Lead Pastor

Gina Anderson-Cloud

Gina Anderson-Cloud grew up in the mountains of southwestern Virginia, where she developed a love for nature and being outdoors. She met her future husband and partner in ministry, Rev. Bert Cloud, while studying psychology at Radford University. Gina’s first career after receiving her graduate degree from VCU was in social work and gerontology, planning and advocating for improvements in healthcare and wellness. After a joint call to ministry, Gina and Bert received their seminary training at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, where they began serving as pastors more than 23 years ago. Gina was trained for and served as a church planter, and she has led large and midsize congregations into growth and revitalization. Gina has served in various leadership positions in the Virginia Conference, Districts, and on local and national missions boards. She enjoys mentoring clergy and seeing God’s vision unfold in ways that transform the world. Gina is a mom to three young adult children and two cats.

Job Responsibilities: Gina is the lead pastor charged with guiding the overall ministries of the church. This appointment includes visionary leadership, teaching, preaching and leading the people of God to transform the world.

First job: Cashier at Wendy’s

Favorite Bible verse: Lamentations 3:22-23

Idea of a perfect day: A walk or hike in the woods or through a meadow (at a National Park) with Bert and/or other family members

Care Ministries Coordinator

Carol Benson

Carol grew up in Northern Virginia and Brussels, Belgium. She graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech, where she met her husband, Mike. Carol, Mike and their three adult boys enjoy traveling together and cheering for the Hokies, the Nationals and the Steelers. Carol has been a member of Floris UMC since 1999.

Carol enjoys supporting the various care ministries at Floris UMC and coordinating memorial services at the church.

First job: Summer camp counselor at the International School of Brussels

Favorite Bible verse: Philippians 4:6-7

Idea of a perfect day: On any vacation, hiking at a beautiful place with my family.

Executive Assistant

Pam Borland

Pam grew up in Arizona, Southern California and suburban Chicago. Her family’s roots are in Alabama, though, and she loved going back there every year while growing up. Pam graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, majoring in accounting. She has three adult children, two wonderful sons-in-law, and two grandchildren. Her family has attended Floris UMC since 1994.

Pam began working at Floris UMC in June 2002 as the church secretary. Her role has changed over the years. Although she works with the communications team and other staff, her primary responsibility is to provide administrative support to the lead pastor.

Favorite Bible verse: Jeremiah 29:11

First job: Helping at the front counter at Leo’s Cleaners in Lisle, Illinois.

Most interesting vacation: Riding a camel at Petra on a Floris UMC trip to Israel and Jordan.

Director of Serve and Connections Ministries

Debbie Cali

Debbie attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge LA where she met her US Marine husband, Brian. They lived all over… Okinawa Japan, San Angelo, Tx and Cherry Point, NC. Finally in 1999 they moved to their forever home in Manassas VA, raising 2 children, Brandon (29) and Samantha (27). They always root for the LSU ( where we met!) Tigers, enjoy cooking, gardening and most music! For the past 20 years, Debbie has worked in youth and young adult ministry with a mission focus. Debbie has lead countless youth mission trips, multigenerational bus trips, and local mission opportunities. Jesus asks us to love one another and being in mission to each other, our community, our country and the world is a great way to do just that!

Job Responsibilities

Debbie hopes to ignite ways for the congregation to be in ministry to each other and share common mission focus experiences. Growing in relationship with each other, the community and the world will help us all to live out our call as Jesus disciples for the transformation of the world. It can also be REALLY FUN!!! There is always room for YOU for you to serve, consider it today.

First Job: I was a shoe salesperson at Fanfare Shoes in the mall.

Favorite Bible Verse: The story of the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane We need to be awake and ready when Jesus needs us.

Idea of a perfect day: Kayaking on the Potomac River from sunrise to sunset.

Something most people don’t know: Debbie loves exploring NOVA, let her know your favorite tucked away spot!

Most Interesting Vacation: Debbie and her husband went to Sedona AZ, in November to celebrate their Anniversary. it was a spiritual place full of beauty and peace.

