Lacey Sprunger
Title: Operations Director
I was born and lived the first ten years of my life as a pastor’s kid in the great flat state of Kansas. Growing up I loved to visit my grandparent’s farm in Southwest Kansas and the country church where my dad, uncles, and grandfather grew up. At the age of 10 my two sisters, parents, and I moved to Tanzania, East Africa, where we lived for seven years as missionaries to the Maasai people group. My two sisters and I began to attend boarding school in Kenya, Rift Valley Academy, in Kijabe, Kenya a couple of years later. Those seven years were some of the best years of my life so far! Africa had burned its mark on my soul and I could never turn back.
After high school, my family moved back to the United States, where I began my college studies at Anderson University. During my senior year at AU, I began to become more aware of TAPP in Uganda and the efforts that students were going through to get TAPP connected to the University campus. It was through their efforts that I became an involved as an official TAPP volunteer in the summer of 2007 after I graduated with a degree in Sociology and Political Science.
Now, I am so excited to be able to serve TAPP in a different capacity as Operations Director. It brings me great joy to know that I have the opportunity to get to work with great people from here in the United States and all over the world who have the same vision and heart for restoration, compassion, and advocacy for people just like them; knowing that they are heavy burdened by poverty, stigma, and HIV/AIDS.
If you would like to get in touch with me directly, you may e-mail me at lasprunger@tapphope.org or call the office at 765-631-1741.
Thank you for your desire to learn about the TAPP story!
Scott Schomburg
Title: Visionary Director and Liasion
Growing up in Dayton, OH I experienced a family who loved me, friends who supported me, and a race that I benefited from in more ways than I was aware. I had more dreams about bright lights and heroic victories than solidarity with those on the margins of society.
My encounter with the transforming way of Jesus turned my worldview upside down. Spending four years at Anderson University, with mentors and friends that supported this creativity helped redefine my reality.
Then I went to Uganda…and then again…and then again…and then again
Encountering TAPP in Uganda allowed for a space for me to learn from a people who have been living out this kind of community with resilience, even in times of lost hope. In the midst of struggle, I entered into many times of celebration where song and dance is a way of life.
Since then I have collaborated with other students and the Stevensons (Church of God Missionaries with Uganda) in Co-founding TAPP USA. We are young, and in many ways still ignorant, but we’ve had good teachers who have showed us the way of asking questions, not assuming answers. Currently, I spend part of my time as a Campus Ministry Intern at Bluffton University, and part of my time as TAPP USA Visionary Director and Liaison.
If you would like to get in touch with me for any reason, please do! You can e-mail me at saschomburg@tapphope.org!
Lauren Brake
Title: Utility Intern
I am from a wonderful little town in central Ohio, where I lived my childhood years with my parents; Cindy and Larry Brake and my older brother Derek. I grew up volunteering through my church, the local hospital and nursing home, and going on many summer mission trips. It was no surprise to anyone who knew me well that when I came to Anderson University, I decided to pursue a business degree with a minor in Not-for-Profit. During college I have had the opportunity to work with Group Workcamps Foundation, Alternatives Inc. and now TAPP USA, Inc. In my free time, I enjoy bike riding, reading, knitting, and crocheting.
Mary Deitrich
Title: Accounting Intern
My name is Mary Deitrich. I am recently married this summer, so I’m a newly- wed trying to balance school full time, playing soccer for the Anderson varsity team, and work. I grew up in St. Joseph, Michigan with four brothers, one sister and two parents with all the love and support a daughter could ask for. Because my parents raised us in the church, I understood what it meant to be a Christian at an early age. All my experiences have contributed to who I am today and helped me to grow in the understanding of God’s love. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to work with TAPP. It is so exciting to be a part of this movement connecting us with others across the globe. I have learned so much so far and I haven’t even dipped below the surface yet.
Mat Smith
Title: Marketing Intern
I grew up right outside Grand Rapids, MI in a small suburb called Ada. I come from a family of five, which includes my older sister Jennifer and younger brother Jacob. I graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in 2006 and am now a junior at Anderson University. I am currently seeking two degrees, one in Bible and Religion and one in Marketing with a concentration in marketing communications. I plan to graduate and attend seminary to further my education.
