Gather Mentors

Meet the current Gather Mentors: experienced young adults who lead an existing Gather Ministry.

As a part of the Gather Network, new Gather leaders are paired with one of the mentors to journey with them in starting their Gather.

Addy Kruse, she/her

Addy has led Gather Cincinnati since fall 2021, and is part of St Paul Lutheran Church in Cincinnati. She has a long history in the Lutheran Church, from being a super active Double Pastor's Kid to Peer Minister in the Lutheran Campus Ministry, The Bridge at Ohio University. She's loves to share knowledge and ideas and excited to share this gift with the Gather Network. She's also a high school science teacher, specifically for English Language Learners from all over the world. In addition to Gather, she can be found rock climbing, in the community choir, or coaching the school's Academic Team.

Cecie Suknaic Saulnier, she/her

Gather Austin | Austin, TX

Cecie serves as Pastor of Spirit in the Hills Lutheran Church in Spicewood, Texas - a community nestled in the edge of the Central Texas hill country just outside of Austin. She also serves as Co-Leader and Founder of Gather: Austin, which has been gathering since December 2022. Through these communities, Cecie lives out her call to intentional, creative, and relational based ministry. She is grounded in feminist theology, stories, and storytelling, and is passionate about empowerment, accompaniment, justice, God's collective dreams for the future, and innovative ministry. She also enjoys running, baking, reading, and discovering the best flavors of sparkling water.

Elizabeth Gilbert, she/her

Gather Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH

Elizabeth has led Gather Cincinnati since launching it in April 2021, and is part of First Lutheran Church in downtown Cincinnati. Elizabeth is an alumna of The Ohio State University, where she was part of the Lutheran Campus Ministry, Jacob's Porch. By day, she is a Product Data Scientist at Duo, a part of Cisco. She also enjoys urban cycling, lindy hop, and speaking German.

Emily Papke-Larson, she/they

A Community Called Grace | Bemidji, MN

Emily Papke-Larson is an ELCA pastor in the Northwoods of Minnesota whose call is to dreaming about and building up spiritual spaces that allow people to show up and just be – fully themselves. They are curious and passionate about the intersections of queer, rural, feminist and anti-capitalist identities with Christian faith. Pr. Emily joyfully serves God alongside young and young(ish) adults at Lutheran Campus Ministry of Bemidji, A Community Called Grace (church without walls and with each other) and First Lutheran Church, Bemidji.

Kate Van Valkenburg, she/her

Gather Grand Rapids | Grand Rapids, MI

Kate is one of the co-leaders and founders for Gather Grand Rapids. She is the pastor for United Campus Christian Fellowship (UCCF), and the Co-Dean for the Greater Grand Rapids Conference in the Northwest Lower Michigan Synod. In Gather, Kate focuses on interspiritual dialogue and community building. Her favorite quote is, “When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence.” - Unknown.

Owen Copps, he/him

Gather Pikes Peak | Telluride, CO

Owen currently lives and works in Telluride, Colorado as he discerns a call to ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church. He recently served as the Director of Children, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries for three years at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs. While in the Springs, he co-facilitated Gather: Pikes Peak for multiple years and is particularly energized and inspired by ecumenical young adult ministry. Owen is grounded in the belief that all people are the beloved children of God and stays fed through community, Ignatian Spiritual Practices, and experiencing the divine in creation. Catch Owen on the ski slopes, a volleyball court, or a brewery!

Samantha Johnson, she/her

Gather Chair | Minneapolis, MN

Samantha Johnson names her strengths in individualization, activation, and being a lifelong learner. Sam previously served as leadership for Gather Pikes Peak and now attends Gather Twin Cities. Sam is known for being a thoughtful listener in her circles, gets to know people deeply, and is a cheerleader for others as they work toward their goals. Her intentions as an ELCA/Gather Coach are to walk alongside people in their goal setting and creative problem solving, and being mindful of how the holy spirit is working through our relationships and actions.