Meet our Team

It all began in 1971 when as a seventh grader I started swimming at the Suncoast Youth for Christ pond. A few years later as a high school sophomore I started attending the weekly club meetings. Within a few weeks I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Shortly after that, I heard God whisper to my heart that He wanted me to serve in this ministry. I look back now at 43 years on staff with Youth for Christ and consider it the most amazing journey I could ever imagine. It has been an honor to have the opportunity to share the message of our Father’s love with lost teens. What makes my journey extra special is being married to Beth who continues to be a wonderful wife and partner with me in the ministry. Together we have had the joy of raising three children and now are thrilled to love on our four grandchildren. When not at Youth for Christ you will find me out on the water kayaking, fishing and enjoying sunrises and sunsets. Beth and I like to travel and have been to 22 National Parks.

Who would have known that in 1980 when I signed up to be a volunteer leader with Youth for Christ that I would still be serving on the team 42 years later. The answer to that question is our Heavenly Father knew and I am so thankful He has taken me on this journey. It was September of 1980 and I attended a volunteer orientation for YFC. Sitting across the room was this handsome full time YFC staff person who captured my heart. I was 19 and he was 22 years old. Ten months later we were married and the adventure began. 

Throughout the years I have had the opportunity to serve in elementary, middle and high school ministry, mentoring programs, donor relations and mostly being the wife of a YFC staff person. In the midst of all of this I had the joy of loving and raising three children and now am blessed with four grandchildren. When not serving with YFC I enjoy bike riding, reading, and love to travel. It has been an honor to be a part of this mission of reaching youth with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In 2022, I moved with my husband, Alex, and my youngest child from Michigan to Bradenton, Florida.  I was honored to serve as Parent Life Director with the West Michigan chapter and thrilled to have the opportunity to continue working with teen parents with Suncoast Youth for Christ.  I have had the privilege of working with pregnant teens and single moms for several years in a variety of capacities.  My passion and deep love is to serve teen parents who are navigating the challenges of parenting while still so young themselves.  I honor them for choosing life and walk alongside them with the purpose of showing them the love of Christ.  

I am blessed with 5 children and 3 grandchildren. Outside of my children, I love the beach and have an extreme fondness for palm trees. My current hobby is thrifting.

Hola, my name is Edrick Gil and I’m one of the Site Directors with 180 House in Venice. I lead a club for our local high school on Mondays and another club for one of our local middle schools. I also lead our Bible study for high schoolers on Monday nights.

I was born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in a family that has been involved in missions. I’m the youngest of three brothers, and all five of us are involved in ministry in one way or another. My wife, Shelby, and I had our first baby in October 2023, and it has been an awesome opportunity to work together in ministry as a family and bring Jediah alongside us. I’m also a graduate of Word of Life Bible Institute in NY where God showed me my passion for youth ministries.

I got involved with Youth for Christ when I first moved to the USA. Since I was not able to work while waiting for my paperwork to be finalized, I volunteered at the 180 House where my wife was working at the time. After about a year and a half, the opportunity to join the staff was presented to me, and I’ve been working there since June 2023.

One of my passions is showing youth that we can have fun while having a relationship with the Lord.  I experience so much joy when students experience the hope Jesus brings and let their walls down. I also know it took a village for me to be where I am today and I want to be part of that village for the students.

Hey there! My name is Shelby and I am one of the Directors of The 180 House | Venice.  I maintain the daily functions, activities, and programming for our afterschool high-school program on Fridays and do lots of administrative tasks. Some fun things about me –  I love being by or on the water – the ocean is my “Eden” and where I often am able to experience the Lord more deeply! I married the love of my life in February 2022 and getting to do life and ministry with my best friend is the best thing ever! We welcomed our pride and joy, Jediah, in 2023 and it is the best gift to be his parents. Thank you Jesus!

Both my husband and I became serious about the Lord in our teen years because of the many mentors and Jesus-following adults who poured into our lives.

Because I was so impacted by these adults when I was a teen, it has definitely given me a passion to serve the next generations of young people for the purpose of knowing Jesus. I have always had a special soft spot in my heart for the students who make you work hard to love them, which is exactly the tribe we are able to connect to and build relationships with at 180 House | Venice. Youth for Christ has a unique and creative way of sharing Jesus with young people who have been hurt by the church or have a twisted perception of who Jesus really is. It is such an honor to break these barriers and love these teens to The Truth!

Hi, I’m Jonetta and I serve YFC in the role of Leader Formation.  I am a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Ministry and a concentration in Student Ministry. I married my amazing husband  Ryan, in 2016, and we currently have two very energetic boys. Some things that bring me joy are adventuring with my family, finding a moment of peace while I sip on a latte, and playing Dutch Blitz/Nertz/Peanuts (whichever name you prefer to call it). 

I got involved with Youth for Christ in 2017, when I started serving as a volunteer at the 180 House in Venice. In 2018, I was offered a position to join the staff and, without hesitancy, I said yes. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this team and I love that our staff and volunteers take Youth for Christ’s mission seriously. 

I am part of the YFC/180 House movement because I have personally experienced the power of a caring adult.  When I was in high school my dad suddenly passed away but my life was changed when an adult stepped in and shared the hope of Jesus with me. Many students today are facing various trials in their life and I want them to hear the same hope that someone showed me at that age.

