Here are the people sharing their stories and perspectives with you on annemarieproject@gmail.com.
Julie Gramlich-Founder of the Anne Marie Project
As a wife and mother of two teen-age daughters I see more and more each day just how precious life is and how much I need God to be with me on this journey here on earth. Working with young people for the past eight years along with being the mother of two teen age daughters, I have had many experiences that I can honestly say I would not have known what to do if it were not for the Holy Spirit guiding me. Having been where they are in my life time I can say I know what they are going through and I know that getting through it all is impossible without God. The Anne Marie project is a collaboration of my past life experiences along with the experiences of a young lady who came into my ministry eight years ago. It is my life’s work to empower my daughters and other young people with the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles, they are loved and that no matter what they do in life God will never abandon them. Through our web site annemarieproject.org we can share our experiences in hope that all who visit the site will read and gain strength within to overcome any obstacles they may encounter in their lives. It is with the dedication of the young people who have answered the call to write and share their life with the world that this project has come to be.
We are a blessed people of God
Kylie Kell
My name is Kylie Kell and I work at Farm Bureau in Manhattan, Kansas, while my husband obtains his PhD in Chemistry from Kansas State University. I graduated from Helias High School in 2007 and Truman State University in 2011. I enjoy competitive running, as I ran in high school, college and am currently doing road races. I also like to cook, listen to music and spend time with family. My greatest passion is learning more about my faith, sharing it with others, and becoming more like Christ every day. I enjoy teaching Confirmation classes to 9th graders, spending time in the adoration chapel, and reading Christian literature with my husband.
Father Dylan Schrader
Father Dylan Schrader grew up in Hannibal, MO where he attended public schools until he was fourteen and went to St Thomas Preparatory Seminary. He graduated from St Thomas and studied philosophy at Conception Seminary College for four years. Then he studied theology at Kenrick Seminary in St Louis for four years. He was ordained a priest in 2010. His first assignment was at Our Lady of Lourdes in Columbia, Missouri, after which he served at Immaculate Conception in Jefferson City, Missouri. Presently, he serves at the Cathedral of St Joseph in Jefferson City. Father Schrader’s brother, Dakota Hoard, is currently a student at Franciscan University in Steubenville. His parents now live in Fulton.
Father Nicholas Reid
Father Reid was ordained a Catholic priest on June 4th 2011. After spending a year as an Associate Pastor at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City MO he was sent to Hannibal MO to fill the same role. Additionally, he currently spends the weekends in Clark County MO offering Sunday mass for the faithful in the North East corner of the diocese. In the future, Fr. Reid plans on entering the Military Chaplaincy to serve America’s men and woman in uniform. Born in Yokosuka, Japan on a Naval base Fr. Reid has a twin brother, Christopher, who is an Air Force pilot currently stationed with his family in Oklahoma. Fr. Reid is also blessed to have an older sister, Hilary who lives with her family in Saint Louis, MO. Fr. Reid loves Notre Dame football (probably a little too much) and often sings the Notre Dame fight song to himself when in need of motivation. When he grows up, Fr. Reid wants to be a Saint, so he works towards that goal every day.
Anna Komaromi
My name is Anna. I graduated in 2012 as a Registered Nurse, and am currently working in a hospital in my home town. I play the piano and organ, and love music! I like to spend time playing/listening to music, reading, praying, and spending time with friends. I am a Catholic, and my faith is the most important thing in my life. It directs everything I do. Jesus is the greatest love of my life! I am excited to be a part of this website, and to hopefully share my faith and knowledge with all of you.
Katie Pestka
My name is Katie Pestka and I am a sophomore at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. I am an elementary education major and I have wanted to become a teacher since I was a little girl. I am involved in a few organizations on campus including, Fellowship Of Catholic University Students and the sorority Alpha Chi Omega. I am leading a freshman girl’s greek bible study on campus for the first time this year and could not be more excited!
Nancy Hoey, L.P.C.
Nancy Hoey, L.P.C.,
Nancy Hoey, L.P.C., completed her graduate work at the University of Missouri and is owner of Grace Counseling LLC in Jefferson City, MO. She also serves the Diocese of Jefferson City as the Victims Assistance Coordinator as well as consultant for the Diocesan schools.
Nancy has over 25 years experience in the mental health field and enjoys working with teenagers, adults, and couples. Some of her specialties include counseling for anxiety and depression, life adjustment issues, sexuality, trauma, and healthy relationships. She is especially passionate about her work with couples using Gottman Method Couples Counseling and is currently receiving additional training in that area. She offers presentations to groups on The Dangers of the Internet for Children and Adults.
Nancy struggled with symptoms of depression as a teenager and that experience led her to the field of counseling. “I attempted suicide when I was 14 years old. Looking back on my life now, I am grateful for that experience because I survived and became the person I am today. I want all young people to know that life can get better.”
