Sydney smith, director

My name is Sydney Smith and I love the Mount so much that I’m back for a fourth year! I’m from Hastings, FL and double majoring in Political Science and Criminology with a minor in English. I’m passionate about the Mount because it changed my life. Going to the retreat as a freshman was such an incredible experience that set the tone for the rest of my college years. It gave me a community that made Gainesville feel familiar from day one and helped me get plugged into the church that I now call home. I’ve never felt more seen, loved, or supported than I did at the Mount, and so many of the best things in my life have come from being part of it; so my prayer for incoming students is that they will leave the retreat on fire for Jesus and ready to step into this new stage of life with boldness knowing that they are not alone!

ava nocito, asst director

My name is Ava Nocito! I am from Stuart, Florida. I am a second year marketing major. My passion for the Mount is rooted in the blessing it is to find good Christ-centered community in college and how I want incoming freshmen to have that same experience. Freshman year is pivotal in the aspect of being able to decide who you want to be and I think a lot of what forms you is what you surround yourself with. My prayer for incoming students is that the Lord works in their lives to meet them where they are and supplies community that pushes them closer to knowing Christ on a deeper level!

Marissa Stock, Female Counselor Development

My name is Marissa Stock, and this will be my third year with the Mount! I am a second-year Chemistry major and minoring in education. Going to The Mount as an incoming freshman truly changed my life and gave me some of my best friends. I was able to immediately get plugged into great community, and my prayer that other students get to experience the blessing that is The Mount- being surrounded by Christ-centered community and learning about the heart of Jesus!

Andrew Owen, Male Counselor Development

My name is Andrew Owen and I'm super hyped for my third year with The Mount! I'm from Houston, TX and I am an Industrial and Systems Engineering student with a minor in Sales Engineering! Going to the Mount as a freshman was probably the best decision I've ever made. I was able to meet a ton of Christian people who I'm still close friends with today! I found my church community and I'm excited that I'll get to do that for incoming students! I also served as a counselor last year and was able to pour into so many students and help them find their community! My hope for incoming students is that they can find the community that they feel truly welcome in and that God can work in their lives!

Isabel Aluart, Operations  

My name is Isabel Aluart and this is my fourth year with the Mount! I am from Coral Springs, Florida. I am an English and Education Science double major. I am passionate about the Mount as I want to see as many students get connected to ministries in Gainesville as possible. I think that the beginning of a student’s freshman year allows them to be so moldable and I want them to be molded towards Christ. My prayer for incoming students is that they are met with the love of Jesus, Christian community, and the truth of who Jesus is at the Mount!

Kayden Duncan, Operations

My name is Kayden Duncan and I am so excited to be returning to The Mount for my third year! I am a dual major in Animal Science and Entomology and Nematology and am minoring in UF Teach! 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 all incoming students can have these same experiences and that they can feel confident in their church search coming to Gainesville.

Hannah Adamson, Finance

My name is Hannah Adamson, and I’m so excited to be entering my third year with the Mount! I’m from Oviedo, FL and I’m studying Biology with a minor in Business Administration. The Mount truly changed my life as a freshman—it gave me a loving community, beautiful friendships, and a deeper passion for living for Jesus throughout my college experience. Serving as a counselor last year was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I loved getting to share my story with incoming UF and Santa Fe students and encouraging them to get involved in ministry. This year, I’m thrilled to serve as the Finance Director and my prayer for incoming students is that if you’re feeling hesitant about coming to the Mount, the Lord would place it on your heart to take that step of faith and sign up. You never know how much your life can change until you experience the Mount!

Lilly Schneider, finance

My name is Lilly Schneider and I am from Lake City, FL! I am majoring in Advertising and minoring in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance. For the past three years, I’ve been blessed to be part of the Mount and the community it has provided me. My own experience has made me so passionate about helping incoming students find that same sense of  Christ-centered community. The Mount is just overall an amazing way to be encouraged and put on the right path, around amazing people, stepping into a brand new environment. I am so honored to serve this amazing organization and grow the kingdom in Gainesville! My prayer for the incoming students is that they will find community that reflects the love of Jesus and feel so encouraged to wholeheartedly be disciples of Jesus in college and beyond!

Kaylee Bleeker, creative development

My name is Kaylee Bleeker! I am from Gainesville, Florida, and I am a double major in Industrial and Systems Engineering 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 

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!

natalie hill, registration