About Peer

Reaching young people through print has been a priority for The Salvation Army since 1881. Volume 1 (1895) of “Young Soldier” began The Salvation Army’s printing ministry to children in America. When “Young Soldier” ended in 1990, “Young Salvationist” took the reins in 1991 with a teenage and young adult audience in mind.

In January 2019, “Peer” was born—a Salvation Army youth publication for 16 to 22 year olds. By addressing topics related to faith, community and culture the mission of Peer is to ignite a faith conversation that will deepen biblical perspective, faith and holy living. “Peer” is your equal—a dependable companion as you journey through high school and college. It presents a new community—your Peer community.


Peer’s team are based out of The Salvation Army’s National Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Contact the team here.

The Peer Team

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Lesa was born in Hannibal, MO, and grew up in the small town of Palmyra, MO. Following high school, Lesa studied at Hannibal-LaGrange College and then entered the College for Officer Training in 1983. Commissioned in 1985, she served in corps appointments in South Dakota, Nebraska and Wisconsin before being appointed to National Headquarters as youth editor in 1991. She also served as War Cry features editor during her time at NHQ. Lesa married her husband Brian in 1993. They are the parents of two young adult children, Emma and Josiah. Together, the Davises have served as corps officers in Fond du Lac, WI; St. Louis (Maplewood), MO; Lansing, MI; and at Norridge Citadel in the Chicago area. They were also appointed to the College for Officer Training as staff officers from 2002-2005, and again as training leaders from 2017-2022. Lesa was also appointed to the territorial headquarters staff as Secretary for Spiritual Life Development from 2019-2022. As an officer, Lesa completed her undergraduate degree at Olivet Nazarene University and a Master’s in Spiritual Formation from Asbury Seminary.

Lt. Colonel Lesa Davis – Editor-in-Chief
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Born and raised in Michigan, Andrea attended Michigan State University where she earned a degree in journalism, with a focus in design and broadcast. After graduation, she moved to New York where she began her professional career at Macy’s. While in the Big Apple, Andrea met her future husband and ultimately moved to Virginia in 2013 where she found a family at the next step in her professional development at The Salvation Army.

Andrea Martin – Art Director
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The son of Salvation Army officers, Caleb grew up in places like Bartlesville, OK, Atlanta, GA, and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He attended University of South Florida after high school, majoring in international studies and minoring in economics. Following his undergraduate studies, he earned Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees at Asbury Theological Seminary. Caleb is passionate about the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army. Prior to his present work, he served on staff at the Atlanta Temple Corps and then the USA Southern Territory’s Youth Department.

Caleb Louden – Managing Editor
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Born and raised on the outskirts of Richmond, VA, Olivia attended Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) where she earned a degree in public relations with a focus in professional and technical writing. She has a mission to inspire others through her writing, whether it’s through external publications or even her own personal blog! She starts her professional career at The Salvation Army and is very excited to call Alexandria her home. When she’s not in the office, she can be found either scouting out local coffee shops and museums, petting any dog she sees or hanging out with her friends and family.

Olivia Scherzer – Assistant Editor, Publications
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Originally from Rhode Island, Elizabeth attended Pepperdine University where she earned a BA in Creative Writing and a minor in Multimedia Design. While at Pepperdine, Elizabeth spent an academic year abroad in Italy. After graduation, Elizabeth moved to D.C. to pursue her career in the creative arts. In her free time, she enjoys playing miniature golf.

Elizabeth Hanley – Media & Marketing Manager
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David graduated from the University of Washington in 2020. He’s an aspiring writer and video game enthusiast, and he prefers RPGs to multiplayer experiences. David is a faithful soldier (member of The Salvation Army) and band/songsters member at the Seattle Temple Corps in Seattle, WA where he lives with his wife, Trulee. He joined the Publications department at National Headquarters in 2021 where he writes articles reviews submissions and travels for stories and photos.

David Reardon – Journalist/ Copy Editor
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Born and raised in Maryland, Rachel spent much of her youth exercising her creativity through music and the visual arts. She studied Communications at Allegheny College and later completed a graphic design certificate program, after which she began working as a custom stationery designer at a studio in Virginia. Rachel joined The Salvation Army Publications team in December 2022 as a graphic designer for The War Cry and Peer magazines. In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time in nature, reading, word puzzles, expanding her ever-growing vinyl collection and exploring the local arts and music scene.

Rachel Domotor – Graphic Designer

Peer’s Contributors

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Captain Kelsey is a lifelong Salvationist and an officer (pastor) serving as the Director of Curriculum at The Evangeline Booth College in Atlanta, GA, where she lives with her husband and four children. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry, a master’s in executive leadership, and is passionate about the craft of authentic storytelling.

Captain Kelsey Bridges  – Deeper Writer
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Emaniel (E.B.) is the son of Haitian immigrants. He grew up in a small town called Inwood, FL. In November 2019, he married his best friend Judith and they now reside in Tampa, FL. His life motto is, “Love God and Love People.” He’s a writer, speaker and a sports junkie.

Emaniel Brifil – Podcast Reviewer
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Daniela studied journalism at Mercy College. While born in Barcelona, Spain, she moved to the city that never sleeps. She loves dogs, especially her own. Forever a sushi lover, salsa dancer and big fan of romance novels. 

Daniela Di Caterina – Remix Writer
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Major William (Billy) was born in Lexington, KY. He attended Hunter College (C.U.N.Y.), New York City, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and anthropology in 1993. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, William studied at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Boston University and Ashland Theological Seminary, receiving the Master of Arts in church history in 1997 and the Master of Arts in missions and evangelism in 1998 and a Masters in sacred theology in 2007. He has been stationed at the Portsmouth, NH Corps, the USA East School for Officer Training, New York Temple Corps, Times Square Corps, Long Beach Citadel, USA West School for Officer Training and is presently stationed at the Kroc Center in Ashland, Ohio with his wife, Annalise, and three children Callie, Savanna and Liam.

Major Billy Francis – Wise Up Writer
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Briauna is a Salvationist living in Clearwater, FL. She’s currently an Assistant Performing Arts Director, holding a bachelor’s degree in music education from Southeastern University and a master’s degree in sport and performance psychology from the University of Western States. She’s excited about using music to help people unlock their potential.

Briauna Prieto – Music Reviewer
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Nya is the Divisional Creative Arts Director for the Empire Division, located in upstate New York. Her passion for teaching, leading and equipping others stems from personal experiences from childhood. She loves spending quality time with her friends and family while also going on new adventures.

Nya Speller – Remix Writer
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Micah, Peer’s movie reviewer, lives in Denver. He graduated from the University of Utah with a B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies, as well as a B.S. in Consumer and Community Studies. His interests are a myriad of subjects ranging from geeky pop culture to music.

Micah Trimmer – Movie Reviewer