BRIDGE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- PASTOR
- Family Ministries Pastor
As a young child I remember having passions for learning, leading, and Jesus. The church has always felt like home to me. Looking back on God's path for me I am ever aware that he has continuously shaped me for the kingdom work I am doing today. I was a middle school teacher for five years before entering into full-time ministry. After pursuing a master's degree in education, I went straight into my Master of Divinity degree. Yes… until my ordination in 2015 I was a graduate student for nine years!
I began working at Meredith Drive Reformed Church in January of 2015. I now provide pastoral leadership for our Weekday Preschool Ministry, Children's Ministry, and Student Ministry at both The Bridge and Meredith Drive campuses. It's an incredible privilege to partner with the gifted coordinators, directors, and volunteers of these ministries, who "make it happen" every single day! My hope is that discipleship in these areas at Meredith Drive and The Bridge will be biblically sound, culturally relevant, and relationally rooted for the next generation who will carry on the cause of Christ.
I am a lover of the hottest of hot sauces and trying to grow things in my garden. Three of my greatest treasures on the face of the planet are my husband, Corbett, and our two children Kathryn and Will.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director
- Lead Teacher
Cherie has been a lead teacher for 4's/Pre-K since 2001 and she is also the assistant director. Cherie lives in Urbandale with her husband Jon. They have two grown children Rob and Jessie, who began their early childhood years at Meredith Drive! Jon and Cherie are active members at Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines. Cherie has an Elementary Education degree from Upper Iowa University with endorsements in early childhood and reading. Cherie has a passion for literacy development in young children and loves reading and acquiring new children's picture books. Her favorite hobbies include pizza/movie night with her family, bike riding, golfing, reading and baking. Listen Buddy and Tip Toe Joe are two of Cherie's favorite children's books.
Job Titles:
- Kids Ministry, 1st - 5th Grade Ministry Coordinator
Jill is the lead teacher for 2's and has been teaching at The Bridge since 2013. Jill lives in Johnston with her husband Chris and daughter Sienna (who attended Meredith Drive Preschool!) She grew up in Urbandale and has a degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University. In her free time, Jill enjoys spending time with family and friends, going for walks, traveling, practicing yoga, and cuddling with her three kitties, Fiero, Steve and Sketch. One of her favorite children's books is A Balloon for Isabel by Deborah Underwood.
Job Titles:
- Student Ministry Director
Meggan has been a teacher at The Bridge Preschool since 2019 and leads the 3's classes. She lives in Johnston with her husband, Brad and their three wonderful girls, Mara, Paige, and Ellery. She first fell in love with The Bridge Preschool when her daughter, Ellery, attended the 2-year-old program. She has a degree in education from Drake University. Meggan grew up in McHenry, Illinois and tries to travel home as much as possible to visit her family and friends. Meggan and her family attend Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. In her free time, Meggan enjoys walking, reading, volunteering, and spending time with her husband and active girls. The LLama LLama and Pete the Cat series have been her most favorite books to read to her children.
Michelle has been an associate teacher for Pre-K since 2008. Michelle lives in Johnston with her husband Doug. They have three grown children Hezekiah, Tennessee and Willow. She is a graduate of Johnston High School and Iowa State University where she earned a degree in fine arts. Michelle and her husband are members at Prairie Ridge Church in Ankeny. Some of her favorite things to do are junking, watching movies and hanging out with her family. Michelle's favorite children's books are Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell and I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont.
Morgan has been an associate teacher at Meredith Drive Preschool since 2019. Morgan lives in Johnston with her husband, Justin and their two children, Katelyn and Ethan. They are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church where Morgan serves as a Catechist for elementary students. She holds a degree from Iowa State University in Hospitality Management and recently earned her Child Development Associate Credential. Morgan stays busy attending her children's sporting events and is actively involved with her son's Cub Scout Pack. Her hobbies include reading, riding bikes, spending time with family and friends and crafting. Morgan's favorite children's book is Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle.
Pastor Jane Brown joined the staff of MDRC in 1986 as Director of Children's Ministries and Congregational Care Ministries and retired in 2013. She will continue co-teaching the Journey class, serving as a resource person for care ministries, and also occasionally officiating weddings and funerals
Job Titles:
- PASTOR
- Adult Discipleship Pastor
Sarah has been with our preschool program since 2017 and is currently the 2 year old associate teacher. Sarah lives in Grimes with her husband, Mike, and their kids, Isabel and William. She has an elementary education degree from Central College with an endorsement in Early Childhood. Sarah and her family worship at The Bridge where she enjoys serving within Children's Ministry. Her hobbies include morning walks with her dog, cheering on the DC-G Mustangs and the Iowa Hawkeyes, attending Broadway shows, and spending lots of time with her family. Sarah has always enjoyed reading and is eager to share the love of books with the students. Some of her favorite children's books are But No Elephants by Jerry Smath and the Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems.
Tara has been with the preschool since 2012, first as an associate, then 2's lead teacher and assistant director, and currently, as of fall 2019, is the preschool director. She lives in Johnston with her husband Michael and their three children Noah, Isaac, and Emily. She grew up in Des Moines and, like her children, attended Meredith Drive Preschool. Tara has a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa. Tara and her family are active members of The Bridge Church. She enjoys reading, volunteering, taking walks with her family, including her dog Dewey, and baking. One of her favorite children's books is Pete the Cat, I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin.
Pastor Tony Vis served as the Lead Pastor of Meredith Drive Reformed Church for 28 years, before retiring in 2012. While he and his wife Dee will continue to worship weekly at Renew Church in Ames; Pastor Tony will preach at least quarterly, teach classes and occasionally officiate weddings and funerals.