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.
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.
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.
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.
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.