I grew up in Tennessee but call the Midwest home after living 15+ years in Ohio and Indiana. I have an Engineering Ph.D. (Industrial and Human Systems Engineering) from Wright State University and two B.S. degrees (Professional Communications, Industrial Engineering) from Tennessee Tech University. I love combining my degrees to improve communication and streamline processes in church environments. Before our move to Carmel from Ohio, I was our church’s business administrator and have served in small group leadership, consulting, and volunteer roles for our previous churches.

My husband Jason and I began dating freshman year of college, married after college graduation, and spent five years of our marriage living in separate states to finish grad school and med school. We’ve loved settling into Indiana with our elementary schooler, Amelia, and our dog. We became active at St. Mark’s UMC because of the Grow Groups and The Current worship service, where I sing with the band.

Fun Facts:  I enjoy Saturday morning family dance parties in the kitchen, singing, hiking, listening to audiobooks, playing board games, swimming, photography, coffee, watching stand-up comedy specials and documentaries, navigating on road trips with a real paper atlas, and travel.

Favorite Movies: Apollo 13, The Sound of Music, You’ve Got Mail, Encanto
Favorite TV show: Saturday Night Live
Favorite Books: Nonfiction, business, self-development, memoirs, mysteries, sci-fi
Favorite Vacation Destination: cities with public transit, botanical gardens, science museums, road trips through towns with memorable names or landmarks
Favorite Local Restaurant/coffee shop: Rad’s, The Well Coffeehouse

Why work for St. Mark’s UMC?

I’m thrilled to see the ways that St. Mark’s adult discipleship group participants encourage each other, learn together, build relationships, and send each other out to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Being the facilitator of a Grow Group–and experiencing first-hand the power of community–I’m committed to ensuring the continued success and growth of our programs. I’m excited to bring my own experience in small groups and church operations to continue growing authentic, inclusive community and spiritual growth opportunities for other newcomers to the church.

What is your most memorable moment to-date at St. Mark’s UMC?

“Imperfect People” sermon series at The Current

What most excites you about the future of St. Mark’s UMC?

In our church’s mission to welcome everyone, grow in our knowledge, and serve our neighbors, I’m excited to help people searching for deeper community and spiritual growth to find the right group for them.