the mount retreat 2026 student leadership team
natalie CARPENTER, director
My name is Natalie Carpenter, and I am a Health Sciences major on the pre-Occupational Therapy track. I came to The Mount as a freshman and was immediately so grateful for all the amazing people, churches, and ministries that I’ve found at UF through the mount. It was such a meaningful experience that helped me feel connected and excited about the community I was entering. Over the past couple of years, I have had the joy of serving as a counselor and the registration director. This year I am thrilled to serve as Co-Director! I am so excited to see how this year’s freshmen grow and discover their own community, because being surrounded by Christ-centered friends and mentors is truly one of the greatest blessings! My prayer for incoming students is that after The Mount, they will head into their freshman year with an excitement and passion for Christ, ready to learn more about Him, form meaningful friendships, and embrace all the opportunities that He has for them in college.
carley rabern, director
My name is Carley Rabern, and this will be my third year with the Mount! I am a second-year Public Relations major from Winter Haven, Florida. My absolute favorite thing about college is the radiant, loving community I have the privilege of surrounding myself with — one that would not be possible without The Mount Retreat! Starting my freshman year with The Mount Retreat allowed me to meet some of my best friends and kick off my year excited to get involved with Christian community. It is my hope and prayer that all incoming students get to experience the love of God through this sweet weekend retreat.
grace digdo, public relations
My name is Grace Digdo, and I am a first-year Elementary Education major! Going to the Mount is truly such a blessing, and I am so thankful for the Christ-centered community I have found. My faith is the most important part of my life, and I love meeting new people and building meaningful friendships, which is what the Mount is all about! I hope to help other students experience the joy of finding a community centered around Jesus and growing in their faith. I am so excited to be part of what God is doing and to help others feel welcomed, loved, and connected!
kaylee bleeker, creative development
My name is Kaylee Bleeker! I am from Gainesville, Florida, and I am a double major in Computer Science and Art. I am passionate about the Mount because it is such a welcoming space for students to cultivate new relationships and grow spiritually in Christ. My prayer for incoming students is that the Mount Retreat will guide them toward a loving Christian community in college and that they will have the boldness to share the Gospel in a way that they will lead by example and lead with love.
Aaliyah Marlette, creative development
My name is Aaliyah Marlette! I’m from Davie, Florida, and am majoring in Multimedia Technology. I love The Mount because it introduced me to so many amazing people and helped me get a head start in finding a Christian community in Gainesville. My hope for incoming freshmen is having a similar experience to me. It can be scary going to a new place, but the Mount is super helpful for finding friends before classes start!
kayden duncan, operations
My name is Kayden Duncan and I am so excited to be returning to The Mount for my fourth year! I am a dual major in Animal Science and Entomology and Nematology and am minoring in UF Teach and CALS International Studies! God used The Mount Retreat to give me my best friends and set the pace for my college career. I truly believe in the mission of The Mount because I have seen it revealed in my life. My first year at UF was incredibly transformative for me because of the community I found through The Mount. I pray that every incoming student can have this same experience and that they will quickly find their church home that will pour into them for some of the most important years of their life.
robby madden, finance
My name is Robert Madden! I am from Clearwater, Florida. I am a second year Finance major with a minor in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law. Going to the Mount was such a pivotal moment in my life in college. The community that I was able to find has shown me true support and a purpose to serve Christ’s kingdom, and I am so excited to see how God works in this next year. My prayer for incoming students is that they are intentionally and individually shown the love of Christ, and spurred to do the same for the students of UF and Santa Fe!
ana de paiva, registration
My name is Ana de Paiva and I’m from Greenville, SC! I am a sophomore majoring in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management. I went to the Mount my freshman year and got to serve as a counselor and this year I’m serving as co-director of registration. My freshman year the Mount was highly encouraging and got me connected to friendships and ministries in Gainesville. Being a counselor made me grateful to serve with the community I had been praying for and growing with the past year. I am excited to grow with this ministry and see new students grow in their communities!
aiden wigley, counselor development
My name is Aiden Wigley and this is my 3rd year with The Mount! I’m from Destin/Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and I am a Construction Management Major student at UF’s Rinker School. Going to the Mount as a freshman was the best decision I ever made. I met my best friends and got deeply rooted in Christian Community. I found my community at UF and I am super excited to help freshmen do the same. I served as a counselor last year as well and was able to pour into so many students with my friends I met at the mount freshman year, and it was such a rewarding experience. My hope for incoming students is that they can feel like they belong at UF in a community that glorifies God.
hayley jones, counselor development
My name is Hayley Jones, and this will be my third year with the Mount! I am a second-year Health Sciences major on the pre-occupational therapy track. When I went to the Mount as a freshman, I was met with people who intentionally poured into me and showed me the love of Jesus. The Mount gave me a glimpse into the welcoming, sweet Christian community in Gainesville and really eased the scary transition to college! I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve this year and help incoming students find their community. My prayer is that they would feel loved and encouraged to live out their faith boldly.