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STAFF
Kevin Carlson
Lead Pastor
What is your family like?
I'm married to Brenda and have two boys, Jonah and Benny
What was your most recent purchase?
Taco salad for lunch
Where were you born?
Moscow... no, not that one, the one in Idaho!
Where did you graduate college?
Undergrad at ASU, then Manhattan Christian College. Graduate degree from Hope International University (formerly Pacific Christian College)
When did you join Spring of Life's staff?
January 1, 1998
What are you reading?
Just finished "Shock Wave" by John Sandford, mystery crime novel
What is something that people might not know about you?
I was a third degree brown belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Best place in the valley to get Chinese food?
PF Changs
Name 2 people you want to meet and why.
Jesus, I'm sure I'd be surprised. Ben Folds, is he really as quirky as he seems?
Brenda Carlson
Adult Ministries Pastor
What is your family like?
See above:)
What was your most recent purchase?
A sweater
What are you reading?
A Christmas novel
Where were you born?
Flandreau, South Dakota
Where did you go to High School? College?
High school at West Sioux High School in Hawarden, Iowa. College at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa
Where is the best place in the valley to get Chinese food?
PF Changs
What is something that people might not know about you?
I grew up in 2 different towns before I went to college, both towns were around 2000 people in population.
If you could vacation anywhere, where would it be?
I would do a trip to as many places as possible. I'd start in NYC (my current fav place to travel) and go to London, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Greece... the list goes on...
Shannon Eason
Director of Operations
Who is in your family?
I'm married to Keith and have one daughter, Brianna, and one son, Keith Jr. (KJ)
What's on your ipod playlist?
CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Toby Mac, Tenth Avenue North, Jeremy Camp, Brandon Heath, T-Bone
What was your most recent purchase?
My most recent purchase was my new iphone
Where were you born?
Lansing, Michigan
Where did you go to college?
Oakland University, Arizona State University
When did you join Spring of Life's staff?
Monday, October 24, 2011
What are you reading?
It, How churches and leaders can get it and keep it
What is something that people might not know about you?
I don't know how to swim
What is your favorite food?
Seafood (Lobster and crab legs)
Eric Voris
Adult Ministries Pastor
Who is your family?
I am married to Sarah and have two hilarious sons, Hendric and Gibson.
What's on your ipod playlist?
An eclectic mix of stuff: David Crowder, Circa Survive, Anberlin, Brand New, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Dave Matthews Band, Hillsong United, John Mayer, Led Zeppelin, Mumford and Sons, Mutemath, Radiohead
What was your most recent purchase?
According to my budget: gas. The last thing I bought remotely for pleasure: drumsticks.
Where were you born?
Glendale, AZ
Where did you go to college?
Southwestern Bible College
When did you join Spring of Life's staff?
November 2009
What are you reading?
The writings of Josephus and "The Situation's" book (it was a gift, and my morbid curiosity got the best of me)
What is something people might not know about you?
I can often be found playing drums in a Blues/Rock trio in divey biker bars on the weekends.
What was your very first job?
Cook at Barro's Pizza...yes, I can still toss the dough like in the movies.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Yardhouse
Name 2 people you'd like to meet and why?
Carter Beuford (drummer: Dave Matthews Band) to take just one lesson from him. Brother Lawrence (17th Century French Monk) because he really seemed to have a grasp on living in God's presence every minute, and I'd want to glean as much as I could from him.
If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be?
Road Trip around the entire country (at least to the cool parts)
Matt McMann
Worship Leader
Who is in your family?
My wife Lisa, son Kilian, daughter Kennedy
What is on your iPod playlist?
Jesus Culture, Hillsong United, George Winston, Sherlock Holmes audio books :)
What was your most recent purchase?
Star Wars Year by Year Visual Chronicle" book. Yes, I'm a geek :)
Where were you born?
Flat Rock MI
Where did you go to college?
Calvin College, Grand Rapids MI
When did you join Spring of Life staff?
2004
What are you currently reading?
"Walking With God" by John Eldredge and "The Elves of Cinterra" by Terry Brooks
What is something that people might not know about you?
I once led worship at the International Twins Convention. Two of everyone in the audience. Very weird experience :)
What is your favorite food?
My wife's chocolate chip oatmeal cookies
What is the best place in the valley to get Chinese food?
