Your journey with ELIC

Adam Zentz

Now this is a story all about how
I ended up where I am now
I'd like to take a minute so you can see
How I became a Candidate Advisor with ELIC

In northern Colorado, born and raised
In the mountains is where I spent most of my days
Then I went to eastern Europe where I met my wife
We moved to Chicago, what a crazy life!
I got an Intercultural Studies degree
and a passion for helping people get overseas

So back to Colorado went my family and me
and I've been serving ever since here at ELIC
I like to hang out with my two little boys
Always getting into trouble and making lots of noise
I like to keep aquariums and read a good book
I like to write sometimes and I'm a pretty good cook

Fun Fact
I have about 2,000 followers on Pinterest. Don't act like you're not impressed.

Christina Marino

Born and raised in Minnesota (don't cha know), I graduated from Bethel University with a B.A. in Psychology. I traded lakes for mountains when I moved to Colorado in 2011 and quickly found home at 5,000 ft! I hold a Masters in School Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado and deeply love hearing stories and being an advocate for others. I am wife to Peter and mom to twin girls, Lina and Finley and our 2020 Leap Day boy, Milo. As a family member of a former ELIC teacher, I am drawn to uplifting our teachers and their core teams!

You would be hard pressed not to find me with a cup of coffee in my hand or scheming up the next outdoor adventure. You can also find me curating a solid charcuterie board, engaging in a friendly game night competition with friends or indulging in the idyllic pair of peanut butter and chocolate.

I am devoted to serving alongside “ordinary people” to do the extraordinary work that is placed on their lives. Let’s connect!

Andy Brennan

Early in our relationship, my wife, Katrina, and I decided to intentionally place ourselves in positions and circumstances that required faith. We wanted to learn dependency and lose the perceived control we felt over our lives. Shortly after coming to this agreement, we signed up to serve with ELIC in China and got to experience his providence firsthand over the proceeding years. We loved it, a seed was planted, and a heart for Asia was born. Since 2003 we have remained with the organization in a variety of roles both domestic and foreign. We have three TCKs and have loved seeing their hearts for other cultures grow.

These days, if you're looking for me, check a coffee shop, trail, basketball court, or kitchen table set with the latest board game.

Jenny Faber

Born and raised in Colorado, I'm proud to call the Rocky Mountains home. Camping, watching Avalanche hockey, hosting friends for a meal, reading a thought-provoking book, and laughing with my husband are some of my favorite ways to spend my time outside of work. But I would even consider "work" to be on my life-giving list because I'm deeply passionate about what we do.

I graduated from Colorado State University in 2020 with a B.A. and again in 2023 with an M.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in Middle East/North Africa Relations. One of the first things people notice about me is my heart for justice--I'm committed to uplifting marginalized groups and doing so in a way that dignifies them. ELIC is truly exceptional at prioritizing this as well which feels like a rare gift.

I'd love to connect and explore together how your unique story might fit into what the Father is doing in and through ELIC. Let's chat!

Andrew Nicholl

Howdy! I grew up partially overseas in Russia and also on the Western side of Colorado way out in the mountains, so I am rather comfortable in frigid temperatures. I also love to go outside and see some neat neeeeture (nature) and spot some wildlife (Mr. Bear, Mr. Mouse, Mr. Elk).

I enjoy collecting things, specifically sports cards (basketball and football). You can find me on any given day scouring eBay for rare cards and good deals. My favorite player is Nikola Jokic, the Serbian sensation. I love watching and talking about movies (or enjoying the art of cinema... as I describe it). I am married to my college sweetheart, Kayla, and we have one kiddo named Silas who is objectively cuter than the baby you are thinking of. I would love to hear more about your story and connect you with about serving with ELIC!

