Ryan Wiksell, Pastor - Ryan and his wife, Christina, are the founding couple of The Core, and first heard God's call to make it all happen in April 2005. Ryan was born and raised in greater Tulsa, Oklahoma, and moved with his family to the Kansas City area at the age of 13, which is now his home away from home. In 1997 he moved to Springfield to attend Evangel University, and in 2002 graduated with a degree in Music Performance & Composition with a minor in Bible. He currently works full-time as the Production Manager and Graphic Designer at Traders Printing, located just one block from the Front Porch, and lives in the historic Grant Beach neighborhood. E-mail Ryan

Christina Wiksell, Front Porch Director - Christina first met Ryan in Kansas City, in June 2000. Christina was born and raised in the Kansas City area, and moved to Springfield in 1999 to attend Baptist Bible College, where she graduated in 2003 with a degree in Cross-Cultural Missions and a minor in Education. Through 2006 she worked as a ballet instructor, before stepping down to pour all her energies into The Core as Front Porch Director, and Administrative Coordinator. E-mail Christina

Michael "Mik" Mikulan, RN, BSN, Recovery and Men's Ministry Coordinator - Mik and his wife, Robin, hail from Baltimore, Maryland, but have lived in Springfield for the past 15 years. Mik has an intriguingpast, and an incredible testimony. Among his worldwide experiences was a stint as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam in 1969, and a few months living, working, and finally accepting Christ at Francis Schaeffers's legendary L'Abri community in Switzerland. Although he is now retired after 27 years Federal Uniformed Service, Mik spent 11 years as a Medical/Surgical Charge Nurse at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners, and now has a passion to see the hearts of former inmates, and recovering addicts transformed by Christ. Since the Front Porch's conception, Mik has poured countless hours into coordinating the remodeling project, from hole-in-the-ground, to community destination. We eagerly look forward to his new outreach role in the downtown area utilizing the Front Porch venue and The Core community. E-mail Mik

Ben Johnson, Concert Coodinator - Ben was one of the first musicians to perform at The Core's Open Mic Nights, while the Front Porch was still in early stages of construction, and has served the Front Porch in many ways since then. Ben communicates with musicians and manages the Front Porch's concert schedule. He also tours under the name Superstar Runner. E-mail Ben

Cheri Goble, Art Coordinator - Cheri is a graduate of Missouri State University's Art Department, and currently serves as an art teacher at Parkview High School, here in Springfield, Missouri. Cheri coordinates the rotating monthly art exhibits at the Front Porch. E-mail Cheri