MEET OUR STAFF

CYAK would not be able to function without all those who volunteer, work with, and support CYAK's ministries in various. This includes our staff. Our staff are those who serve with either full-time or part-time. We are so thankful for how they pour time and energy into reaching youth and young adults in Alaska. 

Cory Alverts
Finance Manager | Palmer, AK
[email protected]

Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to make a difference in the world. In college, I was challenged to join God in transforming people. The reasoning was, if the world was full of more healthy people, the world would be a healthy place. That was over 20 years ago. Ever since then, I have been involved in some form of ministry and discipleship. Currently, I am serving as the Finance Manager for CYAK. I love growing in this area of gifting. I am passionate about clear, simple, and common sense processes as well as high integrity practices.  I also serve alongside my husband Mike.

"And the Lord will continually guide you,  and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail." ~ Isaiah 58:11

Mike Alverts
Western Alaska Network Director | Palmer, AK
[email protected]

Greetings!  I currently serve as the Western Alaska Network Director.  This means I come under the local leadership of communities, local church leadership, the Alaska Conference of the ECC, and the leadership of CYAK as a partner to communities and their young people.  Together we can discern "What do you think the Spirit of God is wanting to do here?" and build a network of relationships and resources as we collectively uncover the beauty and potential in each community, family, and person.  It is an exciting ministry of partnering, relationships, hope, mutuality, and pastoral engagement.  At my best I am playful, hopeful, courageous, kind, strategic, and loving.  It is my joy to walk this life with my family and those who become "family."  

"Each man will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert." ~ Isaiah 32:2

Jason Battiest
Volunteer Aarigaa South | Soldotna, AK
[email protected]

Halito! Chim Achukma! (Hello, how are you) My name is Jason Battiest. I am a originally from Oklahoma but now live in Kenai with my wife (Sara) and my three children. (Levi, Myka and Seth) I am so excited to join the CYAK team as Statewide Director of Young Adult Ministry. I grew up in a family of servant leaders in the church and was continually encouraged to follow Jesus through serving Him. In the summer of 1999, I came to Alaska to serve in several villages where God opened my heart for Alaska Native youth. I love journeying with young people and doing my best to help them with life goals advise and spiritual mentorship. I love to play the guitar and lead worship when I have the opportunity. I love grabbing a coffee, tea, soda and getting to know people. I am excited to see what God will bring to the new role where I will be serving.

Byron Bruckner
​Executive Director | Palmer, AK
[email protected]

I am the executive director of CYAK. I was born in Nome, Alaska and grew up in various communities in Alaska. I was strongly impacted as a young man by mentors in the church. The Lord instilled in me a strong desire to pass along the mentorship and encouragement I received as a youth. It is a privilege to work with Covenant Youth of Alaska. God has blessed CYAK with such a wonderful staff and wider team network of volunteers and partners in ministry.  We are so grateful for your support that empowers us to serve the youth of Alaska! 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” - Matthew‬ ‭5:14‬

Aly Callis
Youth & Children's Director at C3 Church Fairbanks | Fairbanks, AK
[email protected]

Born and raised in Unalakleet, AK, my life has been positively impacted by the ministry of CYAK as a youth and young adult. I've attended and served at Covenant Bible Camp since I was old enough to go, 9 years old. Serving as a cabin leader is definitely the highlight of my year! I've had a passion for mentoring teenagers in their faith since 2017 when I counseled at Jr. High Bible Camp for the first time. Currently, my husband Evans and I live in Fairbanks. I graduated from the University of Alaska and am a licensed dietitian. After much prayer and consideration, I've switched career trajectories and taken a position at Community Covenant Church in youth and children's ministry in collaboration with CYAK.

Aune Carlson
Director of Partnerships and Development | Grands Rapids, MI
[email protected]

I am no stranger to the ministry of Covenant Youth of Alaska (CYAK). My first job after graduating from North Park University (Youth Ministry and Biblical/Theological Studies) was with CYAK in 2005! A few years later I earned a Master of Divinity and a Master of Nonprofit Administration from North Park Theological Seminary and School of Business and Nonprofit Administration. After serving in the denominational offices of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) and the Alaska Conference Office of the ECC, I returned to CYAK as the Human Resources Manager in 2019. Most recently I served as the Senior Director of Operations for Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP.org). The heartstrings between myself and CYAK and ministry work in Alaska are strong. I cannot wait to connect with you and share what God is doing in Alaska and through the ministries of CYAK!