Children's & Family Ministries Director

Kelly Crespin

Kelly grew up in Japan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. She has a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master of Arts in education from the University of Virginia. Kelly has over 25 years of teaching experience ranging from kindergarten through high school. While living in San Antonio, Texas, and homeschooling her two daughters, Kelly also worked as the assistant director in children’s ministry at a large church, was active in Girl Scouts at the regional level for over 12 years, wrote for various educational publishing companies and worked as a homeschool book and product reviewer online.

Her adventures with Floris UMC started in January 2014 when she left Texas to move to Virginia and became the new children’s ministries director. She has two daughters – one is a teacher in Texas and the other lives and works in northern Virginia – plus two adorable dogs. Kelly loves to incorporate creativity into the programs she leads and see children smile when they talk about Jesus.

First job: Working in a library shelving books, checking out books for people, answering reference questions and creating book displays.

Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 46:10

Most people don’t know this about her: She was a medical simulation scenario patient in Texas who helped train medical students for real-life scenarios.

Assistant Worship Leader

Eddie Dickerson

Eddie Dickerson grew up in Fauquier County near Bealeton, Virginia. He started playing violin at age five and guitar at age 12. Eddie was exposed to bluegrass and gospel music by his father, Allen, who played guitar and banjo. Eddie studied violin performance at the University of Mary Washington and continues to play with his partner, Jackie, in a duo called The Peacemakers.

Job responsibilities: Eddie supports worship at Floris UMC and Restoration Reston. He helps plan services outside of Sunday morning. Eddie also assists with the student band and finds new ways to engage the congregation.

First job: Subway

Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 100:1

Idea of a perfect day: Camping

Something most people don’t know: Officer Candidate School Graduate

Most interesting vacation: Galapagos

Modern Worship & Ministry Innovations Director

Megan Seals Dietrick

Megan spent her childhood in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, a small mountain town nestled between the Tennessee and Kentucky borders. Her family has a rich musical heritage, and many gatherings involved singing along with guitars, banjos, and tambourines. Megan received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in teaching from James Madison University before beginning teaching in Fairfax County. For eight years, Megan taught fifth and sixth grades at Floris Elementary, where she grew to love the Floris community. However, in 2015, she left the classroom to pursue a calling in worship ministry. Megan has been a vocalist and instrumentalist with the Floris UMC contemporary band, Full Circle Band, since 2008, which helped inspire her passion for worship and music ministry. She is now pursuing an M.Div at Wesley Theological Seminary and ordination within the UMC.

Megan leads worship with Full Circle Band at modern worship services and the Student Band. She coordinates the musicians and aligns the music ministry with the sermons and vision of the church. In addition, she creates innovative worship opportunities, including Story Church, Claim It Women’s Ministry, Pop-Up Concerts, and Spiritual Recovery Café.

Idea of a perfect day: Exploring a new place and seeking an adventure.

Most people don’t know this about her: Megan has been onboard a zero-gravity flight (aka the Vomit Comet)!

Most interesting vacation: Viewing the Northern Lights, hiking behind waterfalls, observing breaching humpback whales, and eating shark.

Audio Engineer and A/V Technician

Anthony Doleman

Anthony is from Washington D.C. and grew up in Prince Georges County, including Landover and Hyattsville, Maryland. He moved to Orlando, Florida, immediately after high school graduation. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Recording Arts, he took his knowledge and skills to Atlanta, Georgia. After collaborating with various talent, Anthony returned to Maryland, looking for work where his skills are valued. What better place than Floris UMC?

Job responsibilities: Record services and performances at Floris UMC, as well as edit the audio and visual for the Floris UMC website.

Something most people don’t know: An instrumental video tagged with his voice went viral on TikTok.

Most interesting vacation: On his birthday in 2013, he watched LeBron James play the 76ers in Philadelphia.

Video Editor/Producer and Streaming Coordinator

Alexis Doty

Communications Project Coordinator

Laura Downs

Adult Ministries Coordinator

Carol Edwards

Carol is a native of Northern Virginia, born and raised in Fairfax. She earned a Bachelor of Science in public administration from George Mason University a Master of Arts in human resources management from Marymount University. She worked in human resources in the telecommunications industry before becoming a stay-at-home mom when her first child was born until she began working at Floris UMC in 2007.

