Dan is a native of the twin cities and attended college at the University of Minnesota where he earned his B.S. from the Carlson School of Management. Before NET, Dan had discerned the religious life and worked various jobs.
Dan served on a NET team from 1986-1987 and joined staff in 1997 where he presently serves as the Administrator. Dan enjoys backpacking, hockey and theology.
Dan and his wife have five children and live in Inver Grove Heights.
Julia is a native of White Bear Lake, MN and comes from a large family. She earned her B.A. in Theology and Psychology from the College of Steubenville. Her past jobs have included Secretary in the Central Office of the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Mpls and Program Director of the St. Paul Catholic Youth Center (CYC).
Julia has been helping with NET since 1984, and joined the NET staff full-time in 1989 when the CYC closed. She enjoys biking, a variety of crafts, cooking and collecting recipes, camping and state park excursions.
Julia lives in West St. Paul with her husband and son.
Jeffrey was raised in Wisconsin with five sisters and one brother. After high-school he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting/Financial Management. Jeffrey came to the Twin Cities to enter the St. Paul major seminary after working in the field of accounting for seven years.
Two years later, he joined NET Ministries to serve on a mission team. Afterward, he was invited to join NET staff as the Scheduling Coordinator and has continued serving NET in many ways. Jeffrey now serves as the Events Manager. He likes working for NET because he “believes in the heart of the ministry, very much.” He likes that he is able to see how God uses him and the ministry to spread His word.
When he is not working Jeffrey enjoys playing the guitar and hosting card tournaments in his home with friends.
Vicky is from El Monte, California and served on a NET Team for two years from 2000 to 2002. After her time on the road she moved back to California where she worked as a Confirmation Coordinator, Teachers Aid and Nanny.
In 2006, she moved to the Twin Cities from California. A lot of people ask, “Why Minnesota?!” The short answer is that she wanted a fresh start somewhere and figured this was the best place to find a good community, to reunite with old friends and make new ones. She worked for Babies R Us and a company called Green Tree for well over a year before deciding that she wanted to work for the Church again in some capacity, and is happy to be serving as the NET receptionist.
Vicky loves music, movies, reading, babies and laughing. She currently lives in St. Paul with her two roommates, one of them being her sister.
Jan was born in the St. Paul area and was raised with three brothers and a sister. Now, she and her husband have their own family.
She started her career after high-school working at Investment Services. Once she and her husband had children she decided to stay at home with them. They have five children with 15 years between the oldest and the youngest. Jan said, about staying home with her children, “I loved every minute of it!”
Finding out about NET through parents of her kid’s classmates, Jan decided to take a part-time job helping out in the kitchen and doing house-keeping chores. She says, “I’m like the mom of NET… I go shopping, do laundry, clean the rooms and cook!” This job fits Jan’s family life as she works while her kids are in school. She likes working in a place with so many young people and with people who understand that her family comes first.
Born and raised in Englewood, Colorado, Mark has one sister and three brothers. He is the fourth of the five. While in Colorado, he studied Landscape Horticulture at Colorado State University. Still passionate about his this field, Mark continues to work seasonally in this area.
He moved to the cities in ’86 and has been a part of the Catholic Community here for these last 20 years. In fact, the reason Mark moved to the area is for the community of fellow believers. In 1991, Mark made his commitment to the Community of Christ the Redeemer.
While Mark has not been a NET team member like much of the other staff, he has served and continues to serve the staff and the mission of NET. Mark enjoys working for NET, where he can use his skills in Landscape Horticulture.
Fun fact about Mark: His favorite ice cream is Heavenly Hash!
Natalie grew up as part of a large farm family in southern Minnesota. After graduating from the College of St. Benedict, she taught kindergarten and worked as a Director of Religious Education.
In 1987, Natalie married Nick Hall, a NET Alumni, and spent most of the last 20+ years at home caring for her husband and five children. She has enjoyed homeschooling her children and training them to be future Netters.
Natalie joined the NET staff part-time in 2007 and presently serves as Executive Assistant.
Jim grew up in Elk River, Minnesota and now resides in Inver Grove Heights. Jim and his wife have five children.
He graduated from St. Thomas with a B.A. in Social Sciences and taught Social Studies at the Academy of Holy Angels for two years. During his time at St. Thomas Jim served on the first Blitz teams in January of 1980 and 1981. From the fall of 1981 to spring 1982 he served on the first full year NET Team. After teaching, Jim came to NET as Director of Recruiting where he served until 1993. Now Jim has returned to NET staff as the Director of Development after most recently working for US Bank.
