2026 Workshop
Teachers

Mental Health Counselor at Peace River Center

Morgan is an ordained elder in the Florida conference and a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida. She has worked with numerous populations and specializes in trauma and bereavement. She lives in Lakeland with her husband, also a UMC elder, and their teenage son.

Director of Youth Ministries at St. Luke's UMC Orlando, FL

​Brandon Sangster is a 2013 graduate of the Youth Ministry Institute (now part of the Center for Youth Ministry Training) with over a decade of experience in both small and large church settings. As the Director of Youth Ministries at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Orlando, FL, Brandon is passionate about creating spaces where students feel seen, known, and deeply valued. He brings that same intentionality to his love for ministry branding and visual storytelling, believing that design, when done well, becomes an extension of a ministry’s mission and message. From social media strategy to series graphics and identity building, Brandon helps bridge the gap between theology and creativity in ways that connect with the next generation. He also collaborates with ministry leaders to develop innovative approaches to discipleship, student leadership, and community engagement. Outside of ministry, Brandon is a proud husband to Gianna and dad to their teenage son, Tyson. Whether behind a Canva template or in front of a youth group, Brandon’s heart is set on helping young people feel at home in God’s story—and empowered to share their own.

The Institute for Modern Worship (IMW) was created by, and for, local church leaders out of an expressed desire for worship related support, continuing education, and community amongst persons called to worship ministry. IMW is committed to recruiting, equipping, and retaining authentic, compassionate, and confident local church worship leaders for fruitful ministry in their local context and beyond.

Florida area Coordinator with Institute for Modern Worship

Faniel has been around ministry, his entire life. Growing up in Miami, Florida, he attended Grace Haitian UMC, through his senior year of high school. From there he spent a short stint at Hollywood Hills UMC. From there on, he would connect with the Warren W Willis camp & FSU Wesley foundation, where his love for community as well as worship would flourish. His experience within the church, more often worship focused, would expand as he would work with a number of churches in the Tampa/ St. Pete area. Churches such as Anona UMC, Allendale UMC, Pasadena Community Church and Sun City Center UMC. Between Warren Willis and Sun City Center, Faniel has had Sixteen years experience of leading worship, building teams, cultivating relationships, and working with youth and young adult leaders. Currently he serves as the Florida area Coordinator with IMW, supporting local churches and worship leaders with 1 on 1 coaching; A well rounded, year long worship course; recruitment,
staffing, and much more.

​

Praise and Worship Leader at Residing Hope

Blake Trent was born and raised in Central Florida and has been a worship leader for about 10 years.  Most of that time he has served with young people and because of that he loves passionate high-energy worship moments. For the past five years, he has served as the worship leader for Residing Hope, (formerly known as the Florida United Methodist Children's Home) a foster care group home that has presented many different kinds of challenges for leadership.  He plays a variety of instruments, and has spent a number of years writing and producing music.  When he's not leading worship, he enjoys traveling with his wife Elizabeth, and watching Marvel movies with their two cats.

​

Director of Music and Family Ministries at FUMC Sanford

Ryan began his ministry journey at Good Shepherd UMC in Kansas City, Missouri, where he started playing drums for the worship team at 8 years old, and grew to become a multi-instrumentalist worship leader for the youth group and contemporary worship services. His path took him to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Music, focusing on choral education and jazz studies. In Tulsa, Ryan answered his call into vocational ministry, leading worship and serving as program coordinator for Youthfront Camps, and pursuing a Master of Divinity at Phillips Theological Seminary. Now living in Florida with his fiancee Rianne, Ryan is also connected to the Institute for Modern Worship, and serves on the board for the Stetson Wesley Foundation. Whether it's directing a community choir for Black History Month celebrations, or designing contemplative discussion-based worship services; Ryan is passionate about creating vital worship experiences and theologically rich music for our inclusive Church.

Development Officer at the Florida United Methodist Foundation

This workshop is led by Ed New, President & CEO of the Florida United Methodist Foundation, who brings years of experience helping churches and nonprofits fund ministry through grants, endowments, and strategic giving. He’ll be joined by Elena Nicholas, the Foundation’s Director of Development, and Cindy Burmann, Development Officer—both of whom work closely with churches and leaders to grow ministry support through intentional fundraising and grant strategies. Together, they offer practical tools, real-world insight, and a shared passion for helping ministries thrive through strong financial foundations.

Youth Worship Director FUMC Winter Park, Admin Director at FUMC Sanford, and MDiv Student

Sofia Friedley Fernandez is a student, worship leader, and singer-songwriter passionate about reclaiming worship as a space for deep moral and spiritual formation. She has served in full-time worship ministry for over eight years across diverse congregations within and outside of the United Methodist Connection. Sofia currently directs Youth Worhsip (FUMC Winter Park) & Administration (FUMC Sanford), leads contemporary services & retreats, and develops worship ethics resources for the Institute for Modern Worship. Sofia is pursuing her Master of Divinity in Christian Ethics under the mentorship shop of Dr. David P. Gushee, at Mercer University, where her research focuses on modern worship ethics, liturgical formation, and trauma-informed ministry. Through her teaching, Sofia seeks to help worship leaders design services that are both theologically rich and pastorally responsible, equipping the church to bear a faithful witness in the world.

