Stephanie Riebe - Director of Student Ministries steph@castletonumc.org

An Indiana girl at heart, Steph was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She attended Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan where she double majored in Christian Studies and Journalism. Steph is beginning her 5th year in full time youth ministry having worked at churches in Michigan and Mississippi as well as spending some summers in college working for Focus on the Family in Colorado. Steph was hired as Director of Student Ministries at Castleton United Methodist Church in June of 2010 and is excited to see all that God holds for this very special group of students and families.

Steph loves spending time with her friends which includes yearly road trips to see them since they’re sprinkled all over the country. Running, college basketball, family, freelance writing, Vera Bradley, game nights, photography, and mission work are some of her interests. Steph’s favorite author is C.S. Lewis but you will also find books by Larry Crab, John Piper, and G.K. Chesterton on her book shelf. Steph loves her job because she believes that God uses the lives and hearts of teenagers to further His Kingdom in incredible ways.

Joe Garrison - Assistant Director of Student Ministries joe@castletonumc.org

Joe was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN.  He has attended Castleton United Methodist Church with his family since he was born.  While participating in Phao Student Ministries as a student he met his wife Courtney as a senior in High School.  Joe attended Taylor University and graduated with a degree in Biblical Literature in 2008.  Joe and Courtney were married in July 2008 then moved to Oxford, OH where Courtney finished her masters program in Speech Pathology at Miami of Ohio University.

In the summer of 2009, Joe and Courtney moved back to Indianapolis and became involved again in CUMC ministries.  Joe began directing Contemporary worship late in 2009 and was hired full time at Castleton in August of 2010 as Director of Contemporary Worship and Assistant Director of Student Ministries.

Joe is a huge Colts fan, plays guitar and drums along with dabbling in vocals and piano.  He blogs at joeggarrison.com in the areas of Faith, Music and Ministry.  You can keep up with Joe’s blog on Facebook here.