Ava first felt a strong calling to ministry after participating in two mission trips to Guatemala with NSM. Those experiences stirred a desire to understand the behind-the-scenes work of missions and to help others step into similar life-changing opportunities—whether local or global. Her time working at Floyd Central and volunteering with The Living Room and NSM deepened her passion for serving people from all walks of life. While going through the School of Ministry, Ava sensed the Lord calling her to take a step of faith into vocational ministry. A pivotal moment came when Matt Allman encouraged School of Ministry students to be faithful in their current field while trusting God's timing. That message stayed with her, and when the opportunity to apply for the residency program opened up, Ava knew this was the next step God had been preparing her for.

Originally from the tiny town of Orleans, Indiana—population just over 2,000—Ava now enjoys life with her husband and their three beautiful, wild, and adventurous kids. One of their favorite summer pastimes is “creekin’, where they hunt for geodes, crawdads, and hidden treasures. In the fall, they spend time hiking or relaxing around a backyard bonfire. Ava also cherishes quiet moments with a good book in her hammock or sipping morning coffee. Her full name is Aviella, a Hebrew name meaning “God is my Father,” but she goes by Ava—because, as she puts it, “it’s way easier to say!”