My Story

Let me share my story with you

Whether you are an individual seeking a spiritual director or a minister looking for a retreat leader, you probably want to know something about me. Allow me to share a little bit of my story with you.

Who I am is a collection of influences, passions, and experiences. I am a lover of Jesus, a steward of God’s church, and an introverted contemplative who finds energy in silence and reflection. I love liturgy and worship that is warm and reverent. I need space to breathe and close relationships to keep me secure and grounded. Music and poetry are my languages. Creativity is my gift and outlet. I desire to live simply without extra things to weigh me down. I seek God because I trust that God is working in me and revealing God's self to me.

I grew up the fourth out of five children in Newnan, Georgia, around my family's barbecue restaurant, Sprayberry's BBQ. My home was filled with love and laughter. Church attendance, love of God, and faithful service were taught and modeled in our home. My parents loved us deeply, and they were my first spiritual role models.

Raised in a small-town Southern Baptist church, I grew up with a deep sense of calling into ministry. Music was one of my early passions. After high school graduation, I attended Tift College where I pursued a degree in Church Music with an emphasis in vocal performance. Following my graduation from Tift, I attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. There I earned my Master's degree in Church Music.

My years in college and seminary opened my spirit and broadened my mind. I moved away from my Southern Baptist roots and have since found a spiritual home that is more inclusive, grace-centered, and open.

I have served two churches as Children's Minister and Associate Pastor of Faith Formations. These congregations have given me the space to expand my ministry and hone my gifts. My ministry path has taken me into a deep love for contemplative worship, meditation, and prayer. The writings of Richard Rohr, Julian of Norwich, Henri Nouwen, Barbara Brown Taylor, and others have shaped my understanding of the contemplative life - a way of listening with my heart. I am drawn to it, and it has become my passion.

My own spiritual practices, years of ministry experience, and my desire to guide others into a deeper connection to the Divine have led me to this place of ministry - that of being a spiritual guide and companion to others.

I am happiest when I am with my family. They inspire me and bring me so much joy. I love to smack the ball around on the pickleball court, read a good book, sing, eat Mexican food on a Friday night with good friends, and sit by the fire pit on a cool fall evening. I feel closest to God in the early morning when the day is waking up and the birds are singing their songs.