Giovany Ramirez
Second Year Missionary
Gio (Giovany) is from small town Madison, Nebraska, recently graduated from Wayne State College (Wayne, Nebraska) with a degree in Communication Studies. Taking a step outside everything he has grown up with, Gio now finds himself being called to partake in the mountains with the Lord to see his beauty in ways never seen before. He enjoys going for runs, music, a good book, competing with others and just being in the moment day-by-day.
Gio’s Favorite Bible Passage:
Matthew 14: 22-33 – Jesus calls Peter to walk on the water
Gio’s Favorite Quote:
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us” – J. R. R. Tolkien
Ryan Witham
Second Year Missionary
Ryan grew up in Pennsylvania and recently graduated from Penn State University. He is super excited to spend a year in the mountains of Colorado serving the Lord. He enjoys hiking, camping, watching wildlife, sports, and many other outdoor activities.
Ryan’s Favorite Bible Passage:
The story of St Paul.
Ryan’s Favorite Quote:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1
Tori Swanner
First Year Missionary
Tori’s favorite Bible story:
Isaiah 43:1-7
Tori’s favorite quote:
“Oh, truly we be broken hearts, For that cause, it is said, We light our candles to that Lord, That broke himself for bread.” – G. K. Chesterton (The Ballad of the White Horse)
Liliana Witkowski
First Year Missionary (returning for second year 2024-2025)
Liliana is from Bluffton, South Carolina, and a (soon to be) graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville. She enjoys meeting new people, exploring new places, hiking and listening to live music. She is really excited to come out to Colorado and love the Lord in new ways this year!
Liliana’s favorite Bible story:
John 20: 11-18
Liliana’s favorite quote:
“And He loved them to the end.” – John 13:1
Nicole Noblet
First Year Missionary
Nicole is a born and raised Yooper recently graduated from Lake Superior State University with a degree in Business Management. She enjoys serving her community, learning new things, and exploring her passions. She is excited to answer this call to serve in the mountains and spread the goodness of the Lord!
Nicole’s Favorite Bible Passage:
Woman Caught in Adultery from the Gospel of John – “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Nicole’s Favorite Quote:
“Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily.” – St. Francis de Sales
Bethany Ballard
First Year Missionary
Bethany is a recent grad from Franciscan University of Steubenville where she studied Criminal Justice and minored in Biology. Coming into the summer as just a member of the summer staff, she heard the call from God to stay in the mountains and be a missionary for the next year. Bethany enjoys hiking, reading, doing puzzles, and playing basically any sport, especially frisbee and soccer.
Bethany’s favorite part of Scripture:
The Transfiguration
Bethany’s favorite quote:
“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis
Abby Meisner
First Year Missionary
Abby is from the small town of Freedom, WI and a recent graduate of UW- Eau Claire. As a lover of all things montane and adventure, she is excited to spend the next 15 months growing in friendship with the Lord and those around her in the heart of the Rocky Mountain
Abby’s favorite Bible passage:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Abby’s favorite quote:
“To always be close to Jesus, this is my life plan.” -Blessed Carlo Acutis
Paul Meisner
First Year Missionary
Paul is from a small town near Berlin, Germany and is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. When he’s not traveling, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife Abby, whom he met during his college years. Together, they enjoy hiking and exploring the great outdoors. He also has a passion for fitness and can often be found in the gym, breaking a good sweat. Overall, Paul is a driven and adventurous individual who loves Jesus and is very excited to explore new opportunities and experiences at Annunciation Heights.
Paul’s favorite Bible story:
“I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
Paul’s favorite quote:
“The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” – Pope Benedict XVI
Joshua Legg
First Year Missionary
Josh is from Clarkston, Michigan and went to Everest Collegiate Catholic school from grades K-12. He will graduate in April 2023 from Oakland University with a degree in marketing. You can find Josh outside fishing, riding his longboard, hiking, or playing with some of his 28 cousins. Instead of accepting a full time job right out of college, Josh felt God’s call to a year of service, to obtain a new found sense of purpose and direction. He can’t wait to see how God works thru not only his life but also others around him at camp.
Josh’s Favorite Bible Passage:
“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
Josh’s Favorite Quote:
When we step out… Jesus steps in.
Josh Dalton
First Year Missionary (returning for second year 2024-2025)
Josh’s Favorite Bible Story:
Jesus’ Temptation in the Desert
Josh’s Favorite Quote:
“Leaders must always operate with the understanding that they are part of something greater than themselves and their own personal interests.” – Jocko Willink
Adam Anderson
First Year Missionary
Adam is from Nashville, Illinois, just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. He just finished his freshman year at the University of Mary studying theology, where he discerned taking a gap year with the Altum Institute. His favorite things are praying the rosary with a coffee in the early morning, hiking, camping, playing guitar, weightlifting, and swing dancing.