Carol is married to her husband, Dave, has two young adult children and two crazy Labrador retrievers who love to swim and chase tennis balls all day.

Carol worked for Floris UMC’s Communication department for 11 years and transitioned to the Adult Ministries department in 2018. As the Adult Ministries Coordinator, Carol is responsible for assisting the Director of Grow Ministries in executing the Lead Pastor’s strategic vision of the church by overseeing the development and execution of adult discipleship related programs and material. She also focuses on delivering a consistent, spiritual learning experience for adults who participate in discipleship activities that allows them to stay connected and to grow in their relationship with God.

Idea of a perfect day: Spending the day on the beach with her husband, kids, dogs, family and friends.

Most interesting vacation: Hiking through the rainforest in St. Lucia where she saw extraordinary waterfalls and exotic birds, animals and plants.

Director of Grow Ministries

Bill Gray

Following a calling to lay ministry Bill joined the Floris staff as a part-time employee in January 2013. Subsequently, in May of 2013, he became full time as the Director of Adult Ministries. In March of 2014, Bill assumed the role of Director of Grow Ministries. In this capacity, he is responsible for the education, programmatic development and group life of our adults, students and children. Bill is also responsible for the oversight of the Floris UMC Preschool. Bill completed his Master of Arts in Theology from Wesley Theological Seminary in the Spring of 2018.

Bill is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a fan of anything Pittsburgh. He moved to the DC area to complete his MBA at George Washington University in 1984. He and his wife of 35 years, Monica, became members of Floris UMC in 1991. Bill worked in the telecommunications industry for 14 years serving in various senior management positions in finance, marketing, and program management. Bill and Monica have four wonderful children and Max – a pet store terrier that just happened to be the best dog in the world. He loves art, the creative process, cooking and spending time surrounded by the awe of God’s creation.

Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 46:10 & Romans 12:2

Financial Assistant

Debbie Gregory

Debbie moved to Northern Virginia from New England as a child. She has lived all over Northern Virginia but settled in Centreville, where she raised her family. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Scientific computing at the University of Virginia, and a master of arts degree in Practical Theology from Regent University. She is married, has two grown children, and one grandchild (so far). She enjoys reading, knitting, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Debbie is responsible for administrative support to the Finance Office. She performs financial transactions and keeps records for the church.

Favorite Bible verse: Romans 12:1-2

Idea of a perfect day: A day full of sunshine and family.

Most interesting vacation: While vacationing at Club Med Ixtapa, she learned to fly on the trapeze!

Administrative Assistant

Terri Hageny

Terri was born in Massachusetts but was raised in sunny southern California. She returned to the east coast to make Herndon, Virginia, her home in 2011. The “apples of my eye” are her four children; Joshua, Nicholas, Haley and Hunter. She has been on many paths from restaurant owner to computer software rep to the director of resources for a southern California food bank. She is blessed that Floris UMC is where she finds herself today.

Terri’s responsibilities working for Floris UMC include making sure the front office and all the staff are supported. She looks forward to meeting old and new friends each and every day.

Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 91:4

Idea of a perfect day: Time spent with my children and friends.

Most interesting vacation: Exploring a castle in the countryside of Switzerland.

Director of Human Resources & Finance

Karen Heier

Karen grew up in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley until finishing college and moving to the Northern Virginia area. Karen has a Bachelor of Arts in rhetoric and communication studies from the University of Virginia and began her career in the banking industry. She currently lives in Herndon, Virginia, with her husband and three daughters. She began working at Floris UMC in June 2006.

Karen manages the human resources area for the church, including payroll and employee staffing, and oversees daily financial operations in conjunction with the finance team. She enjoys the opportunity to serve God through her work in the church.

First job: Waitressing in her hometown

Favorite Bible verse: Philippians 4:4-7, Philippians 4:13

Idea of a perfect day: Spending the day with her family outdoors or watching one of her favorite sports, live or otherwise.

