Our Team

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LEAD PASTOR

Tim Ward
Associate Pastor

Marcela Jarman
Executive Director

Lesa Kestler
Worship Director

Susan Yantis
Student Ministry Director

Zander Conradie
Worship Leader

Jillian Donahue
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Cathy Hargett
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Sharon Hines
Operations Coordinator

Mary Horihan
ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Susie Howard
SERVE & MISSION DIRECTOR

Kathy Mackrell
Media Tech

Manuel Medina
WORSHIP LEADER

Shauna Olevson
Technical Director

Steve Pae
Finance Coordinator

Lori Powell
First Impressions Coordinator

Jennifer Rice
Next Gen Administrative Assistant

Jessica Wheatley
Kids Ministry and HOPE Preschool Director

Evelyn Saim-Lobos
HOPE Preschool Assistant Director

Lesly Sheley
HOPE Preschool Office Manager

Debbie Flowers

LEAD PASTOR

Tim Ward

I’m a native Virginian. I was born in Culpeper, VA, attended the University of Virginia and moved to Northern VA in 2001. I graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary. I joined the Crossroads team in July, 2021. I like to bike and run and hang out with my kids playing Wii Sports.

Idea of a perfect day: Going on a run, hanging out with a friend and going out to a nice dinner with my wife, Susan and our kids.

Favorite vacation: A cruise around Europe that started in Barcelona, included Spain, Italy and France.

Favorite bible verse: John 10:10 – the thief comes to kill and steal and destroy, but I (Jesus) have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.

Email:tward@crossroadsnova.org

Phone:(703) 729-5100 Ext 122

Associate Pastor

Marcela Jarman

I am originally from Bogota, Colombia, I am married to Todd Jarman and we have two amazing children. I have a bachelor’s degree in Architecture, from the University of San Buenaventura, Cali Colombia. I have a Masters of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary, and I am currently pursuing ordination as an Elder in the United Methodist Church.  I am a lover of chocolate (not good for me, but in small amounts I think is ok!). My passion for ministry is to connect with others so that I can be a witness to my faith and help them to find Christ in their midst.
Idea of a perfect day:  Sunrise at the beach with a coffee in hand and my husband by my side walking and hearing the waves, followed by a great day of good food and friends.
Favorite vacation: Oahu, Hawaii or any beach. I love the Outer Banks, North Carolina.
Favorite bible verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 (TLA), “Porque el Espíritu de Dios no nos hace cobardes. Al contrario, nos da poder para amar a los demás, y nos fortalece para que podamos vivir una buena vida cristiana.” / “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

Email:mjarman@crossroadsnova.org

Phone:(703) 729-5100 Ext 115

Executive Director

Lesa Kestler

My family moved many times when I was growing up but spent the most time in northern New Jersey, suburbs of NYC. I graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Business Management and moved to the Washington D.C. area where I met my husband, Tom. After a few years in Pennsylvania, we settled back in Virginia and have lived in Loudoun County since 1991. We have three amazing, adult children, who are all married to wonderful people, and five beautiful grandchildren.

Our family started attending Crossroads in 1991 and our daughter was enrolled in HOPE Preschool the first year it opened. After volunteering in various roles, I started working in a part-time capacity at Crossroads in 1992. My role has changed many times over the years but primarily in the Operations and Administrative areas. I currently work full-time with our fantastic Crossroads/HOPE Preschool staff. Outside of work, I love spending time with our family…grandchildren are the best! I also enjoy cooking, baking, and entertaining.

Song I know by heart: I probably know every song from the late 70’s/early 80’s by heart in addition to several old musicals such as Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, South Pacific. If I could be reincarnated it would be as a Broadway star but for now, I stick to singing in my car!

Favorite vacation: Some of my favorite trips were to Normandy, France; Asia; and safari expeditions in Africa. I can’t wait to get back on the road and check more destinations off our list.

