Meet the Team - Urban Youth Workers Institute

TOMMY NIXON

UYWI’s Chief Executive Officer at UYWI since 2018. Prior to UYWI, Tommy was a Founder and Executive Director of Solidarity, a nonprofit organization that strengthens urban communities, as well as the founding pastor at One Life City Church. He is passionate about helping urban leaders lead from a place of depth with God while having a dynamic impact in the Kingdom on the local & global scale.

Fun Fact: Tommy lives on an urban farm next to a freeway with his wife, 5 children, 1 dog, and 8 chickens

TOMMY NIXON

DIANNA SPELLS

UYWI’s Training Administrator, DiAnna has 20 years of project management and conference planning, Her responsibilities include coordinating programs like the 90 Degrees Certification, Manhood Camp, and the National Conference.

Fun Fact: DiAnna and her family operate a home-bakery business. Pound cakes and caramel corn are her specialty.

DIANNA SPELLS

LINDSAY LEIVA

UYWI’s Audience Relationship & Development Associate and a 90 Degrees graduate, Lindsay has nearly 20 years of youth ministry experience, half of which was served in South LA.

Fun Fact: Lindsay and her family of three, including her husband, Oliver, live in Gardena, CA where they love exploring great food and drinks…namely coffee, boba, and seafood.

LINDSAY LEIVA

LENMARIE PASCALL

UYWI’s Director of Coaching, Lenmarie has over 15 years of experience working with youth in NYC. She has a passion for soul care, juvenile justice and leadership development. Lenmarie is a proud alumni of Urban Youth Workers Certification program and currently serves as a facilitator for the program. She holds a MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary and a BS in Criminology from the State University of New York.

Fun Fact: Len was born and raised in the beautiful twin isles of Trinidad & Tobago and enjoys traveling.

LENMARIE PASCALL

ANDY FIERRO

UYWI’s Program Marketing Manager, Andy’s in charge of developing, implementing, and overseeing the marketing of all UYWI's programs.

Fun Fact: Andy believes you can never have enough “Tajin” on fruit.

ANDY FIERRO

WILLIE KELLEY

UYWI’s Houston Certification Program Facilitator, Willie is a native of Houston, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Performance from Texas Southern University, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration at Prairie View A&M University, and a Doctorate in Executive Educational Leadership from Houston Christian University. Additionally, in 2010 Dr. Kelley was selected to complete faith-based leadership development program for urban youth workers through DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative. Willie is a bi-vocational leader that has served in leadership positions in ministry and public education for over 15 years. He currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Knox Junior High in Conroe ISD and overseer of the youth ministry at The Church of New Beginnings. He is married to Nikki Jones Kelley, and they are the proud parents of 2 children.

WILLIE KELLEY

CALEB REED

UYWI’s 2024-2025 Winter Cohort Certification Program Facilitator, Caleb is currently serving as a Church Planting Catalyst in Central Ohio where he works with churches and leaders across the US to plant new churches. Prior to his current role, Caleb and his wife Stephanie lived in PHX, AZ working with at-risk youth in the downtown area for 13 years. Their passion for youth grew out of a desire to see young people discover who they are in Christ and to see them live out their faith in hard places. Caleb and his wife Stephanie have two kids Madison [14] and Carter [9]. The Reed family loves to go camping, explore new cities, hang out at the beach, and watch movies together.

Caleb is a Los Angeles Certification Alum.

CALEB REED

ERIC MYHRE

UYWI’s Congregational Leadership Coach and Fuel Network Leader for Atlanta, Eric is the CO-Founder / Executive Mentor of URBANLIFE Mentors, along with his wife Shawana. 27 years ago, Eric began walking with God and fulfilling God’s calling on his life to mentor and reach youth. Eric admits to holding two degrees, theology and hoodology from life experience in Oakland CA. It has been through the grace of God and a clear understanding that whole life development/ discipleship is the key to mentoring urban youth within the Church, schools, and hardest neighborhoods of a city. Although Eric is always proud to represent Oakland, CA he has made roots in Atlanta, GA. This continued, yet new adventure has allowed Eric to mentor forward, to the best of his ability. Living out the statement, “our knowledge and experience is meant to live beyond us,” Eric is partnering with likeminded people so our inner cities are populated with healthy role models who shift the generational landscape of urban families.

