Valerie grew up in the Chagrin Falls area east of Cleveland.  She attended Ohio Wesly University and graduated from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.  Valerie taught in the public schools, both in the classroom and as a tutor of children with learning disabilities.  Prior to her entrance into seminary, she trained volunteers for a crisis intervention, information and referral service.  She also served as an alcohol and drug counselor for Delaware County.  Valerie received two degrees from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio: a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Liturgical Arts.  She also holds a Doctor of    Divinity Degree in Leadership from Wesley Seminar in Washington D.C.  Valerie's previous appointments include Kilbourne UMC, Main Street UMC in Mansfield, Trinity UMC in Orrville and the superintendence of the Mount Vernon District.

Valerie defines her ministry as being called to connect persons to Christ. Preaching, teaching and spiritual guiding are the avenues through which she works to draw persons to the One who creates, redeems and sustains.  She delights in working in a community that invites all persons to stretch and grow in love and grace.  It is her privilege to serve the church, made sacred by the presence of the Spirit.

"For me one word - joy - sums up what it means to be the pastor of The United Methodist Church of Berea!  I look forward to sharing this joy in Christ with you."