Ryan Schaeffer
Lead Pastor
Rev. Ry began serving our congregation in July 2021 and has enjoyed getting to know everyone in our faith community. He encourages us to grow together in our faith and is passionate about sharing the good news that Jesus is for everyone, with no exceptions! Ryan loves Bible Studies, his family, and hockey.
Nellwyn Beamon
Minister of Music
Congregational song is Nellwyn’s passion! She joined us in 2017 and has served churches in several denominations. Her degree is in Church Music from Mars Hill University. Nellwyn also works as the Parish Administrator for Emmanuel Episcopal Church in VA Beach.
Brad Norris
Organist
Brad is Dean of the Tidewater Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He’s retired from St. Andrew’s Church and School in Newport News. He enjoys doing work as an organ and piano substitute and accompanying singing groups in Hampton Roads, such as Bellissima. It is a blessing to hear him play our beautiful Casavant Pipe Organ.
Ann Robertson
Preschool Director
Ann began teaching in our preschool in 2011 and then became director in 2017. She has a Social Work degree from Christopher Newport University, and previously worked for Head Start and as Family Services Coordinator for York Co. Ann enjoys the family-like feeling of our church and preschool.
Valerie Reagh
Office Manager
Valerie has traveled the world as a full time Navy wife and is happy to put some roots down. As a native Californian, she’s enjoying exploring the adventures the East Coast has to offer. In her spare time, you will usually find her in some body of water and praising God in song.
Dawn Anderson
Communications Lead & Office Coordinator
Dawn gave her life to Christ at a young age and has always been a member of a church. Having worn many hats over the years, she understands the needs of a church and is happy to be a part of our team.
Lisa King
Finance secretary
Lisa joined our church in 2005 and began working in the church office in 2013. She looks for ways to share the compassion and helping hand of Christ while doing her work.
Stephanie Balderson
children’s church teacher & Nursery worker
Stephanie began serving in our nursery in 2015. She has a degree in Parks and Recreation Management with a minor in Public Service from Old Dominion University. She works at the Cape Henry Lighthouse and was previously a preschool teacher at Goddard.
Brianna Graziano
Nursery worker
Brianna started working in our nursery in 2024. But, for years, Bri was an assistant in our GUMP Pre-K class and is now the Lead Teacher for our 1-year-old room. We’re excited to have her join our Sunday team and she’s excited to be a part of GUMC. Bri considers herself spiritual, has a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and studied Elementary Ed. at James Madison Univ.
Bri Graziano
Pre-k 4
Lead Teacher
ellen sacks
Pre-k 4
assistant Teacher
debbie cox
3 yr-old shining stars
lead Teacher
mandy goodlow
3 yr-old shining stars
assistant Teacher
Kellie Potter
2 yr-old fabulous frogs
Lead Teacher
Annie Robertson
2 yr-old fabulous frogs
assistant Teacher
TARSHA BROWN
1 yr-old busy bees
lead Teacher
erin todd
1 yr-old busy bees
assistant Teacher