Eric is a Bay Area Certification Alum.

ERIC MYHRE

THOMAS BRACKEEN

UYWI’s Fuel Network Leader for the DC area, Thomas is a servant leader who has over 28 years of experience working with youth and young adults. Thomas’ mission is to empower young people and the leaders who serve them to make an impact in this world.
Professionally he works in his current role as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lead at The Nature Conservancy, where he has worked for the past ten years. He works in Philanthropy Leadership and across the organization to develop systems thinking and change management strategies. These strategies are focused on hiring & recruiting policies, engaging a diverse nontraditional donor base, discrimination & harassment prevention, and enhancing inclusivity within work culture.

Thomas is a NYC Certification Alum.

THOMAS BRACKEEN

JONATHAN BANKS

UYWI’s Fuel Network Leader for Chicago, Jonathan is motivated to see people connect with God in a deeper way by challenging them to grow and inspiring them to rise. He actively serves his church and community and strives to help others reach their God-given potential in every area of life. Jonathan earned an undergraduate degree in engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Northwestern University. Jonathan has enjoyed an amazing career path which has included Non-Profit Leadership, Youth Ministry, Food Ingredient & Flavor Research, Real Estate Finance and Business Development, Teaching and Tutoring K-12 & College level courses and, now, full time ministry. He served as the Director of Ministry at Apostolic Faith Church where Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D. is the Pastor and now serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Urban Outreach Foundation & Together Chicago serving an international group of pastors and leaders. His own academic and tutoring experiences helped him form an effective approach to success that he willingly shares with the next generation. Jonathan is an ordained minister where he lives with his wife, Jacinta, and their courageous sons.

JONATHAN BANKS

ROBERT ABOITES

UYWI’s COO/CFO, Robert is also the Executive Pastor of Revive Churches in Long Beach, El Monte, and South Gate. He has more than two decades of experience in management and leadership.

Fun Fact: Robert went to school for and originally wanted to be a graphic designer.

ROBERT ABOITES

JOHN PARK

UYWI’s Director of Certification, John has 15 years of youth and young adult ministry experience, John is passionate to see healthy leaders disciple the next generation of young people.

Fun Fact: John’s favorite shoe is the Air Jordan 4.

JOHN PARK

WILL CUMBY

William Cumby is the Minister of Youth for The Fountain of Praise in Houston, Texas and now serves as the National Fuel Networks Director for UYWI. He is a graduate of the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative and a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Oral Roberts University. William has served in youth ministry for over 17 years and has led several youth-focused initiatives in several countries and upon various stages and platforms during his time doing youth ministry. On February 20, 2018, William was awarded his own day in Houston, TX – The fourth-largest city in the United States—for the work he does in his community. William is married to Ebony Cumby and together they have three children: William II, Dylan, and Grace.

Fun Fact: I own over 40 pair of shoes & only 2 pair of dress shoes.

WILL CUMBY

JEFFREY BAMACA

UYWI’s Operations Workflow Manager, Jeffrey is also the Discipleship Pastor of Restoration Los Angeles Church and teaches classes on theology and leadership in various colleges.

Fun Fact: Jeffrey is a passionate soccer fan. He supports the Los Angeles Football Club.

JEFFREY BAMACA

TANISHA BROWNE

UYWI’s New York Certification Program Facilitator, Tanisha is a licensed mental health counselor with over 15 years of youth ministry experience. Passionate about spreading the gospel beyond traditional boundaries, Tanisha fosters relationships and creates safe spaces for youth and young adults. When not counseling or leading, she's dancing, organizing events, or traveling. Tanisha holds a BS and MS from Nyack College. With faith as her compass, she aims to make a lasting difference through counseling and ministry.

Tanisha is a NYC Certification Alum.

