COMPASS STAFF
Olivia Morales
Assistant Director of Operations & Partnerships
Olivia is a native of western Massachusetts. She is a Houghton College (Spanish, Intercultural Studies and Missions) graduate, and recently finished her Master’s at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Intercultural Studies). She has experience working in youth ministry, campus ministry, missions, and working with international student populations. She has an awesome hubby (Jonathan), a super-duper family, a bunny, and a cat! Olivia loves Jesus and is passionate about helping train and equip the church to understand culture/missions better and why it is so central to our life and faith. Olivia loves tea, board games, playing sports, traveling, and spending time with people.
Bryn Clark
Executive Director
Bryn grew up in the midwest of the United States but moved to New England following his undergraduate. He spent several summers as a sea kayak guide on the coast of Maine before moving to Massachusetts for graduate school. Bryn began working for Compass as the program’s assistant and summer mentor in 2012 before taking over as director in 2015. As an avid reader and writer, Bryn has always been passionate about stories and helping other people understand their journeys. He loves questions and is a firm believer in the power of curiosity. Bryn is a big fan of rainy days and dark, cozy evenings. He’s a distance runner and avid hiker who is always up for the next trail. Bryn’s two favorite people are his wife, Mollie, and daughter, Joslynn.
Kendall Billings
Program Manager
Kendall grew up in Central California. After graduating from California Baptist University with a BA in Political Science and International Studies, she served two years as an AmeriCorps member with City Year, an education nonprofit organization. Her first year was dedicated to working directly with students in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and her second year brought her to New England as she fostered civic engagement in community spaces through physical service. She planned to reside in Massachusetts for only a year but found the community and the environment so much to her liking that she decided to stay. As a committed follower of Christ, she loves Jesus and is excited to continue growing in her own faith while equipping others to do the same. She also loves reading, hiking, sweets of all kinds, her family, and connecting with others.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Kent Harrop
PRESIDENT
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Joelinda Johnson
DIRECTOR
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Abby Stroven
TREASURER
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Byron Wratee
DIRECTOR
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Amber Hausman
CLERK
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Rama Ziegenhals
DIRECTOR
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Sally Schaffer
DIRECTOR
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Bryn Clark
DIRECTOR
COMPASS PARTNERS
The Compass program is made possible through individuals and organizations who share the vision to train the next generation of Christian leaders. The Compass program was created and generously sustained thanks to generous funding from the Lilly Foundation. Although today the program is independently funded, Compass continues to be an active member of the Lilly Youth Theology Network.
LA VIDA CENTER FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP
Since its inception, the Compass program partnered with the La Vida Center for Outdoor Education and Leadership to provide students with an incredible wilderness experience. La Vida has been running backpacking trips in the Adirondacks for 50 years. La Vida does a lot more than backpacking! They create outdoor and team-building experiences for individuals, families and groups. You can learn more about La Vida offerings on their website.
GORDON COLLEGE
Compass is hosted by Gordon College to provide housing and dining services for students during the summer program. Gordon College faculty are often featured speakers during the theological expedition. Many Compass students go on to attend Gordon College though that is not a requirement.
Gordon College CORE Requirement
Many Compass alumni choose to apply to Gordon College. All Gordon students are required to complete their Outdoor Education first-year experience before the start of their sophomore year. Compass meets all requirements for this section of the Core Curriculum. To receive this credit, Compass alumni need to contact the La Vida office immediately after arriving on campus their freshman year.
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY PARTNERS
Compass aims to empower and equip students to minister to others. One way we accomplish this in the program is by taking students on a mission trip (a.k.a. ministry expedition). Our vision for the ministry expedition is to provide a service that is specific to the expressed needs of churches and organizations in the areas where we are serving.
Over the years, Compass has had numerous overseas partners. Past Compass cohorts have traveled to locations such as Mexico, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Currently, the program partners with the Salvation Army in Iceland to provide a summer program for low-income, immigrant and refugee families.
FINANCIAL PARTNERS
The Compass Program is privately funded and exists thanks to the generous support of numerous donors and foundations. To become a financial partner make a gift here or email info@compasspath.org.