Extension + Distance Education Staff

Emanuel Naydenov

Emanuel D. Naydenov is Director of Extension and Affiliated Education at Trinity International University. His responsibilities include oversight of the MAR program offered through Extension and the fostering of partnerships with significant parachurch organizations in the area of higher education.

Naydenov holds an MDiv from Bethel Seminary and is currently a PhD candidate at Marquette University, where he is pursuing studies in Systematic Theology. He comes to Trinity after being involved in launching the first accredited seminary in the country of Bulgaria after the fall of Communism. He is a regular contributor to the Bulgarian Journal of Theology and other indigenous theological projects. In addition to his scholarly pursuits, his ministry experience includes serving on numerous boards, itinerant preaching, and teaching in churches throughout the U.S. and Bulgaria.

He was ordained to ministry at Crystal Evangelical Free Church, where he served for two years as Global Ministries Intern. With his wife, Nellie, and their two children, Martin and Christine, he currently resides in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, where the family attends Elmbrook church.

Gayle Hannan

Coordinator of Extension Administration

Gayle Hannan has worked with Trinity for over ten years, starting off part-time with The Division of Open Studies to her present full-time position with the Extension Office helping to maintain and coordinate the operations of our various extension sites and affiliates.

She takes pride in having the distinct honor and pleasure of working with the absolute best co-workers one could ask for as well as some amazing coordinators and extension students. She looks forward to continuing to serve you as you pursue God’s calling.

Mary Anne Grzelak

Assistant Coordinator of Extension Administration

My name is Mary Anne Grzelak. I am the most recent addition to the Extension, Distance Education team. My main responsibilities include assisting Gayle and Emanuel as we process all information necessary to provide classes in our Extension sites around the Midwest and Affiliated classes which are held all around the country. I hope I will be able to assist you as you pursue your educational journey.

Jason M Miller

Lead Course Developer for Distance Education

Following many years as the Distance Education Coordinator, Jason now leads Trinity Evangelical Divinity School’s development of online Distance Education courses. Under the guidance of the Office of Extension and Affiliated Education, Distance Education has progressed from a closet effort to an important strategic area for the divinity school. Extending Trinity’s mission worldwide, Distance Education aims to bring together tradition and innovation for excellence in education.

Jason earned an MA in Faith and Culture from Trinity in 2001. He is particularly interested in building up the Church worldwide through theological education, mission and discipleship that takes seriously the context of each local church and follower of Christ. He is also a freelance web designer and poet. Married to Danielle, they have two childreb, Brennen Kristján and Kathryn Joy. Jason contributes verbally and visually wherever he can. Learn more about Jason.

Sam Yeiter

Coordinator for Distance Education Academic Services

Sam Yeiter I am, and I am here to help you. So, who is this fellow waiting to help?

I am currently addicted to Arrested Development re-runs. I love golf (I’m pretty bad, but plan to make a pair of old-school knickers…I’m sure that will help), and enjoy battling Rish for athletic supremacy in tennis. I also enjoy cards, parasailing (though I’ve never been), and fast cars. I love spending time with my family (I’m hoping my daughter will beat me at golf by the time she’s 12), and raising chickens and turkeys.

I hold an MDiv from Northwest Baptist Seminary and am the pastor of a small church in Lake Villa, Illinois. I am also planning to pursue a PhD here at TEDS. Just in case it isn't obvious, I believe that educational preparation for ministry is critical, and I hope to help you as you begin or continue in that phase of preparation for whatever ministry to which God is calling you.

Liz Morgan

Office Assistant

I am currently a junior at Trinity and am studying Biology/Pre-medicine. I also hope to start working on my Masters in Bioethics within the next semester. This is my first year working at DE/Extension; I am enjoying being everyone in the office’s assistant (although it’s often just Sam’s).

I am from Nebraska and am a big Husker football fan. I recently started rock climbing and I also like to disc golf. I really enjoy drinking good coffee and speaking Spanish.

Joseph Thomson

Instructional Design Editor

Joe is responsible for maintaining the aesthetic excellence of our courses. Few official documents escape the abuse of his red pen, which inspires fear in professors and administrators alike.