New Mission Network staff align work and faith

Sara Klassen
Sara Klassen

 

Elkhart, Indiana (Mennonite Mission Network) – Three new staff members have joined the Mennonite Mission Network team this January. Each bring their own special gifts to their new roles and have a variety of rich experiences.

Download full-resolution image.

Carmen Hoober took on the personnel counselor position. Hoober, originally from Kokomo, Indiana, has lived in Goshen for almost 15 years with her husband, Brent, and their three children, Brady, Reid and Audrey. They attend Sugar Grove Church in Goshen.

After graduating from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a master’s in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, in 2003 she worked at the Center for Community Justice (CCJ) in Elkhart. In 2006, Hoober transitioned to being a stay-at-home mother and community volunteer. She continued at CCJ as a volunteer mediator for a time and has also been a court appointed special advocate through Child and Parenting Services for the past two years.

Hoober expressed excitement for the change in perspective that her new role offers. She explained that working as a personnel counselor allows her to work to be proactive rather than reactive.  

“For so long I worked on the reactive side, trying to find solutions to difficult situations,” said Hoober. “Now I can help young adults to launch themselves into opportunities where they can discover their gifts and help them have invaluable experiences.”

In her spare time, her three children keep her busy with their extracurricular activities such as soccer, basketball and baseball. She also loves meeting friends for coffee, a good book, and proudly proclaims herself to be a “Pinterest mom,” ready for any DIY project.

Download full-resolution image.

Sara Klassen started as the Global Ministries, International Ministries, and Asia assistant. Klassen, who grew up in Goshen, graduated from Goshen College in 2014. She studied Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies, Gender Studies, and Writing. Once her studies were completed, she dedicated a year to service in Cambodia through Mennonite Central Committee’s SALT program.

During her service, Klassen worked with the Interfaith Cooperation Forum where she edited a book on indigenous spiritualties, and wrote profile stories for the alumni of their School of Peace – a regional experiential learning school for people of different contexts and religions from Southeast Asia.

After returning, she taught the Khmer language to Goshen College students who were preparing to go to Cambodia for their Study Service Term. She also helps with theater productions at Bethany Christian Schools. 

Currently attending Assembly Mennonite Church in Goshen, Klassen enjoys creating meaningful and reflective worship experiences.

“I’ve become passionate about finding the stories on the margins of the text,” Klassen said. “When the text of our lives interacts with the biblical texts, the stories on the margins of the biblical texts can speak to the stories on the margins of today.”

Klassen is happy to join Mission Network because of its collaborative and spiritually driven work atmosphere. She also deeply appreciates the art on display throughout the offices.

She is an avid reader, crafter, and enjoys photography. Yoga has become an important spiritual practice for her, and she has recently adopted a 1–year-old kitten.

Download full-resolution image.

Aaron Shenk stepped into the role of budget and finance manager. A Goshen College graduate, Shenk studied Accounting and Business. He currently attends Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen, where he and his fiancée, Liz Core, are youth leaders.

“In the past few years I’ve observed a lot of younger people are not continuing to attend church,” said Shenk. “As a part of working with the youth I enjoy seeing young people having meaningful experiences in connection with the church.”

Shenk came to Mission Network after working in auditing for the last four years at Crowe Horwath LLP, an accounting and consulting firm.

He expressed excitement to work for an organization that is aligned more closely with his values and goals, and gratitude to have the opportunity to contribute to its cause.

Outside of work, Shenk enjoys traveling, woodworking, pottery, and being active. Lately, he has specifically enjoyed assisting a friend with the financial part of a new furniture building venture called Elko Hardwoods.