Staff

Ryan O'Hara Hometown: Indianapolis, IN Height: 5' 10"

What do you do for Youth Arise?

As the Executive Director I coordinate and implement the Institute and its curriculum, fundraising, recruiting, pr, households, etc...

How did you come to know Jesus?

While in college some Christian friends of mine challenged me not to settle for a lukewarm practice of my faith. They taught me the supreme value of knowing Christ personally, meeting him daily in the Scriptures and in prayer. It was through their encouragement and my own conviction that leading a "double life" was getting me nowhere, that I made a choice to surrender my life to Christ. In doing so, a deep love for Christ in the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation was born, as well as a burning passion to share the love of God with the world.

What do you do in your free time?

Hang out with my wife, read, do yardwork, go for walks in the hood', and spend time with the kids.

What's your favorite YANA moment?

Watching the participants of Youth Arise mature into and become bold, compassionate, and convinced Catholics.

Jill O'Hara Hometown: Higginsville, MO Height: 5' 5"

What do you do for Youth Arise?

Administration

How did you come to know Jesus?

In College I was evangelized through a friend on the track team who was a faith-filled Catholic. She shared with me that Jesus was the answer to my problems and that I needed a relationship with him. I met with her frequently and we prayed together and read scripture. Through her encouragement I made a decision to commit my life to Christ.

What do you do on your free time?

Run, and take care of kids.

What's your favorite YANA moment?

When the 2004 group returned safely to the US from Ireland, by way of EasyJet airlines.

Andrea Prisby Hometown: Hudsonville, MI Height: 5' 4 "

What do you do for Youth Arise?

I direct formation. It's a combination of public relations/admissions/implementing the program. It's wonderful really. I enjoy people and working with them. So if you are a person and interested in Youth Arise, call me!

How did you come to know Jesus?

Being raised Catholic, I was exposed to the Truth at an early age. Throughout high school, I ran with the "good" crowd and lived a "good" life. But my heart was not completely sold on the Lord. My junior year in high school, I went on a retreat and one night they reenacted the Passion. I saw for the first time, visually, what Jesus had done for me. He carried the Cross, fell, and got up again... and then was nailed to it. All for me. The Lord really spoke to me that night. "I did this for you, Andrea, because I love you." This is what True Love is... "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." - John 15:13 I really feel called to lead others to Christ, by serving them. It's amazing how the Lord works and is fostering in me a desire to serve Him by serving others!

What do you do on your free time?

Watch movies and exercise... too extreme opposites, but a girl's gotta have balance, right?

What's your favorite YANA moment?

When Jane burped out loud the whole phrase, "NO RATED-R MOVIES!" to a teen who was considering watching one.

Tam Le Hometown: Glendale, AZ Height: 5' 10"

What do you do for Youth Arise?

Good question. Lead/run/organize/plan/implement our worship/households/schedule/missions. Something like that.

How did you come to know Jesus?

When I was a freshman at Arizona State University, I was living an incredibly selfish and ungodly life. Some tragedy hit my life, and afterwards I began to doubt God and if there was any real purpose to life. But God faithfully began to soften my heart, and after being invited on a retreat, I came to see the incredible love He had for me- and that because of Jesus and the Cross my sins were washed away. That weekend I chose to follow Jesus with my whole life; and what an adventure life has been since! There is no better life than one lived for Him, His glory, and His renown.

What do you do on your free time?

Listen/play lots of music, movies, and hunt deer with my bare hands, the usual.

What's your favorite YANA moment?

I think the quintessential YANA moment was during 2001, involving Jill, Nick, and misunderstood calzones (meatball subs).