Meet the Mobilization Team
Collin Quigley
Senior Director, Mobilization
Collin Quigley Senior Director, Mobilization
I am an outdoor nut who grew up in small-town Colorado. I love hooking up my camper, grabbing my wife and some good food, and heading to the mountains. I have a passion for a good pot of chili, warm tortillas, and a hot fire. My joy in life is to see people combine their gifts with their passions and do something they never thought they could do. I smile the biggest when I see this happen. I have written a children’s book, attended cooking school, seminary, and lived in Morocco for a 4-year stint. I love to ski, camp, hike, bike, or anything outdoors. If it were not for my wife, I would be living in a van down by the river. My kids are awesome. I am not a cat person…but do like my dog.
Blake Larson
Director of Mobilization
Blake Larson Director of Mobilization
I'm originally from the south and served with ELIC during my college years at the University of Arkansas (go Hogs!). My lovely wife Meredith and I have two children, Quinn and Duke, and have lived in Colorado since 2011. In my current role, I absolutely love developing creative strategies and building strong networks of partners to mobilize more people overseas. I enjoy traveling, going on dates with Meredith, Instagramming pictures of our crazy, cute kids, rooting for the OKC Thunder, and of course, rewatching the greatest movie of all time, Jurassic Park.
Kyle Wormser
Sr. Manager, Candidate Care Team
Kyle Wormser Sr. Manager, Candidate Care Team
I was born in Colorado, have lived in Hawaii, Montana, and Southern California and am currently back "home" in beautiful Colorado. My favorite things in life include connecting over a delicious meal with my incredible wife, being goofy with my 2 kiddos, collecting Patagonia jackets, fly fishing on an open river, and practicing simplicity. In the words of famed Nacho Libre (accent included), "I luv my lyyfe."
Additionally, with 10 years management experience, multiple years working as a life-alignment counselor, and an M.A. in Spiritual Formation, I'm passionate about helping both people and systems operate according to their highest potential. I love the energy, camaraderie, creativity, and spiritedness of our department and am enthusiastic about championing leaders to live their unique calling.
Laura Heckman
Senior Manager, Short-term Programs
Laura Heckman Senior Manager, Short-term Programs
Native to Colorado, naturally, I love all things outdoors including hiking, camping, and backpacking. As a mother of two, my greatest joy is spending time with my family but I also enjoy traveling, playing the piano, and creating charcoal drawings. Prior to working with ELIC, I worked in sports marketing and retail management. I love creating and implementing business strategies alongside a team and being creative throughout the process.
Fun facts about me: 1) I was once trampled by my high school football team as they ran onto the field. 2) I met my husband in a dodgeball class. 3) I love wearing a T-Rex costume and making people's day.
Sarah Moore
Logistics & Administrative Specialist
Sarah Moore Logistics & Administrative Specialist
Having lived in the two best states in America, North Carolina and Colorado, I don’t have much to complain about. Traveling the world, eating Thai food, playing ukulele, and backpacking are some of my favorite things. But my biggest accomplishments in life include, getting a BA in Psychology from Queens University of Charlotte, beating Panic at the Disco in ping pong, eating mussels in Brussels, and becoming a master at acquiring visas for our teachers overseas. Send me your passport photo and I can tell you if it will be accepted or denied.
Adam Zentz
Candidate Advisor
Adam Zentz Candidate Advisor
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.
Danielle Schroeder
Candidate Advisor
Danielle Schroeder Candidate Advisor
Born and raised in Wisconsin. I took a chance and moved to China with ELIC just a few months after graduation...best decision I ever made. After spending 5 years in China I joined the home office for a year before Team Leading for Project 5.6. Through ELIC I’ve had the chance to go all around the world exploring new places, taking in different cultures and sharing life with some really amazing people. Now I have the chance to make that dream come true for others. I love seeing people in their element, combining passion and gifts with purpose, and throw in a global perspective for fun. I travel every chance I get, love to cook for friends and family, and try to go camping and hiking whenever I can.
