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, Teacher’s 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 the NET receptionist.
Vicky loves music, movies, reading, babies and laughing. She currently lives in St. Paul.
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 Minnesota in 1986 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 alumnus, 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.
Born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Sylvia is the second of five children. Sylvia left New Mexico in 1987 to serve on the NET home team, after which she joined the NET staff from 1988 to 1993.
It was while Sylvia was working for NET that she met her husband, Tom Ryan (NET staff 1990 – 2005). They were married in 1992 and have five children. Sylvia has spent most of the last 20 years caring for her family. Sylvia joined the NET part-time staff (again) in 2011, and currently serves as an 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 NET “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. He left to work for US Bank, but returned to NET staff years ago as the Director of Development and Communications.
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.
Paul was born and raised near Sioux City, IA and now resides in South St. Paul, MN with his wife Kate and their three young children. After graduating from high school Paul enlisted in the US Army as an armor crewman for the M1A1 Abrams tank. After four years of active duty service he joined the National Guard and served as a tank commander while finishing his B.A. in History and Secondary Education at Briar-Cliff University in Sioux City, IA.
Paul served on NET Ministries as a Team Leader (1998-1999) before moving to the Twin Cities, where he worked in the admissions departments of various public and private universities, including Bethel University, where he served as the Director of Admissions. In March 2013 he joined NET staff as the Partnership Program Manager.
Paul recently completed a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree at Cardinal Stritch University (Milwaukee, WI) and became a commissioned officer in the Navy Reserves, where he continues to serve part-time. In his spare time Paul enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities with his children.
Catherine is originally from Menlo, IA where she grew up as the oldest of nine children. Before coming to NET she worked as a Parish Office Assistant and served as a catechist in a program known as Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Catherine served on NET Team 2 in 2010-2011 and then on the Hastings Parish Team in 2011-2012, discovering a passion for the mission of evangelization.
Catherine now lives in West St. Paul, MN. She enjoys listening to and writing music, playing guitar, baking, reading and trying new restaurants.
Email Catherine
Anne originally comes from Glasgow, Scotland, where she worked as a personal secretary in an architects office. She came to serve with NET in 1991-92 before joining NET’s staff as a team supervisor for three years. After that she worked for a year with NET’s Development Office in 1995-96.
She left the workforce to raise her family for 15 years is happy to return to NET and lend her talents to serve the gospel in this mission.
Anne is married to Deacon Joe Michalak and they have four children. Anne loves to cook and play games with her children.
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!
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 now serves as the Program Director. He’s honored to work with the absolute best people in ministry! David holds a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Theology from Ave Maria University and serves as a professional Catholic speaker. He has given over 700 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
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 currently works as the Assistant Program Director for NET.
Matt and his Wife Jill were married in 2005. They have two young sons.
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.
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. The position has since evolved into NET Team Schedule Coordinator.
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.
Steve is originally from Glendale, California. He has his B.M. in Choral/Vocal Music Education from California State University-Long Beach. After serving with 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.
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 and her husband have a one-year-old daughter and an Alaskan Klee Kai dog.
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.
Michelle was raised in North Saint Paul, MN. She earned her B.A. in Professional Communication from Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN. While earning her degree, Michelle worked as Certified Nursing Assistant and a Photo lab Technician among other jobs.
Michelle served with NET in 2005-2006 and worked on staff as a Team Supervisor in 2009-2010. Before and after serving with NET, she volunteered with her local youth ministry group organizing and leading various ministry events and retreats. Michelle has also served on a parish ministry team in Hawaii as a part of InHim Ministries.
Michelle enjoys the outdoors, traveling, volleyball, the Minnesota Twins and adventure.
Ryan is originally from Cerritos, California.
Before coming to NET he held various jobs including 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 was a Team Supervisor for two years after that. Ryan enjoys playing guitar, crosswords, Sudoku and bowling.
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 working as a Recruiting Assistant for NET. 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. During her senior year at St. Thomas, Ashley worked as a youth ministry assistant at St. Croix Valley Faith Formation in Stillwater, MN. She served as a Team Supervisor for NET in 2011-2012 and is now serving as the Local Outreach Assistant and women’s household leader. In her free time she enjoys
playing guitar, reading the works of St. Thomas Aquinas, and going to coffee shops.
