Meet the 2025-2026 Year One Leadership Fellow Cohort

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SAMUEL DOLAN

Hi, my name is Sam Dolan, and I am thrilled to be a HELM Leadership Fellow this year. The Leadership Fellows program piqued my interest when I first heard about it last year as a Youth Leadership Symposium participant, and I was eager to apply as soon as I could. I am now looking forward to engaging with my fellow students and learning from our mentors. I hope this program will help me become a more well-rounded and intentional person.

Next fall, I will be attending the University of Findlay, my hometown university in Findlay, Ohio. I plan to major in finance with minors in entrepreneurship and music, while also continuing my swimming career at the collegiate level for the Findlay Oilers. Some of my other interests include gardening, woodworking, and music. I play both the piano and violin and occasionally share my music with my congregation.

CAROLINE DUNN-HELTON

Caroline Dunn-Helton will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall as an honors dance major on the pre-physical therapy track. She began dancing at the age of three and is excited to continue pursuing her passion in college. In 2024, Caroline’s original choreography, Socratea Exorrhiza, was accepted to the Cleveland Dance Festival.

Growing up in the church with two ordained parents, Caroline’s faith has always been important to her. She has attended the UCC’s MMADD (Music, Mindfulness, Art, Dance, and Drama) camp since the third grade and hopes to return as a counselor in the future. MMADD is where she discovered that her love for performing and her love for Christianity were deeply connected. At church, Caroline runs the camera and livestream.

She is also the viola section leader in the community youth orchestra, founder of the Action for Climate Emergency chapter at her school, manager of the church’s bookmobile and little library, and Co-President of her school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance. She believes that everyone belongs and strives to champion this belief in society.

In her free time, Caroline enjoys reading, writing, art journaling, and watching movies with her family.

MAIAH GENTRY

Hi! I'm Maiah Gentry, and I am super excited to be a part of this program. I am from Salem, VA. In school, I was an active member of several community service clubs and held officer positions in all of them. I also served as president of my school’s DECA chapter. However, my most treasured role was being president of my church’s youth group, and my youth experience will always hold a special place in my heart.

This year, I will be attending Virginia Tech to study criminology, and I couldn’t be more excited for the year ahead!

NOA KAUFMAN-NICHOLS

My name is Noa Kaufman-Nichols. I am an aspiring educator, planning to major in elementary education and pursue a master’s degree in special education. I am very active politically and have a strong interest in education policy. Within my community, I hold more than five leadership roles, including serving as president of my school’s Student Association for Gender Equity. I hope to create meaningful change toward equity and justice through community action.

In my free time, I enjoy swimming, playing softball, reading, and crocheting. I will be attending Bryn Mawr College next year, and I am so excited to see what the future holds!

AYDIA LANCASTER

Hello, my name is Aydia Lancaster. I am a senior at Nixa High School in Nixa, Missouri. I have been a member of National Avenue Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri, for eight years and have worked in the church nursery for five of those years.

During my time at Nixa High School, I have played tennis and participated in Broadcast Journalism, Poetry Club, Ceramics Club, and Speech and Debate. I also served as Vice President of my senior class. This fall, I will be attending Missouri State University with dreams of becoming an English professor.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading, getting coffee, thrifting, pottery, and playing pickleball. I look forward to connecting with other HELM Disciples and feel fortunate to have been given this opportunity to learn and grow.

ZEPHANIAH MAREAN

I’m from New Hampshire and attended high school at a Waldorf charter school called Gathering Waters. I am a confirmed member of the United Church of Christ (UCC) and serve as a member of the New Hampshire Conference Environmental Justice group.

I love to read and spend time outdoors. I’m also a huge fan of Star Wars and D&D. In college, I hope to meet interesting people and discover a path that both calls to me and allows me to help make the world a better place.

DANIEL MITCHELL

Daniel is an incoming freshman at Texas Christian University, where he will pursue a double major in Political Science and Religion as a Chancellor’s Scholar. A lifelong resident of Fort Collins, Colorado, he will graduate from Rocky Mountain High School in May.

While in high school, Daniel served on Student Council as Co-Student Body President and as secretary of his NHS chapter. He was also a state finalist in both DECA and FBLA and an accomplished competitor in Speech and Debate, where he served as team president, broke multiple school records, and competed at the national level.