In his free time Jim enjoys spending time with his family and working as a character at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.
Matt is originally from Westminster, Colorado where he grew up with his parents and two younger sisters. Midway through his college career, Matt served with NET Ministries in 2005-2006 on Team 8. After his service with NET Ministries, Matt attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas to wrap up a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology. Matt’s main accomplishment at Benedictine College was leading a group of students to establish a chapter of St. Paul’s Outreach, a college outreach ministry that facilitates a household system and large group prayer meetings on college campuses across the United States. After graduating from Benedictine in May 2009, Matt stayed in Atchison to serve for two years as a full-time missionary for St. Paul’s Outreach.
In August of 2011, after serving with St. Paul’s Outreach, Matt rejoined NET Ministries as the Assistant Development Director and is responsible for the Partnership Program, in which all team members of NET Ministries raise $4,200 for their year of service, as well as mid-level donor cultivation. Matt is passionate about spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and loves offering people an opportunity to join the mission of NET Ministries through their financial contribution.
Currently, Matt lives in Woodbury, MN with his wife, Anita. His main hobby is geocaching, which essentially is hiking with a purpose.
As a graduate of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, she holds Bachelor’s degrees in both Business Marketing and Philosophy.
Having been involved with marketing and public relations for over six years, Alison has developed a deep understanding and passion for the world of advertising and promotions. She has coordinated numerous conferences, seminars, and customer events both large and small. With an eye for detail, Alison enjoys designing direct mail pieces, editing websites, creating PPC advertisements, and writing/editing press releases.
Alison loves playing praise and worship on guitar, going camping, laughing, dancing, playing volleyball, and visiting her family.
Alison’s husband is a youth minister. They recently welcomed their first child, Mae, into their home in November 2011.
Adrian comes from Baldwin Park, California. He has his B.S. in Communications with an emphasis in Entertainment Media from John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego, CA. Before and during college Adrian worked at IKEA as a sales representative. He was the Senior Resident Assistant and worked with Campus Ministry. Adrian served two years on NET from 2000-2002. Adrian joined mission staff in January 2010 and was moved to Development Staff in March 2011 as the Online Communications Coordinator. He enjoys coaching, wrestling, leading worship, writing for film, writing music, concerts, movies and going out with friends.
Lori grew up on the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota with her parents and four older sisters. She earned her B.A. in Youth Ministry and Pastoral Theology and has completed some schooling for her Masters in Theology. Lori worked for NET from 1991 until 1993. She came back to NET in 2007 after spending several years as a youth minister and religious education director.
She enjoys singing, playing both guitar and clarinet, spending time with her friends and their children, helping the elderly and special needs children, and being a member of the local Serra Club. She has a great love for the Church, Her priests, and religious orders. Fun fact: Lori is a candidate for Consecration to the Order of Virgins for the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis!
Christopher is originally from Richfield, MN. He earned his B.A. in Spanish and Psychology from St. John’s University.
Christopher has spent the last 18 years working in youth ministry. He started with NET in 1988-1989 traveling as a member of Team 8. He was a Team Supervisor from 1989-1994 before moving up to Team Coordinator for 1994-1998. He has served as Program Director since 1998 and in 2006 was nameds Associate Director. Christopher knew that working with NET was part of God’s will for his life. In his spare time, Christopher enjoys golf, gardening, coaching, photography, reading, playing the guitar, listening to music and fantasy sports.
Christopher lives in West St. Paul with his wife, four children, dog and hamster.
Jenelle, originally from Sioux Falls, SD, is the oldest of four children and earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Creighton University. She worked as an Analytical Chemist for eight years before joining NET.
Jenelle was one of Team #3′s leaders in 2001-02. Because she enjoyed the NET environment and liked reaching out to the youth of America, she served as a program assistant for scheduling from 2002-04. She was promoted to Retreat Team Scheduler in 2004.
Jenelle, who also is a certified color analyst, enjoys watching the Green Bay Packers play, traveling, and baby-sitting. She currently resides in Inver Grove Heights, MN.
