meet the staff
Cullen Slattery - Chapter director
Cullen is from Denver, CO. He went to Baylor University and majored in Sales. After college he devoted his time to studying the Word at the Kanakuk Institute. In his free time he loves to do anything outdoors and active with others! Cullen is excited to begin cultivating deep Christ centered community with staff, students, families, and leaders!
Marissa batten - Operations director
Marissa graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health Education and Promotion from Oklahoma State University - Tulsa in 2021. Marissa then attended the Kanakuk Institute in 2022. After working part-time with Tulsa KLIFE, working at Kanakuk K-Kountry for five summers, and now in her 4th year at Columbia KLIFE Marissa has developed a love for walking alongside students as they pursue Christ. In her free time, Marissa loves to spend time with her baby Austin & husband Trevor, exercise, cook, and explore the outdoors!
Olivia Loepp - Women's director
Olivia was born and raised in Overland Park, KS. She attended the University of Arkansas and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Journalism in 2023. After college, Olivia attended the Kanakuk Institute, graduating in 2024. Olivia’s heart for discipleship grew over four summers spent at Kanakuk K-1, giving her a passion for equipping the next generation for Christ! You can find her singing, discovering new hiking trails or playing card games in her spare time!
Zach Ward - men’s director
Zach is from St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from Mizzou in 2024 with a Bachelor's in Management. He's spent the last 4 years in Columbia as a KLIFE volunteer, playing and coaching water polo, and hanging out with our amazing volunteers! He is so excited for the plans that God has for Columbia and to have the opportunity to work for a ministry he's grown to love.
Meet the Board
The KLIFE Board is comprised of couples within the community looking to partner with KLIFE in its active pursuit of Christ and the positive mentorship of students in Columbia. These couples serve to assist the ministry by faithfully praying, supporting, and guiding staff in the oversight of the organization.
