Staff Team

Desmin Peifer

Desmin has served with Philly Cru since 2017. He hails from Lancaster and graduated from West Chester University with a degree in music education. He has enjoyed seeing God work in the city and students alike and is excited for what the future holds! Des is always up for playing music, cheese steaks, sports, deep conversations, and elaborate board games. Go Birds!

desmin.peifer@cru.org

Daniel Nikerle

Daniel has served with Design Movement and Cru in Philadelphia since 2021. Daniel grew up in Boyertown, PA and graduated from Temple University with a bachelors in Computer Science. He loves spending time with others, table tennis, and Philly sports! He is passionate about helping students know and love God more.

daniel.nikerle@designmovement.org

Sheridan Schempp

Sheridan is finishing his 2nd year as an intern with Cru! He is from Lansdale, PA and graduated from Temple University in 2023 with a business degree in Human Resource Management. He is thrilled that it's come full circle this year as he was involved in Philly Cru as a student! His loves drum corps, traveling, reading Christian literature, listening to podcasts, and Philly sports.

sheridan.schempp@cru.org

Jon Rice

Jon has volunteered with Cru since September 2025 and is stepping into internship for 2026. He was born in Phoenixville, PA, and graduated from Drexel in 2018 with a degree in engineering. Jon loves teaching the Bible and connecting these true stories to the lives of others. He looks forward to discipling college students and helping them grow in their faith to advance God’s mission. Jon loves animal facts, especially insects, and is always happy to share how wild and beautiful of a world God has made.

jon.rice@cru.org

Cienna Hammond

Cienna has been a student leader in Cru since 2022 and is now joining as staff. She graduated this year from Temple!

Her favorite part of ministry: discipling and encouraging students to act beyond their fears and insecurities.

cienna.hammond@cru.org