MEET THE TEAM

Julie Arant
Executive Director

  

For several years Julie has been on a journey that has opened her eyes to beautiful people from the nations and has taken her as an "armchair traveler" to the ends of the earth. It all began when her father and mother met a special international friend at a store in Omaha, Nebraska. The visiting international and her parents became fast friends as God seemed to knit their hearts together. From that time forward, their eyes began to open as more and more special friends from around the world began to make their way to United States, and some to Omaha Nebraska. They thought they could help welcome them. The truth is, meeting these friends has changed their lives forever for the better.

Jamie Palmesano
Estes Park Leader

 Jamie Palmesano is a former educator who has spent the past 26 years as a manager at Brownfield’s, a well-known souvenir and outdoor store in Estes Park.  She has a deep love for people and continues to live out her passion for teaching through mentoring, leadership, and community involvement.  Jamie serves in many capacities around town and is actively involved in CCEP’s business ministry, where she partners with local business owners to strengthen and improve their operations.  She is passionate about volunteering, supporting the Estes Park business community, photography, and hiking.

Mike and Cindy Kingswood
Estes Park Leaders

 Mike and Cindy Kingswood have a heart for investing in young adults.  Mike is a respected local business owner, leading a successful construction company, while Cindy faithfully served the Estes Park community for decades as a nurse.  Together, they have built a strong legacy as devoted parents and grandparents, and through many years of walking with the Lord, they bring wisdom and encouragement to those around them.  This summer, Mike and Cindy are generously opening their beautiful home to host Sunday night Global Friends gatherings, creating a welcoming space where people can connect and grow.

David Hernandez
Estes Park Leaders

 David Hernandez is a high-capacity leader with a zeal for both business and ministry in Estes Park.  He owns multiple businesses in town and serves on various local boards, using his influence to strengthen the community.  Through his marketing company, North Peak Media, he supports and connects local businesses, and through his popular Facebook page, “Estes Park Posts,” he helps keep the community informed and engaged.  David is bilingual and passionate about sharing his talents and helping our town.

Michaela Kilpatrick
Staff Captain

 Michaela is a graduate of UNO and currently teaches 4th grade in Omaha, Nebraska. She enjoys being involved with Global Friends because it combines her love for building relationships with her passion for God.  Michaela has a heart for caring for others and helping them feel valued and supported, and she is excited to spend the summer in Estes Park investing in internationals, building community, and sharing the love of God through everyday interactions.
Joel Miller
Captain Intern 		Joel is a sophomore at UNO studying Biology and Environmental Science, with a heart for both people and the world around him.  He enjoys being involved with Global Friends because it gives him the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world while helping internationals feel at home and experience the love of God in a tangible way.  Joel is passionate about music and plays piano, cello, saxophone, guitar, and ukulele.  In his free time, he enjoys reading and exploring topics like philosophy and apologetics, as well as expressing his creativity through photography.
Callie Stalnaker
Intern		 Callie is an engineering student at UNO studying Architectural Engineering with minors in Spanish and Math. She enjoys being involved with Global Friends because it gives her the opportunity to build relationships across cultures and share the love of God.  Callie loves learning new things, spending time outdoors, and connecting with people, and she is especially excited to spend the summer in Estes Park growing in her faith while helping internationals feel like they are part of the community.
Brady Chisham
Intern		 Brady is a senior at UNO studying Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Spanish. He enjoys being involved with Global Friends because it allows him to connect with people from all over the world and hear how God is at work in their lives.  Brady has a heart for building relationships and he is especially excited to spend the summer in a place like Estes Park, where he can enjoy God’s creation while helping internationals have an amazing American experience.
Ellia Klanderud
Intern		 Ellia is a junior studying Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Marketing.  She enjoys being involved with Global Friends because it allows her to build meaningful relationships with people from around the world and be part of what God is doing in their lives.  Ellia loves spending time outdoors, being with friends and family, and serving others, and she is excited to spend the summer in Estes Park creating welcoming spaces and sharing hope through everyday conversations and community.