MEET THE TEAM!

Fusion Staff

  • Heather Black

    Director of Fusion

    “I enjoy getting to know the youth, the parents and especially the adult leaders! Fusion is special in that it brings together 5 congregations to teach the youth about Jesus. I love seeing youth come to a greater and deeper understanding of who God is!”

Fusion Pastors

  • Pastor Emmy Swedlund

    Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church

    “I love seeing the kids grow in their faith. We have fun in Christian community. I enjoy watching the youth learns how to support each other.”

  • Pastor Chris Richards

    Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church

    “Working with youth is always an adventure! It’s an honor to walk with youth in faith and life. It’s so exciting to see our youth grow and change.”

  • Pastor Matt Orendorff

    Pastor at Federated Church

    “I enjoy walking along with youth on their faith journeys, as well as learning and growing in my faith in the process. I love seeing the growth in the youth from 6th-8th grade.”

Sr High Fusion Volunteers

  • Brent Gausman

    “I enjoy getting to know the younger members of our congregations and building connections with them. My favorite part of volunteering is learning about Jesus through the perspective of the youth!”

  • David Black

    “I volunteer because my wife, Heather, is Fusion’s director! But in all seriousness I love seeing the youth’s faith grow in different aspects of their lives. I have loved going on the mission trips!”

  • Katie Moser

    “I like interacting with the youth! I feel I cannot only make an impact on their lives but they can impact mine! I love seeing all the connections. From the connections to new friends, the impact of a service project or connecting deeper in faith.”

Element (Jr. High) Volunteers

  • Aaron Erdahl

    “I volunteer with Element because I believe in bringing our churches and faith together. I enjoy helping the youth grow their faith. ”

  • Craig Swanson

    “I volunteer with Element to have a healthy influence on youth & show them how Christ can influence and change their lives. It also helps my faith grow as well. I love seeing how the kids change and grow in their faith!”

  • Morgan Vogt

    “It’s fun to help the students learn about God and see how they process and answer questions. I enjoy seeing the students grow throughout the year.”

  • Kendra Goulet

    “I love teaching our students about Jesus and watching them grow in their faith. My favorite is when the girls have that “light bulb” moment of understanding when we teach the lessons!”

  • Mike Odello

    I love working with youth, especially junior high! This the age they start to develop personalities & I’d love them to be able to fell at home in the church & with God. I love when kids actually engage and surprise me with a deep thought!”

  • Katie Hassler

    I love building connections with the youth, having conversations with them, hearing their questions, watching them grow in their faith. I learn a lot from them and am growing in my faith right along side of them!”

  • Haley Ourada

    I love seeing the kids go from 6th to 8th grade and grow in their faith. Seeing them become engaged in the lessons & scripture. It’s also a great way to continue our own faith, to help these kids in their faith life & a safe space for them to go.”

  • Tony Fuechtenberger

    “I feel it’s important for kids at this age to have role models in their life who will help them to grow in their relationship with God and help them be unashamed of their faith in Jesus!”