Tracey Russell, Director, Youth Ministry

As a member of the FOL Program Management Team, Tracey is responsible for organizing and carrying out all growth and development aspects of the FOL Youth Ministry (all youth in grades 7 through 12). As the 1st stop liaison for all issues pertinent to the ministry, she is responsible for translating the mission, vision, and values of the church relative to youth and youth ministry staff. She is responsible for coordinating the programmatic efforts for youth, including a variety of annual programs. She also focuses on empowering youth to take responsibility and to encourage their community to work together for their common progress.

   She has served on a number of committees that help to provide youth with positive, alternative activities. Over the last 20 years, she has taught readiness and leadership skills to disadvantaged youth in Atlanta, Ga., Aurora, IL., and Madison, WI. Other relevant experience:

• Nursing Assistance - UW Hospital, Madison, WI.
• Child Instructor - Mooseheart Child City & School, Mooseheart, IL.
• Community Activities Coordinator - New Have Properties, Atlanta, GA.
• Teen Counselor - Druid Hills High School, Atlanta, GA.   

Tracey is married with 3 children (2 boys, Justin 21 & Jason 14 and 1 girl, Julia 10). 

Relevant training for position

Experience in the field of social work and youth education. Certifications include crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment youth issues/concerns, First Aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Girls & Boys Town Administrative Intervention. 

Favorite quote

God has not called me to be successful. He has called me to be faithful. (Mother Teresa) To the world you may be one person but to one youth you may be the world. Ephesians 6:12 

Favorite Activity

Movies, Listening to music, Traveling, Reading and Dancing