She, Her, Hers
Marcia began her call to ministry at Grace Covenant on July 1, 2016. She has been in ministry all over the country, at every level of the PC(USA) and in academic and community contexts. She is the author of several books, including Let the Bones Dance andTouchdowns for Jesus. Marcia and her husband, John, have a podcast called “Going Deep: Sports in the 21st Century.” And they have two children, Sidney and Mary Elizabeth. Marcia loves horses, dogs, and pretty much all animals, being outside, poetry, and hearing and sharing good stories. (Marcia can be reached at mmshoop@gcpcusa.org)
He, Him, His
Luke is a jovial, tenderhearted pastor with experience working in camp ministry, university residence life, and a variety of congregational contexts. He relishes opportunities for both play and contemplation as he journeys through life with those whom God loves. Luke was born and raised in Grand Rapids Michigan and has also lived in Alabama and New Jersey. In his spare time Luke enjoys reading comics, discovering new bands, and trying out new restaurants. (Luke can be reached at luke@gcpcusa.org)
He, Him, His
Ray recently moved to Asheville from St. Louis, MO, where he served in music ministry for the past 25 years. Growing up in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Ray completed his undergraduate studies at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. He received a Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Having a passion for music education, Ray completed certification in the Orff-Schulwerk approach and was a founding member of the Sunshine Cultural Arts Center for youth and families in East St. Louis, IL.
Ray’s approach to music ministry is informed by interaction with different cultures and a strong sense of social justice. He enjoys music-making with all ages and ability levels, and seeks to nurture the creative gifts in all of us. Ray and his wife, Dawna, enjoy hiking, fishing and kayaking. They have five adult children by birth and adoption. (Ray can be reached at ray@gcpcusa.org)
He, Him, His
Jonathan is a social communicator and journalist with 10 years of experience in organizational communication and social media. He founded **14million.com** to boost social media presence for businesses in Colombia and the U.S. and direct the **Aditcbarzz Foundation**, which supports youth affected by Colombia’s armed conflict. His experience includes being president of the Colombian Calisthenics Federation, a Pan American athlete in Olympic weightlifting, and holding national titles in calisthenics, strongman, and CrossFit. Driven by his family’s support and the philosophy: *”He who lives to serve, does not serve to live.”* (Jonathan can be reached at jonathan@gcpcusa.org)
She, Her, Hers
Anna Louise grew up predominantly in Virginia but has been trotting the globe since a young age, spending time in New Zealand, Kenya, and Nicaragua. She has worked as a PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer in Miami, in several positions at Columbia Theological Seminary and as an office coordinator in the holistic health field. Anna Louise enjoys the healing arts, music, and being outside in these wonderful hills. She now resides happily in Black Mountain with her daughter. (Anna Louise can be reached at annalouise@gcpcusa.org)
He, Him, His
Brett is a lifelong resident of Western North Carolina, and resides in Haywood County. He joins the GCPC Staff Team as the new Stewardship and Financial Administrator. Brett graduated from AB-Tech and UNCA, and has extensive experience in both corporate and nonprofit office and financial management, program development, event planning, and tenant management. Taking great pride in his beautiful surroundings here in the mountains, Brett is a constant learner, and loves trying new things in new places. When not outside hiking, or his ultimate favorite, standup paddle-boarding, you will find Brett with a good book in his hand. Right beside him in all of life’s adventures, are his partner of 12 years, David, and their super cute beagle Olivia. (Brett can be reached at brett@gcpcusa.org)
She, Her, Hers
Allison grew up as a water child in Virginia Beach, VA. She has a varied background that includes a degree in International Business and Spanish, traveling to Central America and Europe, and organic farming in California, Hawaii and Asheville. Prior to joining GCPC, she had a career in land conservation working as a land steward of preserved wildlands and family farms. Allison loves connecting to nature and connecting people through growing food. She loves just about any activity that is outdoors. She also loves to help train shelter dogs, building things out of wood, and watching college basketball and women’s soccer. She is so grateful for all that she has and that she gets to share her life with her wife Sarah Carter and their very spoiled and skeptical super mutt Kona! (Allison can be reached at allison@gcpcusa.org)
She, Her, Hers
Olivia is originally from New Jersey but has lived in Asheville for nearly a decade. She is currently a full time student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mass communication & Spanish at UNCA. Her passion in life is the fiber arts and she spends most of her free time sewing, weaving and natural dyeing. (Olivia can be reached at olivia@gcpcusa.org)
She, her, hers
Marcella was born in Boca Raton and earned her degree in Humanities and Cultural Studies from the University of Central Florida. She spent a year as an English teacher in Seoul, South Korea, where she embraced cultural exchange and growth. She is passionate about healing through community, supporting local Asheville businesses, and nurturing creativity through painting. When she’s not painting or exploring the local scene, you can find her enjoying anime and learning K-Pop dances. (Marcella can be reached at marcella@gcpcusa.org)
