our STAFF
TY COMBS
Founder & Executive Director
Ty is the Founder and Executive Director of Arise Student Ministry, Inc. He holds degrees in Adolescent Ministries and Theology & Philosophy from Indiana Wesleyan University, with over 10 years of experience as a youth pastor and 5 years leading Release-Time Ministry as an activity of a local church. Ty brings a strong network of entrepreneurial leaders and spiritual mentors, along with his own experience in fundraising and launching new ministry initiatives. His experience in youth ministry and launching Arise uniquely equips him to connect students to local churches and expand the model into new communities.
KINZI BRADSHAW
Operations & Program Director
Kinzi serves as Arise's Operations and Program Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor's in Psychology from IUPUI with a minor in Health Education, and her background in account management and health coaching gives her a natural mix of organizational skill and people-first care. As a parent of young kids, Kinzi believes some of the best conversations happen around a table. She's served in her church as an elementary kids volunteer, and she's passionate about helping students ask honest questions, experience the love of Jesus, and find a place where they truly belong.
our BOARD
PETER LUTTRULL
Board Chair
Peter serves as Chair of the Board for Arise Student Ministry, Inc. He holds a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University and has over 12 years of experience working in public high schools, where he currently directs jazz at Noblesville High School. Peter has a strong history of mentoring underserved youth, including service through the “Kids Hope” program in Marion, IN. He also founded the Hark! Concert Series in the Garfield Park Community in downtown Indianapolis, which brings art and beauty to the homeless community by combining the jazz and arts community with outreach to the unhoused. His passion for education, mentoring, and creative community engagement reflects a deep commitment to Arise Student Ministry’s mission of serving students and families.
DON CADY
Treasurer
Don serves as Treasurer of the Board for Arise Student Ministry, Inc. He holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Business Administration and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University. Don has over 35 years of executive leadership experience, including roles as General Publisher and President of Wesleyan Publishing House, CFO of Trinity Church, and founder of Cady Consulting, where he advised nonprofits and ministries in finance, marketing, and organizational change. He has also founded the Indianapolis Christian Writer’s Conference. He continues to serve on multiple boards, including Indiana Wesleyan University, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, World Imaging News Corp., and Wesleyan Financial Holdings. His extensive expertise in financial stewardship and nonprofit governance strengthens the organization’s long-term sustainability and mission impact.
KATIE METZ
Secretary
Katie serves as Secretary of the Board for Arise Student Ministry, Inc. She holds a B.S. in Mathematics Education and taught high school math for five years. As a parent of a teenager, she brings firsthand insight into the needs of students and families. Katie has led or directed many week-long events for teens and kids for over a decade. She serves with Family Hope by hosting children whose parents are in crisis. Her background in education and ministry service reflects her deep commitment to supporting youth and families.
DR. REV. JO ANNE LYON
Board of Directors
Jo Anne is the founder of World Hope International, which she led into more than 30 countries to address poverty and injustice. She has served as General Superintendent and Ambassador of the Wesleyan Church and currently serves as the Interim General Superintendent. Dr. Lyon has held positions on numerous boards, including the National Association of Evangelicals, Christian Community Development Association, Asbury Theological Seminary, and the World Economic Forum’s Council on Faith. She holds a Master’s in Counseling, has pursued graduate studies in Historical Theology, received five honorary doctorates, and taught as an adjunct professor at Indiana Wesleyan University and Asbury Theological Seminary.
LISA YOUNG
Board of Directors
Lisa serves as Director of the Board for Arise Student Ministry, Inc. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Philosophy and has more than 30 years of executive leadership experience. Lisa previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Fineline Printing Group, where she led across operations, human resources, IT, compliance, and organizational strategy. She is now co-founder of Momentum Marketing, helping business and nonprofit leaders solve challenges, strengthen their organizations, and develop practical strategies for growth. Lisa has also served as a mentor through the faith-based EDGE Mentoring organization. One of her core values is investing in the next generation through mentorship & faith development. Her leadership experience and commitment to developing others reflect her dedication to Arise mission of serving youth and families.
SARA FERGUSON
Board of Directors
Sara serves as Executive Director of Fishers Youth Initiative where she supports the mission of supporting local youth and families. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Purdue University. Sara brings over 15 years of experience in program management, career advising, and nonprofit leadership. Before joining Fishers Youth Initiative, she served as a Field Support Manager for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, where she supported regional teams driving a statewide expansion to 150 new youth programs. She has also held leadership roles at Ivy Tech Community College, The Software Guild, and Eleven Fifty Academy, where she built career services programs, designed curriculum, and coached more than 1,000 individuals through their career and education journeys. Earlier in her career, Sara worked as a certified personal trainer, life coach, and high school teacher, reflecting a lifelong commitment to helping people grow. At the heart of Sara's work is a genuine passion for developing people and walking alongside individuals as they discover their potential, build confidence, and pursue meaningful paths forward. She believes strong relationships are the foundation of real impact, and she is deeply committed to creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive.
TY COMBS
Board of Directors
Ty is the Founder and Executive Director of Arise Student Ministry, Inc. He holds degrees in Adolescent Ministries and Theology & Philosophy from Indiana Wesleyan University, with over 10 years of experience as a youth pastor and 5 years leading Release-Time Ministry as an activity of a local church. Ty brings a strong network of entrepreneurial leaders and spiritual mentors, along with his own experience in fundraising and launching new ministry initiatives. His experience in youth ministry and launching Arise uniquely equips him to connect students to local churches and expand the model into new communities.
our ADVISORS