Meet Your Resident Coordinators
A unique aspect of Living & Learning's semester and summer programs is that our students are supported from the moment they land to the moment they finish their semester by a student life team, trained to walk through the multifaceted experience of studying abroad or away with students.
"Living & Learning International exists to provide academically excellent international programs where students will live in community ..." This is the first line of our mission statement, and we deeply value what it means to provide a space for students to live in intentional, supportive community.
Hundreds of thousands of students study abroad every semester from universities around the world (NAFSA: Association of International Educators reports), immersing themselves in a new culture, sometimes navigating life for a few months in a language that isn't their mother tongue, and finding their way through a transformative time in their educational career.
Often, you'll find these students living in apartments with a few roommates; sometimes, they may be placed in a homestay for additional cultural immersion. But it's not always guaranteed that study abroad students get plugged into student-life programming designed for them and their unique experience.
This is where our Resident Coordinators come in. They're present with the students, supporting them as they embark on a journey of cross-cultural experiences, a new academic setting, and being immersed in a new place, language, and community.
Our Fall 2025 Resident Coordinators are trained, energetic, and excited; we're proud to introduce these quality individuals to you! You can read a bit about each of our Fall 2025 Resident Coordinators below. If you'd like to learn more about our semester and summer programs model and why we're intentional about the student life experience, or more about our programs, you can contact us here.
East Coast, USA
Fernanda Gonzalez, Resident Coordinator – East Coast
Fernanda is originally from Texas and has a BS in Biology and a BA in Mathematics from Texas Lutheran University. She loves to discover things with her own two hands. During her time at TLU, Fernanda was immersed in the life of research, where she was free to explore her curiosity in science. From plants and aquatic insects to mathematics, she dedicates her time to finding new avenues for investigation. Fernanda visited the Baltimore Urban Studies Center with L&LI East Coast in 2024 and fell in love with the community-building she experienced. She is very excited to be part of this wonderful community and get others involved. She hopes to inspire a curiosity for science and innovation through research.
Rome, Italy
Bryce Heggen, Resident Coordinator - Italy
Bryce has a deep affection for both of his homes: Los Angeles, CA, and Houston, TX. While studying Entrepreneurial Leadership at University of Houston, he served as a creative director at his church, nurturing his passion for exploring the creative gifts bestowed by the Lord and helping others do the same. When asked what he likes to do, he usually responds with, “I don’t know, I just love to have fun!” But you’ll probably find Bryce playing various instruments or spending time with friends and family.
Abigail Brown, Resident Coordinator - Italy
Abigail is from Washington State and is an alumna of Azusa Pacific University, holding a bachelor's degree in International Relations. After graduating, she completed a year of service in college ministry in Bosnia and Herzegovina before serving with Living and Learning International in Rome, Italy. Abigail loves coffee, her hometown of Leavenworth, and exploring new places!
Katie Busike, Resident Coordinator – Italy
Katie is originally from Southern California and is returning to Rome for her second year with Living & Learning International. Prior to working with L&LI, Katie worked at North Coast Church in youth ministry while completing her bachelor's degree from California State University San Marcos. Katie has a heart for ministry, working with students, and talking about all things Gospel. She typically can be found making a moka pot of coffee or baking–no matter the hour!
Eden Street, Resident Coordinator – Italy
Eden was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and is an alumna of Liberty University. She holds a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She attended the Rome Spring 2024 semester with L&LI, and it sparked a desire to work with college students in ministry. She is passionate about travel and engaging in community with students and looks forward to seeing the Lord work through this program.
Eli Hill, Resident Coordinator – Italy
Eli has served in ministry for the past five years through church leadership, student outreach, and mentorship programs at Biola University and Hume Lake Christian Camp. He grew up in a close-knit, competitive, and Christ-centered family of seven, where deep relationships and board game nights shaped much of who he is today. Jesus became his personal Savior during his sophomore year of high school at Hume Lake, and ever since then, his heart has been set on making others feel seen, known, and loved by God.
London, England
Amanda Strom, Resident Coordinator – England
Amanda is a Grand Canyon University graduate who loves developing relationships, experiencing different cultures, and encouraging students to find their purpose and identity in Christ! In her post-grad years, she has worked in medical missions, led a small group at her church, spent summers as a Bible camp ministry director, and served as a resident coordinator for our L&LI Italy program. As she excitedly joins the growing London team in Fall 2025, she looks forward to seeing the Lord continue to do amazing things in the hearts of the students, staff, and people of London!
Simene Morgan, Resident Coordinator – England
Simene holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and is a proud Flame! She has a heart for the nations and extensive travel experience in 24 different countries. She is passionate about the local church, social impact, discipleship, and good food! As Simene embarks on overseas ministry with L&LI in London, she is filled with anticipation and faith, confident that the Lord will move in powerful and transformative ways.
Benjamin Rodgers, Resident Coordinator - England
Benjamin is a Liberty University graduate and is currently pursuing his master's degree. Benjamin loves traveling, experiencing other cultures, sports, and cultivating a fun and engaging group environment. He is passionate about teen and college ministry and is excited to see what the Lord has in store for him during his time in London.
Quito, Ecuador
Sarah Gonzalez, Resident Coordinator – Ecuador
Sarah is from Southern California and recently graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in International Studies. During her time in college, she volunteered at a local elementary school and served as a Global Ambassador, supporting international students. Passionate about culture, reading, and children's ministry, Sarah is excited to begin a new chapter in Quito, Ecuador. She looks forward with anticipation to witnessing God's work in a new cultural setting.
Ruby Hamilton, Resident Coordinator – Ecuador
Ruby is from Auburn, WA, and recently graduated from Grand Canyon University. She is passionate about Jesus, adventure, the outdoors, and people! She's a gifted photographer and embodies a welcoming spirit. In her free time, you can find her playing her guitar, hiking, or drinking coffee at one of her spots.
Want to meet the all the staff of Living & Learning? Visit our Meet the Team page here.