Women in Youth Ministry originated as a Facebook group, which launched in early 2014. For the last seven years, we’ve been a community for a growing group of women who have found a safe place to share their joys and struggles.
OUR LEADER: Heather Lea Kenison
Heather serves at St. Luke’s UMC in Indianapolis as the Director of Student Ministries, leading a diverse team of staff and volunteers at one of the biggest UMC churches in the country. Heather is also the Founder & CEO of Women in Youth Ministry, an organization that celebrates the leadership of women. A certified leadership coach, Heather’s two biggest passions are youth ministry and youth pastors. In her free time, Heather is obsessed with makeup, true crime, Youtube craft videos, and personality tests. She is married to PJ and they live in Indianapolis with their two cat children.
Heather founded Women in Youth Ministry in 2014 as a response to seeing women struggle to find community and their voices. Heather has been featured on several podcasts, blogs, magazines, and has contributed to projects for Grow and the UMC.
You can follow her on social media @heatherlea17, or her website https://heatherleakenison.blog/ You can also email her: heather@womeninyouthministry.com
OUR TEAM!
Rev. Chelsea Peddecord
Where do you serve? Associate Pastor / High School Pastor | Dallas, TX
How do you serve WYM? Facebook Group Moderator, Hosts Bi-Weekly Coffee Chats
3 FUN FACTS:
* I’m the 2013 Oklahoma State Women’s Tug of War champion
* I once got yelled at by Katy Perry
* My first crush was Ash Ketchum
Pastor Sunny Brown
Where do you serve? Chief Innovative Officer of Youth Church Matters
How do you serve WYM? Facebook Group Moderator, WYM Book Club, Equity Advocate
3 FUN FACTS:
* I’m fluent in American Sign Language
* I played Division I Softball
* I’m the self-proclaimed undisputed Uno Champion of the World.
Bethany Dixon
Where do you serve? Middle School Youth Director | Columbia, SC
How do you serve WYM? Facebook Group Moderator, Merch Creator
3 FUN FACTS:
* A few of my favorite things: dogs, giraffes, bad movies, TTRPG, and audiobooks.
* In high school, I was actively involved in 4 different youth groups at the same time.
* If you bounce around my family tree (including some great uncles), I’m continuing a 5 generations streak of someone working in vocational ministry (and I’m the first girl)!
Rita Prior
Where do you serve? Church of the Harvest | Evansville, IN
How do you serve WYM?Facebook Group Moderator, WYM Book Club
3 FUN FACTS:
* I meal prep for fun.
* I watch lots of paranormal shows.
*I’ve completed 3 half-marathons.
Emily Carle
she/her/they/them
Where do you serve? Youth Director | South Hadley, MA
How do you serve WYM? Facebook Group Moderator
3 FUN FACTS:
* I performed in Boston and NYC with my handbell ensemble
* I studied abroad in Athens, Greece
* I’m a first degree practitioner of Usui Reiki healing
Megan Kallenbach
Where do you serve? Middle School Pastor | Howell, MI
How do you serve WYM? Facebook Group Moderator
3 FUN FACTS:
* I love Harry Potter and have seen each movie 15+ Times
* I’m a single foster mom.
* I used to be a pet groomer
Jennifer Weaver
Where do you serve? Children’s Minister | White Hall, Arkansas
How do you serve WYM? Facebook Group Moderator
3 FUN FACTS:
* I love sports wayyy too much
* I know way too much about the royal family
* True Crime Podcasts are my JAM
Kat Bair
Where do you serve? Director of Students | Fort Worth, TX
How do you serve WYM? Blog Editor
3 FUN FACTS:
* I went to high school with Kesha
* Bill Nye the Science Guy introduced me to my husband
* I teach swing dancing