Stephen and his family live in the Northland of Kansas City, Missouri. Stephen graduated from William Jewell College in 2008 with his bachelor’s in history and education. He has a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University. Stephen spent 11 years as a high school Social Studies teacher for Grandview C-4 School District. In 2022, he resigned from education to pursue ministry with a nonprofit called First Priority, where he networked the local church in Kansas City, trained student and adult volunteers, and helped launch student-led clubs in public schools in Kansas City. Stephen also serves in the Air National Guard as an officer for the 131st Force Support Squadron out of Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Stephen serves in his local church as an adult small group leader, leader of the Next Steps Class at the Crossroads Campus, and drummer. Stephen and his wife, Alexa, have been married for over 16 years and have two precious children, Grace and Shane.