I'm not picky.
Name 2 people you'd like to meet and why.
Authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien because I have loved and been influenced by their writings (I know they are dead but hey, you asked… :) )
If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be?
Rome and Hawaii
Candace Plzak
Associate Adultlife Pastor
Who is in your family?
I'm married to Dennis (for 25 years) and have 2 boys, Denny and Luke
What's on your ipod playlist?
Mostly Christian music, some rock n roll, some jazz
What was your most recent purchase?
A pair of shoes
Where were you born?
Farmington, New Mexico
What is something that people might not know about you?
I rode horses professionally for 25 years
What are you reading?
Lead like Jesus/Heaven is for Real/Bible
What was your very first job?
Selling donuts at a donut shop
What is your favorite restaurant?
Texas Roadhouse
Name two people you'd like to meet and why.
Jesus, to learn history from His perspective
Nancy Beach, I respect her story
Where did you go to High School?
San Clemente, California
If you could vacation anywhere, where would it be?
the beach
Sarah Voris
Women's Ministry Associate
Who is in your family?
I am married to my hilarious husband Eric. We have a spunky 3-year-old named Hendric and a newborn named Gibson!
What is on your iPod playlist?
Whatever my husband showed me how to put on my iPod.
What is your most recent purchase?
I'm sure it was food related or for my kid.
Where were you born?
Born and raised in AZ
Where did you go to college?
Arizona Christian University
When did you join Spring of Life's staff?
January 2012
What are you reading?
Rereading "Power of a Praying Wife"
What is something that people might not know about you?
I taught myself to snap as a child. Only backwards. And I didn't realize it was backwards until I was in my 20's and my husband pointed it out.
What is your favorite food?
Anything my mom makes.
What is the best place in the valley to get Chinese food?
Chinese food doesn't matter in Arizona. Eat at China Banditos for some good Mexican food.
Name 2 people that you'd like to meet and why?
I pretty much get starstruck from any level of celebrity...so it could be a local news anchor to the president of the United States and my day would be made.
If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be?
Anywhere with my husband...he's pretty fun:)
Amy Foley
Preschool Director
Who is in your family?
I'm married to Pat and we have four children - Haylee, Meghann, Jorian and Brendyn
What's on your Ipod playlist?
Jason Gray, Michael Buble, Third Day and sometimes I go through country phases
What was your most recent purchase?
Starbucks strawberry smooth and oatmeal with toppings - I could eat it every day
When did you join Spring of Life's staff?
November 2010
What is something people might not know about you?
I had my own graphic design business for two years until I woke up and realized that wasn't God's plan for me
What was your first job?
Dairy Queen
What is your favorite restaurant?
Carrabbas
If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be?
Australia
Jason Ray
Facilities Director
Who is in your family?
I am married to Lori Ray we have 5 boys, Eli, Payton, Gavin, Logan, and Adan and a baby girl named Aliya.
What was your most recent purchase?
Wedding ring
Where were you born?
Mesa, Az
When did you join Spring of Life's staff?
June of 2010
What are you reading?
"IT" and "Christian Atheist" by Craig Groeschel
What is something people might not know about you?
As a child I spent most of my summer's on our family Dairy farm which was located on Greenfield and Williamsfield road which is now occupied by the San Tan Mall.
What was your very first job?
Fry's food store, courtesy clerk
What is your favorite food?
Mexican food.
Name 2 people you'd like to meet and why?
Walter Payton, Not only the greatest football player ever but a caring and honorable man. Pat Tillman, I am not sure but he just seems like the conversation wouldn't be dull
Where did you go to high school?
Highland High School.
If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be?
Pamplona, Spain. Running with the bulls baby.
Amy Nelson
Director of Children's Ministry
Who is in your family?
I am married to Greg and we have 3 kids, Briley, Lily and Zacary.
Most recent purchase?
Glow in the dark foaming hand soap for Lily
Where were you born?
Bitburg, Germany
Where did you graduate from college?
Grand Canyon University
What are you reading?
The Seamstress and Your Heritage (How to be intentional abou tthe Legacy you leave)
What was your first job?
Babysitting
Favorite food?
Crab legs and anything chocolate
Best place for Mexican food in the valley?
El Charro
What 2 people (dead or alive) would you like to meet?
