Meet theEDGE Leaders (Joy and Jen)

Meet theEDGE Leaders is an opportunity for you as parents to get to know the other adults in your students lives. This week, meet Joy and Jen, two of our 8th grade girls small group leaders.

My name is Joy Gulotta.  Currently I work as a customer service representative for a continuing education company.  I have been coming to Jacob's Well for almost ten years and have been working with theEDGE for the past three years--I love both very much!  I recently became engaged to the man of my dreams and fellow youth leader, Jordan Hurlburt (bio here) and am currently working on planning my wedding for this fall.

I love the energy and sincerity of the students at theEDGE.  I also feel that middle school is a pivotal time for these students.  They are no longer children, but not yet adults.  They are beginning to discover who they are and how they fit into the world.  Its so important that they establish a strong foundation of who they are in Christ and decide who he is to them before they enter high school when peer pressure and conflicting religious views will hit them full force.  I am so privileged to be a part of this journey with them.

I have the privilege of working with the same small group of girls from 6th grade all the way through eighth grade this year.  This year a new girl started coming to theEDGE and joined our small group.  At first she was very quiet and distant.  However, as the year has progressed it has been so encouraging and exciting to watch her make connections with the other girls in the group and open up.  At first her parents were encouraging her to come, but now its clear that she genuinely enjoys being at theEDGE! All I can say is, "Praise God!"

 

Hi! I'm Jen.  Wife to one Chris VanDyke (bio here)and mother to four little VanDykes: Summer Alanna, Ezra and Micah.  First and foremost I am a daughter of Christ and so excited to follow Him as He stretches and strengthens me.  I homeschool our four children; enjoy biking, hiking, and camping in God's amazing creation.  I love to read and enjoy seeking creative ways to simplify my life.

  

I really enjoy serving your children at theEDGE because God has given me a burden for this generation of young who are growing up in such a fast changing environment.  I also LOVE their energy and all the joy and challenges they can bring.  

 

I get to see the fruit of parents who pass on their passion for Jesus in these kids.  I love that!  I am so encouraged by youth that are willing to engage in God's Word - its inspiring!  Thank you parents for stepping beside your children to "fight the good fight and hold on to faith" (1 Timothy 1:18-19).

 

Ask your student who their small group leaders are and what they think of them. Do you have any stories about how a small group leader has impacted your child's life? Share it in the comment section below.