Meet Jackie.

What is your ministry background?
Having both parents as pastors, I’ve felt like I’ve been in ministry my whole life! I grew up in The Salvation Army, and helped to lead many of the youth programs while I was getting my degree in Elementary Education. I eventually became the Youth Program Specialist in Southern California for 7 years, where I also earned my Masters in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Youth Ministry. About two years ago I transitioned to Orange as an Orange Specialist, and now I also have my very own small group with the most fantastic group of sixth grade girls.

What is your favorite part of being an Orange Specialist?
I love being able to chat with a church and help them to customize all of our material to help fit them best. It’s fun to get to know the culture of a church and discover how Orange can partner with them to help their ministry.

What are your 3 must read ministry books?
Hurt and Hurt 2.0 by Chap Clark, Growing Young by Kara Powell, Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans

Do you have any skills that most people don’t know about?
I’m not sure if this is a talent or skill, but I absolutely love to eat. I guess my talent would be finding out interesting food combinations. Everyone should try potato chips and cold spaghettios. Trust me.

If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? 
A small B&B in Savannah, GA with a giant pile of books and unlimited room service.

Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I always wanted to either be a teacher or a preacher. I think I’ve landed squarely in the middle of those two things.

How do you want people to remember you?
As someone who loved others. I really feel called to show radical love to any and all people. If you need words of encouragement, support or just a person to stand by you in the hard things, just let me know.

Name three words that describe you.
Funny, knowledgable and sarcastic.

What do you want to make sure you do before you die?
I want to make a positive impact in someone’s life. Doesn’t have to be big, but I would love to feel like I’ve achieved my purpose.

What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next year?
I would love to break my dependence on UberEats.

Name a few of your daily habits (other than a shower and brushing your teeth).
I love to read blogs, check in with friends and family back on the West coast and taking my dog for walks.

What do you do with friends in your spare time?
I love to just hang out, eat and relax.

What would be your personal motto?
You’re doing just fine.

If you had $100 and the day to yourself, what would you do?
Grab a book, get some food and just relax.