Beth Moore (because she's awesome) and Joni Eareckson Tada, because she is an advocate for people with disabilities.
If you could vacation anywhere, where would it be?
The caribbean, anywhere with a tropical beach
Kim Wilson
Elementary Director
What is your family like?
I'm married to Larry and have one daughter, Samantha
What is on your ipod playlist?
Sting, James Taylor, Chris Rice, Ottmar Lebert, Debussy, Motzart, Train, and the list goes on...
Where where you born?
Phoenix, Arizona
What was your most recent purchase?
Feathers to make Sam's Halloween costume
What are you reading?
The Hunger Games
When did you join the staff at Spring of Life?
October 31st, 2009
What was your first job?
Running a centerfuge in a plasma center
What is your favorite food?
I'm a steak and potato kind of girl
Who are 2 people that you would love to meet?
The next 2 people who walk through the door
Dennis Plzak
Family Life Associate, Small Groups
Who is in your family?
Mom and Dad, Candace and Dennis and brother Luke
What was your most recent purchase?
Jack in the Box
Where were you born?
Corona, California
Where did you graduate college?
Willamette University
What are you reading?
It, Planning Your Own Business, Flipped
When did you join Spring of Life's staff?
June 2011
What was your first job?
Self employed mowing lawns - the Lawn Munchkins
What is something that people might not know about you?
I played rugby and football in college
What is your favorite place to get Chinese or Mexican food?
If they serve food it is my favorite place to eat
If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be?
the beach
Brianna Eason
Communications Director
Who is in your family?
My parents, Keith and Shannon Eason and youngest brother, KJ live here in Arizona with me. I also have 7 other siblings living all across the U.S.
What is on your Ipod playlist?
Kirk Franklin, Skillet, T-Bone, Lecrae
What is your most recent purchase?
Chips
Where were you born?
Lansing, Michigan
Where did you go to college?
Arizona State University, class of 2012!!!!
When did you join Spring of Life's staff?
November 2011
What are you reading?
An article on ESPN.com
What is something that people might not know about you?
I'm addicted to Law and Order SVU
What is your favorite food?
Nachos with extra cheese
What is the best place in the valley to get Chinese food?
PF Changs, but my favorite restaurant is TGIFriday's
Name 2 people that you'd like to meet and why?
Michael Jordan because he is the greatest basketball player EVER! Shemar Moore because he is so handsome!!!
If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be?
Some place tropical
Vernon Richardson
Visual Designer
Who is in your family?
My wife, Chloe, My Dad, Vance Richardson, Army Retiree (24 years) & Pastor of Embedded Excellence Ministries in Los Angeles, CA.My Mom, Teresa Spencer, Army Relief Director, Ft. Huachuca, AZ.My older brother, Vincent, works for the government in Ohio.My younger sister, Vanitra, is obtaining her Ph.D at University of Arizona.
What is on your iPod playlist?
HipHip/Rap, Oldies, & Christian Artists
What was your most recent purchase?
My most recent purchase was a DoubleShot energy mocha coffee.
Where were you born?
I was born in Shape, Belgium.
Where did you go to school?
Northern Arizona University. Class of 2011. Electronic Media & Film.
When did you join Spring of Life staff?
I joined Spring of Life April 30, 2012.
What are you currently reading?
The Bible
What is something that people might not know about you?
I am an Emmy Nominated Producer & Videographer, and I like sour straws.
What is your favorite food?
My Mom makes this bomb fried chicken, with a lemon kick to it!
What is the best place in the valley to get Chinese food?
Haven't lived here long, but I enjoyed Pei Wei.
Name 2 people you would like to meet and why.
Bishop T.D. Jakes- A mighty man of God, with such an in depth understanding of the Word. Morgan Freeman- To talk TV, Film, & Production.
If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be?
Being a military child, I've been many places, so I would travel with my wife to Europe, to a place that sits on green pastures, and is near the ocean, where my great dane, and lab can run around.
Cole Delleree
Production Manager
Who is in your family?
Tom, my dad; Levi my six year old brother and Connie, my mom.
What is on your iPod playlist?
U2, Radiohead and Switchfoot.
What is your most recent purchase?
Cold Stone, it was a worthy investment.
Where were you born?
Tempe, AZ.
Where did you go to college?
