John has been the Youth Minister here at Christ the King since 2016.
John was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI by his amazing parents (a couple of Atheist hippies). He had a dramatic conversion to Catholicism in 1998. He graduated from high school in 1997, from NMU in 2002, got his Masters in Education in 2006, and just got his Masters in Sacred Scripture.
John loves roller coasters, building stuff with wood (including, and maybe most of all, fires), worshiping God, and meeting new people. He believes everyone is capable of living an extraordinary life!
FRANCISCO ABOLIO – Small Group Leader
Praying for the Teens on Wednesday
I graduated from the WTMC program in 2015 with two associates, one for writing and another for liberal arts, and a certificate for a CNA.
I plan and join in various things from major hiking trips to movie\board game\video game nights with friends and family. Just a fair warning, puns are my favorite jokes and I enjoy sharing them when the moment comes. I like wearing hats and have one for every occasion and more. I can neither confirm nor deny accepting bribes for brownies. My favorite fall event is bonfires.
I’ve been on Core Team since 2018, after helping on an A1:8 retreat. I enjoy being on the Core Team because it’s an opportunity to give back and help the teens who’s shoes I’ve been in before.
AARON BASINGER – Small Group Leader
Praying for the Teens on Monday
Hi, my name is Aaron. This is my second year on Core Team. I graduated from Franciscan University in 2016 with an associate degree in theology and from Gannon University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. I love seeing God work in my life and in the lives of others and am excited for what he will do this upcoming year. In my free time I enjoy woodworking, hiking, bicycling, tennis, soccer, working out, fishing, and spending time with friends.
JULIA BETZIG – Small Group Leader
Praying for the Teens on Friday
Hello friends! I just graduated from Benedictine college in May 2021 with a double major in theology and electrical engineering. I’m very excited to be back in my hometown of Ann Arbor after living in Kansas (where Benedictine is) for the past five years! This is my 2nd year on Core Team. Some things I love are computer programming, sewing and making art, Spanish language, spending time with my close friends, and of course, I love Jesus! Doing ministry and bringing others to Christ is so life-giving, and I’m excited to share my faith with others this year on Core Team!
KOLBE CZUPINSKI – Intern/Small Group Leader
Praying for the teens on Sunday
Hello! My name is Kolbe, I’m entering my second year here on Core Team. For the past 4 years I’ve been working on my Geography Degree at Eastern Michigan University, and I am going into my last year. I love the outdoors and anything generally related to the earth, such as gardening, hiking, travelling, or just learning and talking about the earth with others. I love meeting new people and even though I can be a quiet person at first, I always love getting to know people better. I love God, and I love serving people, so I can’t wait to serve in my second year!
AMY EKBLAD – Small Group Leader
Praying for the Teens on Monday, Tuesday & Saturday
Hello friends! My name is Amy and this is my second year on the core team. I am 49 years old, wife to Jesse, homeschooling mama with 14 children aged 31 down to 4 years, I also have 3 perfect grand babies and most importantly am a daughter of the King! I am an introvert at heart but stepped out into this ministry at the urging of the Holy Spirit. I love Jesus, coffee, listening to podcasts and reading great literature!
JESSE EKBLAD – Small Group Leader
I grew up in Minnesota and came to Ann Arbor for college, met the love of my life and never left. My wife Amy and I have spent our marriage raising 14 wonderful children and trying to teach them and learning from them every day how to get closer to God in whatever way we can. I currently spend my days working on computers, and my nights playing with my kids and grandkids. I like getting outside as much as I can and going on long walks with my wife.
ALLIE GATT – Small Group Leader
Hi! My name is Allie Gatt. Some of my passions in life are hiking, paddle-boarding, swing-dancing, driving with music, biking and, last but most certainly not least, puns. I was homeschooled all the way through 12th grade and graduated from the Christ the King co-op in 2021. I am currently studying biology at Madonna University, as well as working as a dental assistant. Fun fact, I have hyperextensible joints in both my hands. Finally, I love the Lord and serving Him, and love seeing the wonders He works in every moment.
GABE GJERNES – Small Group Leader
Praying for the Teens on Saturday
JOHN PAUL GJERNES – Small Group Leader
Praying for the Teens on Thursday
Bio Coming Soon
ROSALIA GUZA – Small Group Leader
Praying for the Teens on Tuesday
Hello friends! This is my 3rd year on Core Team, along with being John’s assistant. I am super passionate about inner/heart healing and just finished training in a model called HeartSync! Hit me up for prayer ministry, I love to connect with others!
Some things about me are I love to be out on the river, I’m a very sporadic artist, and tea with prayer in the morning is my favorite time of the day. Besides time with friends, I love dancing, soccer, volleyball, reading, and spending time with my kitty.
I’m so excited for what God has planned for this year of ministry and love working alongside the program to grow it! I’m so blessed to get to be a small group leader this year and be able to show God’s individual, pursuing love to those around me.
FRANK KOPINSKI – Small Group Leader Sub
Praying for the Teens on Sunday
I went to FGR High School and then went to Michigan Technological University, graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering. I currently work for DTE Energy as a Chemical Engineer.
Some of my favorite things include Michigan Football, Detroit Red Wings, and playing hockey with my friends and family.
I’ve been helping out at A1:8 since 2013, with a brief year and a half hiatus after getting married. I love being on Core Team as the teen ministry here has had a huge impact in my life and it gives me a chance to give back and share from of the Love and Joy that God has for each one of us.
KATELYN KOPINSKI – Small Group Leader
Praying for the Teens on Tuesday
I grew up in Ohio, yes I know, the state down south. I went to a tiny Catholic elementary and high school. I then graduated from Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio with my BSN as a nurse and also a supplementary theology degree. I worked as a cardiac nurse for 3 years at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor before deciding to stay home full time with my three daughters. I enjoy teaching my kids, learning new things, seeing animals, occasionally painting, listening to good music, oh and watching sports – especially my husband Frank play hockey. I am excited to be on my second year as a Core Team member after helping with four retreats before becoming official. I look forward to continuing to grow in relationship with the Lord alongside all the teens!
MARGARET MUISE – Small Group Leader
Praying for the Teens on Friday
My name is Margaret Muise and I am currently studying Dental Assisting while completing my clinical rotation at a Pediatric dental office. In addition, I have been involved in youth ministry at CTK for five years, and I am helping with Be Love Revolution. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my many siblings, playing with my nieces and nephews, going for bike rides during sunset, reading about the lives of the saints, journaling in adoration, and having thought-provoking conversations with friends. I am extremely excited to be on the Core Team this year and to help support young disciples on their journey to Heaven!
MARYLEE PIERZYNOWSKI — Small Group Leader
Hi, my name is Marylee Pierzynowski. I’m a homeschooling mom of four, though only two are still school age. I moved to Brighton in 2020 and pinch myself and thank God every day that I’m surrounded by beauty. I love the Lord. I love to sing, theater, and kayaking and hiking, really just being in nature especially while camping!
DANIEL SELBY (AKA DAN THE MAN) – Small Group Leader
Dan The Man Selby is a blueberry farmer that wishes to spread the gospel through being a goofball. Dan is a part University Christian Outreach and hopes that he will be able to grow into the Man that his heavenly father can be proud of. Dan The Man likes wood working, tractors, and eating beans.