YIM : Beyond Belief : Program Staff

Beyond Belief : Program Leaders

Amanda Kimmet – (Mentor)

Amanda Kimmet. Hi! My name is Amanda Jo Kimmet. I grew up in South Dakota, Virginia, and Minnesota eventually moving to Chicago for seminary at LSTC. I am a M. Div. student preparing for chaplaincy and hopefully also a doctoral degree so I can teach one day. I love learning, teaching, and listening. I’m also an avid reader and explorer. I love exploring different places and socializing with friends and strangers alike. Most recently I traveled to Peru where I climbed Machu Picchu and hailed my first cab ever (and in Spanish too!) Here in Chicago I explore the savory tastes of cuisine at the multitude of restaurants with my friends and am a frequent visitor to Lincoln Park Zoo and the museums. Currently I’m cheering for the White Sox and looking forward to a summer in the city where I’ll be able to rollerblade, enjoy the vast amount of fun neighborhood fests with my friends and get to meet you!

Rebecca Smith – (Mentor)

Rebecca Smith. Howdy! I’m Rebecca Smith and I just finished up my second year in the Dual-Degree Program here at LSTC and the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago. I’m from Austin, Texas, though my undergraduate studies were at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. After a year in Lutheran Volunteer Corps working for Habitat for Humanity in the Twin Cities and then slinging the ‘cream at an ice cream shop in Austin, I realized I wanted to learn even more about non-profit management and interfaith action in a metropolitan context (thrilling, I know.) So here I am - going to two grad schools, playing semi-competitive ultimate frisbee, and spreading the “Gospel of Biff” (from my favorite book Lamb by Christopher Moore.) I’m excited to spend the summer with youth who are also exploring the union of their personal faith and service in action! Also, my favorite color is green.

Monica Villarreal – (Vocation Conversation Leader)

Hello all! My name is Monica Villarreal. In the fall I begin my 2nd year of study to become a pastor. I grew up in Flint, Michigan where I had one foot in the city and one foot in the suburb (Davison, MI). I graduated from Michigan State University (Go Spartan’s!) with a degree in Cultural Anthropology---I’m not an Indiana Jones…but I have studied various cultures from around the world. I recognized a call to ministry while I was in college. I wasn’t enjoying my studies as a pre-med major so I began seeking a change in life vocation. I enjoy teaching high school Sunday school class in part because I love to have faith and life discussions. Youth are not only the future church but the youth are the present church. To hear how I ended up at LSTC to become a pastor you will have to come. My interests include: canoeing, being in God’s creation, bowling, interfaith dialogue, urban ministry, and multiculturalism. I look forward to meeting all who come to serve!

Contact YIM Office for Program info:
Phone: (800) 635-1116 x 725
Fax: (773) 256-0782
Email: youthinmission@lstc.edu

YIM : Youth in Mission, a ministry of LSTC

Beyond Belief : Program Leaders