She, her, hers
Born and raised in Asheville, NC, with time spent in Florida and South Carolina, she is a proud mother to three amazing grown children—Brieana, Jalen, and Christian—and a devoted Yorkie mom to Bentley. Sports have always been a big part of her family, with everyone having played at least one. She especially loves cheering on Christian as he plays college basketball. When she’s not watching a game, you’ll find her lost in a good book or soaking up the sun at the beach—her absolute happy place. Being a part of the Grace Covenant Presbyterian community is something she truly cherishes! (April can be reached at april@gcpcusa.org)
She, her, hers
Jasmine E. Moore was born in the Bronx, She attended SUNY Stony Brook University where she received her MSW and graduated Magna Cum Lud. After graduation in 2017, Jasmine relocated to Asheville N.C. She also serves as the Board Chair of Sistas Caring 4 Sistas, Inc. a local 501c3, a Maternal Health organization that serves Black women and infants with a Social Justice lens through community-based Doulas. Mrs. Moore is the owner and CEO of Moore Courage LLC, an organization that provides social work and consulting services to parents with child welfare involvement. She is a Certified Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist from The HERD Institute to provide Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy. As the Executive Director of Moore Courage Healing & Wellness, she provides therapy to individuals who have experienced trauma and seek healing and wholeness outside of a traditional therapy session. Jasmine is a strong advocate with embodied experience. She is knowledgeable and compassionate, showing up in spaces to educate and inspire eager listeners about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, dignity and self-worth of every person. Mrs. Moore is married and lives in Asheville, N.C., raising her two beautiful girls. (Jasmine can be reached at jasmine@gcpcusa.org)
She, her, hers
Hailing from the vibrant heart of Cali, Colombia, Dani is fueled by a strong passion for community and a desire to forge connections. Her journey combines international business expertise with a varied skill set that includes sales, bilingual interpretation, social media management, and wellness coaching. Committed to her country, she established AdictBarzz, an organization dedicated to empowering youth through sports and healthy living, guiding them away from drugs. Her entrepreneurial spirit drives two ventures: a company focused on CrossFit grips and wrist wraps, and a marketing communications agency that provides innovative social media strategies for businesses to enhance their reach. As a nature lover who is spiritually grounded and dedicated to listening and helping others, she finds joy in volunteering and serving her community. Her mission is to connect, inspire, and make a meaningful contribution. (Dani can be reached at dani@gcpcusa.org)
My name is Maria Pilar Mendoza-Worley. I was born in Peru, country famous for its ruins of Machu Picchu. I have lived in the United States since 2006. I became an American Citizen in 2018. I currently work full time at Children's Center at Gracelyn and wonderful GCPC. I discovered working with little people is an awesome experience, because each one is like surprise box. I'm going to continue studying Early Childhood Education to better guide the mental and physical development of these little ones.
Hi my name is Sapphire De’Bellott I am a young, energetic, and charismatic professional woman who believes, in order to empower people; one must be educated. In May 2017 I received my Associates in Arts from AB-Tech community College. I am currently a senior at Western Carolina University pursuing my Bachelors in Psychology and a Minor in Criminal Justice. I have over eight years of experience in intergenerational circles learning from my peers and elders. These relationships enhanced my ability to build sustainable partnerships. Additionally, I have over eight years of youth engagement and advocacy. My childcare background and education has qualified me as a childcare specialist. My passion is to create an engaging and brave space for children to be themselves.
Hello! My name is Diana, and I am thrilled to be apart of the childcare team at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. I am currently a student at A-B Tech Early College, and am graduating next year with both my high school diploma and associates degree in science. In my free time, I enjoy scrapbooking and exploring new foods. I am passionate about creating a safe and engaging environment for children to learn and grow. I look forward to creating a bond with each child and their family and contributing to the wonderful community here at GCPC. Thank you for entrusting me with the care of your children!
Hello, my name is Katana King. I was born in the Carolinas but my family is from Guyana. I grew up assisting my mom in the church, and the spirit to serve has never left me. I am getting a BFA in Art, and enjoy bringing the joy of creating and painting to our little ones. I hope to be an example of excellence and kindness for them.
Hi I'm Alec. I'm currently majoring in astronomy at UNCA and hope to teach it in the future! I have been working with kids in various spaces for about 3 years and am very committed to helping them learn and grow!