Church Accountant

Erin Hickman

Erin grew up in Northern Virginia. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the College of William and Mary. Erin lives in Leesburg with her husband, Paul, their two girls and their dog, Theo. She enjoys cooking, exercising and spending time with family and friends.

Job responsibilities: Erin loves being on staff at Floris UMC. Her primary responsibilities include account reconciliation, budgeting and financial reporting and analysis.

Idea of a perfect day: Eating good food and watching movies with her husband

Favorite Bible verse: Hebrews 11:1

First job: Working in a souvenir store.

Children’s Ministries Coordinator/Childcare Supervisor

Wendy Hilbert

Wendy was born and raised in Northern Virginia and graduated from Chantilly High School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in health and recreation management from George Mason University and her Master of Arts degree in management from American Public University. Wendy has worked for Fairfax County Parks and Recreation and has served as an adjunct professor for APU.

Wendy was overjoyed to join the Floris UMC staff in January 2013 and loves helping share God’s love with the children of Floris UMC.

First job: Working at Total Crafts in Chantilly, Virginia

Favorite Bible verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Idea of a perfect day: Doing something fun outside such as going to the zoo, apple picking, having a fun day at the beach or going to a local farm with her two sons, daughter and husband.

Most interesting vacation: A trip to Europe with stops in Ireland, Scotland, England, Paris and Holland.

Accompanist

Ellen Im

Eunbin grew up in Seoul, Korea where she received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in piano performance. While in Korea, she performed solo recitals and various chamber music, accompanied at the opera theatre and for numerous choirs. In 2001, she came to the United States and graduated two years later from the San Francisco Conservatory with honors. In 2005, she earned her graduate performance diploma from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University in piano performance.

Eunbin has worked as a church accompanist at Sang-dong Methodist Church in Seoul, Korea and Berkeley UMC in Berkeley, Ca, and First Korean UMC in Herndon. She gives private piano lessons and is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association and National Guild of Piano. Eunbin began working at Floris UMC in May 2014.

First job: Teaching private piano lessons

Favorite Bible verse: 1 Corinthians 13: 1

Idea of a perfect day: Spending time on the beach with her husband and daughter.

Administrative Assistant

Annetta Kronz

Annetta is a native of Connecticut, but she has lived in Virginia for more than 40 years. After retiring from teaching for many years, she joined the administrative staff at Floris UMC. Her responsibilities include answering the phones, ordering supplies for the various ministries of the church and scheduling baptisms. She also performs administrative tasks for the Small Groups ministry.

She enjoys doing needlework and reading. She also enjoys gardening and traveling, especially taking cruises.

First job: Working as a secretary in her father’s office

Favorite Bible verse: Psalms 25:4-5

Most interesting vacation: Cruising through the Panama Canal

Graphic Design Specialist

Justin Lago

Justin is an Ohio native who settled in Virginia after his service in the Marine Corps. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University.

Job responsibilities: Graphic design support and visual information/brand specialist.

First job: Selling sweet corn out of the back of a big yellow truck.

Favorite Bible verse: Luke 6:27

Something most people don’t know: Justin completed the Marine Corps Marathon in 2007.

Preschool Director

Debbie Lawler

Debbie became the preschool director at Floris UMC in May 2014. Floris UMC Preschool is the fourth preschool that Debbie has had the privilege to run in her career. Previously, she was a director in Warner Robins, Georgia; Hampton, Virginia; and Fairfax, Virginia. Debbie has a Bachelor of Arts in education from Arizona State University. She grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, where her parents still live today. She met her husband, Scott, when she was 15 and married him several years later. Debbie and Scott traveled the country while Scott served in the Air Force for 21 years. They settled in the Northern Virginia area in 1997 and have two grown children.

Debbie enjoys the challenge of running a preschool with 170 children and 20 staff members. Her responsibilities include communicating with parents, church staff, teachers and, of course, playing with the preschoolers (obviously the best part of every day)!

First job: Being a summer camp counselor at First Baptist Church in Tallahassee

Favorite Bible verse: Matthew 19:26 and Philippians 4:13

Idea of a perfect day: Skiing down the mountains in Breckenridge, Colorado, with her family or sitting on the beach with a good book and a cool beverage.

