Staff

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Thom Kalb

Thom grew up in the United Methodist Church as a pastor’s kid. He felt a call into ministry in high school. He attended The University of Mount Union, where he earned his undergraduate studies in elementary education. Thom continued to follow his call to ministry by earning a Master of Divinity at United Theological Seminary. His pastoral ministry has called him to three different churches before arriving at Faith. Thom is married to Melissa, and they are the proud parents of two sons, Noah and Bailey and look forward to welcoming Bailey’s fiancé, Capri, into the family. Thom enjoys all sports, particularly Cleveland and Ohio State teams. He also enjoys connecting with others by hearing and understanding their stories, and of course, telling his fair share of Dad Jokes.

Jake Heskett
Associate Pastor
jheskett@faithumchurch.org

Jake became a local licensed pastor in 2013 while serving two churches in south-eastern Ohio. He has served 4 congregations (in two appointments) prior to his appointment as the Associate Pastor at Faith United in July of 2020. As Associate Pastor, Jake's work at Faith United covers a broad variety of areas for ministry. Jake grew up in Cambridge, Ohio where he met Rebekah, his wife. Jake and Rebekah have one biological son, Caleb, and are also foster parents to two wonderful children! Jake has a passion for all of God's people, and gets excited when he sees someone find "their thing" in the life of the Church. Jake received his undergraduate degree from Malone University in Pastoral Ministry and his Master's of Divinity Degrees from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

Sharyl Syler
Administration and Finance Director
ssyler@faithumchurch.org

Sharyl is the Director of Administration and Finance. She has worked in several positions at Faith Church during her 27 years of service. She began in 1989 as a part time membership secretary. Later she added the role of finance secretary. In 2007 she began working full time. As Director of Finance and Administration Sharyl manages the busy church calendar, schedules meeting rooms and events, oversees the work of the custodians, pays weekly invoices for both church and preschool, processes payroll for 35 employees, keeps track of all pledges and donations, and “anything else that comes her way.” The various requests she receives daily keeps her on her toes! She is a staff liaison to Finance Ministry Team and Trustee Ministry Team. Sharyl met her husband, Scott, when they were both students at Ohio Northern University. He is a pharmacist at Alliance Hospital. They have been married 34 years. They live near Louisville and have one daughter, Melissa, and son and daughter- in- law, Greg and Alexandra, who live in Cleveland. In her spare time, she likes to read and go out to dinner and movies with her friends.

Kathy Schmucker
Director of Children Spiritual Formation
kschmucker@faithumchurch.org
Blog: www.faithumchurch.wordpress.com

As Faith’s Spiritual Formation Director Kathy’s desire is to inspire others to experience how God is at work in their lives and the world, to find holiness in the chaos of everyday living, and discover their passion and how God has equipped and empowered them to further God’s kingdom. Kathy grew up in Kent and Louisville, Ohio and felt God calling her into ministry in and through the many ways she served her church and community. Kathy serves on the executive board of East Ohio CEF (Christians Engaged in Faith Formation), the East Ohio Conference Spiritual Formation Committee and the Tuscarawas District Spiritual Formation Team. In 2012 she was awarded the East Ohio Conference John Lennon Award for Outstanding Christian Education. Kathy is married to Blake and has 2 daughters, Kaitlyn and Emily and shares their home with their black lab, Onyx. Kathy finds nature and wildlife fascinating and loves learning about God’s amazing creation! She enjoys relaxing in her garden with a good book and a piece of chocolate! Contact Kathy for questions about Children's ministries.

Deb Stimer
Administrative Assistant
dstimer@faithumchurch.org

Dennis Sarver
Worship Arts Coordinator
dsarver@faithumchurch.org

Dennis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Akron. He retired after a 39 year career in music education. Dennis, his wife Julie, and their three sons have been members of Faith United for nearly 20 years. He is excited to be serving on staff as the Worship Arts Coordinator at Faith United.

Grace Goff
Faith Friends Learning Center Director
gberry @faithumchurch.org

Grace is a native of Akron, Ohio. She graduated from Malone University with a Degree in Public Health and now resides in Canton. Grace previously served as Director of one of the Akron Area YMCA's Child Care Centers. Similar to Faith Friends, the center was also church based and served children toddler age through school age. Grace has a strong passion for children and families. She is very grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role, and looks forward to getting to know the families at Faith Friends. In her spare time, Grace enjoys hiking, camping, working out, gardening, and time with family and friends. Grace was recently married to her husband Josh in October 2023.