Email:lkestler@crossroadsnova.org

Phone:(703) 729-5100 Ext 114

Worship Director

Susan Yantis

I have a BA in Music from Shepherd University and a MM from Catholic University of America. I have been attending Crossroads since 2000 and have been working here since 2004. My hobbies include playing the piano, harp and backyard astronomy.

A song I know by heart: I’m a musician. I know too many songs to count!

My idea of a perfect day: My idea of a perfect day is a warm, sunny day at the beach with my family, my Kindle and plenty of good sunscreen.

Favorite vacation: My favorite travel was the first time my family and I went to Uganda on a mission trip. Not sure I’d call it a vacation but it was an unforgettable adventure and an experience which changed our lives forever.

Email:syantis@crossroadsnova.org

Phone:(703) 729-5100 Ext 120

Student Ministry Director

Zander Conradie

I am from South Africa, I grew up in a town called Polokwane, raised by two amazing parents and my younger brother both still living in Polokwane, I attended PHS Highschool. I started  attending and working for Crossroads on July of 2024. My hobbies include: reading, hiking, and cooking.

My favorite vacation: Being surrounded by nature, doing something fun, a bonus would be a hot spring.

My favorite bible verse:  Romans 8:37-38 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers.”

A song I know by heart: “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey

Email:zconradie@crossroadsnova.org

Worship Leader

Jillian Donahue

I grew up in Leesburg, VA, got both my BA and MA in Music Education at Virginia Tech, then came back to the Northern Virginia area in 2023. I grew up going to church, attending Sunday school, and participating in summer camp here at Crossroads. I started singing with the worship team in high school, and I was honored to join as a member of staff in 2023. In my spare time I enjoy discovering new music, reading, and spending time with my dog!

My idea of a perfect day: Sleep in late, lounge in the sun with a good book, and then end the day at a fire-pit with my friends and family.

My favorite vacation: Travelling to London with my mom and discovering the city by just wandering to see what we find.

My favorite bible verse: Romans 12:9-10 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Email:jdonahue@crossroadsnova.org

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Cathy Hargett

Our family has been attending Crossroads since 1996. Two of our three girls were baptized, and all three were confirmed, at CUMC. I started working at CUMC in September, 2022. My hobbies include sewing, baking, and puzzles.

Song I know by heart: Cyndi Lauper – “Girls just wanna have fun!” or Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes- “We’re Having a Party”

Favorite Vacation: Visiting my parents in Wilmington, NC every year at the beach for 4th of July

Favorite Bible verse: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” -Luke 6:13. I had this hanging in our kitchen for years to remind our girls.

Email:chargett@crossroadsnova.org

Phone:Phone: (703) 729-5100 Ext 119

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Sharon Hines

Phone:(703) 729-5100 Ext 135

Operations Coordinator

Mary Horihan

Email:mhorihan@crossroadsnova.org

ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Susie Howard

My family and I have been coming to Crossroads since 2000 and I joined the staff in September of 2008.  My husband, Bob and I have three young adult sons who all went to HOPE Preschool. In my spare time I like to run, hike, read and travel.

Something I am trying to get better at: Slowing down and living in the moment!

A song I know by heart: Most Bruce Springsteen and Hamilton songs

Favorite bible verse: Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

Email:showard@crossroadsnova.org

Phone:(703) 729-5100 Ext 133

SERVE & MISSION DIRECTOR

Kathy Mackrell

I grew up in Vermont and graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Animal Science.  I have been married to my husband Bill for 32 years. We have two grown daughters Allison & Christine. Both attended HOPE Preschool. Our family started attending Crossroads 20 years ago, the same year I started working here. My family and I are avid Washington Capitals fans and attend games whenever possible.

Something I am trying to get better at: Being in the moment and enjoying what is going on around me as it is happening.

A song I know by heart: I know most songs by the Avett Brothers by heart and would love to hang out with them and their families for one day or more if they will have me!