Most people don’t know this about her: She is an avid sports fan, especially college sports!

Most interesting vacation: Exploring the Caribbean islands with her family during a week-long cruise.

Building & Membership Coordinator

Peggy Manduke

Peggy is a native Washingtonian, having grown up in Falls Church. She studied accounting at NOVA. Peggy and her husband, Mark, have two lovely children and a black lab named Shadow. She has three older brothers, ‘The Beech Boys,” who also live in the area.

Peggy’s responsibilities at Floris UMC include processing building usage requests; maintaining guests and membership data, and assisting with the coordination of large church community events.

First job: Soldering printed circuit boards, and wire wrap and making cables for computers for military contracts

Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 23

Idea of a perfect day: Relaxing by the water, reading a good book and being around family

Most interesting vacation: Off-roading in Bryce Canyon, Utah, with her husband and kids

Middle School Program Director

Pepe Miller

Pepe spent his younger years in Tennessee or on military bases, but he somehow settled in Northern Virginia. He graduated from George Mason University after studying psychology and conflict resolution. He is married to Kelly, and they have three wonderful children.

Pepe started working at Floris UMC in December 2016 as the interim middle school coordinator and transitioned to the middle school program director in March 2017.

First job: Working with the Youth Conservation Core

Idea of a perfect day: Spending time with family doing something outdoors

Executive Pastor

Barbara Miner

Barbara spent her childhood in Ohio. Upon graduation, she attended Birmingham Southern College in Alabama, so she could dance with a local ballet company and complete her degree in Christian education and fine arts. After graduation, Barbara met and married her husband, Marty, and spent the next several years as a military spouse. She and Marty have three grown children, all married, and five grandsons.

Barbara received her master’s degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (WTS) and is pleased to serve on the Board of Governors at WTS. She is also a life coach working with the NOVA District of the UMC and Wesley Theological Seminary.

Barbara has served as a pastor at Floris UMC since 2006. She is currently serving as Acting Lead Pastor of Floris UMC and is excited to lead the church during this transitional time. As director of worship, Barbara strives to offer vital, God-honoring worship in various styles. She also oversees Floris UMC’s Care Ministry and enjoys ensuring that the church offers compassionate, spirit-filled care to those in crisis or difficult times. Barbara appreciates preaching and teaching and considers it a privilege to be a pastor at Floris UMC.

First job: Wrapping candy at a local candy factory in her hometown

Favorite Bible verse: Isaiah 43:1-3

Idea of a perfect day: Spending time with family and playing games, preferably on or near the water.

Director of Communications

Tasha Mitchell

Tasha grew up in a large family in North Florida with deep Christian roots, but always found a way to chart her own path. Through her conviction and knowing the gospel truth, she strives to market His name. As the oldest, she experienced the soulful sounds of Sunday service in her grandparent’s church. Education being highly regarded within her family, she graduated with a business degree from the University of Central Florida.

While in Florida, she stayed active in church, community, and worked in the corporate marketing departments for diverse industries including finance, publishing, and non-profit. Even though she will occasionally chant, “Go Gators”, she calls Northern Virginia home with her husband and two sons.

Job responsibilities: Tasha strongly believes that collaboration is the key to success. Tasha’s role at Floris UMC is to lead a dynamic communication and audio/visual team to implement a comprehensive communicative marketing strategy that increases brand awareness and recognition within the community and beyond.

First job: Working in retail in her hometown.

Favorite Bible verse: Philippians 4:13

Idea of a perfect day: Watching crime dramas with her family.

Something most people don’t know: Tasha was in a movie with Jeff Goldblum.

Traditional Music Director

Yoon Nam

Yoon hails from Seoul, South Korea, and began her musical journey in the United States in 1996 when she pursued her studies at Indiana University. There, she earned both her master’s and doctoral degrees in music. Yoon is a devoted mother to two children who share her passion for music. Since August 2010, she has been serving as the music director at Floris United Methodist Church, where she has dedicated over a decade to enriching the musical landscape of United Methodist congregations.

