I have been blessed to serve in a variety of wonderful ministries ecumenically and throughout the United Methodist connection from a young age. Inspired by the impact of camping ministries on youth and families, I completed my undergraduate degree in Youth Programming and Camp Management from the University of Wisconsin –Stevens Point after two years as a Music Education Major at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. It is a joy to work with groups young and old in a variety of settings; facilitating group challenges to develop cooperation, communication, and problem-solving skills. Through activities and games both children and adults can be more open to learning and thinking critically about how they interact with others in the world as well as continuing to develop their own faith. This philosophy of facilitation has served me well in the professional world of Youth Development, as I have worked both in the church and in secular organizations as a facilitator, retreat leader, or consultant. 

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I am currently serving as a Deacon at United Church of Rogers Park in Chicago, IL supporting and assisting volunteer teachers and tutors for Children’s Chapel, directing a 6 week Kid’s Camp, and co-directing our after school program.  

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I am also serving as the Minster of Children and Families at First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple.  What a joy it is to work with children and families from all the Chicagoland area!

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In my 4th year of my Masters of Divinity at Garrett Evangelical-Theological Seminary I am very much looking forward to graduation in May of 2015.  

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God willing, I will be applying for commissioning in the Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church as  a Deacon in 2016.

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My husband Shawn and I love exploring Chicago and living the urban lifeChilling in jazz clubs, exploring museums, and finding some awesome food.