Youth Worker Focus Team


​History
Formed in August of 2017 as a Youth Worker Focus Group, this group began meeting to assist with the development of trainings and programs for Diocese of Atlanta Youth Workers. For the next 2 years, this group would meet regularly to plan and facilitate events for Youth Workers, offering mentorship to incoming Youth Workers, and serve as a sounding board for the Office of Youth Ministries. In June of 2019 after 2 years of service, the Office of Youth Ministries moved this group into a permanent structure as the Youth Worker Focus Team. 

Purpose
The purpose of the Youth Worker Focus Team is to assist the Office of Youth Ministries in forming a community for Youth Workers.

Vision
The Youth Worker Worker Focus Team envisions living into the purpose by doing the following.
  • Coordinating  and facilitating trainings and community events for Youth Workers
  • Serving as mentors to incoming Youth Workers
  • Advocating for youth and youth worker participation on a diocesan level
  • Discern and select youth and youth leaders for special events like Province IV Networking and Episcopal Youth Event

Connect
If you are looking for guidance in youth ministry and would like to schedule a time to meet with a member of the Focus Team, contact us here. 

​Members
Easton Davis
Youth and Young Adult Missioner
Easton Davis, the Diocesan Youth Missioner, is the permanent presence on the Youth Worker Focus Team. Easton has served in some form of youth ministry since 2012. Easton is married with 2 children and loves folk music and spending time in the outdoors.
Matt Bowers
Director of Youth Ministries
St. james' Marietta
Matt is 1 of the original members of the Focus Team, and is serving in his final year. Matt has served in some form of youth ministry since 2009. Matt also serves as the President of the Happening National Committee. Matt has a dog and hosts 2 Podcasts.
Matt Martin
Director of Youth Ministries
​St. Peter and Paul Marietta
Matt Martin is 1 of the original members of the Focus Team, and is serving in his final year. Matt has served in some of youth or young adult ministries since 2007. Matt is a married and is also a parent of 3. Matt loves to camp and hike whenever possible. 
Karen Bass
Director of Christian Formation for children/youth
Christ Church Norcross
Karen is serving in her 2nd year on the Focus Team. Karen has served in some form of youth ministry since 2012. Karen is a parent of 3 college students and at one time owned 20 pets.
Wallace Benton
Director of Youth Ministries St. David's Roswell
Wallace Benton is 1 of the original members of the Focus Team and in serving in his final year. Wallace has served in some form of youth ministry since 2012 and also serves on the Forma Board. Wallace loves comic books, board games, and has a dog named Bishop. 
Tabi Tobiassen 
Director of Youth Ministries
Tabi is serving in her 1st year as a member of the Focus Team. Tabi has served in some form of youth ministry since 2005. Tabi also serves as the SYP Coordinator for Kanuga Keys Conferences. 
Tavon Betts
Director of Youth and Children's Ministries
St. Martin's in the field
Tavon is serving in his 1st year on the Focus Team. Tavon is in his first year of youth ministry. Tavon loves has a passion for education, advocacy, and social justice. His background is in education and youth development. Tavon loves to walk the beltline and dance.