First job: Giving piano lessons

Favorite Bible verse: Micah 6:6-8

Idea of a perfect day: Enjoying a 70-degree day with blue skies, fresh air, beautiful clouds and a breeze, a cup of coffee with a piece of cake in a comfortable chair while talking with friends and family

Most interesting vacation: Traveling to Bruges, Belgium with friends in 1994

Digital Media Specialist

Dylan Nichols

Dylan was born and raised in Hagerstown, Maryland. He continues to live in Hagerstown and commutes nearly 135 miles daily to be a part of the church communications team.

Dylan began college at Bridgewater College outside of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Virginia became a special place for Dylan, which is what ultimately led him to Floris UMC. He loves the people of Virginia and enjoys serving the people of the church and the greater community.

While he started at Bridgewater College, Dylan eventually would finish his bachelor’s degree at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where he majored in political science with a concentration in analytics and public policy.

Dylan is responsible for all of Floris UMC and Restoration Church’s social media platforms, as well as all of the content and events being posted on the pages. He is dedicated to keeping everyone up-to-date and bringing them an amazing social media experience.

First job: Folding clothes at Sears

Favorite Bible verse: Psalms 23:1

Most interesting vacation: Spent the entire summer just traveling through Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania

Preschool Assistant Director

Karen O’Dell

Reston Campus Pastor

Daniel Park

Rev. Daniel Park was born in New Jersey and grew up in New York City. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY), and Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Drew Theological School (Madison, NJ). He was ordained in 2008 and is a full elder of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. He has served in a variety of church plants and has a wide range of ministry experience such as children, youth, young adults, families, and older adults as well as multiracial contexts. Daniel is married to Rev. Isaiah Park and they have four children.

Job responsibilities: Daniel is the campus pastor of Restoration Reston. His responsibilities are for visioning, strategy, preaching, church planting, overseeing the Restoration staff team, and lay leadership development for Restoration. His responsibilities also include directing the Restoration campuses and serving on the Executive Staff of Floris-Restoration.

First job: Assembling the Sunday newspaper at a convenience store

Favorite Bible verse: Luke 4:40

Something most people don’t know: He plays the piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, hand percussion, sings and writes music.

Associate Pastor

Isaiah Park

Rev. Isaiah Park grew up in California. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies with a minor in Biblical Studies from Biola University. Isaiah graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary. She is a Provisional Elder in the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Isaiah has served in many church settings involving church planting, ministry to children and youth, young adults, and multigenerational contexts. She is married to Rev. Dr. Daniel Park, and they have four beautiful children.

Job responsibilities: Isaiah spends half her time at Restoration Reston and the other half at Floris UMC. Her responsibilities are to provide leadership in evangelism and missional engagement across all sites.

Idea of a perfect day: Praising God at the beach in front of a bonfire.

Favorite Bible verse: John 6:29

Something most people don’t know: She almost became a professional golfer!

Serve Ministries Coordinator

Donna Porter

Donna was born and raised in California and moved to Virginia in 1983. She grew up attending University Christian Church in Berkeley, California. Donna is married and has three grown children, two beautiful grandchildren and five small dogs. She has fun attending several Small Groups at Floris UMC—a great way to meet people!

Donna began working at Floris UMC in 1989 when it was just her, the pastor and the choir director on staff, and she did everything but clean the windows! It has been a thrill for her to watch this small church on the corner grow into such a large presence that affects many areas in this community. She now reports to the director of serve ministries, and her job consists of supporting all local, community and worldwide Serve Ministries.

First job: Working as a receptionist for a construction company in California

Favorite Bible verse: Romans 8:38-39 (Donna found this scripture in her mother’s wallet the day she passed away and has kept it with her ever since.)

Idea of a perfect day: Laughing with her grandchildren, family and good friends

Most people don’t know this about Donna: She’s really tall—being short is just an illusion!

Most interesting vacation: Visiting North Africa in the 1970s.

Database Specialist

Katie Rakestraw

Katie is originally from North Carolina. She attended UNC-Chapel Hill where she received a BA in secondary education and met her husband, Scott. She has lived in Northern Virginia for more than 20 years and she and Scott have raised their two children here.

