Meet the Fellows

TYLER DAVIS

Hometown: Myrtle Beach, SC

University: Francis Marion University

Field of Study: Finance and Supply Chain Management

Internship: Branch Office Administrator with Edward Jones Investments

More about TYLER: During my time at Francis Marion, I studied finance and supply chain management and pitched for the baseball team. I am a huge sports fan, and particularly love watching the Atlanta Braves and Clemson football. Last summer, I worked as a ranger at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.

Interests: In my free time, I enjoy golfing, fishing, and hiking, and I hope to learn mountain biking as a fellow.

ANNA FUCCELLO

Hometown: Clayton, NC

University: East Carolina University

Field of Study: Recreation and Park Management

Internship: City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

More about ANNA: In college, I spent a lot of time in a sweet community through Reformed University Fellowship. My major grew my love for the outdoors and people. I worked for the Adventure Leadership Program at ECU throughout much of college. To finish my degree, I interned at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, where my love for Colorado began!

Interests: Almost anything outside, hiking, climbing, and traveling to new places.

TRISTAN GENTILE

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

University: Appalachian State University

Field of Study: Accounting

Internship: Classic Homes

More about TRISTAN: In my four years at App State, I found how important Christian community was for my spiritual growth. I found community through the local church and the ministry of Young Life. I was a middle school leader for two years and was a leader for the college-aged ministry this past year. I studied accounting, where I was able to grow in an environment with people who constantly pushed me to improve every single day. I learned the importance of thinking critically to find solutions to difficult problems. I spent my summers working at Young Life camps, and I can usually be found with friends and trying out new breakfast spots!

Interests: Hiking, running, skiing, music, trying new food spots.

WILL JONES

Hometown: Tifton, GA

University: Auburn University

Field of Study: Marketing

Internship: Young Adults Intern with First Pres

More about WILL: At Auburn, I was a Wyldlife leader to middle schoolers and loved spending time with them. During the summers, I am an adventure guide at Wilderness Ranch in Creede, Colorado. A normal day may look like going for a run, having adventures with friends, playing the guitar, or watching “Survivor” with friends on a Wednesday night.

Interests: Running, backpacking, reading, singing/playing guitar, movies, watching Survivor, and anything spontaneous.

CARLYN LEE

Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA

University: Longwood University

Field of Study: Communications with a concentration in Public Relations

Internship: Education Department Extern with United States Antidoping Agency

More about CARLYN: During my time at Longwood, I was heavily involved with my sorority, serving as vice president of membership. I also held an internship with the athletics department for my final two years, where I learned how to stat games for just about every sport on campus. I also picked up a little hobby of sports photography through the internship! If I wasn’t busy working, you could find me hanging out in a coffee shop on campus or around town or walking one of the beautiful High Bridge trails with friends.

Interests:

ESTHER MAIER

Hometown: Rochester, MN

University: University of Minnesota Duluth

Field of Study: Business Management

Internship: Searching for work in discipleship ministry

More about ESTHER: Over the last four years, God has been working in my life in amazing ways. He brought me to Duluth, where I met wonderful people, found many new hobbies (climbing, running, inductive Bible study, agate hunting, etc.), and learned I have a deep longing to teach Scripture. I loved being a leader with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and working at my university’s climbing gym. I am looking forward to climbing and skiing in Colorado and meeting my new church family. I am expectant as I wait to see the ways the Lord will move in Colorado Springs.

Interests: Climbing, running, reading, cooking, guitar, piano, camping, hiking, learning new things!

ELIZABETH MERZ

Hometown: Dexter, MI

University: Calvin University

Field of Study: Nursing and Spanish

Internship: Nurse with the Medical Surgical Unit at UC Health Memorial Hospital North

More about ELIZABETH: During my four years at Calvin University, I spent most of my time finding a strong Christian community on and off campus. This involved leading a Bible study, participating in the dance club, studying abroad, and being a Young Life leader. I also was part of two research teams and helped start a Culinary Medicine course at Calvin. With these experiences, I’ve been blessed to grow stronger in relationships with others and with the Lord. I’m really looking forward to seeing this continue in Colorado Springs!

Interests: Running, biking, pickle ball, traveling, playing games, cooking, and anything that is outside and with people!

LAURA GRACE (LG) PRESLEY

Hometown: Austin, TX

University: Samford University

Field of Study: Culinary, Wellness and Nutrition Management

Internship: Crossfire Ministries

More about LAURA: I studied nutrition at Samford, where I built my skills by completing research, interning at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, and gaining experience in culinary and hospitality. I love coffee, so during college I worked as a barista, which ended up being the biggest blessing and brought me an amazing community. I have also started my own side business roasting coffee.

Interests: reading, cooking, anything coffee, hiking, country music, thrifting, and anything outside.

CHARLIE SMITH

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

University: Pennsylvania State University

Field of Study: Biomedical Engineering

Internship: Dental Assistant with Broadmoor Dental

More about CHARLIE: While at Penn State, I found a great community through Young Life and was a Young Life leader at a local high school. I got to live life with high school guys, helping them navigate life’s challenges while pointing them to the Lord. I raced on the Penn State Club Ski Team and attempted to win 100 intramural games. I also was actively involved in an organization called Remote Area Medical, a nonprofit that plans free healthcare clinics for underserved communities. Some of my summers were spent working at Summer’s Best Two Weeks, a Christian sports camp in western Pennsylvania.

Interests: Skiing, mountain biking, paramotoring, hiking, soccer, triathlons, pickleball, Pittsburgh sports, finding the best breakfast foods.