My favorite bible verse: Psalm 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Email:kmackrell@crossroadsnova.org

Phone:(703) 729-5100 Ext 136

Media Tech

Manuel Medina

Email:mmedina@crossroadsnova.org

WORSHIP LEADER

Shauna Olevson

Phone:(703) 729-5100 Ext 129

Email:solevson@crossroadsnova.org

Technical Director

Steve Pae

Email:spae@crossroadsnova.org

Finance Coordinator

Lori Powell

I have lived in Loudoun County since middle school! My husband Bill and I have three young adult children who all attended and loved HOPE Preschool. Our two daughters are now at JMU Dukes and our son is a junior at Stone Bridge High School.

We have attended Crossroads since 1998 and I have been working at Crossroads since 2019. In my spare time I love biking, hiking and decorating!

My idea of a perfect day: Enjoying the outside with my family

Favorite vacation: Disney World and Europe

Favorite bible verse: “Let all that you do be done in Love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14

Email:lpowell@crossroadsnova.org

Phone:(703) 729-5100 Ext 111

First Impressions Coordinator

Jennifer Rice

Email:jrice@crossroadsnova.org

Next Gen Administrative Assistant

Jessica Wheatley

I have lived in Ashburn for 16 years, and I love the community here. I am a mom to three teens who keep me very busy! I am new to Crossroads, but am happy to have found my church home! I love kayaking, fishing, and anything outdoors!

Favorite vacation: Any trip to the beach. The Bahamas and Key West are two of my favorite places.

Idea of a perfect day: Includes fishing the Shenandoah river on my kayak, followed by a bonfire and good food.

Favorite bible verse: 1 Corinthians 13:4 – “Love is patient, love is kind.”

Email:jwheatley@crossroadsnova.org

Kids Ministry and HOPE Preschool Director

Evelyn Saim-Lobos

I moved from Guatemala to the U.S. when I was two and have been in Virginia for a while now. With over eight years of leadership in the non-profit sector and a master’s in business management focused on nonprofits, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting young people’s academic and personal growth. As a mother to my six-year-old daughter, Luna, and wife to my supportive husband, Pro, I deeply value family and community.

I’ve attended Crossroads UMC since 2021 and Luna attended HOPE preschool for two years. I’m passionate about supporting Crossroads and HOPE Preschool’s mission and creating a nurturing, inclusive environment for children to experience God’s limitless welcome. I started working at Crossroads in May of 2024. In my spare time I enjoy crafting and Cricut projects.

Something I’m trying to get good at: I am want to learn how to better serve the HOPE and Crossroads Kidventure communities

Favorite vacation: Family beach trips, any beach!

Favorite bible verse: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, NKJV)

Email:esaimlobos@crossroadsnova.org

HOPE Preschool Assistant Director

Lesly Sheley

I grew up in Northern Virginia and I have my masters in Early Childhood Education from George Mason University. I have been working at HOPE Preschool since 2023. My husband and I love attending concerts and music festivals.

Something I’m trying to get good at: I love DIY projects. I’m trying to get better at finishing these kinds of projects.

A song I know by heart: “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5

Favorite vacation: My family and I went to Puerto Rico in the Summer of 2023. We had a great time at the beach and exploring the island.

Phone:(703) 729-5100 Ext 138

Email:lsheley@hopepreschool.org

HOPE Preschool Office Manager

Debbie Flowers

I was born and raised in NoVa and have lived in Ashburn for 20+ years. I have a daughter and a son – my son attended HOPE Preschool in 2015 & 2016 and we have a giant goofball golden retriever. I have been a teacher at HOPE for the last 7 years. I LOVE hockey (let’s go CAPS!), lounging on the beach, and hanging out with my kids.

Something I’m trying to work on:  Prioritizing my needs/wants/well-being instead of putting myself at the bottom of the list.

A song I know by heart: “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift

My favorite vacation: Going to the beach with my kids and losing all track of time and just soaking up the sun & salt air, dolphin watching, watching the sun set and playing games.

Phone:(703) 729-5100 Ext 138

Email:dflowers@hopepreschool.org