Brandon Thoele
Candidate Advisor
Brandon Thoele Candidate Advisor
My love for overseas work began on a youth trip to Venezuela in high school. Since then I have traveled to 42 countries, including five years teaching with ELIC in Lanzhou, China and gaining a Master’s Degree in TESOL. Now that I’ve joined the home office, I love that I get to prepare and equip teachers to serve overseas! I am married to my wonderful wife Vivo who is from North-East India (we actually met in China :-). When I’m not working you might see me behind a drum-set, on a breathtaking mountaintop, or scuba diving in the open sea.
Kailey Loper
Candidate Advisor
Kailey Loper Candidate Advisor
Being a Nebraska native, I recently traded the cornfields of my homeland for the vast beauty of the Rocky Mountains. My passion for people is undeniable. I love the depth that lies within each person’s unique story. My role at ELIC is a dream, as I am able to cross paths with so many individuals who desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Be fully prepared for deep laughter, attempts at accents, movie trivia, and encouragement. Let’s make an impact in this world together!
Stowe Perry
Candidate Advisor
Stowe Perry Candidate Advisor
Born and raised in South Carolina. I grew up playing football, camping on weekends, and going to the beach with my family each summer. I attended Clemson University where I started to develop a passion for working overseas and sharing life with people. I spent summers in Mexico building houses and after graduating I started making plans to move overseas. I went to Sudan for a couple months and then found ELIC, and I was super impressed with the vision and intentionality of the organization. I signed up for a year in China and that turned into nearly 4 years. I moved back to South Carolina for a few years, hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine as a part of YWAM, lived in South Carolina again, and then got to lead a team with ELIC's Project 5.6 in 2018.
I love playing Ultimate, hiking in the woods, and trying new things. Most of all I enjoy seeing people experience freedom and using their gifts to impact the world. I'm excited that I get to mobilize people to experience one of the most amazing lifestyles possible.
Brian Post
Mobilization Specialist
Brian Post Mobilization Specialist
After 30 years of working in local church ministry and education in Colorado, Switzerland, and Germany, I've come to join the ELIC team. As a mobilizer, I enjoy casting the ELIC vision to various audiences and helping those who have a heart for overseas work pursue that calling. I've been married for 36 years, have four children, and one grandson. My hobbies include personal fitness, guitar and mandolin performance, reading biblical Greek, German, and history.
Chris Liberto
Mobilization Specialist
Chris Liberto Mobilization Specialist
The Wild Christopher is a rare and untamable beast. Its original habitat is in the Eastern areas of North America, but recently there have been sightings in mountainous regions of Colorado, Wyoming, and even some rare sightings as far as China.
The Wild Christopher is a kindly creature, known for its almost limitless supply of energy, absurd outbursts of educational hoopla, and ability to turn just about anything into a game. Should you encounter one, the best course of action is to make every attempt to engage in thoughtful conversation or join in whatever game it may be playing. NEVER try to avoid eye contact and sneak away quietly, as it will be seen as a challenge to get to know you.
You will most likely never see this stunning creature in a zoo because it is practically impossible to capture, and often difficult to photograph. However, it has a keen sense of smell and can be quickly lured in by high-quality coffee, Chinese tea, or just about any donut.
Current migration patterns of the Wild Christopher suggest that you have the highest probability of encountering one at a conference, campus, or ELIC event in the Eastern United States.
Jolene Dykstra
Mobilization Coordinator
Jolene Dykstra Mobilization Coordinator
Born and raised in the Great White North (a.k.a. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), Jolene has taught and led teams in ten countries on four continents and is currently based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. When she’s not out teaching, Jolene scours as much of Canada’s 9.9 million square kilometers as she can to find the best English teachers available for overseas adventures. She has served with ELIC since 2009, on the field for 7 years and in the Canadian office ever since. A long-suffering but exuberant Oilers fan, she loves photography, having people over, and the dependability of Starbucks around the world!!
