Our current Youth Ministry Team began in 2007. Since that time we have collaborated on nearly 600 retreats for tens of thousands of youth across the Mid-West. Together we share over 40 years of ministry experience. Our Team strives to ensure the highest quality and standard of programs; each retreat is custom designed to meet the unique charism of your school or parish group.
Below you can meet some of our dedicated ministry professionals.
Stephen Poat
Director of Youth Ministry
After working in parish ministry for nearly 20 years, and spending several years in the corporate world, Stephen joined the JSC Youth Ministry program in 2007. As director, Stephen oversees all aspects of the Youth Ministry Team, collaborating with our ministry partners to share the Gospel message to youth across the region.
You can contact Stephen by email at poat@jesuitspiritualcenter.com or by phone at (513) 965-6989.
Eric Nichols
Associate Director of Youth Ministry
A graduate of Xavier University and St. Xavier High School, Eric joined the Youth Team in 2008. As associate director, Eric designs and facilitates a large number of our retreat programs. He also serves as Community Life Coordinator for the Ignite Internship, and is responsible for the Center’s IT needs.
You can contact Eric by email at enichols@jesuitspiritualcenter.com or by phone at (513) 965-6988.
Matthew Lageman
Associate Director of Youth Ministry
After 13 years of parish youth ministry, Matthew returned to school to complete a degree in Theology and Pastoral Ministry from Brescia University. He now joins our team in an effort to offer the gifts God has given him. As associate director, Matthew shares his talents as a retreat director and developer of speaking ministry. He is also instrumental in the ministerial formation of our interns.
You can contact Matthew by email at mlageman@jesuitspiritualcenter.com or by phone at (513) 965-6987.
Our Team also includes talented post-graduate interns who assist in facilitating small and large group activities. Below you can meet this years interns.
Megan Brooks
IGNITE Intern
Megan Brooks is an Ignite intern from Baltimore, Maryland. This May, she graduated from Loyola University Maryland with a B.A. in vocal music and a minor in theology. She is passionate about her Catholic faith and encountering God through Ignatian spirituality.
During her time at Loyola, Megan worked in the Loyola office of campus ministry with liturgical, retreat, and music ministries. When she is not working, Megan enjoys singing, swimming, or spending time with family and friends. Megan is excited to live and work at the Jesuit Spiritual Center at Milford this year.
Shannon Grosheim
IGNITE Intern
Born and raised on the West Side of Cincinnati, Shannon graduated from Mother of Mercy High School and journeyed to Kentucky to graduate from Georgetown College. She pursued a career as a horsemanship trainer, but felt God tugging at her heart to become something more. Shannon found the “more” that she was seeking during last year’s JSC internship experience. She is excited to be a part of the JSC team for another year to continue to develop her ministerial skills.
Joe Neidhard
IGNITE Intern
Joe is a Cincinnati native and 2016 graduate of Miami University. His first experience at The Jesuit Spiritual Center came volunteering for college Kairos retreats with St. Mary Catholic Catholic Campus Ministry in Oxford, Ohio. The Ignite internship is an opportunity to embrace both youth ministry and Ignatian spirituality, two long-held interests.
Jose Paris
IGNITE Intern
If you ask Jose what he does in life he’ll answer, “mental engineer”. Jose is a graduate of Theology and Philosophy from the Jesuit College Spring Hill and loves to write, play outside, and shred on his ukulele. He has been a part of youth ministry since high school and has even held a directorship position in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He is an avid learner, attentive listener, but mostly a chill guy. When he is not reading a good book, or cooking a delicious meal, you’ll find him kicking back with friends.