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Thom Kalb
Senior Pastor
tkalb@faithumchurch.org
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.
Alex Parisher
Associate Pastor
aparisher@faithumchurch.org
Alex grew up in the United Methodist Church attending services with her grandmother. Her call was first recognized by her pastor at a young age. She attended Malone University where she earned her Bachelor of Social Work. She obtained her license of social work but continued to follow her call to ministry right out of college by earning a Master of Divinity from Duke University and a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Right after seminary she married Michael, whom she met at Duke, and they now live with their cat Henri. She served two years as the Associate Pastor and the United Methodist Church of Chagrin Falls before coming to Faith. She was ordained an Elder in the UMC in 2024. Alex enjoys spending time outside in God’s creation, drinking iced vanilla lattes and going thrift shopping.
Cindy Behm
Office Manager
cbehm@faithumchurch.org
Sharyl Syler
Finance Director
ssyler@faithumchurch.org
Sharyl has worked in several positions at Faith United during her 30+ years of service. She is semi-retired and currently works two days a week as the Finance Director. Her current responsibilities are paying weekly invoices and reimbursements for both the church and learning center, posting payroll to 40+ employees, posting contributions from Sunday offering and online giving, updating pledges and printing giving statements. When Sharyl is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, who recently retired. She likes to read and go out to eat with her friends.
Deb Stimer
Administrative Assistant and Communication
dstimer@faithumchurch.org
Deb earned her degree in Business Management from The University of Akron and has accumulated over 35 years of experience in various administrative assistant roles. She devoted 18 years to being a dance mom, supporting her daughter Calle, who started competitive dance at the age of ten. Deb treasured the moments spent at competitions and witnessing her daughter perform on stage.
Additionally, Deb loves spending time with her two grandsons, whom she adores. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and spending memorable moments with family and friends. One of her mom’s favorite Bible verses was Philippians 4:13, which reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” has also become a personal favorite for Deb. She enjoys being part of the staff at Faith United.
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.
Russ Gartner
Choir Director
rgartner@faithumchurch.org
Nicole Sandor
Volunteer Coordinator
nsandor@faithumchurch.org
Alex Evanoff
Modern Worship Leader
aevanoff@faithumchurch.org
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.
Tracy Touvell
Faith Friends Learning Center Assistant Director
Mike Wadlington
Head Custodian/Maintenance
mwadlington@faithumchurch.org
Joe Andrews
Digital Ministries Specialist
jandrews@faithumchurch.org
My name is Joe, and I have been a dedicated member of Faith United since 2007. Throughout my time here, I’ve volunteered in various roles, including Sunday School teacher, VBS staff, Communications Chair, and managing the slides during services. In 2022, I took on a part-time role as a Digital Ministry Specialist, where I oversee the live-streaming of both traditional and modern worship services. Additionally, I maintain the church's website and social media accounts, assist with Realm, and provide technology support to the church.
I have spent my whole life in North Canton and am happily married to my wonderful wife, Heather. Together, we have two children, Nathan and Molly. My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:6 “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
I truly enjoy helping others, and this position at the church allows me to do just that.
Kevin Crowl
Meet Kevin Crowl, our Assistant Digital Media Specialist at Faith United. Although he's new to this role, Kevin is no stranger to the church—he's been a member for over 30 years, served four summers with the Faith Friends Summer Day Camp, and volunteered in countless roles, from Children's and Youth Ministry to A/V support. On a typical Sunday, you’ll find Kevin here bright and early (with coffee in hand), powering up A/V systems across the building, checking in with both Modern and Traditional worship teams, and helping ensure everything sounds just right. His behind-the-scenes work often includes fine-tuning the church’s pro audio, video, and lighting systems—skills he's honed over many years. Faith United holds a special place in Kevin’s heart; it's where he’s always felt at home and now where his daughter is growing up in the same loving community. When he’s not at church, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family, tackling projects around his 140+ year-old home, and experimenting in the kitchen. He finds encouragement in James 2:14–17 and treasures the many moments he's witnessed the church grow into the vibrant congregation it is today. And yes, he's definitely a coffee person.
Sandy Wallace
Cherub Choir
Modern Worship Keyboardist
ncfaith@faithumchurch.org
Jody Lindower
Celebration Bell Choir
ncfaith@faithumchurch.org
