Our Team

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Ryan

Ryan Waalkes, Executive Director

Ryan is the founder of Bridge Street Ministries, an avid triathlete, father of five, and coffee connoisseur. He is described by our team as faithful, diligent, and having a heart for God's wisdom.
Derek

Derek Sterenberg, Operations Director

Beyond keeping the team at BSM running smoothly, Derek can be found smoking a brisket at home or leading worship on Saturday nights. Always wearing a smile, Derek displays God's love through warm friendship and a peaceful presence.
Marissa

Marissa Walters, Immersion Director

Described by our team as "a wonderful mix of kindness, hard work, joy and leadership," Marissa directs our Immersion summer camps, uniting diverse student groups in a common mission. Marissa's bubbly personality coupled with deep theological thought often lead to long and earnest conversations.
Dan

Dan Metivier, Communications Coordinator

Helpful, innovative, and creative, Dan is our communications coordinator that always goes the extra mile. Dan's talent and new ideas bring new life to the ministry and tell our story and those of our neighborhood.
Neva

Neva Marr, Bridge Year Staff

Hospitable, courageous, and humble, Neva boldly co-leads the Bridge Year along with Ellorie. Neva excels at forging personable bonds with Bridge Year students and deftly balances cultural awareness with Godly understanding.
Ellorie

Ellorie Kenyon, Bridge Year Staff

Co-leader of the Grand Rapids Bridge Year, Ellorie's presence creates a peace rooted in God's love. Described by her team members as "full of wisdom and delight," Ellorie exhibits a calm leadership for the students of GRBY.
Tom

Tom Bradley, Pastor at Crosswinds West Side

Pastor Tom Bradley is quintessentially West Side. His quirkiness, boisterous laughter, and ability to strike up conversations with anyone at any time make him a most approachable person and welcoming spiritual leader.
Cherie

Cherie Pecynski, Pavilion Manager

"The friend that everyone needs," says the BSM team. A native West-sider and familiar presence around town, Cherie's vibrant energy and willingness to tackle any challenge make her both a strong helper and independent achiever.
Alia

Alia Johnson, Administrative Assistant & Resurgence Team

Sweet, humorous, organized. Behind the scenes, Alia helps make sure that i's are dotted and t's are crossed. Every afternoon, she is co-managing Resurgence students as they engage in after-school programs.