Dakota started memorizing Scripture as an early teenager. The verses he memorized in these formative years transformed his spiritual walk, helping him navigate his parents' divorce and overcome severe depression. Dakota’s testimony mirrors that of the psalmist: “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction” (Psa. 119:92).
After two years of memorizing Scripture on his own, Dakota discovered Scripture Memory Fellowship at a local homeschool conference. SMF’s resources and emphasis on community helped Dakota take his Bible memory to the next level, strengthening his conviction that Scripture memory should be embraced as a normal part of the Christian life. In 2015, Dakota began full-time ministry with SMF and later married his coworker, Laura. As SMF’s Executive Director, Dakota oversees program development and manages the day-to-day operations of Scripture Memory Fellowship. He is also the developer of VerseLocker, SMF's free mobile app.