Ministry Team
Since 1896, Volunteers of America has transformed lives by reaching and uplifting America’s most vulnerable.
From our beginning, we have sought to reflect love, grace, and healing through our service and ministry. We seek to serve the needs of the whole person—mind, body and spirit—by bringing together the human service agency and the church.
The ministry of Volunteers of America is a church without walls that is dedicated to serving ALL people. Since arriving in Alaska in 1981, our affiliate’s calling has been to lovingly serve others, care for others, and walk alongside individuals in their spiritual journey.
VOA Alaska’s ministry is one of service, nondiscriminatory in the delivery of our services, providing assistance to people of all faiths and beliefs.
Can We Pray For You?
For more than 125 years, Volunteers of America’s ministers have been praying with and for people throughout our community.
Whatever your prayer need, finding peace of mind provides a foundation of strength to face any situation.
Meet Our Ministers
Julia Luey
President & CEO
VOA Alaska staff since 2018 Commissioned Minister in 2023
Why I pursued commissioning/ordination:
My journey of becoming a commissioned minister was inspired by my desire to gain more tools and insights on ways to better serve our employees and clients. I strongly believe in the power of spirituality as part of one’s healing journey so this experience has helped shape the way I can support others.
My favorite way to serve as a minister:
My favorite way to serve as a minister is by showing up and sharing space with employees and clients. That includes holding conversations offering hope and inspiration, listening and validating ones experience and offering meaningful support.
Brian L. Emory
Administration Operations Manager
VOA Alaska staff since 2021 Commissioned Minister in 2024
Why I pursued commissioning/ordination:
After serving my country for 28 years and retiring from the Navy, I wanted to find a new career where I could focus on serving the local community and state. With the amazing work we do here for Alaskans by bringing hope, health and healing, I knew God had placed me in the perfect location. I pursued becoming a minister to better contribute in uplifting the human spirit. It takes all three, mind-body-soul, to have a strong foundation. My love for the Lord is a strength and I want to assist Alaskans in understanding where we fit in the universe and encouraging them in their faith journey.
My favorite way to serve as a minister:
Helping others! The more I can serve, the better example I can be. I find sharing words of encouragement and bringing a positive approach to every situation can be the light when times are dark. God has blessed every one of us and being a light that listens, supports, prays and inspires others is how I serve.
Michael Cunningham
Training & Support Specialist
VOA Alaska staff since 2011 Commissioned Minister in 2024
Why I pursued commissioning/ordination:
God encouraged/directed me to apply first and foremost. I want to help others connect with God or a Higher Power of their understanding, so he can solve their problems for them. In my darkest times, Jesus was there to pull me out of the wreckage I created, and the more I surrender to him and his will for me, the better my life becomes. I want to help others on their journey in life and in faith of any kind.
My favorite way to serve as a minister:
Following God’s will for me as He reveals it.
Aaron Osterback
Program Coordinator
Commissioned Minister in 2025
Why I pursued commissioning/ordination:
From a young age, I’ve felt a deep desire to serve the Lord, inspired by the compassion and selflessness of Jesus. His example shaped how I understand faith—not just as a personal belief, but as a call to live a life that honors God and uplifts others. As my relationship with Christ has grown, so has my conviction to reflect His love through both words and actions. Pursuing commissioning and ordination is a natural step in that journey, allowing me to serve more fully, lead with purpose, and help others encounter the transformative love of Jesus. It’s about faithfully answering God’s call on my life.
My favorite way to serve as a minister:
My favorite way to serve as a minister is by simply being present is showing up for others in both big and small ways. Whether it’s lending a hand with a project, supporting a community event, or just being available when someone needs a listening ear, I find deep joy in walking alongside people. I especially value those quiet moments of conversation where I can be a soundboard, offer encouragement, and lift others up in prayer. For me, ministry is about connection, compassion, and being a steady presence in the lives of those around me.
Andi LeBreton
Peer Support Specialist
Commissioned Minister in 2025
Why I pursued commissioning/ordination:
My spiritual journey has been anything but linear, but in moments of uncertainty, I’ve always returned to intention and prayer. Conversations with a VOA Minister helped me recognize that, even as I continue to grow in my spiritual journey, I have something meaningful to offer to others who are doing the same. Pursuing commissioning felt like a natural next step—a way to deepen my calling to serve others with authenticity and compassion.