As the Database Assistant, Katie is primarily responsible for tracking and reporting information from the church’s database, FellowshipOne.

Your first job: Sold clothes and toys at a small children’s consignment store.

Idea of a perfect day: A sunny, warm day spent on a sailboat with her family and a great book.

Most interesting vacation: A cruise to Alaska – she’d love to go back and explore more of the interior of the state!

Latino Community Engagement Coordinator

Jacqueline de los Ríos

Jacqueline grew up in Argentina and Bolivia and graduated from Autónoma Juan Misael Saracho University in Tarija, Bolivia, with a degree in psychology. She is married to Rosen Todorov, a native of Bulgaria.

Jacqueline has been working at Floris UMC since 2006. She is responsible for the worship, small groups and service opportunities for the Spanish-speaking individuals within the congregation. Jacqueline encourages Latinos to attend Sunday service at 9:15 a.m. in which Floris UMC offers a simultaneous translation in Spanish.

As a cancer survivor, Jacqueline enjoys life to the fullest and admires God’s creation. She has tremendous compassion for immigrants and for those who suffer with illness.

Favorite Bible verse: Luke 6:31

First job: As a psychologist working with orphans and adolescents, as well as with groups of mothers at SOS Children’s Villages in Tarija, Bolivia

Idea of a perfect day: Helping someone and having a personal moment for her faith to grow.

Children's Ministries Coordinator - Preschool

Tanya Schoor

Tanya grew up primarily in Northern Virginia, but as a part of a military family, also spent some of her childhood in Belgium, Washington State, Central Virginia, and Florida. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography – Atmospheric Science from The Ohio State University. After 7 years living in Oklahoma, chasing the weather, she is thrilled to be back home! Tanya lives in South Riding with her husband, son, and their dog, Poppy.

Job Responsibilities: Tanya provides administrative and technical support for the Children’s Ministries preschool programs. As part of the Children’s Ministries team, she coordinates and implements faith-growing opportunities for preschool-aged children, and assists volunteers with Sunday morning classes. She can also be found supporting Messy Church, Family Bible Camp, and other children’s and family ministries events.

First job: Production Assistant at a local TV station

Favorite Bible verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

Idea of a perfect day: Spending time with family anywhere – but especially at Walt Disney World!

Most interesting vacation: Visiting Australia and climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Director of Facilities

Ken Scroggie

Ken graduated from McLean High School and has two beautiful children. He began working at Floris UMC in 2007.

Ken’s primary responsibility includes building operations, such as upkeep of the church grounds and the building. Ken makes sure that the building functions properly for all the groups that utilize it throughout the day.

First job: Assisting in a nursing home kitchen at the age of 14.

Favorite Bible verse: Matthew 18:1-6

Idea of a perfect day: Spending the day with his kids.

Most interesting vacation: Visiting Scotland with his father to meet relatives.

Video And Technical Producer

Chris Seward

Growing up in Baton Rouge, LA, my lifelong passion for storytelling brought me to videography and filmmaking. I always strive to make things better, both in my work and in the way our team works together.

Job Responsibilities

I help to develop engaging video content and our team’s approach to video production.

First Job: Waiter

Idea of a perfect day: Relaxing on a beach with nothing to do

Most Interesting Vacation: Visiting Cuba – a lovely place!

Handbell Coordinator/Worship & Children’s Choir Admin

Laura Shelton

Laura is a native of Northern Virginia and grew up in various United Methodist churches in the area as a minister’s daughter. She has a Bachelor of Arts in social science with a concentration in elementary education from Virginia Wesleyan College. Laura is married, has one son and enjoys living in Sterling, Virginia, with her family.

Laura was the chair of the board for Handbell Musicians of America Area 3 from 2013-2015 and has worked as faculty at multiple Area 3 events.

Laura began working at Floris UMC in January 1998. As the Handbell Coordinator, she directs all five of the handbell and chime choirs at Floris UMC.

