Staff Directory

	Tom Gibson – Lead Pastor Tom came to our church in 2007. He has served in local churches for 30 years. Along the way Tom has also served as a hospital chaplain at NC Baptist Hospital, a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, and an Associate Chaplain with Motor Racing Outreach Ministries to the Nascar Community. Tom has a passion for growing the Kingdom of God by sharing the transforming love of Christ, encouraging believers to spiritual maturity, and positioning the church to be relevant in today’s culture. He is married to Robin. Together they have three grown children who are the joy of their parents. To contact Tom: tgibson@guilfordcollegeumc.org or call 292-5833 ext. 11.
	Ben Carson – Pastor Ben joined the staff in the summer of 2008 and is really excited to be a part of this congregation. He has a degree in Business Management from N.C. State and a MDIV from Asbury Theological Seminary. He moved to Greensboro from Wilmore, Kentucky, but originally hails from Rutherfordton, NC, a place that most consider "small town friendly." Ben is passionate about meeting new people and hearing their stories. He also tries to lend a voice to those who are unable to speak for themselves, and seeks to share the love of God with everyone! Ben is an avid sports fan (Go Wolfpack!) and enjoys playing all kinds of sports and activities. He prefers to spend as much time outdoors as possible, and loves hiking, camping, biking and backpacking. He is married to Jenny and together they feel blessed to be able to serve GCUMC! To contact Ben: bcarson@guilfordcollegeumc.org or call 292-5833 ext. 18.
	Jack Kayler – Pastor Jack came to this church in 2005. A member of the Western NC Conference since 1952, he retired in 1993, but continues to serve in Interim and visitation positions. He was a member of the NC Chaplains Association and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Jack now focuses on ministry to older adults, shut-ins and those who are hospitalized. Jack is married to Claudette, and they have three grown children. Two of them are members of GCUMC and the other (Claude) is a United Methodist Pastor serving in Asheville.
	Donna Ford – Director of Christian Education Donna joined the staff in 1999 and feels blessed to be in ministry here. She is responsible for overseeing the educational needs of all ages in the church, including Nursery, Sunday School, Curriculum and Resources, Confirmation, Children’s Ministry, and Adult Bible studies. She is also a Stephen Ministry Leader. Donna attended UNC-G and completed graduate studies in Christian Education at Pfeiffer University. She is Certified in Christian Education by The United Methodist Church and is a member of Christian Educators Fellowship. She also serves on the Western North Carolina Conference Deaf Ministry Board of Directors. Donna loves living her passion through her vocational call to ministry, and is enthusiastic about nurturing a life-changing, transforming faith in God’s children of all ages. Donna enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, playing golf, and making visits to hospitals and care facilities with her therapy dog. To contact Donna: dford@guilfordcollegeumc.org or call 292-5833 ext 19.
	Sabrina Isenhour – Director of Youth Ministry Sabrina has a background in the medical field, but all of that changed when the Lord called her into full-time ministry as a staff member at GCUMC in November of 2000. She has a passion for missions, teenagers and making disciples for Christ. Sabrina is currently working on her Masters in Christian Counseling at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, and has a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her “free” time she enjoys spending time with friends, hiking, watching Tarheel basketball and reading. To contact Sabrina: sisenhour@guilfordcollegeumc.org or call 292-5833 ext. 10.
	Garrett Saake - Director of Music Garrett was born and raised in California. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Music at San Diego State University and his Masters Degree in Choral Conducting at The Boston Conservatory of Music. Garrett is currently in his second year of the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) program at UNCG. Garrett and his wife, Melissa, were married this past summer in California and have a house in north Greensboro. At UNCG, Garrett teaches several music classes to undergraduates including choirs and conducting classes. To contact Garrett: gsaake@guilfordcollegeumc.org or call 292-5833 ext. 22.
	Dena Adams – Director of Children’s Choirs Dena is the director of Children’s Choirs and joined our staff in 2007. She earned a BA in Music from the University of LaVerne, CA and a Master of Fine Arts from UCLA with an emphasis in choral conducting. In addition she holds several certifications in Orff Schulwerk, Kodaly and Kindermusik. Dena is also the Director of Choirs at Northwest Middle School where she directs 8 choirs, serves on the Leadership Team and was Teacher of the Year at Northwest Middle in 2004. She is a prolific writer and has published over 50 books and other teacher aides in the last five years. She is an active clinician across the US in training teachers of young children. Dena has three sons, Mark, Marlin, Mitch, and a fuzzy white Maltese, Lucas. In her free time she reads, walks the beach and travels, and is especially fond of good hot coffee and any kind of chocolate.
