Staff

Rev. Deborah Carlton, Senior Minister

Debbie is a native of Atlanta, GA and a graduate of Rockdale High School. She attended the University of Georgia and received a B.A. degree in anthropology, minors in French and Geography. While at UGA she studied abroad in France and traveled throughout Europe and was active in the University of Georgia Wesley Foundation. After college she served 2 years as a US-2 Missionary with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries in Espanola, New Mexico as Youth Minister. Upon returning from New Mexico, she completed her Masters of Divinity degree at Emory's Candler School of Theology and was ordained an Elder in the North Georgia Conference in 2006. Debbie loves traveling and spending time with her family. Debbie has two very active little girls, Sophia eight and Phoebe five. email:revcarlton@att.net

Rev. Jim Landis, Associate Minister

Jim was born in Greensboro, North Carolina. His family moved to Atlanta when he was one, so he considers himself a Georgian. He graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Business. In 2007 after 30 years, he retired from General Motors. His call to the ministry has been a life long journey. In 1998, he answered God's call. He recently completed a Course of Study at Emory's Candler School of Theology. Jim and Sheila have been married for 36 years and have two children Adam and Kimberly Lee and two grand-daughters Madeline (Maddie) and Peyton.

email: jimlandishgumc@bellsouth.net

Andrew Graham ,Chancel Choir Music Director

Andrew is a graduate of Columbus State University and has a Masters of Music Education. He is the current Chorus Teacher at Central Gwinnett High School. He has extensive perfomance experience having performed at Carnegie Hall, the New York Empire Brass, the Atlanta Baroque Orchestra, as well as performing the lead role in the opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors". Andrew has also led and conducted handbell choirs, was a clinician with the American Guild of Handbell Ringers, and is a current voice instructor at Sunrise School of Fine Arts and MOTH music.

Andrew is a very qualified and talented young man. His wife Sarah of four years is also a musician. She is an accomplished flute player who teaches private lessons.

Most important of all, Andrew and Sarah are kind and compassionate Christian people with a heart for the church of Jesus Christ. They currently attend Lawrenceville First UMC and sing/ participate in the music program there. His wife Sarah of four years is also a musician. She is an accomplished flute player who teaches private lessons. email: andrewdavidgraham15@gmail.com

Kelly Rhyne, Youth Director

Kelly Rhyne comes to us originally from Lancaster, PA and received her BFA in Musical Theater from Columbia College Chicago. Upon graduation, Kelly packed up her bags and moved to Orlando, FL where she pursued her dream of performing at the happiest place on earth. In addition to performing at Disney and SeaWorld, she became involved with St. Luke's UMC singing regularly on their contemporary praise team, teaching at their School for the Arts, and helping lead their youth praise team. Working with St. Luke's helped her to realize her true calling in ministry, thus beginning her path to seminary. She is now a student at Candler School of Theology and will receive her Masters of Divinity in May 2016 and is a certified candidate for ministry on the elder track in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Before joining us at Harmony Grove, Kelly served as the contemporary worship leader and children’s coordinator for North Springs UMC in Sandy Springs, GA. Kelly spends her free time enjoying local arts programming and taking care of her two dogs Snickers and Bear.

email: hgumcyouth@gmail.com

Gretchen Shueneman Barker, Minister to Family and Children

Gretchen most recently was the director of HGUMC preschool. She received her BA degree from Kennesaw State University. In 2003 she began her career in Early Childhood Education as a preschool music teacher at Tucker First United Methodist and then as Director, of TFUMC preschool. She is an accomplished musician; writing music, playing the piano and singing. She is the Children's Choir director here at HGUMC. Gretchen and Ryan have been residents of Lilburn/Tucker area since 2002 and have one son Zavier who is 15. email:hgumckids@gmail.com

Teresa Burruss, Assistant to Minister Family and Children

email: tsburruss@comcast.net

Leigh Pledger, Preschool Director

Leigh graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2010 with a degree in early childhood education and certification to teach preschool through fifth grade. She began her journey in education in April 2007 at Harmony Grove Preschoo as a preschool teacher. Later, she taught at a Montessori school and most recently was a teacher at another local preschool. Her son, Sully, attends Harmony Grove preschool. Leigh attended our preschool when she was a child. She is very eager to continue with the pride, traditions and growth of Harmony Grove Preschool. email:harmonygrovepreschool@gmail.com

Bonnie Knowlton, Preschool Administrator

Bonnie Knowlton is our new preschool administrator beginning this fall. Bonnie is married to Craig Knowlton and is the mother of Christopher and twins Thomas and Elizabeth. She has a background in accounting, is active in our HGUMC scouting program, and has been a very active member of Harmony Grove UMC for many years. We are delighted to welcome Bonnie to our HGUMC Preschool Staff! email: harmonygrovepreschool@gmail.com