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.
Karen Crotts - Church Administrator
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Elise Sigmon - Director of Children's Ministries
elise@faithbridgeumc.org | 828-295-8333
Elise has been working with children since middle school when she started babysitting. Throughout life, she has had a growing passion for kids and their journey in discovering the love God has for them. Elise graduated from Watauga High School in 2002 and in 2006 received a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Business and Dance from Appalachian State. In 2003, she served as a Centri-Kid camp counselor for LifeWay Christian Camps leading 3rd-5th graders in Bible Study and Cheerleading. Elise is the owner and teaches clogging to all ages at Sole Impact. Elise, who is married to Kyle, has four awesome kids-Jacob, Jenna, Marshall and new New Years 2015 baby Miles. She is excited about partnering with parents to help kids develop a faith that sticks with them throughout their life! We look forward to her teaching us adults, along with the kids, during the Sunday Worship Children's Sermons.
Keila Hernandez-Sullivan - Director of Youth Ministries
keila@faithbridgeumc.org | 828.295.8333
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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!