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. -Micah 6:8

John Hege
Life Coach | Palmer, AK
[email protected]

My name is John Hege and I am a Life Coach for CYAK. My wife Wendy and I have just completed 7 years in Palmer leading ministry with CYAK around the state. We know He called us here. Formerly we were in Montana working with young people as Youth For Christ director. We felt they did not have to have our help any more as the Lord built a large and capable team there. So when Byron asked us to consider coming, we felt the Lord wanted us to come where there was relatively little ministry opportunity for young people to hear the Gospel in areas the Covenant was working. We have been here since then, helping in many capacities within CYAK and in cooperation with the Alaska Conference for 28 years. I have been a CYAK CO Director, Associate Director, Pastor in Shaktoolik, Youth and Senior Pastor, Alaska Conference coach, 19 years as the Aarigaa/ CCF director and staff in Fairbanks working with CYAK at UAF with many great staff and student volunteers on the Alaska Conference Board two terms, secretary of the Ministerium, am trained and helped with conflict resolution with staff, and I am Ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church. We have 4 grown children, 2 still in Alaska and 2 in the lower 48.

"The Lord said, 'Go and make disciples of all the nations, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you. I am with you to the end of the age." ~ Matthew 28:18-20

Jeff Keyser
Director of Ministry and Operations | Anchorage, AK
[email protected]

Hi I'm Jeff! I am originally from Colorado but now reside in Anchorage with my family Becca (my wife), Annika, and Addison (my daughters). My wife was raised in Alaska and I served in ministry here for 10 years, so moving back to Alaska feels like moving back home for us. As the Director of Ministry and Operations, I am excited to help lead CYAK and help support all our amazing leaders. I have a passion to see people changed by the Holy Spirit and to lead effective ministry. For the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of ministering to youth in some capacity and I am glad God has me back into full-time ministry with youth. Outside of work, I love to play disc golf, hike, camp, and play basketball. I also love music and a good cup of coffee.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Kailey Lissner
Admin. Assistant | Anchorage, AK
[email protected]

Hello! My name is Kailey Lissner, I was born and raised in Anchorage Alaska. I am so blessed to be able to serve for CYAK as the Administrative Assistant, The Lord has led me into ministry and made me eager to pursue and grow in a ministry-filled life. In my free time, I enjoy teaching in kids ministry, growing in fellowship with my friends, playing hockey, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors.

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is a fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11

Jaime Nanninga
Communications & Marketing Manager | Anchorage, AK
[email protected]

I feel blessed and honored to serve on the CYAK team as the Communication and Marketing Manager. While my children were growing, I stayed at home with them. As they all entered their school years I longed for a place to use my gifts outside our house. Having an art degree and a heart to serve, I could not be happier to be in this position. I love working together for a greater purpose! And while the snow is not quite my thing, I love the summer outdoors, culture, and people! Making relationships with the youth and young adults and capturing them in photos has been life-giving.
​
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," ~ Colossians 3:23

TJ Smith
Spiritual Director | Anchorage, AK
[email protected]

Hau Mitakuye Oyasın TJ Smith emáčiyapi, Ma Lakota.

​Hi my relatives, my name is TJ Smith, I am Lakota. I am proud to be a follower of the Creator.  I am a husband and dad to 2 amazing grown kids. I have been in Alaska since 2003. My wife grew up here as well as our kids. We enjoy our State by fishing in the summer, hiking and walking our dogs in the other season and sharing this Great Land with any who come up.

I serve CYAK as Spiritual Director and Pastoral care. I love to walk with the interns, students and staff in their journey of life and with the Creator. I strive to love others as I am loved and accepted by the Creator, as as they are and where they are. I was ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church in 2014 and have been around CYAK for 20 plus years.

