MEET our STAFF

20200817_195305

AARON MIATKE

aaron.miatke@cru.org

Brenda5

BRENDA MIATKE

brenda.miatke@cru.org

Graham-Josh2

JOSH GRAHAM

josh.graham@cru.org

Kendra Graham

KENDRA GRAHAM

kendra.graham@cru.org

Abby Thor 1

ABBY THOR

abigail.thor@athletesinaction.org

Jonah Petesron

JONAH PETERSON

jonah.peterson@cru.org

IMG_4104(1)

MADY HAAG

madysen.haag@cru.org

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Getting to know...

AARON

Hometown: Neillsville, WI

Family Facts: I married  Brenda, my high school sweetheart.  Brenda and I have four children (Oliver, Esther, Colette & Jonmarc)

Embarrassing Childhood moment:  I attempted to give an informational speech about the Badger in 10th grade.  A wave of nervousness hit about a minute in and it made my knees start shaking uncontrollably!

Educational Background:  BS-Landscape Architecture (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Most Intriguing Place Ever Visited: New York City

Hobbies/Interests:  Travel, Architecture & design, sports (MTB, running, disc golf, paddling, XC + downhill skiing…) teams I cheer for: Wisconsin Badgers, Detroit Lions, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Bucks, MN UFC Loons, Duluth Huskies

Why Jesus matters to me: His unconditional grace and mercy. He gave His perfect life so that I could be forgiven.  He loved me when I least deserve it!

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Getting to know...

BRENDA

Hometown: Neillsville, WI

Family Facts: I married my high school sweetheart.  I have four kids (Oliver, Esther, Colette & Jonmarc)

Embarrassing Childhood moment:  I just couldn’t find the bathroom at the big, public library.  I was also too shy to ask someone and couldn’t find my mom who was looking for her own books.  Welp, it took to long to find her and it was too late!  I peed my pants….

Educational Background:  BA-Interior Design (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Most Intriguing Place Ever Visited: Probably China, the FOOD!! The people, the culture, the worldview were all very fascinating to encounter and learn about.  The consciousness of God and knowledge of Jesus were almost non-existent.

Hobbies/Interests:  Cooking, downhill skiing, hunting for treasures at TJ Maxx, reading, cheering on my kids in their sports

Why Jesus matters to me: Jesus is everything.  He is our only true source of hope and peace in this life and the next.

Brenda

Getting to know...

Josh

Hometown: Waukesha, WI

Family Facts: I’m an identical twin, married to Kendra, and I have one son with another on the way!

Embarrassing Childhood moment: I once got detention for laughing about spilled glue in art class

Educational Background:  UW- Madison alumni, BS in economics and communications

Most Intriguing Place Ever Visited: The pacific northwest

Hobbies/Interests:  Hiking, sports, board games, going for walks, baking, fishing

Why Jesus matters to me: Jesus gives me security, purpose, and forgiveness.

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Getting to know...

Kendra

Hometown: White Bear Lake, MN

Family Facts: Married to Josh, soon-to-be boy mom of two, and  wanna be dog owner.

Embarrassing Childhood moment: I once got a nasty cut on the bridge of my nose, right between my eyes, and had to wear a butterfly bandage across it every day for several weeks until it closed up. I even competed in my elementary school’s track and field day with it!

Educational Background:  Graduated from UW- La Crosse with a degree in Community Health Education and an emphasis in Public Administration

Most Intriguing Place Ever Visited: Cairo, Egypt

Hobbies/Interests:  Hiking on the north shore, exploring national parks, playing card and board games, learning to garden, experimenting with new recipes and life chats over a good cup of coffee

Why Jesus matters to me: Jesus is peace in the chaos of our world. In Jesus, I have hope in all the uncertainties life holds. Following him is the greatest purpose to live for!

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Getting to know...

Abby

Hometown: Woodbury, MN

Family Facts: My grandma’s maiden name was Hammer, and she married a Thor. You could say it was meant to be!

Embarrassing Childhood moment:  When playing youth basketball I scored multiple baskets on the other team’s hoop.

Educational Background:  Studied Marketing Analytics at the University of Minnesota-Duluth

Most Intriguing Place Ever Visited: The Aqua Dome in Langenfeld, Austria

Hobbies/Interests:  Watching sports, hiking, baking, board games, puzzles, traveling, time with friends

Why Jesus matters to me: Encountering Jesus in a real and personal way changed everything for me, and I love that I get to share about Him with others.  Being able to spend time with with Jesus daily gives me a sense of purpose, motivation and direction in my life.

Abby Thor 2

Getting to know...

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Getting to know...

JONAH

Hometown: Wyoming, MN

Family Facts:My Great-Great-Great Grandparents came to the United States on the Mayflower.

Embarrassing Childhood moment: I once drank my own pee out of a blue Powerade bottle.

Educational Background:  Forest Lake Area High School | University of Minnesota Duluth Finance BBA, Spanish Minor

Most Intriguing Place Ever Visited: Boiling River in Yellowstone National Park (This place no longer exists due to flooding)

Hobbies/Interests:  Cooking, Reading, Coaching Basketball, and Running

Why Jesus matters to me:Jesus, through his story and message has given me the most compelling purpose I can find. As a consequence I don’t know anything more important than telling others about him.

Getting to know...

MADY

Hometown: Richmond, MN

Fun Fact: I can do a morning dove and loon call.

Embarrassing Childhood moment: So many. Probably that I was scared of everything including leprechauns, the tooth fairy, the easter bunny, etc.

Educational Background:  Graduated from Eden Valley-Watkins High School and graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth

Most Intriguing Place Ever Visited: Grand Marais, MN (It’s so beautiful)

Hobbies/Interests:  Spending quality time with others, singing/worship, board games, volleyball

Why Jesus matters to me: He gave His life for me and loves me more than I deserve. Jesus gives my life true meaning and purpose that exceeds all understanding,

Getting to know...

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