Staff
David & Renata Perkins
Desperation Student Ministries Founders and Lead Pastors, David and Renata launched Desperation in 2002 with a vision for young people to authentically encounter God and become fervent disciples of Jesus. Currently, they are the pastors of _DSM and lead national conferences and internships that challenge and equip young people to live in desperate pursuit of God. Their children, Dawson, Alivia, Adelyn, and Justus, are their highest delight.
Dan & Amy Perkins
Dan, MISSIONAL Director, joined the Desperation staff in 2001. His ministry focus includes directing the MISSIONAL Track of DLA and leading men’s discipleship as well as oversight and creativity within Desperation. He possesses a magnetic passion to train young leaders in holiness and passion for Jesus. His wife, Amy, joined the team in 2004 as a full-time intern and finished the Furnace in 2006. She leads DLA women’s discipleship and coordinates admissions and event within DLA. She has a passion to lead others into experiencing the affections of Jesus and finding purpose in Him.
Tyrel & MaryBeth Koenes
Tyrel Koenes, DLA Director, has been a part of Desperation since its beginning in 2002. He is a gifted speaker and is passionate to see people encounter the heart of God and live into the fullness that Christ has called each person to walk in. His lifelong pursuit is to live in the presence of God. He wants to see true disciples rise up and follow Christ with fervent passion for a lifetime. His wife, MaryBeth desires to see all people living free from the past and walking in God’s best for the present. She is passionate to communicate and disciple young people in a steadfast, radical, lifelong relationship with Jesus. Tyrel and MaryBeth have a 2year old daughter MaryBella and live in beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Austin Brammer
Ronnie moved from Arkansas to Colorado Springs in 2006 to intern with the Furnace. He completed his 2 years and worked as a volunteer for the Furnace until he was hired in the spring of 2010 and is now the DLA Assistant Director. He helps with DLA administration, men's discipleship and running the 24-hour Furnace Prayer Room. Being radically saved from a destructive life style, he has a passion to pastor young men and women to encounter God, engage in meaningful accountability, live holy lifestyles, and to be the discipleship leaders of this generation. Ronnie is passionate about the Bible and is currently pursuing a degree in theology. Ronnie loves reading and writing, sports, building relationships with people, and spending time with his new bride, Mandy-May.
Stefan & Candace Davis
Stefan and Candace work to serve the ministry of _DSM and have a passion to see young people lead this generation in pursuit of Jesus. Stefan is gifted in discipling and empowering young men and women to become dynamic leaders among their peers and on their school campus. Stefan leads a Ministry Tribe in DLA and teaches frequently. His wife, Candace, uses her strength of discipleship to see young people walk in freedom and in truth as they pursue Jesus. She helps lead on the discipleship team for DLA.
Jared Newman
Jared Newman is the junior high pastor at New Life Church and the founder of MANTIME (DSM Summer Internship). He grew up in Tulsa, OK and graduated from Oral Roberts University in 2003. He married his high school sweet heart and they now have 4 children. Jared moved to Colorado in 2005 where he enjoys hunting and fishing in the beautiful Colorado Rockies.
Jeni Mason
Jeni Mason joined New Life Staff in 1998 and worked in Children's Ministry and Human Resources before transferring to the Youth department in 2009 to pursue her passion: Young Women's Discipleship! Jeni serves as Pastor Jared's assistant and also gets to invest in the lives of junior high through college aged women! She is passionate about seeing young women "Clothed with strength and dignity" as they find their identity in Jesus and as they walk in relationship together. She is blessed to be married to her best friend, Mark and when she's not chasing Josh (16), Morgan (13), Maddie (8), Kelsi, Anna, Tigger, and Daisy (the dogs, cat and guinea pig!) you will find her reading, playing card games, camping, searching for chocolate and downing Starbuck's mochas!!!
Nico Perez
Nico Perez is a New Life native and grew up in _DSM. He has been leading _DSM in worship faithfully for many years. Nico also is involved with the Desperation Band. Nico is currently attending Bible School and writing music for his band, Cry For Pluto. Nico's hobbies are sports and Chuck Norris jokes. He hopes to one day marry his Belgium sweetheart.
Abree Manton
Abree Manton is the administrative assistant to David Perkins. She came out to Colorado Springs in 2008 to do DLA and has been here ever since. Abree was hired on staff January of 2011 and enjoys being apart of the Desperation team, where every day is an adventure. Her passions are prayer, singing and seeing God move in this generation. She is going school for Theology and has been able to lead in DLA and DSM Campus groups for the past few years and I loves it.