Jen and I are thrilled to be the new pastors of RiverTree Jackson. In addition to the love we have for our kids, Jen and I love two things desperately: Jesus and His Church. And the third would probably be coffee! When it was clear that God was beginning to open the door to this opportunity, our hearts began to feel a powerful tug. Jen calls it "being grafted into a family," and I describe it as a divine call from heaven. Either way, we know that we know that serving Jesus and His church in Northeast Ohio is His perfect will for our lives. We also know that God has already formed an incredible team of leaders and volunteers who believe in the vision of River Tree with all their hearts. We do too! So we are jumping in with everything we have, knowing that amazing days of loving Jesus and seeing lives changed for Him lie ahead. Always remember, Christ in you is the hope of the world. 

After serving for more than 20 years at RiverTree, Steve has spent that time across many different ministries. Through that process, he has spent thousands of hours learning all there is to know about an ever changing world of live audio production, which is where he now serves at RiverTree Jackson, and has for the last 12 years. You can also catch him running sound for various events in the area such as Alive Music Festival, Plain Township Amphitheater Concerts, and many more, all while being supported by his wife, Kristin, and 1 year old son, Beckett.

When he’s not hanging with his kids, or wife, Ellie, you can find Gary leading our Video Experience Team. This could be anything from shooting and editing the funny videos that you see in a service or online, to producing the live weekend experience that is presented at RiverTree Jackson every Sunday. He has been a part of the video team at RiverTree Jackson for 13 years, but he has also been a pastor and mentor for so many during that time. Caring for people like it’s 2nd nature, Gary brings a certain level of love and care to every room he enters.

Ellie wears many different hats here–and we are so thankful she does! She is our church mom–she makes sure everything we need for events (scheduling, decor, food, etc) gets done. In addition to serving our campus so well, she is a rockstar mom to her 3 young-adult kiddos; Jonah, Jailei, & Jasmine. You might also catch her walking around the park on a sunny day with her husband Gary. Their love story is one for the books!

Syd leads our high school programming and does so flawlessly. She radiates passion while having the gift of leadership during such an integral time in students' lives. Outside of being one of the most fun and energetic RTJ staff members, she is a dog mom to her pup, Bean!

Ariel oversees all things kids here at RTJ! That's where her heart truly is. Pouring into volunteers, knowing kiddo's names, helping parents navigate the scaries that come along with leaving their child to attend services...she is a rockstar! In addition to serving and leading so well, she is busy enjoying being married to her husband, Eric and a mom to her little boy, JP.

Eric is a Jackson grad which makes it even better that he LOVES sharing Jesus with the next generation. He leads our men and young adults in all weekend and weekday programming. On Sundays, you will almost always find him helping out in the Elementary hallway (most likely dancing around with the kids). He loves spending time with his wife, Ariel and little boy, JP.

Cindy leads our food service team that provides tasty lunches for our school kiddos as well as meals and decor for our special events. It's safe to say that food is her love language!

Debbie is known for her heart. The level of pastoral care, that comes so naturally to her, is unmatched. That is why she is the perfect fit to lead our Prayer Team! Having a heart like this also makes her a top-tier grandma to those grandbabies. If you ask our staff, they would also tell you that she has the BEST laugh.

In a church that is always changing, with big goals, and dreams, the projects are NEVER ending. Rodney is our best "yes-man" and can build/fix/maintain just about anything! He also holds a special place in many of our school kiddos hearts. They love watching Mr. Rodney mow and drive the tractor!

Ann is our Office Manager wizard who handles a lot of our scheduling of events and resources. At a campus the size of RiverTree Jackson, that is not a small task! She loves our people so well and fresh new office supplies! If someone needs something, the general response is usually "Ask Ann." When she is not at work, she enjoys being with her family and especially her dog!

Sandy has been such an integral part of Student Ministries for a long time! She keeps Beth and Syd organized and has a passion for leading trips. She co-founded the nonprofit RippleFX with her husband and is the BEST mom to her two kids, Caleb and Chloe.

Amanda's passion is for the next generation! Most Sundays you will find her in the Nursery and Preschool hallway with the most bubbly, welcoming smile. Other times, you may find her on stage being silly but putting on the best show for our kids. We are so thankful for Amanda's heart. In her free time, she is a Lego building expert and a talented crocheter. She is definitely in her boy mom era and thriving with her husband, Nate. They are the best parents to their sweet, silly boys Aiden and Noah. 

Jamie has been in the RiverTree family for years! She spent over a decade working with our RiverTree Jackson Kids ministry prior to her family heading to RiverTree Fairless for their church plant. Investing in the next generation has always been a priority to her! 

Sonia runs our Food Pantry ministry on campus this includes helping the members of our community receive food, coordinating volunteers, and heading up our Backpack Program. Sonia enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with her family, including her first grandbaby!

Leah is the perfect fit to coordinate our Elementary school kids. Not only does she lead them well but she is quick to jump in and be one of the kids! She may be a bit quiet at times, but she knows how to have fun and is full of energy! Leah is the best dog mom to her adorable, sweet, and sassy, Juniper. You may find them on a walk or cuddled up together as she reads. Her thoughtfulness and how she truly loves others well is very evident. We are so grateful to have her here on staff.

Jon grew up in Canton and is a proud diehard Cleveland Browns fan. With 12+ years of professional experience in nonprofit arts as Director of Canton Players Guild, Jon also has 15+ years in ministry serving as a Creative Director, Worship Leader, and Pastor.  Jon serves at RiverTree Jackson and First Church of the Resurrection to bring his creative and worship expertise to the teams focusing on the weekend service experience. Jon will also serve as part of the teaching team at both locations to regularly preach the Word of God.