Every Sunday morning at 11:15, 6th–8th Grade students gather for Collide—a place to discover the foundations of Christianity, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and build lasting friendships.
We believe that it is vital for every person to make a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ. Middle school students need to understand WHY we need Jesus before they can honestly make that decision. We use the New City Catechism curriculum to teach the foundational truths of the Christian faith to help students understand their need for a savior.
belong
When you come to Collide, you belong and you are welcome! We want every Collide student to be a part of a caring community of people – people who will be their friend no matter what. Friendship in middle school can be hard, and walking through those halls can be discouraging. We work to help students develop healthy, Christ-centered, friendships.
Jon is grateful to be a part of CVCYouth. He is currently serving as a parent-volunteer in Collide with the eighth-grade boys (class of 2029). Jon began attending CVC in 2002, and God used the environment at CVC to prompt a close walk with his Savior, Jesus Christ. Jon also met his wife Kristina here, and they were married in 2004. Together Jon and Kris have three children. Nathan (their oldest) is part of CVCYouth’s Impact ministry, Abby (their middle child) is also a part of Impact, and last but not least Wendy (their youngest) is a part of CVCYouth’s Collide ministry. Jon also serves as an accountant for National Interstate Insurance Company in Richfield. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, vacationing to warm places, and anything else where he can be outside, as well as rooting for Cleveland sports teams.
Matt has been married to his beautiful, wonderful wife Lindsey since 2014 and they have 2 young sons together, Jack and Mason. As his boys started to get older, he developed a deep sense of responsibility for raising up young boys into God honoring young men and he takes that responsibility seriously with his own sons as well as our Collide groups. Matt loves hearing how the Lord is working in the boys’ lives and the hunger they have to ask questions questions and the work they put in to help them get some of those questions answered. He is a lover of all things sports; basketball, football, F1 racing, soccer, a US Army Veteran (2010-2018) and a graduate of the University of Akron.
Caroline Hotz is a former CVCYouth student who considers herself a “coffee enthusiast”. She enjoys reading in her free time and going to the movies. One of Caroline’s favorite things is to discover new coffee shops in every city she visits. Caroline began as a CVCYouth leader in her senior year of high school and has been a leader since. She has a heart for the next generation of students and loves pouring into the lives of the middle school girls. With the decision to stay local for college, Caroline feels called to use Northeast Ohio as her mission field and to continue to come alongside and disciple the young believers of CVCYouth.
Dan Sahli is a self-proclaimed outdoor guy, which is why after working at a summer camp for a few years, he decided to work full-time in the outdoor recreation/adventure field. He loves teaching others to appreciate creation, do hard things, and go on their own adventures. You’ll often find him drinking hot tea, fixing, building, or working on anything, and planning adventures with his wife, three children, and their dog named Friday. He’s been attending CVC since he moved to the Cleveland area in 2015. He can’t wait to explore God’s word with middle school boys in Collide! Prayers appreciated as he serves with CVCYouth for the first time this year!
7th Grade Girls
Rene Piasecki
2 Years
René was born and raised in the Cleveland area and has been attending CVC since high school. She began serving with CVCYouth while in college, took a break from youth ministry to serve with MOMtourage while her kiddos were little, and is glad to be back serving with the youth again! She is married to Drew, and they have five children; four boys and one girl. She teaches kindergarten at Heritage Classical Academy in Pepper Pike. She enjoys good coffee, impressionist art, and reading. She also loves sauna time after a workout, hiking and kayaking with her family, and whatever sport is in season – baseball is her favorite. If you can’t get in touch with her she is probably at a local ballfield or stadium watching her kiddos, or coaching her son’s travel baseball team. René is grateful for God’s clear call back to youth ministry. Getting to know the girls is delightful! Being able to have open, honest, and even challenging conversations about the Bible and our Christian faith with them is a privilege and joy! She is eager to begin another year with girlies, God, and good questions.
Meet Jason, a jack-of-all-trades! Jason is a devoted husband, a fantastic dad, and an IT wizard by day. But when the sun sets, Jason transforms into a skilled woodworker and handyman. Not to mention, Jason is a proud US Army Combat Vet? Jason’s heart is filled with love for all things techy and wood. He’s married to his amazing wife, Hannah, and they have three adorable kids: Alex (15), Isabella (2), and Caden (<1).
As a husband, dad, and follower of Jesus, Devin understands the impact that caring leaders and strong community can have on a person’s life. He is passionate about helping students feel known, supported, and encouraged as they grow in their faith. Devin is excited to serve alongside the middle school ministry team and walk with students through the ups and downs of their spiritual journey.
Devin lives in Brecksville and has been attending CVC since 2019 with his wife, Briana. They have been married since 2014 and are the proud parents of 6-year-old twin girls, Adeline and Avery. During the week, Devin works as an Aerospace Engineering Manager in Avon, Ohio. He is a former college baseball player, former marching band trumpet player, avid golfer, passionate Cleveland sports fan, and licensed commercial drone pilot.
Julie was raised in the area and ventured West after college. She LOVES California but after getting married and having her 3 babies out there it was time to move home. Julie is a family girl… weeks are usually jam-packed with family dinners, kids sports, homework and family adventures. She is a creative person who loves to cook and is a graphic designer by profession. Julie enjoys coffee and anything sweet! She loves Jesus and felt the call to help with CVCYouth. She looks forward to sharing her faith, building relationships and helping young Christians grow in their journey with Jesus.
Monica moved here two years ago from Maryland and is currently in nursing school. She is super adventurous, loves exploring new places, and traveling. Monica has been involved with young adults for a year and felt called to explore CVC youth. Monica had a taste of CVCyouth this summer and is super excited to start as a Collide leader this fall. In her free, when’s she’s not studying, you’ll find Monica propagating plants, spending time with family and friends, and trying a new recipe.
Kris is excited to be serving as a Collide leader for the seventh grade girls this year. Kris was born and raised in the Cleveland area and is a huge sports fan. She cheers for all the Cleveland teams, along with the Columbus Crew and Ohio State Buckeyes. Kris is a fifth grade teacher and is in her sixteenth year in education. She has been married to her sweet husband Jon for 20 years, and they have three kids. Their son is a high school senior, and their daughters are in tenth and eighth grades. The big thing she is thinking about currently is that all of her kids are now teenagers 🫣! Kris is thrilled to be able to build into the lives of her Collide girls and to help them grow in their relationship with Christ.