our team
Matthew Gray
Director
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Matt has led Coldwater Canada since the days when our ministry was a single week-long summer wilderness trip. Today, Matt’s role entails a wide variety of ministry essentials -- from long term planning and vision casting, to summer programming and working directly with our partners and students. His heart to see people develop a mature faith in Christ and step into a life of leadership fuels his work at every level. Matt completed a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education & Youth Ministry at Northwestern College in Iowa. He also holds an MA in Leadership & Management from Briercrest Seminary, is an Arrow Leadership Program Graduate and is on his way to becoming a certified ICF Coach. When he is not focused on Coldwater, you can find Matt spending time with his family, coaching hockey, adventure racing or reading.
MICHELLE Gray
Business Manager
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Michelle’s support for Coldwater Canada has been strong and steady from the beginning: she has stood beside her husband, Director Matt Gray, in every season and stage of Coldwater’s development. Today, she manages most of Coldwater’s financial bookkeeping and acts as a constant source of support for the ministry. Michelle frequently puts her BA in Business Administration & Finance (Northwestern College, IA) to good use. She also uses her strong organizational skills managing life at home with four kids!
MICHELLE Matthisen
Program Manager, Wilderness Instructor
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Michelle first completed our Wilderness Instructor Training in 2015 and she joined our team on a full time basis in 2017. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton and is also an Arrow Leadership Program graduate. Today, Michelle continues to instruct trips, work with our partners, manage registrations as well as fulfill various administrative duties. Michelle’s intentionality and desire to see others encounter God has helped many young people move past personal barriers and become more of who God has created them to be. When she’s not leading wilderness adventures, Michelle is often out on an adventure of her own! Michelle loves any activity that gets her outside or helps her deepen her relationships with friends and family.
MItchell mowbray
Tripping & Youth Program Coordinator, Wilderness Instructor​
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Mitch has been involved with Coldwater since he first participated as a teenager in 2014! He went on to complete many of our youth wilderness programs before stepping into an instructor role during his university summers. Mitch holds a Bachelor of Theology with a Minor in Youth Ministry from Heritage Bible College. Mitch’s passion for youth ministry, disciple making, and the outdoors creates a deep motivation to help youth thrive with a clear sense of their God-given identity. Outside of Coldwater, Mitch loves to spend time adventure racing, playing board games and leading a youth ministry at his church.
Jess mclean
Communications & Engagement Coordinator, Wilderness Instructor
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Jess has been involved with Coldwater since 2019. In 2022, she completed an 8-month co-op with Coldwater which included our Wilderness Leader Internship and since then has stepped into a full time role. Jess holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban & Intercultural Ministry with a minor in Media & Communications. During her time in the wilderness as a student, Jess’ faith grew exponentially as she trusted God and discovered the importance of finding her identity in Christ. She wants others to experience the same breakthroughs so when she is not out leading trips, Jess is using her gifts to motivate people to join a program. Outside of her role at Coldwater, Jess actively serves at her church and frequently enjoys outdoor adventures with friends and family.
Dan Arndt
Leadership Team Chair
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Dan’s first experience with Coldwater Canada came in the summer of 2017 serving on a missions team during our BEDROCK program. He recalls how influential this experience was for him; learning how God wired him to serve and seeing how Coldwater Canada was impacting the lives of youth and young adults to lead and serve in their communities. Dan has served as Chair since 2020, and we are blessed by his passion for this ministry and his wisdom coming from years of experience with human resources.
Donna Pilkington
Leadership Team Member
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Donna first experienced the impact of Coldwater Canada’s ministry through the experiences of her kids. She is now a member of the Leadership Team and her experience with youth through her work as a teacher makes her an incredible asset to this ministry. Donna has also experienced Coldwater’s impact first-hand as a participant on our 2022 & 2023 Women’s Trips. She is a lifelong learner and is currently pursuing a MDiv in Counseling.
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SANDY Kamutzki
Leadership Team Member
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Sandy first experienced Coldwater through the testimonies of her kids, who have all been involved in the ministry. She is now a Leadership Team member and takes a leading role on many important projects. Sandy’s gifts for organization and team leadership have a special tone of compassion and integrity that contribute a great deal to our Coldwater community!
Peter Gray
Leadership Team Member
Pete has been supporting Coldwater Canada since the beginning, standing behind the vision and growth of our ministry! He is a member of our Leadership Team, has volunteered as a driver, and has participated in our Men’s trips. Pete brings experience from his background in consulting and hydrogeology as well as board leadership with other charities. He is unafraid to get his hands dirty at every level to support the ministry and fill any need.
Jess curry
Leadership Team Member
Jess has a heart for missions, and her first experience with Coldwater Canada was volunteering as the nurse during our BEDROCK program in 2018. Since then, each one of her kids have participated in BEDROCK, and Jess has continued to serve as camp nurse. Jess has played a key role on our Leadership Team where she brings her wisdom, energy and desire to see movement to every meeting. Outside of Coldwater, Jess is a manager and nurse at a dental clinic as well as a “taxi driver” for her kids’ various activities.
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