Daniel is an active member of Heart of the Rockies Christian Church, where he has served on multiple ministry teams, delivered communion and offering meditations since elementary school, and preached throughout high school. He also served for three years on the Executive Council of Youth and continues to sit on the Regional Board of the Central Rocky Mountain Region.

With a passion for the intersection of justice and faith, Daniel has participated in the Green Chalice Justice and Creation Care Fellowship as well as DHM webinars. His work with the Church has guided his discernment toward vocational ministry with a focus on advocacy.

KATHRYN PUTMAN

Kate Putman is an incoming freshman at Texas Christian University, where she plans to pursue a career in physical therapy. After overcoming significant athletic injuries during high school, she discovered a passion for helping others heal and thrive. She is excited to turn that passion into a calling, combining her love of sports, science, and service to support young athletes on their journeys to recovery and resilience.

Rooted in her lifelong connection to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Kate is eager to get involved with Disciples on Campus and continue her active participation in the college ministry at University Christian Church, her home congregation in Fort Worth. She looks forward to deepening her faith, building new relationships, and serving others through both campus and community ministries.

As a Leadership Fellow, Kate is excited to grow as a servant leader through retreats, cross-cultural experiences, and hands-on leadership opportunities. She is passionate about making a difference in the world—whether through healthcare, faith-based service, or global engagement—and is committed to leading with compassion, purpose, and integrity.

Beyond the classroom and ministry, Kate brings an energetic and joyful spirit to all she does. She loves being outdoors, is a devoted dog enthusiast, and proudly embraces purple as her favorite color—a perfect fit for her new life as a Horned Frog. She is honored to join the Leadership Fellows Program and excited to begin her journey at TCU.

BAILEY SCHMIDT

Hello everyone! I am a passionate and dedicated individual who has always found joy in dancing and cheering. These activities have not only been a source of fun but also a way for me to express myself and connect with others. Most importantly, they have taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. I’ve been a part of FCC El Reno since birth, and this community has played a significant role in shaping my character.

I deeply admire Colton and Tara, who have been incredible role models for me. Their leadership and commitment to our community inspire me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I value their ability to motivate and uplift those around them, and I aspire to embody those same qualities in my own life. Their guidance has encouraged me to take on leadership roles within my activities, where I have learned to support my peers and work collaboratively toward shared goals.

Family is also incredibly important to me, and I cherish the time I spend with them. They have always been my biggest supporters, encouraging me to pursue my passions and dreams. Whether it’s enjoying a family dinner or participating in fun activities together, these moments strengthen our bond and remind me of the values I hold dear.

Looking ahead, I am thrilled to share that I will be attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University to pursue a degree in nursing. This opportunity is a dream come true, and I am eager to embark on this new journey. Nursing has always felt like a calling to me, as I have a deep desire to help others and make a positive impact in their lives. I am excited to learn new skills, engage with patients, and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare community.

In addition to my academic goals, I am committed to being an active member of the university community. I hope to join organizations that align with my interests and values, allowing me to continue developing my leadership skills and forming meaningful connections. My ultimate goals are to become a compassionate and skilled nurse and a leader who provides quality care to those in need.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude for the support I have received throughout my journey. The encouragement from my family, friends, and mentors has been invaluable, and I am determined to make the most of this opportunity. I look forward to the challenges and experiences ahead, and I am committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!

JOHN WILLIAM WEEKS

John will be a first-year business student at Texas Christian University. Born in Georgia, he has spent most of his life in Mechanicsville, Virginia, and will graduate in May from Atlee High School.

During high school, John was an active member of DECA, the tennis team, the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society, SODA, Boy Scouts, and Illusion, the school’s mixed choir. At church, he sings and plays guitar and cajón in the youth praise band, and he remains deeply involved in his youth group. He especially loves Craig Springs Camp and Conference Center, where he serves as a director of Nature Camp, a program for at-risk youth that provides campers with a 1:1 counselor ratio.

John has also participated in multiple mission trips, which have shaped his understanding of service and leadership. Outside of school and church, his work as a barista at a local coffee shop has given him valuable experience working with the public—along with the skill of making an excellent latte!

Looking ahead, John hopes to combine his love of marketing with his passion for empowering individuals living in poverty and at-risk situations.