My husband, Dan, is responsible for igniting my passion for youth ministry.  When he first proposed having a small group for high school students in our home, I felt more than a little intimidated.  What I soon realized is that all young people have a deep need for caring, interested adults in their lives – regardless of their home life or circumstances.  This is even more true for youth living at the edges – those who feel completely unseen.  

My connection with YFC started as a volunteer – bringing coffee early Friday mornings to Manatee High School for Breakfast Club.  After 6 years of volunteering, I joined the staff as Director of Communications.  Each month I get to share the stories of how God is impacting the lives of teens from Venice to Palmetto through the faithful efforts of our volunteers and staff.  It is such joyful work!

When I am not at work, I enjoy time at the beach, camping, reading, home remodeling projects, and discovering the joys of grandparenting with my grandson, Derek Mathias.  We have three grown children, Derek (married to Mayi), Brennan, and Ryley.  Originally from Minnesota, we have called Bradenton home since 2003.  The ocean beats the snow, hands down!

I serve Suncoast Youth for Christ as Bradenton Area Director & Juvenile Justice Ministry Director.  I am a graduate of Nazarene Bible College and have been serving in youth ministry for 13 years. I married my incredible wife, Kalli, in 2019, and we have two little chihuahuas; Teeka & Taco. I am totally passionate about speaking truth and life to teenagers and seeing them say “yes” to Jesus. 

My current role is working with youth living at the margins of life. Those that are failing school, in juvenile detention centers, on probation, addicted to drugs, in gangs, are teen parents, and who struggle with trauma. I believe that every teenager deserves somebody standing in their corner and I will fight injustice in any of their lives. I am a fierce advocate for youth having mentors and community. 

Prior to YFC, I have been a youth pastor, college pastor, discipleship pastor, interim pastor & preaching pastor in Kansas City, Bradenton, and Tampa.  I love to read, lift weights, travel all over the world, run, and eat. 

I have served as Business Manager with Suncoast Youth since 2015. Prior to YFC, I spent over 20 years working in various accounting roles in the public and private sectors. My two greatest passions are family and Jesus.  I have been active in my church and children’s school environments, including teaching Financial Peace University and Growing Kids God’s Way with my husband, Todd. I enjoy spending time with my family, recharging in the mountains, reading historical fiction and watching my two favorite baseball players – my sons, Grant and Cooper.

Greetings, I am Julia Villacis, a committed wife and mother of three sons. With my husband’s steadfast support, I have dedicated over five years to serving as a volunteer, presenting Jesus to the often-forgotten youth at the Juvenile Justice Center. In my role as AFTERCARE MENTOR with Youth for Christ, I am determined to make a lasting impact, empowering young individuals to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. My objective is to guide them toward a future filled with hope and purpose, where they can find their true identity in Christ Jesus.
Transforming lives, one youth at a time: As a dedicated volunteer and mentor, I’ve seen the impact of consistent support and guidance on young people in the Juvenile Justice System. Now, as an Aftercare Mentor with Youth for Christ, I’m committed to helping these young individuals unlock their God-given potential, break free from limiting cycles and achieve their dreams.

Hello, my name is Davon White. I am deeply committed to working with teens, particularly those facing challenging circumstances. As the Aftercare Director for Juvenile Justice at Youth for Christ, I dedicate myself to mentoring and guiding young people, helping them discover hope and purpose in their lives. My passion for youth ministry fuels my mission to make a lasting impact on the next generation.

Beyond my professional role, I cherish spending quality time with my family, often enjoying vacations by the ocean. As a pastor and Christian musician, I have been blessed with the opportunity to minister to thousands globally, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of God in their lives. My journey is made possible by the unwavering love and support of my wife of 21 years and our four wonderful children.

I first discovered YFC through my wife, Katy, when she was leading a Parent Life group in Palm Beach County. It was through seeing the incredible need for this next generation to hear the gospel firsthand that I then felt God leading me to make a career change.  He called me away from the business world to full time ministry with YFC in June 2008. It has been an incredible ride so far. From the early years of serving as a Campus Life Director reaching teens at Palm Beach Central High School to following God’s call to step into leadership here at Suncoast YFC in 2014, the job descriptions may have changed but the desperate needs of our youth have not. We are passionate about seeing young people surrender to Christ and become lifelong followers in His kingdom. 

Katy and I were married in 2004 and have 4 children (Ethan, Liam, Grant and Grace). We’re members of Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church and have a passion for serving in both our church and local community. As a family, we spend a lot of time outdoors (particularly beaches and theme parks) but aside from family fun, my main interests are kayak fishing, RC cars and gaming. As a Miami alum, I bleed orange and green for the Hurricanes, but in recent years I find there’s more hope for a great day of catching fish than my ‘Canes returning to national prominence. 

As a dedicated father and passionate servant of Christ, I am honored to step into the role of Site Director at 180 House | Btown.  With over 10 years of experience in youth ministry, my journey began as a young person within the Youth for Christ program where I experienced the transformative power of faith and community.  I am deeply committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of our youth and fostering a vibrant, Christ-centered environment where they can thrive. My mission is to inspire and guide our young people, empowering them to become leaders who positively impact their communities.

I’m incredibly excited for this new beginning and the opportunity to shape the future of our youth. Together, we will build a strong, supportive community rooted in love, faith, and the belief that every young person has a divine purpose. Let’s create something special. #180Culture