The Pastor of Leader Care and Development (PLCD) guides the care and development of leaders who are actively serving in ministry in the Presbytery--meaning those who are called, commissioned, and installed to serve as ministers and educators.
The PLCD oversees the work of the Shepherding Workings Group which is comprised of teaching elders who serve in a pastoral role to ministry leaders; encourages every standing committee and working group in Presbytery; and identifies retirees, validated ministers, or at-large members to assist when a leader needs someone to preach, teach, lead a meeting, or assist in ways that would provide accompaniment and support.
The PCLD organizes mentorship for new clergy and events including a worship celebration for ordinations and installations of leaders, leader development sessions, retired leaders lunches, and colleague groups within the Presbytery.
Michelle was born in Texas and raised outside of Philadelphia and in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. When she started college, she moved to Youngstown, N.Y. with her parents and lived there for more than 20 years.
A lifelong Presbyterian, Michelle was very active in youth groups as a teenager and began volunteering in youth ministry as an undergraduate student at Niagara University. After graduating and getting married, she focused on raising her two sons and volunteering in ministry to children and youth. In 2010, Michelle joined the staff of First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown, NY, running a school-age after school program. A year later, she became the Director of Youth Ministries there, and in 2016, took on all responsibilities for the Youth and Children’s programs.
In 2020, Michelle graduated from seminary and accepted her first call at First Presbyterian Church of East Avon. In addition to building ministries with her congregation there, she also convenes the PGV Youth and Young Adult Ministries Working Group, helping to create opportunities for faith formation and fellowship for adolescent disciples across the region."
In Michelle’s words: “I have found that walking with individuals on their unique faith journeys, listening to them, and praying with them, is one of the most rewarding aspects of congregational ministry. As we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ and his disciples, I believe it is vitally important to foster a community that is loving and welcoming to all. We do that through worshiping together, Bible study and Christian education, fun fellowship, and dedicated, humble service to the world beyond the church’s doors. God has been so faithful and I look forward to new opportunities of servant leadership in which we “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8) as we share the Good News: that Jesus is Lord, and God’s law is LOVE.”
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