Director of Children's Ministies at FUMC Lakeland

Cristi Moore has been serving in children's ministry for the last 26 years and truly feels this is her lifelong calling. She is currently the Director of Children's Ministries at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland. Mom to 4 children, Ammie to 5 grandchildren, wife to Bill and puppy mom to Baxter, their Goldendoodle, are some of the other title's she enjoys!

Director of Youth Ministries at St. Luke's UMC Orlando, FL

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Senior Director of Ministry Partnerships: Youth Ministry Institute

Kirsten served 20 years as a youth minister. She served at her last church for ten years and has been with YMI for the past ten years. She has experience working in small and large churches, including on a full-time and part-time basis. In addition, Kirsten has served students and families as a social worker. Kirsten holds a Bachelor\'s of Arts degree from Asbury University in Christian Ministries and is a graduate of YMI.

Director of Children’s Ministry

I have worked for Children’s Ministry for 20 years, past 6 years as Director. Love working with the families and children to watch their relationship with Christ grow and get stronger. One of my favorite part of my job is working with 4th & 5th graders and meeting new families.

Director of Youth Ministries - FUMC Lakeland, FL

Emily serves as the Director of Youth Ministries at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland. She has been in youth ministry for over 17 years here in the Florida Conference. Emily graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 2007 with a Communications Degree and got certified in 2010 through the Youth Ministry Institute. She has a chocolate lab named Cubby, after the Chicago Cubs, who is her whole world. Emily loves getting to spend time with leaders growing in ministry. She hopes to connect with you during Rooted!

Co-Director: Gator Wesley Foundation, Gainesville, FL

Conference Director of Young People's Ministry

Joel is a Licensed Local Pastor in the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Joel married his best friend Heather in 2001. They have two daughters, Elliot and Norah. Joel grew up in Ocala, FL and graduated from UF in 1999. Joel’s call into full time ministry has taken him through Youth Ministry, Camping Ministry, and now serving alongside college students in Gainesville, FL.

Director of Student Development: Youth Ministry Institute

Brian is a 16+ year youth ministry veteran, host of the Making Sense of Ministry Podcast, and works to see youth and children\'s ministers succeed. He holds a Master of Ministry with a focus on organizational culture, team-based leadership, change, conflict, and peace-making from Warner University. In addition to his degrees from Warner, he studied Christian Education at Asbury Theological Seminary.

Ministry Director at the Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Conference Center

Tyler is the Ministry Director of the Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Conference Center. As the head of the ministry team, he oversees the summer camp, year-round retreats, and after-school program. In addition to managing in-house ministries, he elevates the camp experience by maintaining accreditation standards (American Camp Association), refining hospitality for guest groups, and leading special projects. Tyler is a Provisional Certified Family Life Educator, meaning he is qualified to educate others in familial systems and life transitions. He earned a B.S. in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida (Go Gators). Currently, he is working towards a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from UCF (Still, Go Gators). His academic interests include the sustainable stewardship of funds and efficient people-management practices, both of which have informed his work in camping and campus ministry. Tyler and his incredible wife, Allison, live in Fruitland Park with their two dogs and their first child on the way! 

Ministry and Youth Coordinator at the Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Conference Center

Zac is the Ministry and Youth Coordinator at the Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Conference Center. Since 2020, he has been dedicated to ministry and earned his certification from the Youth Ministry Institute in 2022. Zac is passionate about empowering young people and their families. He will be leading the workshop titled "Ice Breakers and Group Games for Beginners," where he will share his experience leading intentional and engaging activities in a ministry setting. He works closely with his wife, Kristen, the camp's Events and Guest Coordinator. Outside of his professional role, Zac enjoys a variety of music genres, is a devoted football fan (go Noles), and is an avid disc golf player.

Pastor at Heritage UMC in Clearwater, FL

Matt Horan is an ordained elder in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He previously served as a pastor at Hyde Park and Seminole Heights United Methodist Churches, both in Tampa, Florida; and is currently the pastor at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater. He is the author of "Church Bells at Midnight" about the 2017 Seminole Heights serial killer murders. He is also the author of the Reemergent Church blog, and is a host of the Disorganized Religion podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and others. He has taught Confirmation classes as a youth director or pastor at Killearn UMC; First UMC Carrollton, GA; First UMC Winter Park; Hyde Park UMC, Seminole Heights UMC; and Heritage UMC. He was the speaker at the Warren Willis Confirmation Camps in 2021, 2022, and 2023. He has been married to his wife, Susan (a school social worker), for 25 years. Their daughters, Jenna and Ashley, have a combined 22 years of experience as campers or counselors at Warren Willis Camp, and are both are musicians at their college Wesley Foundations (Jenna at UNF and Ashley at UF) and local churches in Jacksonville and Gainesville. They are now church grown-ups.

