About Our Staff

Being involved in a musical family and growing up in a Christian home, I also realized I was blessed with the gift of music.  At the age of 16 I became accompanist of the high school chorus and continued after high school as a pianist in my home church.  In February of 1987, as a part-time choir director, I found God’s place for me, eventually leading to my position as Director of Music and Fine Arts.  My position includes directing and accompanying various musical groups and drama ministries as well as coordinating the Audio/Visual minsitry.  I also serve our community as Director/Co-Producer of the East Lincoln Community Chorus. Together my husband Ronnie and I have 5 children and 6 grandchildren.

 

What I like about Salem: I love watching God find ways to use gifts and talents of church members who may not be aware of their gifts, but my favorite thing about Salem is that it feels like family and home because everyone is accepted no matter what and and loved with the love of Christ.

A few fun facts: I love antiques. I love science fiction movies.  I am a collector of snowmen, Santas, nutcrackers, bells, & Hummel figurines. I make dream catchers along with other crafts. I enjoy watching the Carolina Panthers and, of course, the Purrcussion drumline.  Popcorn is my favorite snack.  Miriam Robinette and I are co-writers of a version of the “Doxology” that is sung at Salem UMC.

I have been a member of Salem since 1994 and was hired as the S.A.M. Director in 2013. Previously I served as a preschool teacher and as a summer camp leader. My husband, Eddie, and I have two children and our roots run deep at Salem. Over the years I have served as Children’s Coordinator, been a youth leader, volunteered for various missions, and I have been a Girl Scout Troop Leader for 9 years. My heart and passion definitely goes towards young people and their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.

What I love about Salem: What I love about Salem is the heart of this church. The people here truly are an extension of my family.

A few fun facts: I love to watch my children play their sports, Sweet Tea is my fuel, and I along with fellow staff and members love to laugh until we cry.

I grew up on a farm near Mooresville, NC. We have been worshipping at Salem for about 17 years. We actually came to Salem for about 10 years before we joined as “official” members. I have been married to my husband Jeremy for 22 years and we have two teenage children, Thomas and Cat.

What I like about Salem: What I love most about Salem is the people. We are a caring, generous bunch who are growing in faith together.

A few fun facts: I am a Clemson University graduate, an avid reader of biographies and true crime stories, a hiker, a soccer mom and a crazy cat lady

I have been at Salem since January 2005. I earned my Bachelor Degree in Religion (and Math) from Greensboro College and Master Degree in Christian Education from Pfeiffer University. I grew up in The United Methodist Church and have always valued its connection to the larger church, bringing people together for the purpose of following Jesus, making disciples, and transforming the world. I enjoy spending time with my husband Dan, our three children, and numerous pets.

What I like about Salem: I really love that people from a variety of places and backgrounds have found a place here, but my favorite thing about Salem is its ability to laugh with one another.

A few fun facts: I love traveling to new places and have been to over 27 US states and 15 countries, I cheer for the Cardiac Cats aka the Carolina Panthers, and I enjoy going to anything in which my children are involved – including baseball games, concerts, & dance competitions.

I am originally from Charlotte and started piano lessons when I was seven. I loved it from the first lesson! I studied for nine years total, the last three being at Sacred Heart College in Belmont. I have been a member of Salem since I married Jim in 1968 and Pianist/Organist since 1970. Salem was looking for someone to play and I don’t believe it was an accident that I appeared on the scene. The people accepted me with love and open arms at the time and Salem still is welcoming and friendly to all.

What I like about Salem: The love and care for all is something I love about our church family

A few fun facts: In my spare time I love to knit and crochet and I read a lot. My Kindle is stocked with mysteries, history, and inspirational reading. I also love all kinds of animals, especially dogs and birds. I love bluegrass music and play a little guitar and 5-string banjo.

I spent four years in the US NAVY – two years on the aircraft carrier USS BON HOMME RICHARD CVA 31 as a flight deck fuel crew leader and two years as a Survival Evasion Resistance Escape instructor  for all Navy pilots, Seal teams and river boat crews going to Vietnam. I retired from Duke Energy after 42 years at Cowans Ford Hydro. My wife and I came to Salem 46 years ago.

What I like about Salem: The PEOPLE. They are friends and neighbors and are willing to help you when you cannot do it yourself.

A few fun facts: I love to hunt and garden and be in God’s great outdoors.

I have been at Salem since May 2014. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Religious Studies with a focus in Youth & Family Ministries. I am originally from Lincolnton, where I was born and raised, and attended Lincolnton High School, where I spent a large portion of my time playing soccer. In my free time I like to go hiking with my dog, Max, or do anything with my friends or family. Going on international mission trips is my passion and where I feel most fulfilled as a follower of Christ.

What I like about Salem: I love how active and willing the church body is to participate in and support missions.

A few fun facts: Duke is my favorite ACC Basketball team, I have participated in mission trips to 7 different countries including the United States, I have two tattoos: one of my favorite Bible verse and one in my grandmother’s handwriting, and “The Lion King” is my all time favorite Disney movie.