	Neal Sharpe - Accompanist Neal has lived in North Carolina his entire life, and served churches in the area as music director and pianist/organist for 10 years. He attended UNCG in the vocal performance program. Neal is passionate about bringing all Christians together in One Body and continually building the Kingdom of God. He is also passionate about UNC sports and will take on Pastor Ben’s NC State any day! He loves to cook and enjoys getting to know new people. Riding bikes and being in the mountains are where you’ll find him on beautiful days. His prayer is that we might be able to aid you in your walk with Christ and bless you and your ministry to further His kingdom! To contact Neal: nsharpe@guilfordcollegeumc.org.
	Dana Puentes – Director of Weekday Preschool Dana received her degree in Early Childhood Education from Miramar College, San Diego, California. She has attended, as well as conducted, several early childhood workshops throughout her 15 year career in the child development field. Besides directing, Dana has taught ages 14 months through Pre-Kindergarten, and was an Educational Coordinator for several years. Dana feels it is important to keep in touch with your “inner child," and does so by working part-time at the YMCA as an afterschool counselor. Dana moved to North Carolina 6 years ago, and is proud to call Greensboro "home." Dana enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and being outdoors. She is married to Andy Puentes, and they are blessed with two wonderful sons, Joshua and Jacob. To contact Dana: dpuentes@guilfordcollegeumc.org or call 294-6730.
	Jackie Morgan – Church Administrator Jackie is a newcomer to Guilford College UMC, joining the staff in August, 2009. She moved here from Ohio and graduated from UNCG with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance. She met her husband Eric while working in a bank and going to college. They married and have three beautiful girls. She has been a member of Center United Methodist Church in Summerfield for the past fourteen years. Jackie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, tennis and the beach. To contact Jackie: jmorgan@guilfordcollegeumc.org or call 292-5833 ext. 23.
	Gloria Brown – Financial Director Gloria is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of North Carolina, currently with an inactive status. She graduated from UNC-G with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She lives in High Point with her husband and two children ages 12 and 5. She has been a member of Covenant United Methodist Church in High Point since 1996. She was a stay-at-home mom for eight years before coming to work at Guilford College UMC in September, 2008. She loves working in a Christ-centered environment and feels everyone, staff and congregation, are true servants of God. She enjoys coming to work and using her gifts to serve Christ. To contact Gloria: gbrown@guilfordcollegeumc.org or call 292-5833 ext. 25.
	Carol Ingram – Administrative Assistant Carol has worked in our office over a decade and serves as our Receptionist and Administrative Assistant as well as Membership Secretary and editor of the church’s bi-weekly newsletter. Carol is a native of High Point, NC. She graduated from North State Business College with an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science, and was employed as Administrative Assistant at High Point Public Library for 17 years. She has been a member of GCUMC for 35 years, and prior to working in the church office was employed as teacher in the Crib/Toddler room of GCUMC Weekday Preschool. She enjoys reading, exercise, spending time with family, and loves the beach. She has 4 children and 8 grandchildren. To contact Carol: cingram@guilfordcollegeumc.org or call 292-5833 ext. 12.
	Ben Brothers – Facilities Manager Ben Brothers moved to Greensboro seven years ago with his wife Jean. They have two children and one grandchild. Ben has been the Facilities Manager at Guilford College United Methodist Church for the past seven years. He attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia and served in the US Army during the Korean conflict. He retired from Ford Motor Company after thirty-three years as a General Production Supervisor. After retiring from Ford, Ben became a General Building Contractor for 8 1/2 years. For the next three years, he obtained a position as a lab shop technician with a research and development company. Before moving to Greensboro, Ben went to work as a building maintenance manager for four group homes for young boys. He has filled various volunteer positions within the church over the years and is an active Gideon. To contact Ben call 292-5833 ext. 24.
	Theodore Baker – Custodian Theodore accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age at Wells Springs UMC in Forest City, NC. He is an alumnus of Gardner-Webb University (Bolling Springs, NC) with a Bachelor of Science degree. He and his wife of 44 years have four children, the oldest being 42 years old and the youngest 32 years old. Theodore and his wife look forward to returning to their home in Rutherford County, NC upon retirement.