Staff

Rev. Wayne Snead, Lead Pastor

Pastor Wayne is from Victoria, Virginia, a small town south of Richmond where his 86-year old mother still lives. His first appointment with the United Methodist Church was in the Farmville District just 20 miles from his hometown, in Chase City at the West Mecklenburg Charge. After four years at West Mecklenburg, he became the founding pastor of Messiah UMC in Great Bridge, in the Norfolk District (now the Elizabeth River District). He was at Messiah for 10 years with the congregation growing to an average worship service of 273. In 1996, Pastor Wayne moved to Sterling, Virginia in the Arlington District where he served Galilee UMC for 18 years. During that time, the church grew to a multi-site congregation with average worship attendance of close to 500. In 2014, Bishop Cho appointed him as the Elizabeth River District Superintendent where he served until the end of June 2021. He was chair of the Virginia Conference Church Development Team for six years and served with the Northern Virginia Bi-District Board of Missions for 16 years.

Wayne and his wife, Beth met at Ferrum College. They have three children and four grandchildren. Preaching and visionary leadership is his passion along with loving people of all ages. He is a very relational and fun-loving guy. When he is able or asked, he loves to play golf and go on mission trips.

Rev. Cheryl Owen-Watson, Minister with Seniors and Congregational Care

Rev. Cheryl Owen-Watson joins our Shady Grove family as our new Minister with Seniors and Congregational Care. Cheryl grew up in Norfolk, Virginia and attended the College of William and Mary, where she earned a B.A in Anthropology and an M.Ed. In Special Education. Cheryl was a special education teacher and administrator for many years in Gloucester County, King William County, and the City of Hampton. She also taught home-bound students in Hanover County.

Cheryl attended The Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, where she earned her Master of Divinity degree. Ordained to pastoral ministry in 2008 at Trinity Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Mechanicsville, Cheryl has previously served as Minister to Senior Adults at Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Richmond and Associate Chaplain at Johnston-Willis Hospital. She also has experience as an interim pastor of a non-denominational congregation and has served as a pulpit supply minister at many churches throughout Virginia.

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.

Mary Elder, Director of Discipleship

Mary Elder is a new graduate of Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Georgia, where she obtained a Master of Divinity with a certificate in Religious Education as well as worked as a campus chaplain. She was born and raised in Newport News, VA and studied Religious Studies at the University of Virginia. She spends most of her spare time with family or hiking, kayaking, gardening, and cooking fun recipes. She is looking forward to beginning her position at Shady Grove where she will be working with youth, young adults, education, and missions ministries. Mary can be reached by email at maryelder@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.

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.

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

Mark Mundie, Sexton