Director of Children and Family Ministries

Mary Allen currently serves as a director of Children and Families at Pasadena Community Church. She recently completed her Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, along with 10 years’ experience working and serving at several UMC church within the Florida Conference in Children and youth ministry. Along with a husband, who is a UMC pastor, Mary is mom to 4 kids and 1 German Shepard dog. When not at church, Mary loves spending time with her family and visiting Disney World whenever she can.

Youth Director - Heritage UMC

Peggy Ingram is the Director of Student Ministries at Heritage United Methodist in Clearwater. She has been in youth ministry for more years than she wants to admit which means she has seen and done a lot.  She has worked with youth groups of all sizes and is passionate about helping others take their next step of faith.

Youth Director - Mandarin UMC

I am a Florida native who got sidetracked in Virginia for 24 years. Although I loved being in the mountains and the change of seasons, I love being back in the land of sunshine and beaches. I am a currently serving a two-campus church in Jacksonville, Fl as the Director of Youth Ministry. Although I have been in the position for a short time, starting year number 5, I have been in youth ministry for 27 years. I love working with Middle-school and High-school students and have truly enjoyed being part of numerous families over the years. Although youth ministry is in my blood, my favorite role has been that of wife (24 years) and mom to 3 amazing teenagers/young adults and 3 fur babies.

Student Ministry Director - FUMC Winter Park​

"I want to be Jared when I grow up." quote from Joel Pancoast. Jared has two kids, an amazing partner in life, and a group of friends who support him in ministry and life. Jared loves coffee and supporting local baristas. He is a Local Pastor in the UMC and he knows Dylan Reed. 

Director of Student Ministries and Staff Missions Liaison at Memorial UMC Fernandina Beach, FL

Justin Rimondi - Has been working with teens and youth for over 20 years. I have worked as a Youth Director in the Florida Conference for over 15 years and taught Highschool for several years. I am married to an amazing wife who works as a Mental Health Counselor, and I have two of my very own College students.  

PASTOR OF THE GATHERING PLACE

Amy is a church planter in Daytona Beach, Florida. With a team from First United Methodist Ormond Beach, they started the Gathering Place. She previously worked in Admissions at Duke Divinity School and as a site coordinator of a non-profit that alleviates poverty through community-building and friendship.

Retired Clergy in the Florida Annual Conference

Rev. Dr. Wayne Wiatt grew up in rural North Florida where he learned to swim and water ski with alligators and water moccasins. He holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Candler School of Theology, Emory University. He has served Florida Conference congregations including First Jacksonville, Palm Coast, Southside Jacksonville, Trinity Tallahassee and completed 14 years of serving on the Bishop's Appointive and Extended Cabinets. He is the past director for the Office of Clergy Excellence, where he had responsibility for the care and oversight for all licensed and ordained clergy in the Florida Conference. Wayne is married to Ramona Folds formerly of Titusville, who was previously an employee of the Disney Corporation. They have two grown children: Matthew Wiatt (Katie), film makers in Lakeland, Florida, and Taylor Stokes (Phillip), both employed with the University of Florida. They also enjoy spending their time with two granddaughters, Coraline Mae Stokes and Mariam Lily Stokes. Wayne and Ramona reside in Tallahassee in their "forever" home on Lake Talquin.

Director of Children’s Ministries at St. Luke's UMC - Orlando, FL

I am married with two. boys and have been working in children's ministry for almost a decade. I love the collaboration of Children's Ministry and seeing people live into their calling. I love being outside, hiking, playing tennis, painting, reading a great book with a cup of coffee and musical theatre.

Children's Ministries Leader at Hyde Park UMC Tampa, FL

Kim has a passion for bringing children closer to Jesus in fun and creative ways. She is the Children's Ministries Leader at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Fl. She is originally from Fort Myers, Fl., and moved to Tampa in 2013 with her husband of 11 years. They have 3 beautiful girls in grades 3, 6 and 9 all who love to serve with her each week. She is a proud graduate of YMI and continues to grow in ministry by teaming up with others in the conference to build a network of other Children Ministry leaders.

