Leadership
I did not grow up in the church, but joined a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation when I was 21. I got serious about my faith when my (now) husband and I were dating. It's been a long, wonderful, hard, but always interesting journey since then!
I felt a call to ministry while chaperoning a youth group at a youth retreat in Montreat, NC. With a kindergartner, a preschooler and husband "climbing the corporate ladder," I started seminary. My educational odyssey was non-traditional in every way possible. After 9 years- of school at several seminaries, jobs in several churches, and a couple of job transfers with my husband in different states- I became ordained. I understand what it means to juggle all the different aspects of life to fulfill God's call on your life.
I created Diakonos Solutions as part of my doctoral thesis and project. Ordained women in ministry experience a not-quite-equal status in their compensation, benefits, and ministry opportunities. It is my belief that mentoring women in ministry will close the gap. At the very least, it will give women needed information they aren't receiving through formal channels. I'm willing to spend the final chapter of my professional ministry career on this belief backed by experience and research.
That guy who helped me get serious about my faith? We've been married almost 27 years, have two young adult children, a dog and 3 cats. We are still learning what it means to live faithfully every day.