Staff - Faith United A Methodist Church

Thom Kalb - EXT. 108
Sr. 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.

Jake Heskett
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 - EXT. 101
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, is involved with keeping track of 2020 Initiative income and disbursements and “anything else that comes her way.” The various requests she received 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 - EXT. 107
Spiritual Formation Director
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 and Adult ministries.

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 has been a music educator for the past 39 years. Currently, Dennis is at Rittman Exempted Village School District in Rittman, Ohio, teaching grades K-4 Music and also serving as an administrative assistant. 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 Berry - EXT. 115
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.

Taylor Mills
Chancel Choir Director
tmills@faithumchurch.org
Taylor earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from The University of Akron and is currently pursuing her Master of Music in Choral Conducting from The University of Akron. She currently serves as the Graduate Assistant Conductor for both The University of Akron Concert, and Chamber Choir. Born and raised in Wayne County, Ohio, Taylor now lives in Tallmadge, Ohio. When she is not studying or singing, Taylor loves to be outdoors, read, and spend time with her family and friends!

Sarah Phillips
Organist
sphillips@faithumchurch.org
Sarah is very excited to be in the ministry team at Faith United! She has both Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Dana School of Music, Youngstown State University, where she is currently a vocal coach and accompanist in the musical theater department. She also coaches for Opera Westminster, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA.

Sarah and her husband live in Poland, Ohio and also maintain the family homestead across the line in rural Pennsylvania. In this position Sarah will build upon and strengthen the excellent Faith United Music program.

Meet the Staff Team!

AMPLIFY MEDIA

COKESBURY SHOPPING PARTNER

NORTH CANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Certified Sensory Inclusive

Safe Sanctuary

Stephen Ministries

The United Methodist Church

East Ohio Conference