Pastor Cathy graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley in May 2002, was commissioned for ministry in the United Methodist Church in the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference in June, and ordained in 2005.   She has served United Methodist congregations in Marysville, Snoqualmie, and Sand Point in Seattle before being appointed to United Church in University Place – September 2014.  During her seminary training she served for a year as a hospital chaplain in San Francisco.

Her passion in ministry includes inviting people to respond to the great love of God as they move toward healing and wholeness in their lives; building relationships with those who have been part of a church community for years, and those who find themselves new to the faith; and helping people find their passion in the world through service. Pastor Cathy connects faith and life together in a relevant way through sermons that challenge, affirm, and make meaning of this precious life we have been given through the grace of God.

Cathy shares her life with an adorable 10 year old husky, named Denali, as well as her spouse, Angie.   They love to travel, bike, hike, kayak, and enjoy walking on the waterfront  in Old Town Tacoma.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, I have been in the music ministry for over two decades, serving as a pianist, organist, choir director, and composer.

I earned a BA in Music from Western Washington University and studied jazz piano at Cornish College of the Arts. Since then, I have worked professionally as a pianist, accompanist, composer, and piano teacher. Additionally, I have been active as a community theater music director, orchestra member, and composer. I also work as an accompanist at Pacific Lutheran University.

In my spare time I am an avid reader (historical novels, biographies, fiction), like to bicycle, ski, play croquette, and go fly-fishing.

I was raised outside of Seattle for most of my life, then I got married and “joined” my husband’s Navy career. The Navy had us moving every few years back and forth across the United States and while each place has its own special memories, it’s probably no surprise that Hawaii was our favorite. After 20+ years and 9 moves, we’ve made it back home to the Pacific Northwest.

We have two teenagers (a son and a daughter) who we find hilarious, accepting of everyone, empathetic to the needs/troubles of people around the world, thought-provoking, and at times, argumentative and anxiety inducing. So…typical teenagers. We also have a 7-year-old mini goldendoodle, named Topper.

I enjoy serving our church community and in my free time I love to read, digitally scrapbook, occasionally work out and cook vegetarian meals for my family.