TANISHA BROWNE

SANTIAGO ACOSTA

UYWI’s West Cohort Certification Program Facilitator, Santiago is the associate pastor at Valley Christian Church in El Centro, CA. Santiago is passionate about youth, and has been serving as a youth and young adults pastor for the past 8 years. Santiago has served with hundreds of youth on school campuses alongside Non-profit organizations such as Youth for Christ and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has worked alongside his wife in creating programs and events to reach the next generation for Jesus. He has overseen community outreaches such as open gyms, local skate park ministries, and serving in untapped areas of the community. The heart behind Santiago’s ministry is to see young people build an authentic love and relationship with Jesus. Santiago graduated with a certificate in youth ministry through the Urban Youth Workers Institute and is currently pursuing his Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies at Eternity Bible College. Santiago currently resides in El Centro with his wife Jade and his baby girl Psalm. In his free time, Santiago enjoys playing pickup basketball, gaming, hanging out with his rottweiler Rome, and an occasional iced vanilla latte.

Santiago is a Los Angeles Certification Alum.

SANTIAGO ACOSTA

SEAN NELSON

UYWI’s Houston Certification Program Facilitator and Fuel Network Leader for Houston, Sean is the Youth Pastor at Windsor Village Church in Houston, TX! Sean has served in ministry for over 20 years. His leadership style is relational and intuitive. Sean studied Biblical Counseling at The College of Biblical Studies in Houston, TX. He is a Detroit native and currently lives in Houston, TX with his wife Flor and their 5 children. Sean loves having a big family because there is never a dull moment. He enjoys traveling, playing basketball, competing in body building competitions, attending music and sporting events, meeting new people, empowering the next generation of leaders, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

SEAN NELSON

JEFF CHUPP

UYWI’s Fuel Network Leader for Phoenix, Jeff serves as the Executive Director of Aim Right Ministries in Phoenix, AZ, where he channels his passion for helping urban youth into impactful programs and discipleship. With a background in music education within urban public schools, Jeff understands the unique needs and challenges of these communities and uses his experience to inspire and engage young people through creativity and arts. Jeff is supported by his wife Trisha and their children: Della, Max, and Rozlynn. Together, they are committed to fostering positive change and hope among urban youth. As a leader within the UWYI Fuel Network, Jeff embodies the mission of engaging and equipping urban youth leaders with the hope of the Gospel.

JEFF CHUPP

JONNY FINE

UYWI’s Fuel Network Leader for Cleveland, Jonny lives in Cleveland with his wife Liz, five children, and two grandchildren Emma & Levi. Jonny was called to full-time ministry with Youth for Christ / City Life, and served as the Lincoln West Club Director for 6 years. Currently, Jonny is the Cleveland City Life Ministries Director and serves on the National YFC City Life Team. Jonny notes that nothing makes him happier than being able to serving the youth and leaders of Cleveland, Ohio; it is a great joy to be able to bring them hope through inspired leadership and the good news of Jesus.

JONNY FINE

ERICA FLORES

Erica is the Sr. Director of Programs at Urban Youth Worker Institute, is a seasoned expert in steering diverse organizations toward growth through the development of effective systems and strategies. Passionate about teaching and leadership development, she brings over 15 years of experience spanning preschool to adult education, backed by a Master's in International Community Development.

Fun Fact: I am a book and information hoarder. I am always reading something new and looking for great books to add to my collection.

ERICA FLORES

VANESSA CRUZ

Vanessa is UYWI’s Program Director for Congregational Leadership. She has her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from California State University of Long Beach, B.A. from Biola University, and she is a Certified Urban Youth Worker through UYWI Certification Program. Her experience consists of 10+ years working with foster and at-risk youth through various community-based organizations and the local church. She serves as part of the Team at Revive Church located in Long Beach and El Monte. Vanessa is a Co-Facilitator for Urban Youth Worker Certification program where she helps lead and equip high-capacity urban leaders. She is passionate about empowering young people, young adults, and youth workers to achieve and obtain ALL that God has for them.

Fun Fact: Vanessa will take ANY opportunity to see the world. She loves to travel and eat good food with close friends and her husband.

