Meet the Team
Scott Slayback, Lead Pastor
I did most of my growing up in Northern California where I learned to get lost in the fog, enjoy 100 plus heat, and eat lots of fruits and nuts. I studied Religion at the University of California at Davis. During my time there, I enjoyed cycling through the Napa Valley, backpacking in the Sierras, drinking lots of milk and working with junior high students.
I met my wife Julie while studying Hebrew at Denver Seminary (I needed her help). We adopted a little Vietnamese boy in December of 1998 (Luke) and another in February 2001 (Paul). We moved to Loveland from New Jersey in April of 1999 to join the staff of LifeSpring. In the summer of 2003, I moved into the role of lead pastor. I feel blessed to be serving at a church with such a great vision for reaching out to our neighborhood, community and world.
Tim Musslewhite, Pastor of Spiritual Formation
I grew up in Texas, but am proud to call Colorado home for most of the past quarter century. I am a graduate of Baylor University and Dallas Theological Seminary. My wife Jill and I have two grown children, Tyler, a University of Colorado graduate, and Kelsey, a Boston University student. This is our second time around at LifeSpring, having served on staff here for six years in the early '80's, before returning to the staff team in 2004. Golf, hiking, and reading are favorite leisure activities.
Jeff Berg, Youth Pastor
Greetings! I moved here from Bellevue, WA in October of 2000 after working in student ministry for nine years. Investing in the lives of students is a very rewarding task and I feel privileged that God has not only called me to do it, but has allowed me to be paid for it!
When I am not doing youth ministry, I love spending time with my wife, Kari and our two sons, Ian and Landon. I love to read, hike, watch college football, and cheer for the Seattle Mariners. After spending my entire life in western Washington, I appreciate the regular appearance of the sun and the daily views of the Rocky Mountains here in Loveland.
Melissa Riley, Children's Ministry Director
I spent most of my childhood in Oregon and Washington State, specifically on Orcas Island in the beautiful San Juans. I feel blessed to have been able to love on children in a variety of sitiuations including: center and home childcare, church, and schools. I completed my BA in Elementary Education at Colorado Christian University. The past seven years have been spent in public education as well as volunteering with children in church.
My husband Matt and I have four kiddos between us ranging in age from 9 to 14. We have been attending LifeSpring since 2008. We have been blessed over and over by the wonderful people we have met, and are excited to see where God is taking us. I love to read, crochet, and spend time outdoors. I am excited to be part of a wonderful team at LifeSpring, and feel grateful God has trusted me with His children.
Cassie Mattson, Communications and Administration Director
I was born and raised in Texas and moved to Colorado in 1989. I married my wonderful husband, Don in 1993 and together we have 6 children, 4 grandchildren and a couple of pets to keep us busy. Family is very important to me and of course, I love it when we can all get together. God has blessed me indeed!
Working for LifeSpring since 1998, I am constantly reminded of God's great love for me. He has blessed me with wonderful, supportive people to work with as well as a great job that I truly enjoy. As I am very much a people person, I also enjoy getting to know everyone who comes through our doors. Stop by and visit us anytime!
Lisa Kennison, Kids Hope USA Director and Care Ministries Director
Growing up in Minnesota (brrr!) and living three years in Arizona (hot!), I am happy to have called Colorado (the perfect blend of both!) home since 1993. God blessed me tremendously when he led me here; the perfect backdrop for the things I most enjoy: reading, hiking, and spending time with my wonderful husband, Keith, and our four beautiful, energetic children: Zachary, Riley, Avry and Brady.
I joined the staff at LifeSpring in 2007, when we started our Kids Hope USA partnership with Sarah Milner Elementary-the school right across the street. This is such a fun place to work, I expanded my role in 2011 to include coordination of our Care Ministries. With a BA in Special Education and Psychology, and a Masters in Social Work, my position is a comfortable fit. It truly is a blessing to go deeper with Jesus for the sake of our LifeSpring family, as well as the children and families in our neighborhood.
Rhonda Grissom, Bookkeeper
I was born and raised on a farm in West Texas where snow is scarce and blowing dirt is abundant. I married my husband, Chip in 1987 and we have two grown children and a golden lab/retriever. Before we married, Chip asked if I would be willing to move to Colorado in the future, we moved here in 1993 and it was the best direction the Lord gave us. I enjoy hiking, gardening, camping and spending time with my family. The people at LifeSpring are friendly, caring and have the Lord’s desire in their hearts to do His work.