Our Church staff

Ryan Schaeffer

Lead Pastor

Rev. Ry began serving our congregation in July 2021 and has enjoyed getting to know everyone in our faith community. He encourages us to grow together in our faith, and is passionate about sharing the good news that Jesus is for everyone, with no exceptions! Ryan loves Bible Studies, his family, and hockey. 

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Nellwyn Beamon

Minister of Music

Congregational song is Nellwyn’s passion! She joined us in 2017 and has served churches in several denominations. Her degree is in Church Music from Mars Hill University. Nellwyn also works as the Parish Administrator for Emmanuel Episcopal Church in VA Beach.

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Ann Robertson

Preschool Director

Ann began teaching in our preschool in 2011 and then became director in 2017. She has a Social Work degree from Christopher Newport University, and previously worked for Head Start and as Family Services Coordinator for York Co. Ann enjoys the family-like feeling of our church and preschool.

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       Lisa        King

Church Administrator

Lisa joined our church in 2005, and began working in the church office in 2013.  She comes to us with a background in Social Work, and looks for ways to share the compassion and helping hand of Christ while doing her work in the church office.

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dawn Anderson

Communications Lead & Office Coordinator

Dawn gave her life to Christ at a young age and has always been a member of a church. Having worn many hats over the years, she understands the needs of a church and is happy to be a part of our team.

stephanie Balderson

Church Nursery Worker

Stephanie began serving in our nursery in 2015. She has a degree in Parks and Recreation Management with a minor in Public Service from Old Dominion University.  She works at the Cape Henry Lighthouse and was previously a preschool teacher at Goddard. 

Caroline Wilson

Church Nursery Worker

Caroline joined our team in 2022. She grew up attending Lewis Memorial UMC in Evans, GA. Caroline has a BSN from Augusta University and previously worked as a nurse. She now stays home with her son full-time.

Our Preschool Teachers

Cathy Merritt

Pre-K Lead Teacher

Cathy is the lead teacher for our 4 years old class.

Brianna Graziano

Pre-K Assistant Teacher

Brianna is the assistant teacher for our 4 years old class.

    Debra     Cox

Shining Stars Lead Teacher

Debra is the lead teacher for our 3 years old class.

Mandy Goodlow

Shining Stars Assistant Teacher

Mandy is the assistant teacher for our 3 years old class.

Emma Small

Fabulous Frogs Lead Teacher

Emma is the lead teacher for our 2 years old class.

Cheyenne Tyska

Fabulous Frogs Assistant Teacher

Cheyenne is the assistant teacher for our 2 years old class.

Ellen Sacks

Busy Bees Lead Teacher

Ellen is the lead teacher for our  students who are 12-24 months old.

Erin Todd

Busy Bees Assistant Teacher

Erin is the assistant teacher for our students who are 12-24 months old.