First of all, I want you all to know that I am excited about joining you in bringing the youth and young adults of your church and community closer to Christ. I have had wonderful leaders, pastors, and mentors as I grew up in the church and hope to be that at Geneseo Grace. Since I was seven I have been a pastor's daughter in the United Methodist Church and would attend church where my father was appointed.

When I started college at Western Illinois University, I began attending the campus Wesley Foundation and the Wesley United Methodist Church. While at Wesley UMC I have worked in the nursery and been a junior high youth group leader. The Wesley Foundation has allowed me to be an active member with other college students and has been an outlet to explore, challenge, and truly discover my faith.

I am graduating with academic honors from Western Illinois this May with a Bachelors in Arts and Sciences. I double majored in women's studies and in sociology. During this time period I was employed at a local photography studio, Wesley UMC, and spent a few months working at the Wesley Foundation

As I work at Geneseo Grace, I will also be attending seminary. I feel called to be an ordained pastor and am currently a certified candidate for ministry within the United Methodist Church. I truly believe that finding this job and being given this opportunity was God's hand on my life. At this point I feel a strong calling towards youth ministry and am quite passionate and very excited about this special ministry.