First job: Working at Advanced Technology, Inc. in Reston, Virginia, in 1984

Favorite Bible verse: John 3:16

Most people don’t know this about Laura: She has studied music since the third grade and loves working with people of all ages and introducing them to the wonderful world of handbells!

Website Coordinator

Nada Smith

Raised in New Orleans, LA, Nada was immersed in the church where her great-grandfather served as pastor. From an early age, she developed a deep commitment to service and community, shaped by her upbringing as well as by being the oldest of two children. Her academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Xavier University of Louisiana and a medical degree from Meharry Medical College, where she also did her OBGYN residency. After experiencing burnout from the medical field and the subsequent pandemic, she left medicine and discovered a new passion – website development. In 2022, her partner’s job offer brought them to Northern Virginia, where she transformed her passion into a career by establishing her own website design and development agency. Deeply committed to servant leadership, she prioritizes the growth and development of others. Volunteering is integral to her life, reflecting her dedication to giving back and supporting her community.

Job Responsibilities

Nada creates and manages Floris UMC’s websites, ensuring they align with the brand and user needs. She handles front and back-end operations, collaborates with stakeholders on content management, and enhances user experiences through intuitive design.

First Job: Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Resident

Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 2:3-4

Idea of a perfect day: Nada’s perfect day involves working alongside her partner to provide hands-on service to those in need, such as planting trees to beautify spaces for the homeless or low-income communities.

Something most people don’t know: She’s a medical doctor – MD.

Access Ministries Coordinator

Lauren Soljanyk

Student Ministries Director

Kara Stuebing

Kara grew up in Pennsylvania and earned a degree in Religious Studies from Penn State University. After graduation, she started working in youth ministry in Northern Virginia. Kara has continued to serve in children and youth ministry roles in Northern Virginia United Methodist Churches. Kara and Darin have a daughter and a pet tortoise named Maddie.

Job responsibilities: Kara oversees student ministries. She works with staff and volunteers to implement a dynamic program to help middle and high school students explore their faith.

First job: Lifeguard

Favorite Bible verse: Romans 5:8

Idea of a perfect day: An open water swim in clear water where you can see marine life, followed by a meal on the beach.

Associate Pastor

Lauren Todd

Lauren grew up as a Navy child, moving from Louisiana to Washington to Virginia and a lot of places in between. She received her Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School and her Bachelor of Arts from Bucknell University, where she met her husband, Eric. Lauren and Eric married in 2019 and have a yellow lab, Zane.

Job responsibilities: Lauren has been the associate pastor of young adult and diversity ministries since 2022. She works with staff and laity to grow congregational diversity. Lauren is the primary contact for Floris UMC’s young adult demographic. She enjoys hearing the faith stories of the wide variety of people who make Floris UMC such a vital congregation.

Technical Director of Audiovisual and Information Technology

Dong Xue

Born in China, Dong spent early childhood in a remote mountainous village. The family once lived in a cave house and shared space with piglets and baby chicks at meal times. The village was impoverished and had no elementary school. Dong had no formal elementary education but was taught by middle and high school students who were sent from Beijing to the village for “re-education” while their schools were closed.

Dong later earned an Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree from a top university in China. After coming to America, he earned a Master of Computer Engineering (MSCE) from Syracuse University. He loves photography, videography, reading novels, and writing. Dong worked for EDS/Xerox as an IT professional then switched to the TV business. He worked for Fairfax County Government CH16 and the Town of Vienna TVCN. He is a professional cameraman, CG operator, and Live TV director/switcher. His last job before joining Floris was with Encore Global/JW Marriott DC as Technical Lead in Audio/Visual/IT.

Job Responsibilities

As the Technical Director, Dong is responsible for providing guidance to the A/V Ministry and helping to elevate the ministry to its full potential. He will also lead a team of staff and volunteers to ensure that their talents are utilized to fulfill the vision of the church. Dong also serves on the Floris UMC Board of Trustees.

First Job: Dishwasher in a Chinese restaurant

Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 40:26

Idea of a perfect day: Kayaking on the Potomac River from sunrise to sunset.

Something most people don’t know: Dong is also a licensed realtor, a notary public and Fairfax County Election Officer.