JUSTIN ALEXANDER
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Justin first came to Ravencrest as a student eight years ago. Now serving as Business Manager, he has a passion for helping youth come to know Christ personally. Justin and his wife, Rachael, cherish time with their two young children, Serenity and Jon Cypress, enjoying activities that bring joy to their family. Fun fact: Justin met his wife, a Mississippi native, in Sderot, a small town in Israel.
JAMES ALSUM
A Colorado native, James has served at Ravencrest since 2010, maintaining its buildings, vehicles, and property for the Lord’s work. He loves pointing students and interns to Christ through practical work, believing that all tasks can glorify God. Married to Stacy and raising five children, James enjoys hiking, board games, music, and ministry. Fun fact: James owns over 110 board games.
KAILA BRUCE
Kaila grew up moving between the East Coast, the South, the West, and overseas, but she now calls Texas home. After attending Bible school in 2020-21, she interned for two years in the kitchen before joining the full-time staff as Assistant Kitchen Manager. Kaila loves the combination of art and science in cooking and seeks to foster community and fellowship—whether over a good cup of coffee, around a table, or in her home. She enjoys exploring, learning new things, and spending her free time hiking, climbing, dancing, or finding other fun adventures. Fun fact: Kaila has mastered the art of leg wrestling.
DANI ZEPEDA
Born and raised in Manzanillo, Mexico, Dani moved with his family to Wapello, Iowa, when he was 8 years old. He was introduced to Ravencrest through summer camp, where the Lord Jesus powerfully transformed his life. Dani returned as a student for the 2022–2023 year and now serves as Assistant Maintenance Manager. He enjoys music and the outdoors, working on his car, and playing sports. Fun Fact: Dani was once crowned prom king. These days, he prefers serving the real King.
RUBEN DICK
Ruben grew up in southern Germany and first came to Ravencrest as a student in 2014. He stayed on as a maintenance intern and met his wife, Brooke. Married since 2017, Ruben now serves as the Assistant Maintenance Manager. He loves serving others in practical ways and enjoys playing soccer and ice hockey.
SARAH KETTERER
Originally from Virginia, Sarah serves as the Kitchen Manager at Ravencrest. She enjoys organizing and planning the various aspects of food service, with the hope of creating a space around the table that nourishes both body and soul. Her desire is for shared meals to encourage fellowship and draw others closer to Christ. Outside the kitchen, Sarah loves exploring the mountains with her husband, Thibault, and their son, Matthias.
THIBAULT KETTERER
Born in a small town in France, Thibault first encountered Torchbearers through friends at the center in France (Champfleuri). After studying social work, he attended Ravencrest as a student, where God profoundly changed his life. Returning to serve on staff in 2018, Thibault now serves as Principal. He is passionate about helping others know God as He truly is. Thibault and his wife, Sarah, share a love for the outdoors and enjoy hiking, biking, and skiing.
CALEB PIERING
Caleb is originally from Wisconsin, he serves as the Media & IT Manager. He has a great love for the outdoors, reading, and getting to work with media. Caleb first came to Ravencrest as a student in 2015 and stayed for the second-year program. After completing his degree in Film & Media Studies, he worked on the production team at his home church. In 2023, he returned to Ravencrest as the Media Intern, excited to be back in the mountains and grateful to be part of a Christ-centered community. Fun fact: Caleb really likes to eat steak.
CHRSITINA CRAWFORD
Christina was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After hearing about Torchbearers through her college Bible study group, she attended Capernwray Hall and Tauernhof as a student in 2013-2014. By the Lord's grace and in His good timing, Christina came to Ravencrest in 2023 and now serves as the Registrar & Office Assistant. A few of her favorite things include reading, diving into the deep end of conversation with her friends & family and soaking up all the sunshine Colorado has to offer. Fun fact - Christina is Auntie Tina to 7 nieces and 5 nephews.
KRISTEN ROMANO
Kristen, originally from Lakewood, Colorado, is the Dean of Students and Summer Program Coordinator at Ravencrest. She has a heart for walking alongside young adults as they grow in faith and deepen their relationship with the Lord. Kristen loves traveling, meeting people from different cultures, and learning from new experiences.
ERIK SNYDER
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Erik’s journey led him from corporate communications to Capernwray Hall in England followed by Bodenseehof in Germany, where he met his wife, Sarah. Now the Director at Ravencrest, Erik serves staff, students, and guests while continuing to grow in his understanding that Christ is life. Married nearly 20 years, Erik and Sarah are raising six children and enjoy mountain biking and ice cream. Fun fact: Erik’s friends in Toronto once called him “DOF” – Director of Fun.
DAWSON PERSONS
Originally from Minnesota, Dawson grew up in summer ministry while his parents directed a youth Bible camp. He was first introduced to Torchbearers through attending Bible school at Timberline Lodge in Fraser Valley, Colorado. While in college at North Dakota State, Dawson married Abby, a former student at Ravencrest, and his high school sweetheart. He feels blessed to be able to serve once again in a Christ-centered community. In his free time, he enjoys anything outdoors including fishing, climbing, hunting, and camping, and more specifically doing those things with Abby. Fun Fact: He once met Bear Grylls on a camping trip in Utah.