Adam’s Favorite Bible Passage:
John 1: 1-5
Adam’s Favorite Quote:
“Do not be afraid when love makes demands; do not be afraid when love requires sacrifice.” – St. John Paul II
Meet the Incoming 2024-2025 Mission Class
More bios coming soon!
Aimee Green
First Year Missionary
Aimee’s Favorite Bible Passage:
The story of Jesus walking on water and Peter walking to Him.
Aimee’s Favorite Quote:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered in the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Cor 2:9)
Sarah Samperi
First Year Missionary
Sarah is from the small town of Saranac Lake, New York, and is (almost) a graduate of Franciscan University with a degree in sociology. She loves playing outside, breakfast food, trying new things, spontaneous adventures, folk music, thrifting and a good sunrise hike. She is beyond excited to live and serve in community this year, and can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store up in the Rockies!
Sarah’s Favorite Bible Passage:
The Annunciation
Sarah’s Favorite Quote:
“The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.”
– Jack London
Anna Meixner
First Year Missionary
Anna was born and raised in Ashland, Ohio and is a recent graduate from the University of Findlay. She was a 4-year collegiate soccer player and double-majored in chemistry and biochemistry. Anna decided to put a career on hold and follow God’s call to serve Him in the mountains. She is most excited to see how God will shape her own heart and the hearts of all the people she meets through this mission.
Anna’s Favorite Bible Passage:
The Prodigal Son – “While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.”
Anna’s Favorite Quote:
“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.” – St. Augustine
Alex Kreitzer
First Year Missionary
Alex’s Favorite Bible Passage:
John 17: The Prayer of Jesus Before Good Friday
Alex’s Favorite Quote:
“I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” – St. Paul
Katie Dealey
First Year Missionary
Katie was born and raised in Virginia and graduated James Madison University with a degree in Art Education and an eager excitement for adventure! She finds great joy in reading, journaling, creating, and finding ways to push herself, especially outside in God’s creation. Katie cannot wait to grow closer to God through her fellow missionaries and the beauty of the outdoors during this mission year. She believes that working with children and families will be perfect preparation for her own vocation in marriage (8/03/24!!!).
Katie’s Favorite Bible Passage:
John 20: 11-16 – Jesus and Mary Magdalene
Katie’s Favorite Quote:
“The good God would not inspire unattainable desires, I can then in spite of my littleness, become a saint.” – St. Therese of Lisieux
Carter Gooley
First Year Missionary
Carter is from Champlain, New York, and will graduate in May from Siena College, where he majored in Sports Communications and minored in Writing Communications. He loves sports, hiking, hammocking, listening to podcasts, cooking, and late-night talks. He is very grateful for the opportunity to serve in such a great community and excited to see what the Lord has waiting for him during this time!
Carter’s Favorite Bible Passage:
Luke 12: 22-36
Carter’s Favorite Quote:
“I didn’t lose the gold. I won the silver.” -Michelle Kwan
Devin O'Sullivan
First Year Missionary
Devin O’Sullivan hails from the Appalachian foothills of central West Virginia. He spent 5 years of college earning a bachelor’s degree in English, so he loves a good book, poem, or discussions about either. He is most excited for the relationships he will build with each person that visits camp!
Devin’s Favorite Bible Passage:
Isaiah 42:16
Devin’s Favorite Quote:
“He knew now that at the end there was only one thing that counted — to be a saint.” – Graham Greene
Jack Krebs
First Year Missionary
Jack is originally from southern Wisconsin, and will graduate in May from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln with degrees in Water Science and Environmental Science. After graduation, he will be a Perpetual Pilgrim with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage for two months prior to heading out to Estes Park. He is stoked to learn more about the ecology of the Rockies, and in his free time, he is looking forward to trout fishing in RMNP, swimming in ice-cold mountain lakes, and might even take a stab at learning guitar!
Jack’s Favorite Bible Passage:
Psalm 42
Jack’s Favorite Quote:
“Man, who is the only creature on earth which God willed for itself, cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself.” – Gaudium et Spes 24
Morgan Herrig
First Year Missionary
Morgan’s Favorite Bible Passage:
Jeremiah 29:11
Morgan’s Favorite Quote:
“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” -St Therese of Lisieux