Brooke Bailey
Candidate Advisor
Brooke Bailey Candidate Advisor
I grew up in the beautiful land of Wyoming, but I have found myself residing in a tiny basement home with the best roomie, my husband Brannic. We lived out of our rooftop tent on our Subaru for our first few months of marriage while navigating Canada and the western part of the United States. You can find me hitting the trails, making the same three meals for dinner, and formulating natural DIY remedies around our home.
I feel passionate about encouraging and equipping others who might not feel “ready” to hop into such a large endeavor. I love watching people step into something that will challenge and grow them.
Marlene Hawley
Mobilization Specialist
Marlene Hawley Mobilization Specialist
Life is full of amazing adventures! Eight years ago I never would have imagined being a part of ELIC! It is truly a privilege to see people committed to living their lives with intentionality, purpose, sharing their gifts and talents around the world!
Our family currently resides in the Greater Toronto Area and I cherish the precious time we spend together. After completing post-secondary education life moved very quickly with marriage, parenthood, as well as significant corporate career and life changes for both my husband and myself.
Fun Facts: Reindeer and Meese are incredible creatures - love them! Autumn is my most liked season due to crisp cool air, warm beverages, comfortable hoodies, and the beauty, magnificence, and transformation the season brings.
We're in this journey together and I would love to hear your story, let's meet for tea or coffee soon!
Dan Lundgren
Mobilization Specialist
Dan Lundgren Mobilization Specialist
Born and raised in Minnesota, my life has always been about competition. My favorite sports to play include soccer and basketball. I am an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, the Timberwolves, and Liverpool I studied economics at Wheaton College where my heart for the nations grew rapidly.
After a summer internship in Zambia, I thought I would devote years of my life to work in Africa. I mean have you seen Victoria Falls?!? Well, things changed pretty quickly because I led a couple of Engage trips to China and I stayed there for 3 years before marrying Meagan. We both love teaching, culture, and impacting leaders. I even got engaged in China and now we live in Chicago. Life takes some crazy turns! I love my current role because I get to connect with amazingly gifted people that have a heart for the things I am passionate for.
Kristen Dudley
Candidate Advisor
Kristen Dudley Candidate Advisor
Born and raised in the Natural State of Arkansas, I love everything outdoors and green! I have a slight obsession with trees because duh, they're beautiful! I'm an avid crossfitter and coffee drinker and I like to think I can play the guitar pretty decently. I always need to be doing something new so I'm always picking up new hobbies, which usually last a few months before I pick up the next one. After graduating from Arkansas State with a degree in exercise science, I traded the green of Arkansas for the very colorful concrete jungle of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. After living in Cambodia with ELIC for three years, I traded the colorful rooftops of Phnom Penh for the beautiful mountains of Colorado. So you can catch me hiking, walking barefoot in grass, or standing in awe of trees any chance that I get!
Summer Ploegman
Engage Logistics Coordinator
Summer Ploegman Engage Logistics Coordinator
After growing up in the North Georgia mountains, I studied applied linguistics and English teaching at Trinity Western University in Langley, BC. During my teaching practicum, I fell in love with being in the classroom with international students. After graduation, I packed my bags and moved to China for two-and-a-half years to teach English to undergrads preparing to study abroad. Knowing I wanted to teach long term, I returned to the University of Colorado to earn a Master of Education. I taught English to international university students at CU for seven years. After almost ten years in the teaching world, I joined the ELIC team and am excited to inspire others to impact the world through language teaching.
Friends often call me a mountain goat because when I’m not at work, I can frequently be found frolicking in the mountains or desert with my husband, Adam, and friends. I love trail running and racing, rock climbing, skiing, and hiking—basically, anything that involves sunshine, mud, and fresh air. I believe every good mountain adventure should start with a good cup of coffee, involve dark chocolate, and end with a good meal with friends.