My favorite way to serve as a minister:
I approach ministry through a holistic and relational lens. I’m passionate about community activism and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported—especially youth and young adults seeking connection and belonging. People are often surprised to learn that I’m pursuing commissioning because my focus is less traditional: I prioritize building trust, meeting people where they are, and encouraging open, honest dialogue about faith. I believe that this approach assists with personal healing, natural spiritual growth, and leads to deeper community engagement.
Brian Pickett
Program Coordinator
Commissioned Minister in 2025
Why I pursued commissioning/ordination:
In every organization whose mission is geared towards increasing health and wellness, the Spirit/Soul care aspect is usually missing. So we tend to see a repetition of the same services and nothing that targets the most important aspect of the person. This path for me was a way to exercise and apply the gifts God gave me to be a part of helping people find healing and their purpose.
My favorite way to serve as a minister:
I have a lot of interests so picking a favorite is tough. There is a lot of misunderstanding and apprehension around religion/spirituality. I am passionate about pluralism, sharing space with people who believe differently or not at all and finding common ground while still pointing to the lasting and true source of Hope and Love.
Danicia Lyons
Peer Counselor
Commissioned Minister in 2025
Why I pursued commissioning/ordination:
I pursued commissioning because I believe ministry is about more than preaching—it’s about living out service, community, and compassion in every interaction. Growing up immersed in the church, I learned the value of showing up for people—whether in celebration or struggle. As I’ve grown and evolved in my own faith, I’ve realized that God has equipped me not to be perfect, but to be present and authentic. Commissioning is my commitment to serve in a way that reflects Christ’s love, to help others find belonging, and to walk alongside them through life’s trials and triumphs.
My favorite way to serve as a minister:
My favorite way to serve is by creating spaces of care and connection—where people feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Whether it’s offering a word of encouragement, organizing a moment of reflection, or showing up with a prayer or a meal, I love bringing people together and reminding them they’re not alone. Ministry, to me, looks like being consistent, compassionate, and open-hearted—just like the people who stood in the gap for me when I couldn’t stand on my own. That’s the spirit I bring to VOA Alaska and to every space I serve in.
Mi'chelle McCoy
Mental Health Clinician
Commissioned Minister in 2025
Why I pursued commissioning/ordination:
I pursued commissioning because my faith has been a light in darkness for me and for those who I serve in the community. I have always felt a deep calling to be of service to others and through the ministry program I hope to continue to grow my faith and lead others to find theirs. Commissioning not only reflects my commitment to living in truth and walking by faith but also ties me to my purpose in a way only God’s love could reflect.
My favorite way to serve as a minister:
My favorite way to serve as a minister is to meet others in a space of humility and love. I hope to lead by example and show that we are all imperfect people but through God’s love we are whole and redeemed. Ministry for me is meeting those in need without judgement and helping uplift them whatever the circumstances.
Upcoming Events
Impact Alaska
VOA Alaska’s Ministry team is excited to partner with Impact Alaska on May of 2026. Our Ministry of Service, known as a church without walls, will be volunteering out in the community to bring together the human service agency and the church to uplift fellow Alaskans.
Impact Alaska is a day of service to communities all over the state of Alaska. It’s a day where churches from all over Alaska join together to cancel their regular Sunday services to go out into their communities to serve the needs of people in the name of Jesus. Over the years, it has looked like community cleanup projects, free oil changes for single parents, gas by-downs for the community, making gift baskets for first responders, minor repair projects in people’s homes, and so much more. 2025 will be the inaugural year for VOA Alaska’s participation.
The hope is to make it in Alaska as in heaven by the way we serve and love people. You don’t have to be someone in VOA Ministry, nor do you don’t have to be someone who attends church. You just have to be someone who wants to lend a hand and love on our community.
Join us as we go serve our neighbors in a practical way on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Family & friends are welcome and encouraged.
8:00 a.m. – Meet-up at Tikahtnu Regal Theater parking lot (1102 N Muldoon)
8:15-11:30 a.m. – Serve the community through Clean-up & Yard work
11:45-1:00 p.m. – Lunch (location TBD)
Wear work clothes; bring water, gloves and yard tools (more to follow on which ones)