I am going to MCC.
When did you join Spring of Life's staff?
April 3rd, 2012.
What are you reading?
I have been reading The Hobbit in preparation for the movie.
What is something that people might not know about you?
I play the piano.
What is your favorite food?
I don't have any specific favorite, but I like seafood a lot.
What is the best place in the valley to get Chinese food?
It's sad, but the best Chinese restaurant I can remember eating at is Panda.
Name 2 people that you'd like to meet and why?
Jesus, (surprise!) because the Bible says that when he spoke people could tell he spoke with an authority no one else had. I'd really like to experience that sort of teaching. I think Isaac Newton would be my second. I can't imagine a conversation with him would be boring.
If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be?
Any planet other than earth with an atmosphere capable of supporting my life.
Tina Park
Bookeeper
Who is in your family?
My family consists of husband Rob, son Jason, and daughter Stephanie
What is on your iPod playlist?
I don't own a iPod, but I love the oldies, country and christian music
What was your most recent purchase?
Dog bones for my three dogs. I have 2 pit bulls and a german shepherd
Where were you born?
I was born in Astoria, Oregon
Where did you go to college?
Mission College in Santa Clara, CA
When did you join Spring of Life staff?
I joined Spring of Life on January 2, 2012
What are you currently reading?
I am reading the bible on the one year plan
What is something that people might not know about you?
I have been to Italy and Finland
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is Mexican
What is the best place in the valley to get Chinese food?
I haven't lived in the valley long enough to find a favorite Chinese food
Name 2 people you'd like to meet and why.
I would like to meet Danielle Steel because I love her books and have everyone of them in my bookcase. I would like to meet my real father and see what he is like.
If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be?
I would love to take my husband and go back to Italy.
Suzanne Espelien
Administrative Assistant
Who is in your family?
Ken, my awesome husband.
What was your most recent purchase?
Two "low tables"- one is a cat and the other is a zebra
Where were you born?
St. Louis, MO
Where did you graduate college?
2.5 years of college.... and that was a LONG time ago!
When did you join Spring of Life's staff?
November 2012... Thank you Lord
What are you reading?
The Five Love Languages
What is something that people might not know about you?
I sang with barry Manilow in 1978
Best place in the valley to get Chinese food?
The Wall, in Gold Canyon
Name 2 people you want to meet and why.
I want to meet Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer face to face to see and hear The Holy Spirit speak through them.
Doug Borrmann
Music Director
Who is in your family?
2 parents, 2 brothers, 2 nieces and 1 nephew.
What was your most recent purchase?
A new digital piano.
Where were you born?
Born in the fires of Modor. And by Mordor of course I'm referring to Mesa, AZ.
Where did you graduate college?
Arizona State University
When did you join Spring of Life's staff?
My 1st day at Spring of Life was a memorable one, Feb. 1, 2009; the day my beloved Cardinals were robbed of their Super Bowl victory! Holmes did NOT get his 2nd foot down, that wasn't a catch!
What are you reading?
Steve Jobs
What is something that people might not know about you?
Mentioning it would defeat the goal of me having people not know. ;)
Best place in the valley to get Chinese food?
Taste of China in Gilbert. Best pot stickers in town!
Name 2 people you want to meet and why.
Posthumously, Steve Jobs tops the list. Visionary, genius, charismatic, difficult, tough; would have loved to have talked with him and heard his takes about anything really. Currently, I'd like to meet one of my musical heroes, Dave Matthews, and listen to some of his stories and takes on life.
Amy Onifer
Administrative Assistant
Who is in your family?
My wonderful Husband, Aaron and in July we will be expecting our first child. I also have two dogs Abby and Ace.
What was your most recent purchase?
Passion Tea Lemonade from starbucks (yumm :))
Where were you born?
Mesa, AZ
Where did you graduate college?
MCC and currently enrolled in GCU.
When did you join Spring of Life's staff?
January 2013!
What are you reading?
What to expect when you are expecting.
What is something that people might not know about you?
I was in competitive dance since I was about 8 years old till I hit my 20's. I also love to hunt and fish.
Best place in the valley to get Chinese food?
J & M Chinese food on Ellworth and Brown, they have the best chicken lo mein!
Name 2 people you want to meet and why.
No Specific two people, just any two people will do!