mTeam

Get to Know
Our Amazing People

Fr. Michael Mitchell

Father Michael Mitchell, LC received his STB in Theology and STL in Philosophy from the Pontifical University Regina Apostolorum, graduating summa cum laude in 2011. Having studied in Spain, Italy, and the United States, he is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian. He is the National Director of the Catholic organization Mission Youth. He frequently travels to Latin America to do missionary work. He also regularly leads retreats, is a spiritual director and author of I Saw His Face and two more books in process of publication. He resides in Michigan with his religious community.

Barb Flynn

Barb Flynn was born in Detroit, MI and graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication, Management, and Marketing. Barb worked in the medical field for years before being fortunate enough to become a stay at home mom to her two children. Barb has been blessed to serve her community in many ways; she taught Bible study for 17 years to children, was confirmation leader, a local missionary, an international missionary, a caregiver and so much more. Barb loves spending time with her large family, exercising, boating, and any opportunity to help others do God's work.

Becky Hannon

Becky was born and raised in Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in mechanical engineering and an MS in the same field from Oakland University. Becky now lives in metro Detroit and works as an engineer in the automotive industry. Becky is in touch with her spirituality. She enjoys being a part of her church, meditation retreats, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and spending quality time with family and friends. Becky has a passion for traveling, learning new things, and helping others.

Heba Shakouri

Heba received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Wayne State University and currently practices as a Clinical Pharmacist at Henry Ford Health System. She enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, bicycling, kayaking, gardening, reading, and volunteering. Heba is a kid at heart, especially when she is surrounded by her little nieces and nephews. After her first mission trip to Haiti in the summer of 2016, she was inspired to help the cause and join the Mission Youth Detroit team.

Manuella Oraha

Manuella graduated from Oakland University with a bachelors degree in Marketing. She enjoys her work, and is also passionate about being involved with her religious community. Feeling the slight positive impacts she has on people she encounters each day is such a joy to her. She is extremely close to her family - including her adorable puppy! Spending time with them and her little cousins are one of her favorite things to do. In her spare time she likes to watch documentaries, read, surround herself with nature, and attempt to learn how to speak French.

Christi Walters

Christi lives in Rochester Hills, Michigan with her husband Pete and dog Stella. She loves to spend time with her three kids, Melissa (husband Eric), P.J. and Jack doing just about anything with them. She graduated from the University of Miami (Ohio) with a BS in Marketing and Economics. Christi currently works in the field of Marketing Research and enjoys helping her clients solve tough questions/issues. As an active member of St. Andrews Church, Christi dedicates as much time as possible volunteering and serving others. Christi has a passion for cooking, decorating, reading, the outdoors, biking, hiking and spending quality time with family and friends.

Katlyn Moonan

Katlyn is a senior at Saginaw Valley State University studying Social Work with a minor in Criminal Justice. Volunteering has been a huge aspect of Katlyn's life. Starting in the third grade, she would go to one of the local nursing homes one Wednesday a month to celebrate mass with the elderly. Giving back to others didn't stop there. Katlyn worked at a food bank, the humane society, learning centers, and more! These moments of volunteering and helping others are some of her most cherished memories. "Often I catch myself saying "I need this, I need that" but volunteering has always brought me back to where God wants me to be which is giving my time to others."

Charlotte Stokes

As a Michigan native, Charlotte has lived by water all her life and learned the importance of community through her surroundings. After eight years of playing national volleyball and traveling around the country, she understands what it’s like to fight for your passions and stand up for your family. She loves adventure and has spent a large amount of time volunteering in and out of her local area. Planning to study Non-Profit Management and Philanthropy, Charlotte has her eyes set on helping to make a difference in the world today. Due to her strong faith and background, she wishes to be part of something much bigger than herself and take on the challenge of working in service to others. Charlotte’s biggest idol is Mother Theresa and she hopes to follow in her footsteps. She loves photography and dreams to capture all of her missions through her lens as she goes on journeys to finding herself and serving God.”

Ornella Gorgees

Ornella graduated from College for Creative Studies (CCS) with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art majoring in Product Design. She enjoys writing poetry, photography, creating and innovating. She enjoys becoming actively involved with local volunteer missions to help create a positive impact within the community. Ornella hopes to spread Christ’s love through these missions and through her inspirational, religious messages shared through social media. She is inspired by Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska and hopes to walk in a similar path to becoming an example of mercy to others. I hope to be a hidden soul. As St. Faustina said: “Jesus loves hidden souls. A hidden flower is the most fragrant. I must strive to make the interior of my soul a resting place for the Heart of Jesus.”

Vertical Divider

Follow Mission Youth Detroit