PASTOR JAMES BUSKE
Executive Director

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Pastor James G. Buske is a 1993 Graduate of Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. After attending one year at University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, he transferred to Martin Lutheran College in New Ulm, Minnesota and graduated in the spring of 1998. After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2002, Pastor Buske was first assigned to serve as tutor at Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wisconsin, where he served as pastor, teacher, coach, and dorm supervisor for the 42 boys that lived on his floor. After two years Jim was then reassigned to serve as associate Pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bremerton, Washington. Pastor Buske accepted the call to serve as Pastor and Director of the Lighthouse Youth Center and has began this exciting ministry to the youth on the north side of Milwaukee in 2006. Pastor Buske has experience organizing and recruiting volunteers, and through the dedication and Christ-like love he has shown for his members he has proven to be a strong mentor and guide for the Lighthouse youth. Pastor Buske and his wife, Terry, have four children.

Adam Zastrow
Director of Business Operations

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Adam joined the LYC team in October '23 after 22 years of management in retail and warehousing/distribution. Adam’s relationship with LYC started more than a decade before while working in several metro Milwaukee Walmarts. He and his wife (Kathleen) became involved through personal giving, trips for kids to family farmland, and serving on the LYC Board of Directors. Adam strives to be an example for their 3 children (Avery, Levi, & Claire) while serving in multiple leadership roles at their home congregation in Hartford, and as a lay member of the WELS synod Board of Ministerial Education. Beyond work & church, you can find Adam on their hobby farm outside of Mayville, attending events to support his kids, recording christian podcasts (enduringchristianity.com), and spending time with his most valued earthly blessing (Kathleen).

Peter Trapp
Director of Programming

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Terry Buske
Mission Advancement Officer

Deb Schuetzler
site director —
Garden homes campus

Deb joined Lighthouse in August of 2024 after 12 years at Walmart doing various positions such as HR and management. Prior to that, Deb was a teacher's aide for Peace Lutheran preschool and a stay at home mom. She was looking for a more fulfilling career when she came upon the open site director position for Garden Homes. After much prayer, she eagerly took the role and is very excited to be working with the kids. She lives in Colgate, WI with her husband Mike and has four grown kids.

Laura Kvidt
site director —
Developmental

Laura joined the Lighthouse team in May of 2025 as the developmental site director after a couple of years of volunteering and a semester as an intern at LYC. She graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College in May of 2025 with a double major in Human Social Services and Criminal Justice. Laura grew up in Newnan, GA and is excited to start this new chapter of her life in the Milwaukee area. During her free time, she enjoys playing pickleball, going on walks, and spending quality time with the people she loves. Laura looks forward to sharing the joy and peace that comes with knowing Jesus with the youth in the community!

Ryan Huffman
site director —
Polonia campus

Ryan joined the LYC team in May 2025 after three years of management in the Nordstrom Kids Department. Prior to that, he worked as a salesperson in the Men’s Department at Nordstrom’s Philadelphia location and ran his own streetwear brand, "Infect". Originally from King of Prussia, PA, Ryan grew up as the son of a WELS pastor. He attended Wisconsin Lutheran College from 2015 to 2019, earning a degree in Theology and Philosophy. He is a member of St. Marcus Lutheran Church. Ryan has a deep passion for understanding the world, how people think, and the pursuit of truth and wisdom. Outside of work, he spends his time studying, reading, and thinking. He also enjoys anime, movies, and the company of his two cats, Zeus and Luna.

Zoe Buske
site director —
the bridge campus

Zoe Buske is no stranger to Lighthouse. Growing up with Pastor Buske as her father and spending a lot of time at LYC, she developed a deep-rooted passion for serving others and sharing Christ’s love. Zoe is a recent graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon, where she earned a double major in Psychology and Social Work. She is continuing her studies to obtain her Master’s in Social Work to further equip herself with the skills to serve her community. In June 2025, Zoe joined the LYC team, eager to use her strengths in relationship building and her desire to grow God’s Kingdom. In her free time, Zoe enjoys all things outdoors, cheering on her younger siblings, traveling, cooking, and listening to music.

Troy swenson
Site Director — Appleton Campus

Troy joined the Lighthouse Youth Center Team in December 2024 after serving 18 years as a WELS pastor, as a school superintendent, and as an educational and behavioral specialist.  Because of his passion to connect the life and love of Christ with young adults, he has remained close to family and youth ministry for much of his life.  When Troy is not working or volunteering at his church, he is often found on the golf course enjoying God’s creation, playing board games with his wife, or spending time with his children.  Troy lives each day assured of this promise from our Lord and Savior, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Nick Fahney
Site Director — Havenwoods Campus

Nick is a 2023 graduate of Luther Preparatory School. After spending a semester and a half at MLC he ultimately decided God had different plans for him. He became an hourly manager at Walmart for 4 months until he learned about LYC. He joined the team in August 2024 as a Developmental Site Director. He became the Havenwoods Campus Site Director in May 2025. In Nick's free time, he enjoys watching the Milwaukee Bucks and playing basketball. He also enjoys working out and spending quality time with friends and family. Nick is the youngest child in his family of 6. Nick is excited to work for LYC and to spread the gospel message.

PART-TIME STAFF