February 2026

February is already the shortest month and somehow it felt even shorter for us! Between a few snow-canceled events and gearing up to leave for Ecuador later this week, we've been moving fast and soaking up every moment.

And don't miss it - at the end of this update, you'll find exciting life updates from our sixth class of Winston Salem Fellows!

Leader Lunch

What a gift it continues to be to sit across the table from remarkable leaders in our city. This month we kicked things off with Lynn Barclay Brewer, who has faithfully served with Young Life in multiple roles  locally, regionally, and nationally. Then, we had time with Laura Tassan, who is the Owner/Operator of Chic-fil-A Thruway. Both of these women have a passion for Jesus, young adults, and strong leadership. 

We also had the joy of spending time with Bo and Kathy Brookby. Their story is marked by faith, humility, and a lifetime of and service. What incredible honor it is to learn life lessons from all of these individuals!

Round Table

Apparently we're not done a great job taking pictures of Round Table (note to self: take more pictures!), but this continues to be a monthly highlight. Thank you to the Bells, Barnes, and Paynters for hosting us this month! 

Samaritan Ministries

Each year, we love introducing the Fellows to the incredible work of Samaritan Ministries. The work they are doing for those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in our community is both inspiring and humbling.

We have had the opportunity to serve alongside them at a couple of fundraisers this year, and this month we rolled up our sleeves to organize closets and tackle some deep cleaning projects.

Thank you, Samaritan Ministries, for all you are doing to care for and serve our community.

Update on the Class of 2021-2022

Our seventh class was our largest class to date with 14 Fellows! When they arrived there were still some COVID precautions in place but we were starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This year was marked with hard trials. However, I believe we were stronger for it. 

Sarah Angle

Fellows was such a pivotal year in my life in so many ways! I’m so thankful to still be in my role as a Child Life Specialist at Brenner Children’s Hospital, which I started during Fellows. I have had the privilege of continuing to love on high school girls at Redeemer, a community that has shaped me into who I am. This past year, I became an aunt, which is literally a dream come true! Life is full of joys and sorrows, and I’m so grateful for the people who walk through it with me and point me to Jesus.

Miranda Chiang

After fellows, I stayed in Winston-Salem working for Wake Forest Baptist/School of Medicine. I was able to continue building community through relationships and connections I met during my fellows year! I attend Two Cities Church and love how my community continues to grow. Very thankful for the mentors along the way that have helped guide me spiritually, personally, and throughout my career. 

In the fall, I had the amazing opportunity to pick up and move to Northern Italy! I spent the last four months traveling, learning Italian, and living with extended family. A few close friends and my family all came to visit, and if you know me, it was exactly what I needed to refresh. 

I have just recently moved back to Winston-Salem and am starting back at Wake to work in program development. I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for me here in Winston!

Sydney Circeo

After finishing the Fellows Program, Sydney stayed in Winston-Salem, working at River Birch Lodge for a couple of years. In 2024, she made the jump to Wake Forest University’s Pre-College Programs—a role she is truly enjoying. She’s also become a familiar face at Salem Chapel, joining a life group, serving on the Welcome Team, and volunteers with the youth ministry. She is loving the deep roots she’s planting in this community and is excited to see how the Lord continues to unfold His plan for her life.

Travel has also been a major highlight lately. Sydney has been busy trekking to St. Maarten to see her sister, wandering through European Christmas markets, and hitting NYC with her mom for a Galentine’s trip. In addition, Sydney hit a major personal milestone in November 2024 by crossing the finish line of her very first half marathon!

True to form, Sydney remains her wonderfully carefree self and is keeping the tradition alive with her annual Valentine’s card. Please enjoy this year’s edition!

Caleb Hoekstra

I’ve stuck around in Winston-Salem since completing Fellows in 2022. I've been living in Ardmore at the much esteemed Miller Mansion with a revolving door of beloved single brothers (usually Fellows alum) My landlords call me the property manager now ;)

I worked for 3 years at Baird Private Wealth Management (and part-time with Redeemer Pres high school ministry) until I finally gave in to a call to Jesus & His Bride last summer - taking a Pastoral Resident position at Redeemer. As part of this role, I also take seminary classes with Gordon Conwell.

It’s felt like a pretty quick confirmation of “oh yeah, this is who I was made to be, how I was made to live” and that is a nice thing to feel after all the discerning I’ve done for so long. I’m discovering and growing in the me God made me to be, and it’s a delightful thing.

Wil Marks

After graduating from the Winston-Salem Fellows, I stayed at Forsyth Country Day for another year as an academic coach. Then I moved to Hanover, Virginia, where I’ve been teaching special education and coaching football. Along the way, I’ve also had meaningful opportunities to serve in ministries supporting students with disabilities.

Once I finish my third year of teaching in Hanover, I’ll be moving to Southwest Virginia to continue teaching and coaching. I’m getting married to my amazing fiancée, Haley, who’s currently in PA school, and we’re both really excited for this next step and what the Lord is doing in our lives.

Mallory (Bryan) Rinderer

When Fellows ended, I moved back to Raleigh and started working for 321 Coffee, a specialty coffee shop and roaster that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that some of my close friends had started in college. The role gave me a lot of flexibility and joy that the Lord knew I needed for that season while being present with my mom through cancer treatment. Sadly, we lost my sweet mom in the summer of 2023. What I thought was a temporary “detour” from my plans ended up being the Lord‘s divine redirection in my life. I still work for 321 Coffee as the Director of Marketing — shameless plug that it’s available at every Food Lion across the state!

In Raleigh, I reconnected with a college friend who is now my husband! Truly the most amazing story of the Lord’s work and timing in both of our lives. Caleb and I got married this past September!

Overall, the last few years have been marked by learning how to let the fullness of joy and grief coexist, something I started learning in Fellows. I’m forever grateful for this community, and love moments of continued connection, like seeing Cyndy and Peter in California, and going to Peru with Miranda!

Ismael Hernandez

Following the Fellow’s Program, Ismael remained in Winston Salem for several years, dedicating his time to local medical nonprofits, and staying close to connections he made in Fellows. Upon returning to Charlotte, he continued his mission-driven work and found a home in a local church community he truly loved. Ismael tragically passed away on May 11, 2025, at the age of 27. He is greatly missed.

Recruitment

Recruiting has been in full swing since the fall. On a recent trip to Appalachian State University, we met two incredible young women and quickly realized they attend the host church of the Greensboro Fellows. Even though they still have a few years left in school, we believe planting seeds is so important.

Just this past week, we celebrated two new acceptances for our 2026-2027 class. Next year's class is already shaping up to be something special. If you know a young adult who might be interested in a Fellows year, we would love to connect with them!