Andy, Carmelita, Ethan, & Claire Landers     

As base director, Andy keeps us pursuing the Lord, striving towards our mission, and consuming copious amounts of coffee. Carmelita, also part of our leadership team, somehow juggles handling all kinds of logistics for the base, providing hospitality for our many visitors, and being involved in the lives of our staff and students – she’s basically everywhere at once, leaving wisdom, sanity, and good food in her wake. Andy’s been a YWAMer since 1988, and Carmelita joined two years later. (Andy was helping lead her DTS when they met, but we try to keep that a secret.)

Ethan, just barely a teenager, spends his time relishing being the tallest YWAMer, playing with his dog Buddy, and knowing more about history than just about anyone. Claire loves making friends with each new group of students and can often be found plying her creativity with a new art project.

Randy Aills

Randy seems to be happiest when he’s helping someone else, which makes the rest of us happy, too. He tends to impress not only with his heart to serve but also with his uncanny knack of remembering just about anything. Randy’s a quiet guy in a noisy crowd of YWAMers, but listen up or you might miss an encouraging word or a hilarious joke. Since his DTS in 2007, Randy’s served, encouraged, and joked his way through Turkey, China, Mexico, and Thailand.

Ryan Bogert

Ryan was a teenager when he moved to Louisville from southern China. His missionary calling is unique in that it began even before his walk with Christ did – Ryan became a Christian while attending a class on world missions at a local church. A certified trainer, Ryan’s passion for fitness has opened the door to share the Gospel in places like Germany and China. Here at YWAM Louisville he lends his fiery flair to organizing work details, cooking meals, leading early-morning workouts, and grilling himself a mean steak.

Rob, Susanna, & Gabrielle Bryant

Since graduating from our first DTS, Rob and Susanna have overcome obstacles to follow God's call to join our staff. Rob’s from Wisconsin, passionate about the outdoors, military analogies, and excellence in the details. Hailing from Arkansas, Susanna is the Southern-belle yin to Rob’s Yankee yang; she’s bubbly, enthusiastic, and has never met a stranger. They’re both full of passion for the nations and compassion for victims of injustices like human trafficking. Right now they’re devoting that energy to multiplying worldchangers – Rob by working in our admissions office, connecting people to missions opportunities, and Susanna by serving as a small group leader in our training schools.

Speaking of multiplication, almost-two-year-old Gabrielle Kay mirrors her parents’ passion and persistence; it’s just channeled mainly towards food, friends, and her belly button.

Will Falwell

In a world of sociable, fun-loving YWAMers, Will stands out as the steady-as-she-goes type who’d rather make sure the job gets done right than join the party. His heart to serve helps keep things running smoothly around here and his heart for the Lord helps lead us in worship. Will’s quieter than most, but he’ll often surprise with a hidden talent (like playing the spoons) or a well-timed joke. When he takes a break from being responsible, you’ll probably find him pwning noobs at a video game or lingering to capture the perfect close-up picture of a flower.

Ben Fitzwater

A man of diverse passions, Ben can often be found waxing eloquent on any number of topics, whether it’s the character of God, the [questionable] prowess of the Indianapolis Colts, some factoid you should have learned in science class, or the merits of a good roll of sushi. Either way, he’s a good source of truth and encouragement, a born leader and committed friend, investing the same enthusiasm into sharing the Gospel, discipling students in our training schools, or organizing a Saturday football game.

Amos & Amy Ford

After joining YWAM in 2002, Amos followed in Andy’s footsteps and married a student from the DTS he led in 2006. Amy’s sparkle and spunk combine with Amos’s thoughtful diligence, forging a formidable team with a heart for raising up leaders and missionaries. They lead our training schools and minister in places like India, Egypt, and Mexico. Amos not only serves on our leadership team, he’s also the go-to guy for just about anything technical or mechanical around here, while Amy’s the go-to gal if a party needs planning or a pie needs baking. When they find free time, they love watching the Amazing Race, cheering for the Arkansas Razorbacks, or seeing how many YWAMers they can pack into their apartment.

Sonny, Melissa, Maggie, & Norah Hydes

Sonny and Melissa met in YWAM in 1998. After a year of YWAM training, they pursued other things – education, career, and each other. They married and settled in Sonny’s hometown, Louisville, and when YWAM followed them there they knew it was Meant To Be. Sonny, whose motto is “Anything can be mapped,” found his calling running the 4K office, where he delights in data that would leave the rest of us mystified, bored, or both. Melissa helps him, networks like a pro, and takes care of the girls. Maggie loves to dance and sing, while little Norah's focus smiling and being adorable.

Josh Keener

Josh’s missions career was launched at the tender age of 11, when his parents called a family meeting and announced they would be moving to Albania. Being a missionary kid wasn’t enough for Josh; he went on to become a missionary grown-up and now leads teams to places like India, Turkey, and China. Josh leads YWAM training schools and passes on his passion for the Lord, missions, and half-marathons.

Stephanie Martin

With a charm that immediately sets you at ease, Steph has a sweet spirit that is very likable. Sharp as a tack, small details never escape her notice, which is a huge asset in her current role in the accounting department. When you’re in a tight place you would want her on your team, because she really gets down to it when there is a job to be done. Like all good Lancaster, PA natives, she is a die-hard Phillies fan!

Kara Miller

Everyone wants to be Kara’s friend – and not just because her formerly-Amish grandmother’s homemade doughnuts will forever ruin you for the ordinary care package. Kara’s love for people serves us well as she works hard to connect prospective students with our training programs. Kara came through our first DTS in 2007, and after visiting Turkey she was hooked. Outside the office, you’ll find Kara socializing, researching human trafficking, or finding some new way – photography, videography, graphic design, you name it – to flex her considerable creative skill.

Kristen Rossnagel

Kristen’s good at a great many things – like taking care of children, cleaning up after messy people, or keeping the peace – but her most prominent skill is being a good friend and a great listener. Those gifts are put to use as she disciples students in our training schools. Kristen’s been with YWAM since God rescued her from boredom (selling plants) in 2004, and has ministered in places like Malaysia, Egypt, and India.

Ian Smith

On a trip to Nicaragua in 2008, Ian ran into some YWAMers and before long he was signed up for our next DTS. He’s still here, walking in his passion of discipling other young men to pursue the Lord. If you can’t find Ian, he’s probably serving somewhere behind the scenes!

Libby Thorngate

When Andy first pitched the idea of planting a new YWAM location, Libby seized the dream and jumped on board. Today Libby helps us remember what we are called to do and lends her considerable talents and anointing as a leader to the job at hand – whether it’s a training school, outreach, or worship service. One of seven children, Libby shares many of her family’s passions; in particular, she is a self-proclaimed snob when it comes to words, music, coffee, and boys. Libby has been with YWAM since 2000 and has led teams to various nations including Turkey, China, Mexico, and Uzbekistan.

Brittany Vest

Brittany may hold the record for making the fastest decision to join a DTS. One morning she was at a prayer meeting, where one of our staff described the Discipleship Training School; 36 hours later she was moving in! Her enthusiasm continues to encourage and delight as she serves in various ways in our YWAM community. Brittany loves young people, good times, and great hugs, and has ministered in India,  Mexico, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.