Matt is originally from Hughson, California. He served as one of the Team Leaders for the Home Team in 2002-2003. After his time on the Road, Matt served as a Team Supervisor from 2003-2005. Matt has a degree in Graphic Design from Brown College and worked as a Youth Minister for over 6 years. Matt is in his third year as Recruiting Coordinator for NET.
Matt and his Wife Jill were married in 2005. They have two young sons.
David is originally from Connecticut. After graduating from the University of Connecticut with a B.A. in Communications, David was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He served as an Navigator for seven years, flying 436 missions around the world.
David came to NET in 1997 and currently serves as the Assistant Program Director. He’s responsible for the recruiting, training, and supervision of the ten ministry teams. David also holds a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Theology and serves as a professional Catholic speaker. He has given over 600 presentations to youth and adults around the country. Check out his website at www.catholicspeaker.org.
He married his wife Linda in 2002 and they live in South St. Paul, MN with their sons Anthony, Dominic, and Rocco.
Email Dave
Website: http://www.catholicspeaker.org
Joe is originally from Chattanooga, TN. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee and his Master’s in Pastoral Theology from Ave Maria University. He has over 20 years of youth ministry experience.
Joe served on the road with NET in 1985-1986 and joined the staff in 1994 to capitalize on the opportunity to share the Gospel with young people. Joe enjoys white-water rafting, camping and old cars.
Joe currently lives in Minneapolis with his wife and three children.
Steve is originally from Glendale, California. He has his B.M. in Choral/Vocal Music Education from California State University-Long Beach. After serving on NET in 1999-2000, Steve worked as an Assistant Youth Director for three years. From there, Steve spent five years discerning the vocation of priesthood at the Saint Paul Seminary. He’s a classically trained pianist and has worked as a contract musician for over ten years. He enjoys performing, composing, and teaching music.
Allie is from Katy, Texas.
She studied studio art at the University of North Texas, with a focus on drawing and painting. Before coming to NET, Allie worked as an art teacher and as a commissioned artist. She served as the co-leader of NET’s Home Team in 2007-2008 and is beginning her third year as a Recruiting Assistant. Allie enjoys swimming, water-skiing, canoeing, painting, and cycling.
From: Moorhead, MN
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 brother, 1 sister
Education/Experience: Ashley received her B.A. in Philosophy and Catholic Studies from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Ashley served two years with NET from 2005-2007. Recently she served as an intern at St. Croix Valley Faith Formation in Stillwater, MN, assisting in youth ministry and faith formation. Ashley is beginning her first year as a Team Supervisor. In her free time she enjoys playing guitar, reading the works of St. Thomas Aquinas, and going to coffee shops.
From: Houston, TX
Family: Mom, Dad, 2 sisters
Education/Experience: Richard earned his degree in Music Education from the University of Houston. Before coming to NET taught for 2 years at Friendswood High School as a choir director. He also worked as a professional classical singer with the Houston Chamber Choir, Houston Ballet, and the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. He served on NET as co-leader of the 2009-2010 home team and is beginning his second year as a Team Supervisor. Richard enjoys singing, watching movies, board games and swimming.
From: Woodbury, MN
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 brother, 1 sister
Education/Experience: B.A. in Catechetics and Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. While at Steubenville, she worked as a resident assistant and was the coordinator for her household. Anna served as the co-leader of NET Team 6 in 2009-2010 and is beginning her second year as a NET Team Supervisor. She enjoys hiking, reading, writing, and exploring places near and far.
From: Reading, UK
Family: Mom, Dad, 2 brothers
Education/Experience: Dan received a diploma for Performance Guitar from the Academy of Contemporary Music. His various jobs included working as a gardener, a sound engineer, a live music promoter, and a stage performer. He also worked at a winery and in a restaurant. Dan has served as a co-leader for the Hastings parish team for two years (2009-2011) and is serving his first year as a Team Supervisor.Some of his interests include reading, writing, classical music, philosophy, theology, cooking, traveling, and drinking tea.
From: White Oak, PA
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 brother
Education/Experience: Mike received his B.S. in Physics from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. Before coming to NET, Mike served as a camp counselor and program coordinator for Pine Springs Camp. He also worked for a pool and spa company. Mike co-led the Lakeville parish team in 2010-2011 and will be serving his first year as a Team Supervisor. He enjoys running, playing guitar and trumpet, camping, reading, solving Rubik’s cubes, and looking up words in the dictionary.