Director and Pastor at the Portico in Tampa, FL

Rev. Justin LaRosa, LCSW is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church, a licensed clinical social worker, a certified enneagram practitioner, an author, and a spiritual entrepreneur who initiates and leads change. He is the Director and Pastor of The Portico, a cutting edge initiative in the oldest church in downtown Tampa. It includes a social enterprise called The Portico Cafe, a historic chapel, spaces to meet and work, an event space for the public, and a missional spiritual community that serves the city in ways that address equality, housing insecurity, and economic challenge. He co-founded Portico Housing Solutions, Inc. and has a part-time private practice (https://justinjlarosa.com). His greatest joys are his wife and two kids. Justin has a certificate from Asbury Theological Seminary, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of South Florida. He studied hotel, restaurant and institutional management at Pennsylvania State University. Justin is the author of The Jesus Challenge: 21 Days of Loving God and Neighbor, and The Sanctuary for Lent 2025, and has co-authored three books, A Disciple’s Path, A Disciple’s Heart, and SENT: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas.

Minister of Congregational Life at St. Luke's UMC Orlando, FL

Jad Denmark is a lifelong Florida United Methodist with a passion for sharing the grace and love of Jesus Christ, especially with those who have been hurt and marginalized by the church. He spent 13 years in the Florida Conference as a Youth Minister, primarily in Ft. Lauderdale and Clearwater, FL, before attending seminary at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. While in seminary, he was a member of Candler’s Sacred Worth Community and the Evangelical Society, working in both groups to build bridges of acceptance and inclusion through the power of Christ’s love.

Theology Together Dir at the Center for Youth Ministry Training

Andrew Mochrie is the Theology Together director at the Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT). He has previously served in congregational youth ministry for the better of two decades in Georgia, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, and North Carolina. As director of Theology Together, Andrew manages its initiatives and programs. He oversees ministry partnership and curriculum development using the Holy Disruptions method. He and his wife, EJ, a chef, live in Western North Carolina, and they love to spend time trekking around the Blue Ridge Mountains with their two children, Iris and Edmund, and two dogs, Ginger and Olive. You can find Andrew outdoors, reading, rock climbing, surfing, or enjoying live music.

Youth Pastor at Grace Community UMC in Lithia, FL

I'm the youth pastor at Grace Community UMC in Lithia, Fl. I'm in a unique spot as my church's building manager too. I've been in full time ministry for 8.5 years and 5 years part time before that. I run our local chapter of Young Life in our area to, on a volunteer basis. My wife, Cindy, has put up with me for 25 years of marriage and we just became empty nesters with both kids in college (Emily, FSU senior & Derrick, FAU freshman).

Sr. Pastor St. Paul's UMC - Tallahassee, FL

Pastor Scriven absolutely loves being called to ministry!  Latricia is passionate about empowering women, strengthening marriages, and supporting marginalized and vulnerable populations.   She has lived into her passion by engaging in social justice advocacy; by serving on the Board of Directors of Wisdom’s Wellspring, a residential community whose mission is “to equip women with wisdom to responsibly transform their lives and community”; and by partnering with her husband to lead Safe Conversations© workshops for couples and small groups. As an educator and leader, Dr. Scriven strives to create spaces that are energetic, interactive, thoughtful and engaging.  She is the author of the children’s books, When Jesus Laughs, When Jesus Rests, and Laughter Is My Superpower, and contributing author of Bloom (Vol. 1): Stories For Women to Nurture Your Growth and Water Your Soul.

Co-Director at your Gator Wesley Foundation

​Heather’s passion for ministry leadership began in her years as a youth and young adult serving as a member of her youth group leadership team and as a camp counselor at the UM camp and retreat center in Florida. As a PK, Heather was raised in and by the church; the sanctuary was her playground and the church family was her village. Heather has over 25 years of ministry experience with youth and college aged-students and currently serves as one of the Directors at the Gator Wesley United Methodist Campus Ministry along with her husband Joel. They have been serving students in Gainesville since 2016. Prior to that, Heather was the Assistant Director at the Warren Willis UM Camp in Florida for 14 years. Heather has her Master’s in Clinical Social Work, is a certified Yoga teacher and is passionate about walking along students as they navigate the transitions of life, faith, vocation, and calling. Heather and Joel have two awesome daughters, Elliot who is 17 and Norah who is 16, and two furry children, Moose and Sammi. She loves camping, watching her girls play soccer and any Gator sports.

Student Ministry and Modern Worship Director - St. Paul UMC St. Petersburg, FL

I’ve been serving in full-time Student Ministry at St. Paul UMC since 2002 and became the director of Modern Worship several years ago. My husband, Bobby, and I share two teenage sons, a college freshman, and high school sophomore. We love popcorn, sports, and hanging out at the beach.

Director of Ministry Protection for the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church

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