Our Staff
Ryan and Jenny Penley Ryan and Jenny are the Cru directors at Maryland, but they are currently on a one-year STINT with Cru in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. They both graduated from Virginia Tech and have been on staff with Cru for 17 years, the first two of which were spent in Melbourne, Australia. They are the parents of the four kids: Caleb, Eliana, Asher and Rowan, who range in age from 9-15. Their entire family loves working with Cru and the adventure it brings as they follow Jesus all over the world and seek to make him known. Jenny recently started her own blog, so if you're looking for some of her latest recipes or insights, visit littlemissfinicky.com |
Heidi Smith
Heidi was involved with UMD Cru throughout college until she graduated in '09. She traveled with The JESUS Film Project for two years before returning to Terp territory as Cru staff in January '13. She loves: singing, dancing it out w/ the ladies and prank wars. She is married to Geo, a stud she met in UMD Cru. She loves her job with Cru because God's Word and people will last for eternity, and she gets to spend her time building God's Word into people. |
Brandon Edwards
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and raised in New Jersey; Brandon graduated from The University of Maryland with a degree in Economics and a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. During his time at Maryland, he was an R.A. and in the Gospel Choir. He loves music, wrestling, Caribbean food, comedic reliefs, and dancing. He is excited to be back at Maryland to help advance the ethnic culture within Cru and develop purpose driven leaders who are in love with Jesus Christ. |
Brian Hearn
Brian is a 2011 graduate of the University of Maryland and is excited to work with Cru at his alma-mater. Brian loves the University of Maryland, sports (Go Ravens and O's!), and people. |
Julia Winters Julia is a University of Maryland Alum. In college, she was gripped by God's heart for the world and followed the Lord to STINT in Melbourne Australia with Cru in 2006. 2 years later, she joined staff full time at Maryland and has been serving with Cru for 13 years! Julia enjoys bringing the fun, spending time with people, reading, traveling, and being active outside. She is passionate about introducing the gospel to college students and helping them understand the word of God. She is excited to be on staff with Cru helping to fulfill The Great Commission here at Maryland and abroad! |
Jonathan Loufik
Jonathan was born and raised in Maryland. He graduated from UMD in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in Family Science and a minor in Religious Studies. In 2018, he spent a year in Melbourne, Australia on STINT, where he helped continue the launch of Cru at RMIT. Jonathan is currently part-time staff with Cru at UMD and PGCC, and he's stoked to be able to serve at his alma maters! In his spare time, he enjoys movies, music, games, reading, the outdoors & traveling. He is passionate about spreading the gospel to the world, raising up lifelong disciples for our Lord, and studying the Word. |
Andre and Dana
(Bridges International) Andre and Dana bring wisdom and bring the fun. They have four kids, including one Terp. They give leadership to Bridges which is a Cru ministry to help connect International students on campus. Andre and Dana enjoy skiing and the outdoor life. |