VANESSA CRUZ

JAMIE RODAS

As executive assistant to UYWI’s CEO, Jamie believes in using her organizational skills to serve the Kingdom of God. She has leadership experience in various ministries with a focus in youth & young adults over the last 10 years. Jamie also has her Associate’s degree in Bible & Ministry studies from LABI College.

Fun Fact: Jamie plays indoor volleyball leagues & beach volleyball leagues, trained as a setter and libero.

JAMIE RODAS

LISA SCHOCH

UYWI’s Bookkeeper, Lisa worked in the global public accounting field for sixteen years before becoming a pastor’s wife and mom. Her focus and passion is to assist churches and nonprofits with their accounting and finances.

Fun Fact: Not only is Lisa adopted, but her brother and son are too.

LISA SCHOCH

NORBERTO RIVERA

NORBERTO 'TITO' RIVERA

UYWI’s New York Certification Program Facilitator, Tito currently is a Senior Pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Newark NJ. He also has served for over 10 years as the Coordinator of Next Gen Engagement for the Metro NY District Church of the Nazarene, and also is the regional director serving 8 other districts of churches with mentorship and casting vision for youth ministry across the North Easter Region. Tito received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Counseling as well as an Associates of Science Degree in Biblical Studies from Pillar College in Newark, NJ. Tito is married to his beautiful wife, Nancy, and they are the parents to 2 very energetic children Chloe and Caleb.

Tito is a NYC Certification Alumn.

NORBERTO RIVERA

AMIE SCHMIDGALL

UYWI’s Fuel Network Leader for Long Beach, Amie is a full-time youth worker serving as Area Director for Long Beach Young Life. Amie began following Jesus as a teenager through Young Life and has served in youth ministry ever since. Prior to working for Young Life, Amie was the youth pastor at Garden Church overseeing both the Middle School & High School ministry for seven years. She completed the UYWI 90 Degree Certificate program in 2017 and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College in Costa Mesa, CA (2008-2010). God has given Amie the deep desire to see every young person in her city have the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel, experience God's love, and be invited into meaningful relationships with caring adults. Residing in Long Beach, CA, with her husband Matt and two young kids, Amie enjoys road trips, reading, games, and building new and meaningful friendships.

Amie is a Los Angeles Certification Alum.

AMIE SCHMIDGALL

JOSEPH CRUZ

UYWI’s Congregational Leadership Coach and East Cohort Certification Program Facilitator, Joseph is a Practice Administrator from the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Biola University. Joseph previously worked at the Crowell School of Business at Biola University where he was a program manager, personally advised over 450 students per semester while working as an adjunct professor. He is a hip-hop artist performing for youth all over Southern California and worked as a youth leader for over 10 years in the city of Long Beach at Revive Church. He is a Los Angeles native and currently resides in Norwalk, CA with his wife and son.

JOSEPH CRUZ

KEVIN LAPIERRE

UYWI’s Fuel Network Leader for New York, Kevin is a born and raised Brooklynite who is committed to helping youth develop into who God calls them to be and assisting his fellow youth leaders make their unique impact in the lives of students. He currently serves as a leader for C3 University, the youth ministry of Christian Cultural Center. Kevin passion for leadership and growth helped him complete the UYWI Certification Program Class. His experience with that program prepared for a larger leadership role in his church and with the NYC Fuel Network.

Kevin is a NYC Certification Alum.

KEVIN LAPIERRE

BRANDON GRANT

UYWI’s Fuel Network Leader for Columbus, Brandon currently serves as the Holistic Engagement Director for Harambee Christian School. Brandon grew up in Illinois but moved to Columbus, Ohio to complete his B.S. Degree in Healthcare Management from Franklin University. For the past 14 years, Brandon has had a passion to see Inner City youth overcome the different challenges they face in life and thrive in Christian community. In addition to his undergraduate degree, Brandon has completed a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Trinity International University. When he’s not working with students Brandon enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, playing old vinyl records, and going to garage sales on the weekends. Brandon has also had the opportunity to expand his professional development as a participant in the Devos Urban Leadership Initiative (2015), the Primemovers Program (2019), and is an active member with CCDA (2023).