Max Baller

Hello there! I was born and raised in the Denver area and still can’t get enough of Colorado and the Rocky Mountains! In 2016, I moved to Fort Collins to attend “The Harvard of the West Side of the Mississippi River”... Colorado State University and fell in love with all that Northern Colorado has to offer. I graduated in 2020 with a B.A. in Communication Studies. I have a heart for non-profit organizations that make a global and local impact. I am motivated to build relationships, encourage, support, and be a calming presence for men and women who are interested in serving with ELIC.

Also…

When I am not at work, you will probably find me jamming out to John Mark McMillan or Lord Huron at a local coffee shop or winning an online chess game. I am an avid Denver sports fan (which has its highs and lows) who enjoys golf, movies, podcasts, quality time with family and friends, and shouting Jeopardy! answers from my living room. I occasionally get it right.

Sarah Macy

Hello there! I grew up in South Denver and have loved being a Colorado resident. I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a bachelor's in Music Education, so music is a big part of my life. Since moving up to northern Colorado, where ELIC is located, I’ve loved spending time in the mountains and in cute coffee shops (bonus points if the cute coffee shop is in the mountains).

Oh, did you notice the Jerry Seinfeld book? I’m holding that because Seinfeld is one of my favorite TV series. My husband and I named our dog Kramer, just to prove it. I love watching movies, TV series, and cuddling our poodle pup while doing so.

I love getting to know new people, hearing about their passions, and getting them to the right places. Let’s talk soon!

Emily Riggs

Hey friend! I was born and raised in the state of Kansas, where I also attended college and graduated with a degree in Business Management. I moved to Colorado at the start of 2020 (the perfect time to make major life changes, amiright?!), and was lucky to find the sweetest community and place to call home. I love to explore new places, learn new things, and spend time with loved ones. At this point in my life, I've been to 20 countries and have lived on 4 continents! From sweet kiddos in rural Ethiopia to former addicts in the Costa Rican jungle, I feel blessed to have experienced so many different cultures and crossed paths with people all over the world.

You'll most likely find me at an airport, with coffee in one hand and a book in the other. I love to read, write, and listen, and I'm excited to journey together as you explore how you've been uniquely gifted to make an impact for eternity... and also hear your best book and podcast recommendations! Excited to know you, let's connect soon. :)

Alex Beck

Wearing a flying squirrel costume on Leap Day of 2020, I proposed to my girlfriend in a coffee shop (shout out to Beaver Falls Coffee and Tea), and she took a leap of faith and said yes. Now we live as husband and wife a block away from the very same shop. While attending Geneva College, I studied Biblical Languages and fell in love with the world through cross-cultural opportunities to study and travel overseas during the summer between my sophomore and junior years. Now I am blessed with the opportunity to encourage others to expand their horizons via living and working overseas! In addition to loving this incredible world and the cultures that populate it, I also have a deep passion for tennis and ping pong. Whether it’s finding a peaceful rhythm, or battling it out in the heat of competition, I am always excited for an opportunity to swing away!

LinkedIn

Mary Ivey

Wife to Hayden and pet-mom to Paco, Lupe, and Sophie, I am a Southern California native with a heart that beats for connecting people to the Father’s heart for them and the nations. I am passionate about leadership, relationships, living a life that requires faith, coffee shops, and any and every animal that will allow me into its life.

While studying World Religions, Leadership, and TESOL at Azusa Pacific University I have come to see there is no greater joy in life than connecting people to purpose and Hope.

LinkedIn

Mary Katelyn Wood

Hi there! I’m Mary Katelyn but most of my friends call me MK. I grew up in Georgia, attended college in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, and graduated in 2023 with a B.A. in Global Studies. After college, I connected with ELIC & spent 4 weeks in Tunisia, North Africa teaching English! I absolutely love a good cup of coffee, discovering treasures in a local antique store, road-tripping with friends, & taking on any competitor in pickleball with my beloved paddle :) And, in my personal opinion, the best way to enjoy any meal is in the form of a picnic surrounded by those you love!

I am overjoyed to be part of the ELIC team, and I can’t wait to meet you, hear your heart, and empower you to share true Hope & Peace with others!