Zach Rockers
Hi my name is Zach Rockers! I am from Jefferson City and attended St. Martins Grade School and Helias Catholic High School. I currently attend Columbia College where I am a member of the basketball and golf teams. I am getting my teaching certificate in Secondary Education Social Studies and majoring in Business Administration-Management. I come from a loving family that has supported me throughout my entire life and I am an active member of St. Martins Parish. My faith is the most important aspect of my life. I try to love and honor God in everything that I do. At Columbia College, I lead the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and try to share my faith with the campus. Some of my hobbies are jogging, spending time with family and friends, listening to Christian music, and watching sports. All in all, I love life and I love God!
Ryan Bax
Hi! My name is Ryan Bax. I was born, raised, and live in Jefferson City, MO. I have two awesome parents, three brothers, and a very supportive extended family. Except for my prekindergarten days, I have always attended Catholic schools. I began at St. Peter’s Interparish Grade School, then attended Helias Catholic High School, and currently go to Benedictine College (BC). My Catholic faith is very important to me and is one of the reasons I chose and continue to choose to go to Benedictine. At BC, I played for the men’s basketball team my freshman year, was a Resident Assistant (RA) my sophomore year, and will work for the BC Ministry team as the Chapel Team Coordinator my junior year. Currently, my declared majors are Mechanical Engineering and Math with a minor in physics. My hobbies include sports particularly long-distance running, basketball, coed slow pitch softball, and golf, hanging with my friends, praying, and listening to music. I love God and I love knowing how he loves us through the gift of our faith which he designed for our ultimate happiness!
Antonio Prokup
I am Antonio Prokup, an 18 year old boy from Bevier, Missouri. I belong to the Sacred Heart parish in Bevier where I am the 4th generation of my family to attend this church. I was diagnosed officially with autism at the age of 9. I am currently a senior at Bevier High School where I attend regular classes with the help of a full time aide and my service dog Sammie. At this time in my life, I communicate solely through writing and enjoy communicating through the written word in hopes of being an inspiration for others. My struggles with the daily activities of life, I perceive to be only obstacles I must overcome in order to be what God intended.
Paul Masek
Hello I am Paul Masek, I am a Catholic, husband, father of four, and a youth minister; for over 25 years I have been the director of the REAP Team (www.reapteam.org) for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, which means that I get to do retreats for teenagers all of the time! In my free time, I love hanging out with family and friends, hunting, fishing, telling jokes, watching movies, and doing social media stuff. I promise to pray for you; please pray for me! If you wanna, you can follow me on Twitter @clasekmasek and I’d be honored to be your friend on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/clasekmasek
Maryssa Rehagen
Hello! My name is Maryssa Rehagen. I was born and raised here in Jefferson City. I went to St. Peters and Helias for school. I attended Truman for a year and stayed home after finding out I was pregnant. I am now working, attending classes at Columbia College and am a full-time mother to a wonderful three month old boy. I’ve been through a lot of tough times but I’ve decided to use my experiences and knowledge and outlook to help others. I’m planning to major in psychology with a minor in sociology to become a counselor. My biggest aspiration is to run an organization that benefits, unplanned pregnancy and possibly write a book to help others through tough times. I want to be an inspiration and I hope I can do so successfully.
Elizabeth Schieders
My name is Elizabeth (Eli) Schnieders and I am from Jefferson City, Missouri where I attended Helias Catholic High School. I am a first year college student at the University of Missouri, Columbia working to achieve a Bachelor of Journalism degree with an emphasis in sports broadcasting. I am a Girl Spot blogger, and am involved in Greek life, MUTV, and Mizzou Tiger Crew so far while being at college. College has been a huge transition and learning experience and a balance between individuality and self-motivation. I am an enthusiast of all things regarding the St. Louis Cardinals, Mizzou, fitness/health/fashion blogging, and I hope to inspire and encourage through my blog writings and daily living.
Amanda George
My name is Amanda George and I am a senior at Missouri State University. I am a Biology major and I hope to become a Physician’s Assistant someday. I am involved in a lot on campus including Fellowship of Catholic University students, as well as my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. My life has been changed by Christ and I am so excited to get to share my experiences!
Cathy Francka
Hi, I’m Cathy Francka! I attend St. Martins parish in Jefferson City and am a Helias Catholic High school alumni. I am blessed with an amazing husband and four fabulous kids! While our family has much to be thankful for I am grateful for our many struggles, challenges and hard times as well. That is when I see our faith growing and our character being built! I feel it’s important to share our challenges with others so they can gain strength from them as well!
Josh Varner
Creative professional with excellent experience in helping people of all ages reach their goals. Background includes counseling, mentoring, leading teams, program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Areas of expertise include counseling youth in the individual and group setting, assessing youth needs, and developing comprehensive treatment plans and assessments. Experienced working with children, families, educators, children’s division, juvenile offices, and with other mental health providers. Currently working at Helias Catholic High School.