OUR STAFF

Illini Life has a team of dedicated, full-time staff. Each member of our staff has raised a support team through Reliant Mission. Reliant's mission is to help fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ by mobilizing and resourcing missionaries in their local churches for the purpose of evangelism, discipleship and church planting. Reliant makes the work of I-Life happen.


We firmly believe the work of the Church is the responsibility of each believer; the staff simply facilitate the ministry we all do as a part of Illini Life. If you'd like to give to Reliant on behalf of one of our staff, please click their individual photo in the list below.

  • Nick used to work as a network engineer for the University before joining the staff team. He's been on the staff for a while now, and on campus even longer. His roles include pastoring, teaching, IT management, and discipling young leaders. Nick loves to run, bike, and swim – usually all in a row, for insane amounts of time.

  • RYLEE BARLOW  staff

    Rylee studied History and Secondary Education at the U of I. She interned with us as a student and joined staff in 2022 after graduating. Her roles include overseeing our outreach efforts and discipling students. She loves reading, crafting, hanging out with her husband, and talking about Jesus over a good matcha.


  • Michael graduated with a degree in financial planning from the U of I. He interned for two years while earning his degree before coming on staff full-time. He oversees the church small groups, manages finances for the church, and disciples students as they learn to walk with Christ in all they do. He loves to run workshops on today's hot topics, nerd out about the bible, and go for long walks in nature to enjoy God's beautiful creation. 

  • Peter studied Music Education at Kent State University and has been a part of the Collegiate Church Network since his undergrad. He is on the worship team and disciples young men. Peter and Suzanne are happy newlyweds. He loves playing his saxophone (or any other instrument he can get his hands on), disc golf, & tacos.

  • Suzanne has a degree in Integrative Biology from the U of I. After graduating, she completed a summer internship with us, and from there she joined the staff team. Her roles include discipling young women and caring for the tiny humans in the church. Suzanne is the happy wife of Peter, and she enjoys DIY/crafting, reading, and the outdoors.

  • David Ross  Staff

    David pursued graduate work in communication and media at UIUC before returning to Champaign-Urbana with his wife Sarah and their son Judah to serve at Illini Life. He serves as a coach for the Sunday Crews and one of the directors of the musical worship ministry, and can reliably be found within 50 feet of any gathering that includes coffee. David loves movies, games, golf, and philosophical discussions about whatever device you’re reading this on.

  • TYLER KUEHNER  intern