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I've been actively involved with diocesan youth ministry since the first Maryland Youth caucus in 2004.
My undergraduate degree from Frostburg State University was in Social Science with a focus on history and political science, and a minor in adolescent psychology. I thought about going into education, but God had other plans and I swiftly declined acceptance into a masters-level teaching program. I spent the next year in the secular world and away from church because I was working long and odd hours, mainly on the weekends. After awhile away the Rev. Wes Wubbenhorst invited me to the very first Happening retreat and God woke me up that weekend. I went home and discerned my next step with Bishop Joe Burnett and my parish priest, the Rev. Edward Chapman. It was, of course, the call to work with youth. I applied to the Episcopal Service Corp-MD and had the most amazing year serving God and living in an intentional community. I was honored to be asked by my long-time mentor to stay on assistant director in the Youth Ministry office. I pursued and received certification from the Forma Academy for Youth and Family Ministries in January 2015 and began my journey as the diocese's Youth Missioner that February. I have happily served the youth and families in the diocese for over ten years. In that time our church family has grown and welcomed a husband, a house, and two baby boys! |