Caleb Szczepanski
Administration & Operations Director| Anchorage, AK
[email protected]

I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Before moving to Alaska I was a Full-Time Youth Director for 4 years where I worked with both High School and Middle School students.  When I am not working, I am either doing a hobby or going for walks/hikes with my dog.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." -2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

Alex Tsakos
Young Adult Outreach Coordinator | Anchorage, AK
[email protected]

Hello! My name is Alex Tsakos and I am privileged to be serving CYAK as the Young Adult Outreach Coordinatorr and Director of Youth Ministry at First Covenant Church of Anchorage. A call for youth ministry has been over my life since my later years of high school. I’m originally from Detroit, MI and moved to Alaska in 2016 to embark on a calling to serve the kingdom of God. It started at the small, yet homey, campus of Alaska Christian College where I graduated with my AA in Christian Ministry. I then pursued my BA in Youth Ministry at North Park University and came back to ACC in the fall of 2020 to work in Student Life for 3 years. Now, a new chapter starts with CYAK, Anchorage and Greater Alaska. I feel my time with CYAK will be an opportunity to tap into my passions to come alongside youth, challenge and grow leaders, and to spread the Gospel through relationships.

Karl Thistle
Aarigaa House Manager | Anchorage, AK
[email protected]

I have the privilege of serving CYAK as the Resident Director of the Aarigaa House. As the House RD, my main focus is growing the community within the house and intentionally discipling residents. I grew up in Willow, AK as the younger sibling in a family of four. Prior to this role, my wife and I worked in the dorms at a boarding school in Galena, AK. During those six years we were able to experience and appreciate a variety of cultures from all across the state. Little did we know, God was specifically teaching and preparing us to serve within this cross-cultural ministry. We have been encouraged by the growth we have seen in our residents and in the program as a whole, and eagerly look forward to seeing Christs continued work at the Aarigaa Discipleship House.
​
"I have chosen the way of faithfulness." - Psalm 119:30

James Ventress
Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry | Nome, AK
[email protected]

We live and serve with Covenant Youth of Alaska in Nome. I have served with CYAK in Alaska since 2009 and have lived in Nome since 2011 when we moved from the Anchorage suburbs. I am the Associate Pastor for Youth Ministries at Nome Covenant Church and the director of Checkpoint Youth Center. Rachel is the coordinator of the homeschool distance education program for our school district. We have five children - Silas, Mercedes, Theo, Juniper and Elsie. We are committed to long-term growth in all aspects of life for youth in Nome in hopes of seeing our youth and families come to Christ's table. In late 2013, Samaritan's Purse provided the youth center building to use for the evangelization and discipleship of the youth of the community. Recently I started a free bike repair shop as a fun way to engage students and parents. We love reading and being in the Alaska outdoors.

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." ~ Isaiah 61:1

Brad & Kami Webster
Covenant Bible Camp Stewards | Unalakleet, AK
[email protected]; [email protected]

We serve as the Camp Stewards for Covenant Bible Camp in Unalakleet, AK. Brad first started coming up to work on summer projects at camp in 2001. Kami first came to camp (and met Brad!) in 2012. We got married in 2014, and were so happy for the opportunity to call Unalakleet our home starting in 2015. When we aren’t at camp, Brad is a middle school teacher and Kami gets to stay at home with our 3 little guys, Elwood, Jude, & Alden. We are so blessed to serve at Bible Camp in this position that lets us support so many fantastic volunteers each summer, while we care for the facilities and manage on-site hospitality. Camp is a place of home and peace for so many students from around the state. That sense of home - a place where God's healing love is so abundant - has brought us back year after year. We are excited to see what God has planned for the seasons to come!

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Drew Williams
Statewide Youth Director | Scammon Bay, AK
[email protected]

I am the youth pastor in the village of Scammon Bay and the statewide youth director for CYAK. My wife is an English teacher here in the village, and we work here with the local Scammon Bay Covenant Church to provide local youth with a biblical foundation on which to base their lives. I also work with the many volunteer youth workers throughout the state resourcing them, offering them support, and coordinating seasonal weekend retreats for their regions. My wife and I are very glad that God has called us to Alaska to do His good work here. We are extremely blessed by our village home and by the people of CYAK.

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Then the people answered, 'Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods! It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our parents out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed  those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled." ~ Joshua 24:15-17

Instagram: @d.williams.1990

Learn about the other members of our team: