The Staff Team

Jon Mathieu
jon.mathieu@uscm.org
304.280.5759

I am a 2007 graduate of West Virginia University, the greatest school in the Big East, and a 2008 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (grad school).  Aside from having many manly interests (football, baseball, action movies, rock and roll), I also enjoy a lot of nerdy things (mathematics, sci-fi, comic books, strategy games) and have a bizarre love of chick flicks. I would say that my favorite ice cream is Moose Tracks, but I really prefer milkshakes, sundaes, or parfaits.

Kirstin Heyne
kirstin.heyne@uscm.org
724.549.4350

My name is pronounced “curse tin hine,” just so you know, and I like my ice cream chunky. I graduated from IUP in 2006 with a B.A. in History and moved to Pittsburgh two years later to serve on the Pittsburgh Metro team. I love people (especially college students), laughter, board games, and going on adventures of all sizes. My favorite part of ministry is getting to see students take the next step in their walks with Jesus, becoming more like Him in the process.

Mike Brown
mike.d.brown@uscm.org
412.518.0570

Yes you read it right, I have the lamest name in the world. Anyway, I was born and raised in Altoona, PA. Then I was off to IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) where I studied Hospitality Management. I graduated in 2007 and did an internship with Cru back at IUP. I am now really excited about being in Pittsburgh where I can’t wait to see what city life is all about. In my free time I like to watch football and baseball, and I’m trying to learn how to golf. I love Half-Baked ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s, but on a normal day – when I don’t want to sell my arm to get ice cream – I like Moose Tracks.

Chellee Brown
chellee.brown@uscm.org
814.330.5139

My real name is Rachelle, but you can call me Chellee. I graduated from IUP (where I met Mike) in 2007 with a degree in Art. Although I thoroughly enjoyed spending hours in the studio every day working on my drawings, my favorite memories from college are the ones spent with friends from Cru who shared my desire to know and follow Jesus Christ. I’m excited that God has called “Team Brown” into ministry with Cru because I love how passionate and risk-taking college students can be. Some things I enjoy are the outdoors, winning board games, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and watching sports with my husband. Our favorite teams are the Cincinnati Reds (I know, they stink… but they’re not as bad as the Pirates) and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Laura Hokanson
laura.hokanson@uscm.org
414.581.2727

I’m from Milwaukee, WI. I love the Packers and cheese and when I say bag, people in Pittsburgh hear “beg”. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Rehabilitation Sciences and intended to pursue physical therapy school but realized the greatest passion I have is seeing people build relationships with Jesus. I’m excited to challenge students to step out in faith to serve Christ. I enjoy drinking tea out of big mugs, and anything with pumpkin, oatmeal, or peanut butter is likely to be my favorite food. I’ll always choose something to do outside versus inside; I get restless sitting, so in my free time I like to play games and hang out with
friends. My favorite ice cream is red velvet cake but
since it’s impossible to find, I’ll go for anything with
peanut butter.

Katie Toole
katie.toole@uscm.org
484.554.4567

I graduated in 2011 from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English. I planned to continue onto grad school to pursue a Masters in secondary education, but God had other plans and led me to take this next year to do ministry. I am excited about seeing college students live their life for Christ and love the passion and enthusiasm they have for their faith.  I was involved with PGH Cru as a student and am excited to return as an Intern for this next year. In my free time I love to read and be outdoors running, hiking, or just catching some rays. I also love pretty much any type of game – but only if I’m winning. Dogs are probably the greatest animal ever created, and I love chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream (Turkey Hill makes it the best).

Sara Zakutney
sara.zakutney@uscm.org
814.553.7152

I grew up in Houtzdale, PA, close to Penn State, but attended the University of Pittsburgh. I graduated in 2011 with an Applied Developmental Psychology degree. I’m very excited to be staying in Pittsburgh for my first year as an intern with Cru! Building deep relationships with people and encouraging them are two of my passions that I can’t wait to use in college ministry. I love playing volleyball, reading (The Hunger Games series is fantastic), driving, and drinking good coffee with great friends. I hate onions, eyeballs, and having dreams at night. After cheesecake, ice cream is my favorite dessert and the
best flavor is Cookies n’ Cream, Caramel Praline Crunch,
or Moose Tracks. I also hate making decisions.

Jason Weimer
jason.weimer.uscm.org

I graduated with a Civil Engineering degree from Penn State in 2002. I came to know Jesus there as a freshman and developed a heart for Jesus, students, and the Great Commission. Maria and I have been married since May 24, 2003 and love living in the city with our little girl, Hannah! We love being on staff and we are passionate about helping students become lovers of Jesus who will be lifelong laborers for Him. I spend my free time watching and writing about college football, trying not to become too entangled in LOST, inventing games which I either play with others or by myself (very entertaining), and spending time having fun with my family. I am very fond of Bruce Springsteen, Coca-Cola, and Penn State football.
And my favorite ice cream flavor is Cookies n’
Cream. The Penn State creamery makes it best.

Maria Weimer
maria.weimer@uscm.org

I first met Jesus at Penn State and graduated from there in 2003 with a degree in English.  I was involved with Cru for 4 years as a student and loved the amazing community that I had and grew leaps and bounds in my new faith in Jesus.  I love my job, especially coaching staff through the tough life issues that make us all more like Jesus!  Hannah, our 4 year old is waiting for her little sister, Evangeline Grace, to be born in a few weeks and we are all excited to meet her!  I like chocolate ice cream, and I love to watch good movies, read great books, and enjoy delicious coffee!

We also have some great people in the community who are volunteering with us to help lead movements and small groups on various campuses! There are many opportunities to serve the Lord by volunteering with Pittsburgh Metro Cru! Contact Kirstin for more info!