Our Staff
Ben Carson - Lead Pastor
ben@faithbridgeumc.org | 828-295-8333

Ben is passionate about meeting new people and hearing their stories. He also tries to lend a voice to those who are unable to speak for themselves, and seeks to share the love of God with everyone! Ben is an avid sports fan (Go Wolfpack!) and enjoys playing all kinds of sports and activities. He prefers to spend as much time outdoors as possible, and loves hiking, camping, biking and backpacking. Ben has a degree in Business Management from N.C. State and a MDIV from Asbury Theological Seminary. Ben originally hails from Rutherfordton, NC, a place that most consider "small town friendly."
Ben and his wife Jenny have three children: Chloe, Malachi, and Carter. They are excited to be living in the "high country" and to call FaithBridge home. You can follow Ben's adventures through life and ministry through his blog at www.parsoncarson.wordpress.com
Ben and his wife Jenny have three children: Chloe, Malachi, and Carter. They are excited to be living in the "high country" and to call FaithBridge home. You can follow Ben's adventures through life and ministry through his blog at www.parsoncarson.wordpress.com
Kyle Sigmon - Associate Pastor
kyle@faithbridgeumc.org | 828-295-8333

Kyle is a local boy. He graduated from Hardin Park Elementary in 1999, Watauga High in 2003, and then Appalachian State in December of 2006. He majored in Philosophy and Religion and minored in music with guitar. He married his high school crush Elise in December of 2006 and together they now have 4 children: the oldest son named Jacob, a daughter named Jenna, and 2 other sons named Marshall and baby Miles. In 2014 Kyle completed an M.A. at Duke Divinity School in Christian Practice. He is ordained as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. Kyle enjoys long walks on the beach, camping, and hanging out with friends.
Halee Hartley - Director of Children's Ministries
halee@faithbridgeumc.org | 828-295-8333

Halee is the day to day director of Kid Cove in Boone and she has taught or directed preschool for the past 8 years in Watauga County. She has degrees in Early Childhood Education and Development as well as a Graduate degree in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education. She is nutrition and wellness certified for children and holds her I,II, and III levels in administration for Early Childhood. She loves watching little ones learn and enjoys seeing them grow in a their faith! She has two nieces and one nephew and in her free time, she loves spending time laughing and playing with them!
Keila Hernandez-Sullivan - Director of Youth Ministries
keila@faithbridgeumc.org | 828.295.8333
Keila is new to North Carolina (originally from Pennsylvania) and is finishing up her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work at Appalachian State University in the Fall of 2018. She has been fervently working with families and marginalized populations, particularly Latinx populations, since 2012. She is also an on-call interpreter for several agencies in Watauga and Ashe County. Keila and her husband David have 3 children: Mariah, Ashanti, and Carolina. She loves music, celebrating her culture (Puerto Rico to be specific), spending time with family, and serving others in need. Keila is very excited about working in ministry with Faithbridge, doing life with the youth, and contributing to their faith journey!
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Caroline Smith - Receptionist (Mama C)
828-295-8333

If you show up to FaithBridge during the week, you've likely experienced Caroline's gift of hospitality. She helps ensure that FaithBridge is truly a place where all of God's children are welcomed with love and grace. Stop in and say hi to Mama C!
Casting Bread Ministries
Jamie Thomasson - Executive Director, Casting Bread Ministries
castingbread@gmail.com | 828-295-8333

Jamie comes to Casting Bread after many years in the restaurant and non-profit industries. Complete bio coming soon.
Diann Miller - Operations Manager, Casting Bread Ministries
castingbread@faithbridgeumc.org | 828-295-8333

Diann was born in Boone, and grew up in Wilkesboro. She and her husband, Ralph were married in 1974, settled in Boone and raised three daughters; Denise, Crystal and April. Now Diann and Ralph enjoy being grandparents to three young boys; Devyn, who is 15 years old, Mason, who is 13, and Cody, who is 7. Diann first connected with Casting Bread Ministries as a client in 2009, and has worked as a tireless volunteer here since October, 2010. Diann feels a special calling to participate in the Ministry of Casting Bread which has truly given her a new lease on life. Her goal is to help others who come to the Food Pantry, in the same way that FaithBridge and Casting Bread helped her and her family when they were in need. In her spare time, you will find Diann working in her garden, crocheting and always looking for the smiles in the people she meets.
MacGregor Knight - Baker, Casting Bread Bakery
bakery@faithbridgeumc.org

MacGregor is a recent graduate of App State is excited to see this bakery dream become a reality!