
Support Living & Learning
Living & Learning International provides academically excellent global programs where college students live in community, engage the challenges of the world, and learn to respond with a Christ-centered worldview.
With your support and donations, we are able to provide an amazing staff that cares deeply about cultivating an environment where college students can grow in their faith in a cross-cultural setting. You have the opportunity to donate to the Student Scholarship Fund, Living & Learning East Coast, or select a team member below.
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Dr. Micah Hughes
Academic Director & Associate Professor
Baltimore, MarylandDr. Hughes has 28 years of international and multi-cultural experience. As the Academic Director and Associate Professor, Dr. Hughes provides student mentorship, instruction, academic leadership, and curriculum oversight for the Baltimore Urban Studies.
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Molly Russell
Director of Student Life
East CoastMolly is a lover of the Lord, people, a solid cup of coffee, and a good, long run. She grew up with her three younger siblings in Birmingham, AL and recently graduated from Wheaton College with degrees in Latin American / Latino Studies and Applied Health Sciences. At Wheaton, she studied abroad in Querétaro, Mexico for a semester and in Baltimore for a summer, discovering a love for cross-cultural relationships. She met her people in residence life at Wheaton, serving as a Resident Assistant and an Assistant Resident Director. She is so excited to see how the Lord will move over this next season with BUS!!
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Fernanda Gonzalez
Resident Coordinator
Baltimore, Maryland
Fernanda is originally from Texas and has completed her Bachelor's of Science in Biology and her Bachelor's of Arts in Mathematics from Texas Lutheran University, Seguin, TX. She has a passion for the unknown and loves to discover things with her own two hands. During her time at TLU, Fernanda has been immersed in the life of research where she is free to explore her curiosity in science. From plants and aquatic insects to mathematics, she has dedicated her time to finding new avenues for investigation. Fernanda visited the BUS in May of 2024 and fell in love with the community building she experienced. She is very excited to be able to be part of this wonderful community and get others to feel as involved as she was. Furthermore, she hopes to inspire a curiosity for science and innovation through research.
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Isis Toldson
Resident Coordinator
Baltimore, MarylandIsis is a recent graduate from Wheaton College (IL) with a BA in Biblical and Theological Studies. She has a special interest in the way our lives and cultures shape our theology, and how our theology shapes our lives and cultures.
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Meg van Rijn
Director of Student Life
Rome, ItalyAfter serving in the L&LI Ecuador semester program from 2019-2023, Meg joins the L&LI Rome to serve as the Director of Student Life.
Meg is a teammate, friend, and disciple of Christ. She loves being a part of and sharing in the desire to partner with the Lord in what He is doing in the lives of students. Some other things that get her pumped on life are cheese, her family, card games (Dutch Blitz always), treats, Jesus, hanging with college students, music, my niece and nephews, & travel (not in that order)!
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Abby Brown
Resident Coordinator
Rome, ItalyAbigail is from Washington State and an alumna of Azusa Pacific University, holding a bachelor's degree in International Relations ('23). She recently completed a year of service in college ministry in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She is passionate about working with college students and is excited to see what the Lord has in store for students and staff in Rome, Italy, this coming year.
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Bryce Heggen
Resident Coordinator
Rome, ItalyBryce has a deep affection for both of his homes: Los Angeles, CA, and Houston, TX. While studying Entrepreneurial Leadership, 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, I guess!” But you’ll probably find Bryce playing various instruments or spending time with friends and family. He eagerly anticipates joining the team at L&LI and is excited to see what the Lord has in store for the upcoming school year.
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Eden Street
Resident Coordinator
Rome, ItalyEden was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and is alumna of Liberty University. She holds a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She attended the Rome Spring 2024 semester with LLI 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.
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Katie Busike
Resident Coordinator
Rome, ItalyKatie is from Southern California and has just recently graduated from California State University San Marcos with a degree in Psychology (‘24). While attending college Katie has been on a staff at her church in high school youth ministry and has a heart for connecting with students, talking about the Gospel, and doing life in community! She has a heart for Global missions and is so excited to join the Living and Learning International team!
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Elena Calderon
Resident Director
Quito, EcuadorElena is super passionate about living out her Christian faith through creativity, spending time in nature, and a deep curiosity for new cultures. A graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a degree in International Relations and Economics, she spent the past year serving as a Resident Coordinator in Quito, Ecuador, where she mentored students and fostered cross-cultural community. Now stepping into the role of Resident Director, she looks forward with excitement and faith to all the ways God will move in and through this new season of ministry.
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Ruby Hamilton
Resident Coordinator
Quito, EcuadorRuby is from Auburn, WA and recently graduated from Grand Canyon University. She is passionate about Jesus, adventure, the outdoors, and people! In her free time, you can find her playing her guitar, hiking, or drinking coffee at one of her spots.
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Charlie Cacuango
Experiential Tours Coordinator
Quito, EcuadorCharlie loves seeing cultures come together with the same purpose of serving Jesus and other people. Charlie likes going on hikes, grabbing coffee, playing volleyball and soccer, pickleball, and hitting the gym in the morning. Charlie is a graduate from UDLA Music School and loves playing the drums. Charlie was a Resident Coordinator for two years at our Ecuador location for our Summer Internship program.
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Katrina Jackson
Resident Coordinator
Quito, EcuadorKatrina is from Virginia and a graduate of Liberty University ('24), holding a BA in Spanish. She has loved being involved in student ministry on her college campus and is passionate about discipleship, teamwork, and community-building. Participating in Living and Learning's internship program in Ecuador during the summer of 2022 had a huge impact on her heart and life, and she's excited to see God work as she returns to Ecuador to serve as RC!
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Sarah Gonzalez
Resident Coordinator
Quito, EcuadorSarah 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.
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Cole & Abby Nelson
Resident Directors
Quito, EcuadorCole and Abby graduated from Vanguard University ('21) with Cole's BA in Psychology and Education and Abby's BA in Psychology. Through L&LI, Abby studied abroad in Ecuador ('19) and Cole participated in the Virtual Internship Program ('20). Cole received an M.A. in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership through Wheaton College (‘23) while Abby's floral business served the local community. Together, they aspire to cultivate intentional discipleship and holistic growth for RCs and students in the heart of Ecuador.
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Amanda Strom
Resident Coordinator
London, EnglandAmanda is a Grand Canyon University grad that 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!
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Noel Simene Morgan
Resident Coordinator
London, EnglandSimene 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.