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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 and daughter Juliana. She served two years as the Associate Pastor at the United Methodist Church of Chagrin Falls before coming to Faith United. She was ordained as an Elder in the UMC in 2024. Alex enjoys spending time outside in God’s creation, going on adventures with her family and drinking good coffee.
Cindy Behm
Office Manager
cbehm@faithumchurch.org
Cindy is a proud native of Canton. Prior to joining Faith United, she dedicated 12 years to Buckeye Council, where she served as Program Secretary for three years and as Registrar for nine years. A graduate of Timken Senior High School in Canton, she played both the clarinet and piano, and continues to enjoy performing with these instruments on occasion. An avid animal lover, Cindy has a cat named Cinnamon. In her leisure time, she delights in traveling, hiking, camping, attending concerts, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
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.
Larry Touvell
Facilities Manager
ltouvell@faithumchurch.org
I’m Larry Touvell, Facilities Manager at Faith United Methodist Church. I take great pride in maintaining a clean, welcoming environment and ensuring that all of our building systems run smoothly. My wife and I share a wonderful blended family with four children and several grandchildren. In my free time, I enjoy hunting, traveling, kayaking, mountain biking, and riding my Harley. I truly appreciate the people of Faith United and look forward to serving and helping wherever I’m needed.
Russ Gartner
Choir Director
rgartner@faithumchurch.org
Alex Evanoff
Modern Worship Leader
aevanoff@faithumchurch.org
Faith has always been central to Alex’s life. Raised in a family with two generations of pastors, he felt called to serve God from an early age. Growing up in the North Canton area, he experienced many styles of worship and saw firsthand the power of music and community in shaping meaningful worship experiences.
While studying at Bowling Green State University, Alex became the Choir Director at a local Methodist church, sharing his love of music with the congregation. After returning to Stark County, he discovered a passion for contemporary worship and began serving as a Contemporary Worship Leader. In 2024, he felt called to join Faith United, where he hopes to continue creating meaningful worship experiences for the community.
Alex is married to his wife, Bethany Evanoff, and together they are the proud parents of Oliver, a frequent visitor to the church nursery. Outside of ministry, Alex enjoys all kinds of games—tabletop, card, and online—and thrives on connecting with others. He’s always happy to sit down over a cup of coffee and talk about life. Feel free to introduce yourself!
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
I have been at Faith Friends for 34 years. I live in North Canton with my husband Larry , two cats named Morty and Molly and a bird named Ricco. I have 4 sons and 6 grandchildren all living out of state.
I enjoy friendships and date nights, in my spare time I enjoy cruising in our corvette , motorcycle rides, bicycle rides, playing pickleball, and kayaking.
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
I’m Sandy Wallace. I grew up in Faith Church, going back to the days services were held in the Community Building YMCA and my parents were charter members. I was involved in Sunday School, choir, youth group and attended Methodist camps. While in high school, I was the piano accompanist for the Cherub Choir. Little did I know it foreshadowed what was to come. After majoring in music education, I taught a little school, taught many piano students and began accompanying various groups on the piano. I took on the Cherub Choir before my first child was born and am still there! I find the children of Faith to be very loved and am inspired by their zest for life. I have also been playing keyboard for the modern worship service since its inception. I love the contemporary worship songs. I hope in my own small way, that I can aid in the spiritual journey of our children and can also help create a meaningful worship experience through song. Outside of church, I enjoy spending time with my 6 grown children, 2 grandchildren and 2 cats. I live for the summer when I can garden and spend time in my pool!
Jody Lindower
Celebration Bell Choir
Melanie Groves
Evening Custodian
mgroves@faithumchurch.org
Hi, I’m Melanie Groves — Your Evening Custodian
I’m currently pursuing my studies to become a veterinary assistant, with the long-term goal of becoming a veterinarian specializing in large animals. Outside of work, I’m a proud mom to two amazing kids, a cat, and a lovable St. Bernard.
With a warm and approachable personality, I bring a vibrant energy and a genuine enthusiasm for learning to everything I do. Whether I’m exploring creative projects or diving into new hobbies, I love discovering new things and embracing every opportunity for growth.
If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out — I’m always happy to help!