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 brother, 5 sisters
Education/Experience: Sarah holds a B.A. in Drama with a minor in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Before coming to NET, she worked as a daycare provider and a lawn care specialist. She co-led the Hastings parish team in 2011-2012 and is now serving her first year as a Team Supervisor. Sarah enjoys reading, coffee shops, directing short plays and dramas, baking pies, gardening, singing, embroidering, and dancing.
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 second 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 is serving his second 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: Morgantown, WV
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 brother, 1 sister
Education/Experience: Molly holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education (Health and Physical Education) from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. While in college, Molly worked as a tutor for college students with learning differences. She also provided in-home care for adults with special needs and worked as an AmeriCorps Mentor for summer reading programs. Molly served as the co-leader of NET Team 5 in 2011-2012 and is now serving her first year as the Scheduling Assistant. She enjoys Singing, Skiing, Reading, Sports, and Coaching.
From: Turlock, CA
Family: Mom, Stepdad, dad, 3 brothers, 3 sisters
Education/Experience: Brooke received her B.A. in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University. Before coming to NET, Brooke worked for Acme Electric for six years. Later, she worked as a real estate agent for a year and as an insurance claim rep for a year. Brooke served as the co-leader of NET Team 4 in 2011-2012 and is now serving her first year as a Team supervisor. Brooke enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and relaxing in the sun.
From: Augusta, GA
Family: Mom, Dad, 4 sisters, 2 brothers.
Education/Experience: Catherine holds a B.A. in Theology (with a Philosophy minor) from Ave Maria University. While in college, Catherine worked as a Resident Assistant and as the assistant to the Director of Student Life. She also served as a head swim team coach and as the leader of a women’s household called “The Vessels of Mercy.” Catherine served as the co-leader of NET’s Home Team in 2011-2012 and is currently serving her first year as a Team Supervisor. She enjoys singing, playing guitar and hand percussion, ballroom and hip-hop dancing, swimming, and going on adventures.
From: Rockford, IL
Family: Mom, Dad, 2 sisters
Education/Experience: Emily received her B.A. in Theology from Marquette University. Throughout college, she worked as a campus tour guide and served as an intern at two local parishes. Emily served as the co-leader of NET’s first full-time school-based team (Providence Academy) in 2011-2012 and is serving her first year as a Team Supervisor. Emily enjoys going on walks, Zumba, going to coffee shops, photography, traveling, and dancing.
From Apple Valley, CA
Family: Mom, Dad, 3 sisters
Education/Experience: Kevin earned his B.A. in Philosophy with a minor in Theology from Ave Maria University. While in college, Kevin served as an R.A. and worked part time in a restaurant. He served on NET’s Home Team in 2007-2008 and is serving his first year as the Recruiting Assistant. Kevin enjoys drumming, building computers, reading, having philosophical discussions, and acting.
From: Lincoln, Nebraska
Family: Mom, Dad, 3 brothers, 3 sisters
Education/Experience: Before coming to NET, Cameron worked as a Child and Respite Care Provider. He served on the Hastings Parish Team in 2010-2011 and served a second year at the same parish as the team’s co-leader in 2011-2012. Cameron is serving his first year as a Team Supervisor. He enjoys writing screenplays, reading, debating, and playing board games.
From: Wheeling, WV
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 sister, 2 brothers
Education/Experience: Tim holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University. During college, Tim worked as a greens keeper at a golf course and as a counselor at a day camp. He served as the co-leader for Team 2 in 2011-2012 and is serving his first year as a Team Supervisor this year. Tim enjoys photography, ultimate Frisbee, soccer, non-fiction reading, music, and golf.
From: Brunswick, ME
Family: Mom, Dad, 1 sister
Education/Experience: Meaghan served two years on the road with NET (2006-2008), serving as the co-leader of Team 5 during her second year. After serving with NET, she attended the Franciscan University of Steubenville where she earned a B.A. in Catechetics and Theology. Meaghan has worked as a high school softball coach and kayak instructor. She is currently serving her first year as a Team Supervisor. Meaghan enjoys reading, music (listening and playing), hiking, camping, and kayaking.
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. 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 second year as a Team Supervisor. Nick enjoys drinking black coffee with a good book, outside recreation, solving difficult math equations, and laughing with friends.
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 second year as a Team Supervisor. He is an Eagle Scout who enjoys playing outdoor sports, reading, and coffee shops.
