Curious what Young Life looks like? Check out this video made by one of our leaders, John Hake!
Alex Eckard
Area Director
Alex has been on staff with Young Life for 11 years in Mercer County. He has a wonderful wife Nikki, a delightful daughter Eloise, and a fun-loving son, Beau. Before moving to Grove City, Alex attended Bucknell University where he played football and was a volunteer Young Life leader. He grew up in Frederick, Maryland, where he first encountered Young Life as a freshman in High School.
Email - alex.eckard3@gmail.com
Phone - 240-688-1100
Madeline Jew
Associate Area Director
Madeline started full-time staff in 2021 after graduating from Grove City College. Madeline is from Marysville, MD; Young Life impacted her life in many ways growing up. She was involved in high school and became a leader in college. Madeline and her husband, Zach, live in Grove City. Madeline now leads at Lakeview High School and helps mentor & disciple college leaders!
Email - madeline.gladstone@gmail.com
Phone - 443-718-8891
Annalese Wolf
Staff Associate
Annalese started full-time staff in 2024 after graduating from Grove City College and leading in Hermitage as a volunteer throughout college. Annalese is from Wheeling, WV; she has known YL her whole life and was involved and personally impacted in middle and high school. She continues to lead middle and high school students in Hermitage and coach girls soccer for Hickory HS. Annalese and her husband, Bishop, now live in Hermitage.
Email - annalese.wolf@gmail.com
Phone - 304-905-3176
Jen Wamboldt
Area Administrator
Jen has served on the Penn West Committee for five years before moving into the role of Area Administrator. Being a native of Lansdale, PA, she has lived in Mercer since 1997 and previously worked for the Mercer Area School District. Jen enjoys serving through Young Life with her husband, Bruce. Their two sons are grown and married. Jen encountered Young Life through her boys and now loves to continue to serve the kids in our community.
Email - jenwyl59@gmail.com
Phone - 724-813-3795
Does it matter?
Young Life
High school students
We currently have active YL in the following high schools in Mercer County: Grove City, Mercer, Hickory, Sharon, and Lakeview.
WyldLife
Middle school students
We currently have active WyldLife in the following in Mercer County communities: Grove City, Mercer, and Hermitage.