From: Modesto, CA
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 brother
Education/Experience: Before coming to NET, Josh worked in youth ministry and catering. He has also worked at a hotel, a hospital, and a foreclosure company. Josh served with NET in 2009-2010 and was co-leader for Team 1 in 2010-2011. He is currently serving his first year on Mission Staff as the Recruiting Assistant. Josh enjoys music, sports, movies, traveling, meeting new people, and visiting thrift stores.
From: Huntington, WV
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 sister, 1 brother
Education/Experience: Sarah holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Xavier University. In the past, she taught Spanish for K-8 and was a nursing assistant with the Little Sisters of the Poor. Sarah served with Team 6 in 2006-2007 and served two years as a Mission Staff Team Supervisor from 2007-2009. She is returning to serve her third year as a Team Supervisor. Sarah enjoys playing guitar, volleyball, board games, cooking, studying foreign languages, and running.
From: Cerritos, CA
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 brother
Education/Experience: Before coming to NET has held various jobs some include working in a parish, retail, daycare, theme park management, videography, photography, and restaurant management. He served as co-leader of NET Team 5 in 2009-2010 and is beginning his second year as a Team Supervisor. Ryan enjoys playing guitar, crosswords, Sudoku and bowling.
From: Fontana, CA
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 sister
Education/Experience: B.S. in Physics from the University of California, Irvine. During college he held various jobs that included being an office assistant, a research assistant and a roller hockey official. Eddie served on NET in 2009-2010 as the co-leader for Team 4 and will be serving his year year as the scheduling assistant. He enjoys reading (especially works about the Catholic faith), youth ministry, teaching Confirmation classes, cats, watching Lost, and bicycle riding.
From: Alton, IL
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 brother, 3 sisters
Education/Experience: Nick holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a minor in math from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Throughout college he worked as a bartender. Nick was the co-leader for the Home Team in 2010-2011 and also led NET’s first school team at Providence Academy. He is now serving his first year as a Team Supervisor. Nick enjoys reading, playing tennis and soccer, solving difficult math equations, and doing card tricks.
From: Gulf Breeze, FL
Family: Mom, Dad, 2 sisters
Education/Experience: B.A. in Art with an emphasis in figure painting. Katie has had various jobs working as a photographer, waitress and barista. Her most recent job was as the associate youth minister at a parish in Florida. Katie served two non-consecutive years on NET. She was on Team 4 in 2005-2006 and she co-led Parish Team 2 in 2008-2009. She is beginning her second year as a NET Team Supervisor and second year as household leader. Katie enjoys painting, photography, pottery, jewelry making, and pretty much anything art related.
From: College Station, TX
Family: Mom, Dad, 2 sisters
Education/Experience: Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University. He has worked as a Financial Aid Peer Counselor, a youth ministry intern, a Catholic camp counselor, and was the campus ministry intern at St. Mary’s Catholic Center at Texas A&M. Chris co-led Team 5 in 2010-2011 and is serving his first year as a Team Supervisor. He is an Eagle Scout who enjoys playing outdoor sports, reading, and coffee shops.
From: Westminster, CO
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 sister, 1 brother
Education/Experience: Before coming to NET Maggie was a student at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Maggie has worked for Legacy Ridge Golf Course as a pro shop attendant and has worked for the Atchison Childcare Association as a daycare assistant. She served as the co-leader of NET’s SEAS parish team in 2009-2010 and is beginning her second year as a NET Team supervisor. Maggie enjoys volleyball, reading, running, laughing, and going to coffee shops.
From: Honolulu, HI
Family: Mom, Dad, 2 brothers
Education/Experience: Amber Rose received a B.S. in Health Studies from Miami University in Oxford, OH. After graduating, she worked at St. Luke’s Catholic Medical Services in Camden, NJ with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. She co-led the Hastings parish team in 2010-2011 and is beginning her first year as a Team Supervisor. Amber Rose enjoys running, reading, studying Catholic social teaching and Theology of the Body, and hearing people’s life stories.
From: Gahanna, OH
Family: Mom, Dad, 2 sisters
Education/Experience: Jenna has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ohio State University. She has worked as an art and music teacher, a data administrator, and as the general manager for a playhouse. She served with NET in 2010-2011 as a co-leader for the Lakeville parish team. Jenna is beginning her first year as the Local Outreach Assistant. She enjoys playing volleyball, singing, theater, and watching television.
