Staff

Rev. Jay Kelchner, Lead Pastor

Pastor Jay came to Shady Grove in June of 2010. An Elder in the United Methodist Church, he attended Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C. and received his Master of Divinity degree from the School of Theology at Virginia Union in Richmond, Virginia. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Jay is a huge Terrapin fan. In addition to his love for the Lord, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, running, cycling, playing golf, and eating anything with chocolate in it. He and his wife, Jo, have 5 grown sons and make their home in Mechanicsville. Email Pastor Jay at jkelchner@shadygroveumc.org.

Rev. Sandra Bottoms, Associate Pastor

Rev. Sandra joined our Shady Grove Family in August of 2015.
Email Sandra at sandrabottoms@shadygroveumc.org.

Rev. Mary Sue Swann, Minister with Seniors

Mary Sue Swann is the Minister with Seniors. She was Minister of Discipleship for many years at Shady Grove UMC before retiring from the Virginia Annual Conference. Mary Sue worked at Hermitage-Richmond with seniors. She has also worked with the youngest in our congregation and is pleased to be in ministry with our seniors. Email Mary Sue at marysueswann@shadygroveumc.org.

Dixie Chappell, Children and Family Ministries Coordinator
Dixie Chappell joined our staff in June of 2016. Dixie is originally from Somerset, Pa. She and her husband Eric moved to Mechanicsville in 2001. They have four children. Dixie has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. Her journey at Shady Grove began with Kitty’s Kids, where all of her children have attended. She has been involved in several areas of the church over the years including Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and the youth program. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. Email Dixie at dixiechappell@shadygroveumc.org.

Bryan L. Greer, Minister of Music

Bryan conducts the adult and youth choirs, administrates a multifaceted music ministry, and produces an annual concert series. His musical leadership has included church music ministries of all sizes, volunteer choral and orchestral ensembles, and music in higher education. Additionally, Bryan is an active composer with works published by Hinshaw Music, Morningstar Music Publishers, Augsburg Fortress, and H.T. FitzSimons. Bryan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He maintains active memberships with the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Most importantly, Bryan is husband to Nichole, and father to Morgan and Elliott. In his spare time, he prefers to read, improve his chess game, visit local historic sites and restaurants, and follows Nebraska football religiously. Email Bryan at bryan@shadygroveumc.org.

Dwayne Stinson, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Dwayne grew up in rural Buckingham County, and began his professional ministry as Farmville District Youth Coordinator. He has served as Director of Youth Ministries for Mount Olivet United Methodist Church in Arlington, VA, and Reveille United Methodist Church in Richmond, VA, and most recently served as Director of Student Religious Involvement at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. He earned his Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School and a Master of Theology degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary. He loves coffee, writing, and tries hard to mountain bike. Email Dwayne at dwaynestinson@shadygroveumc.org.

Keri Marston, Communication Coordinator
Keri manages the internal and external communication efforts of Shady Grove, this includes the web site, the church's social media strategy, contemporary worship presentations, print communication, advertising, and other communication needs. Keri holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from James Madison University. Her leadership experience within church communication has included small, medium, & large membership churches, district level communication, as well as Conference-wide communication efforts. Prior to coming to Shady Grove, Keri served as Director of Communication and Administration at Timberlake United Methodist Church in Lynchburg, VA and Director of Communication at Trinity United Methodist Church in Richmond, VA. Keri was baptized at Shady Grove as a small child and returning to the church she loves has been a true homecoming. Keri and her husband Chris have been members since 2010 and have two daughters. Email Keri at kerimarston@shadygroveumc.org.

Laura Nealley, Programmatic Assistant

Laura is wife to Tom and mom to 2 adult children - Marcus (married to Megan) and Catie. Laura and Tom moved to Richmond in August 2016 from Reston, VA where she had been the office manager at Dulin UMC, in the City of Falls Church, for 8 years. She is thrilled to be back working in the local church. She grew up near the ocean and one day will again be living near water and palm trees. She enjoys all kinds of food, but mostly food that is cooked for her by someone else. Email Laura at lauranealley@shadygroveumc.org.

Karin Nelson, Secretary/Receptionist

Karin has been at Shady Grove United Methodist Church since 1987. She is the church Secretary/Receptionist. When you come to the church office Karin is one of the first people you will meet. She loves working with volunteers, interacting with the members, and enjoys her varied duties and ministry at Shady Grove. Karin and her husband Tom, have a grown son and daughter. She enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling. Email Karin at karinnelson@shadygroveumc.org.

Vicky Traylor, Business Manager vicky@shadygroveumc.org

David Fielding, Organist

Paul Bakeman, Hyperlink Praise Band Director paulbakeman@shadygroveumc.org

Mark Leverett, Audio Visual Media Specialist markleverett@shadygroveumc.org

John McAlister, Trinity Choir/Orff Ensemble Director

Audra Callahan, Cherub Choir Director

Dee Shiflett, Kitty's Kids Director kittyskidsinc@gmail.com

Verna Leuthe, Nursery Attendant

Wondell Kareem, Facility Care Supervisor

Mark Mundie, Sexton