Our Team

One word that sums up Joy Reigns is:

Amazing!

Here’s a milestone from my journey:

When I look back, I can now see that at age 7, I wanted to be a pastor.  My mom would tell me not to say the pastor’s parts out loud in church;  now almost 30 years later, I say those parts every Sunday. 

When I have a free day, I love to:

Bake bread.  During my sabbatical in 2019, I discovered the joy of baking bread and the spiritual practice of kneading my prayers into each loaf of bread.  With each turn of the bread, I pray prayers of joy and thanks or prayers of need each week.  There is something that calms me and centers me for those few minutes of kneading bread that helps me feel close to God.  In my free time I also like to go for a hike or bike ride with my husband and son to enjoy God’s creation, binge watch a favorite show, or play cribbage or board games.

My favorite story about Joy Reigns is:

A few years ago we did three great listenings:  to God, to the congregation, and to the community. It was a powerful experience that has continued our commitment to be a part of the solution to the opioid and addiction crisis in Anne Arundel County.

One word that sums up Joy Reigns is:

Accepting

Here's a milestone from my journey:

Watching and learning from my own kids about giving freely...Just how they KNEW they were to give what little they have -- which is really just the change they find -- and put it in the offering plate...How this was something valuable to them...Not the thing they could buy with that change, but the value the saw in giving it away...Witnessing that has really opened my heart and made me take stock in where I find value and whether I invest in it with my whole heart...That has been a long journey for me and one I continue to work on. 

When I have a free day, I love to:

Craft and volunteer.

My favorite story about Joy Reigns is:

There are so many favorite things about being in this loving family of Joy Reigns but I will say that first Christmas we attended Joy Reigns and James, our oldest who was in 5th grade at the time, was asked to play Joseph in the Christmas play. Amy, our daughter was also asked to play a part. We had only been attending about a month or two when he was asked and that made all of us feel even more welcomed and loved. That newcomers were genuinely wanted to participate as any regular member. It's not easy in this day to feel accepted into an established community and certainly not so fast. We've felt nothing but love from our church family since. 

One word that sums up Joy Reigns is:

Love.

Here’s a milestone from my journey:

I have grown spiritually here at Joy Reigns. I have been a worship leader, I have prayed in public (wow!) and I became the music director. I guess I would say that being the music director would be the milestone. I never would have imagined it, and it's been a truly wonderful experience! I love my job and the people I "work" with so very much, I am really very blessed!

When I have a free day, I love to:

There are a lot of things I love to do!  I love to spend time with my family and my friends. Just hanging out on our deck or going out to a restaurant are all things I enjoy. The thing I love most though is spending time with my grandchildren, Olivia, Matthew, Vada and AJ. There’s no greater joy in my life than those four precious ones!!   

My favorite story about Joy Reigns is:

So many stories! The one that comes to mind right now is when the Praise team went to a church in Frederick to participate in a worship service. We were all wearing black shirts and khaki pants. After the service we walked to a nearby restaurant to have dinner together. As the hostess showed us to our seats, the entire restaurant stared at us. I'm not sure what they were thinking of all these strangers dressed alike and walking into their restaurant. It was pretty funny!

One word that sums up Joy Reigns is:

Welcoming

Here’s a milestone from my journey:

After working for Joy Reigns for almost 2 years during the pandemic, I finally realized I had found my church home, and officially joined the Joy Reigns family in 2023!

When I have a free day, I love to:

Crochet, hang out with my dog, or work on my current project.

My favorite story about Joy Reigns is:

Hearing Pastor Sara say "Jesus poops, Jesus farts" live on digital worship.

One word that sums up Joy Reigns is:

serving

Here’s a milestone from my journey:

I am a pastor and a life-coach and am deeply connected to the recovery community through my own recovery from alcohol addiction.

When I have a free day, I love to:

be near the water or spending it with family and friends - being near the water with family and friends is the most amazing day!

My favorite story about Joy Reigns is:

This one is easy! The commitment to Journey to Joy House. The people who worked behind the scenes; the financial gifts that make it happen; the prayerful support; and the encouragement from members, staff, and Pastor Sara - this is my favorite story!

One word that sums up Joy Reigns is:

affirming

Here’s a milestone from my journey:

I moved from Virginia, where music was a big part of my life, and 6 months after moving I was able to share my love of music again at Joy Reigns

When I have a free day, I love to:

Read, paint, play video games and hangout with friends

My favorite story about Joy Reigns is:

Being able to walk with Joy Reigns Church at Annapolis Pride in 2023

One word that sums up Joy Reigns is:

Warm

Here’s a milestone from my journey:

My faith journey evolved through diverse experiences, starting as a professional actress. In the world of acting, I encountered various perspectives and stories, sparking introspection and spirituality.

Thereafter I discovered my love for working with youth with special needs which deepened my compassion and empathy, fostering a connection between my heart and the well-being of others. This newfound passion prompted serendipity moments, aligning my path with a sense of purpose. As a result of this experience I started my own arts education nonprofit in Baltimore City that showcases my commitment to service and community impact. This endeavor has strengthened my belief in using my talents for a greater purpose, aligning with the principles of faith.

These experiences have helped me lead young people in building their relationship with God, now as a Youth Director, my experiences culminated in a role that integrates my artistic background, compassion for the underserved, and commitment to spiritual growth. The varied experiences along the way collectively shaped my faith journey, reflecting gratitude for the purposeful path God has set before me.

When I have a free day, I love to:

Sleep & take a trip to the spa

My favorite story about Joy Reigns is:

My favorite story about Joy Reigns revolves around the monthly sessions with the youth. Connecting with them, delving into their challenges, and reassuring them they're not alone brings immense joy. It's a meaningful journey of building trust, fostering growth, and creating a space where shared struggles transform into shared strength.