Luke Simon

Crossing Students Co-Director

Luke grew up at The Crossing and graduated from Mizzou. After joining the church staff and working in the Digital Relationships ministry, he transitioned to serve as Co-Director of Crossing Students. Before stepping into this role, he spent seven years leading a small group—a big part of why he’s passionate about helping even more students know that Jesus is more. He enjoys reading, running, DJing on the weekends, and date nights with his wife, Gigi.

Addison Nuetzmann

Middle School Co-Director

Addison was born and raised in Columbia and attended Rock Bridge High School. After high school, he continued his education at the University of Missouri and finished with a degree in educational studies with a minor in Human Development.

Addison has attended The Crossing since middle school and started leading a group of 5th graders his freshman year of college. His goal as the Middle School Co-Director is to develop lasting connections with leaders and middle school students and help them grow in their relationships with Jesus.

Griffin Strong

High School Co-Director

Griffin has lived in Columbia his entire life. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Health Sciences. Griffin began attending The Crossing in 9th grade, and he has served as a small group leader since he was in High School. 

Griffin currently serves as the High School Co-Director for Crossing Students. His role is to help 9th-12th graders grow in their relationship with Jesus through teaching, discipleship, writing curriculum, coaching, and planning events.

Leah Wahlquist

Crossing Students Project Manager

Leah started attending The Crossing in 2017 after she moved to Columbia to study business at Mizzou. Upon graduating, she worked for Crossing Kids for four years as the Digital Content Manager and transitioned to the Crossing Students team in 2025. Leah has served in various capacities with students over the years and enjoys helping students, leaders, and families walk faithfully with Jesus. In her free time, Leah enjoys traveling, hiking, attending concerts, reading, and going on adventures with her fiancé Jordan.

Maddie Murphy

Middle School Co-Director

Maddie has lived in Columbia her entire life. She has been involved in student ministry in Columbia since 2017 and currently leads a group of sophomore girls. After pursuing nursing at Columbia College, Maddie interned for Crossing Students in the summer of 2022 and joined the team part-time in the fall. In January of 2023, Maddie took on the role of Crossing Middle School Co-Director. In her free time, Maddie loves to read, spend time outside, host people in her home, and drink Diet Coke.

Shaylee Pollak

High School Co-Director

Shaylee started attending The Crossing in 2024, after making the cross-country trek from Las Vegas, where she was born and raised. She quickly got involved with Crossing Students, leading her spunky middle school girls for two years. Seeing the seeds planted come to fruition sparked Shaylee’s interest in joining the team as the High School Girls Director in 2026. In her free time, Shaylee loves to play pickleball with her friends, go on walks to soak in God’s creation, and she probably has a Sonic Dr. Pepper in her hand.

Kari Nietzel

Agape Director

Originally from Kansas City, Kari moved to Columbia in 2007 for school and quickly claimed Columbia as her home. Throughout college, she served in Crossing Kids and the Agape program while completing a master's degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. She worked as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst before joining the Agape and Crossing Students team.

Kari and her husband Jordan share life with their 3 little people: Maelyn, Daxton and Hudson.