Katie has grown up at Fleming Island UMC.  After being formed by both the children's and youth programs herself, she now helps lead the next generation of Fleming Islanders as they grow in their spiritual journey. Katie and Dusten have two children: Henry who's in preschool and Addie who's an active toddler. They also have a dog named Tater.

Katie wants to help students find their place in the church now, believing that they have as much to give as the adults do. She helps every student who wishes find ways to use their gifts, and is seeking ways to disciple them through relationship building and mentorship. It's her goal for students to learn the joy of asking questions and discovering the Biblical truths.

Starting in April, students from 7th through 12th grade are invited to join us in the Youth Café after the service for a light lunch and fellowship. This is a very informal get together for students to give them a chance to get to know each other. We hope by doing this after church once a month, we will be able to build connections and relationships with each of our students, so we are better able to create a program that is just for them.

Serving others is one way we are able to show Jesus' love to others.  We believe that service can be done at any age and encourage our Students to participate with our church's mission and outreach events whenever possible.  As a bonus, it will help fulfill their community service requirements for school! We have multiple ways students can be active participants in our church and earn community service hours, including helping out with children's during summer VBS, volunteering in the office, serving in worship, and many other places that may interest them. Contact Val in the church office for more information.