meet the leaders
Joshua Mencer graduated from Messiah College in 2002, with a major in Pastoral Ministry and a minor in Psychology, and during those years he spent his summers here. Shortly after he became a year-round resident of Nantucket and became involved with the youth of the island through the Boys & Girls Club and the Teen Center. In 2004 he left for a year to serve as a intern counselor at His Mansion. Since his return, he's been working full time as a cabinet maker while continuing to stay involved with the kids on Nantucket through the Teen Center, and as the Youth Pastor of Summer Street Church.

Leah Mencer came here in May 2006 as Leah Butler, expecting to spend the summer with her family as usual before returning to Bridgewater State College. Her first experience with some of the kids was an invitation from Josh to help bring a group to His Mansion for a weekend visit. She quickly realized how much she loved spending time with the kids, and in June '06 she joined Josh, Mary, and Ryan as a youth leader for Summer Street. It was clear that God had a place for her on Nantucket, and she stayed through the winter. In July of 2007 she and Josh became a true team when they got married at S.S. Church.

Ryan Dusharm is a graduate of Word of Life Bible Institute in Pennsylvania. He has worked as a youth leader for other youth groups in the past, and he also served two years in North Carolina as a wilderness counselor for troubled youth at Cameron Boy's Camp School. Shortly afterward he arrived on Nantucket and moved here full time. Besides working in construction, he immediately got to know the island kids by working at the Boys & Girls Club and becoming a youth leader for Summer Street.