Senior Director of Ministry Connections; Ministry Leadership Center

Kirsten brings over 24 years of experience in church ministry, with many of those years devoted to leading students and families. For the past 15 years, she’s come alongside faith communities—offering resources, training, and consulting—to help them move toward their mission with clarity and confidence. All the while, she’s stayed rooted in local church leadership and currently serves as an Equipping Pastor. She has served in both small and large congregations and is passionate about helping leaders thrive. She is driven by a desire to help the church move forward, create safe and authentic spaces, and guide people in discovering their God-given value. She never turns down a good cup of coffee or a meaningful conversation.

Co-Director: Gator Wesley Foundation, Gainesville, FL

Conference Director of Young People's Ministry

Joel is a Licensed Local Pastor in the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Joel married his best friend Heather in 2001. They have two daughters, Elliot and Norah. Joel grew up in Ocala, FL and graduated from UF in 1999. Joel’s call into full time ministry has taken him through Youth Ministry, Camping Ministry, and now serving alongside college students in Gainesville, FL.

Strategic Content & Engagement Director;

Ministry Leadership Center

Brian is a UMC pastor with 20+ years of experience in congregational ministry, including working with young people and serving as a senior pastor. He has also dedicated nearly a decade to leadership development in the Church through educational nonprofits. As a husband, father, and artist, Brian earned a BS and M.Min. from Warner University, focusing on organizational culture, and studied Christian Education at Asbury Theological Seminary.

Ministry Director at the Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Conference Center

As the head of the ministry team, Tyler oversees the summer camp, year-round retreats, and after-school program. In addition to managing in-house ministries, he elevates the camp experience by maintaining accreditation standards (American Camp Association), refining hospitality for guest groups, and leading special projects. Tyler is a Provisional Certified Family Life Educator, meaning he is qualified to educate others in familial systems and life transitions. He earned a B.S. in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida (Go Gators). Currently, he is working towards a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from UCF (Still, Go Gators). His academic interests include the sustainable stewardship of funds and efficient people-management practices, both of which have informed his work in camping and campus ministry. Tyler and his wonderful wife, Allison, live in Fruitland Park with their incredible baby boy, Owen.

Retreats Coordinator at the Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Conference Center

Kimberlyn Gallo is the Retreats Coordinator at the Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Conference Center. She coordinates all of the camp’s in-house retreats, including Confirmation Retreat, Created by God, Fall Retreat, College Connection, Foster Family Camp, and Family Camp. Kimberlyn has been a dedicated part of the Warren Willis team since 2015, previously serving as a Summer Leadership Team member, Year-Round Program Intern, and Coordinator for After School Adventures and Day Camp.She earned a B.S. in Christian Leadership and Management with a concentration in Business Management. Her passion is creating intentional, joy-filled spaces where kids, youth, families, and church communities can connect, grow, and encounter God in new ways. When she’s not planning retreats, Kimberlyn enjoys spending time outdoors with her two dogs, Na’vi and Faith, whether that’s hiking a trail, exploring a new spot, or just soaking up some sunshine.

Children's Ministries Leader at Hyde Park UMC Tampa, FL

Kim has a passion for bringing children closer to Jesus in fun and creative ways. She is the Children's Ministries Director at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Fl. She is originally from Fort Myers, Fl., and moved to Tampa in 2013 with her husband of 12 years. They have 3 beautiful girls in grades 4, 7, and 10; all who love to serve with her each week. She is a proud graduate of YMI and continues to grow in ministry by teaming up with others in the conference to build a network of other Children Ministry leaders.

Sr. Pastor - Shepherd's Community UMC, Lakeland, FL

Michael LeBlanc is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. He attended Asbury School of Theology and Iliff School of Witchcraft and Wizardy (jk, that was a seminary too). Before that he was raised in a fundamentalist church and knew exactly nothing about Wesleyan theology. He learned what United Methodists believed while teaching what United Methodists believe during confirmation.

Summer Camp and Ministries Coordinator - Warren Willis Camp and Conference Center 

Ronin Ravanzo has been involved in youth ministry since the age of 18. He began his journey at Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Conference Center right after graduating high school and has served in a variety of roles over the years. One of his favorite summers was spent as the Games and Recreation Coordinator, where he discovered his love for planning and leading group activities. Ronin now serves as the Summer Camp and Ministry Coordinator and is passionate about creating meaningful experiences through fun, engaging games that bring people together.