Leadership

Pastor Steve and Susan have been married for 32 years and have three beautiful adult daughters. If you ask, they will proudly show you more pictures than you want to see of their grandson. Steve’s hobbies include hiking, biking, and cheering on his favorite sports teams (Indiana Hoosiers, Colts, and U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team). Steve also loves a good leadership book, his mom’s strawberry pie, and a great cup of dark roast coffee.

Steve is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University (B.A., B.S.),  Asbury Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (D.Min.). He was ordained by The Wesleyan Church and has served churches in Florida, Illinois, and Indiana. His spiritual gifts include preaching, teaching, and administration. His favorite thing about being a pastor is seeing people’s lives radically changed by Jesus.

Life Verses:
Romans 12:1-2
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." 

Suzanne has been on staff at The Grace Place for 23 years.  As the Director of our Single Adult Ministry, she is passionate about creating fun events for singles and helping them grow in their relationship with Christ. Through our DivorceCare ministry, Suzanne also ministers to men and women who are either healing from their divorce or reconciling their marriage.  

Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys reading mystery novels, working on puzzles, and spending time with her family. With five adult children and three grandchildren, life for the Adams is always lively!  

Life Verse:
Joshua1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

Karon has always had a heart for ministry. After graduating from Bible College, she and her husband (Pastor Rick, our Senior Pastor for 29 years!)  took the leap of faith and began their journey of full-time ministry together. For 43 years, they faithfully partnered in five different churches across the US: Michigan, Ohio, Alabama (twice), and Florida! Karon has done it all - from Preschool Director to Children’s Director to Singles Ministry to Women’s Ministry to Small Groups.  

Karon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a Social Studies minor. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Ministry from Moody Bible Institute. Karon is passionate about making an impact in the lives of those around her. She loves sharing her faith, teaching, counseling and watching God work in the lives of others.  Whether it’s through leading Bible studies, mentoring young women, or simply having coffee with friends, Karon always has a way of brightening someone’s day!

Life Verse:
 Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Lisa joined The Grace Place family in 2008 and has served in her current role since 2014.  Lisa  was born and raised in West Palm Beach and has been living in Martin County for the past 25 years.  She holds a Bachelors in Finance and a Masters in Forensic Accounting.  After 20 years in the banking industry, Lisa made the decision to leave her career to devote time to her family and serving others.  It is through volunteering that she felt called to join the staff of The Grace Place, and she says “This is exactly where I am supposed to be in this season of my life!”

Lisa and her husband, Larry, have three adult children, two grandsons, and two dogs.  In addition to spending time with her family, Lisa enjoys being on the water, exercising her brain, and volunteering with Coastal Boxer Rescue.

Life Verses:
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Micah 6:8
"...act justly...love mercy...walk humbly with your God." 

Mya has spent the last 25 years playing, singing and writing music, combined with directing and teaching music and drama in various states and countries around the world.  During the past 13 years, she has focused on serving Christian schools and churches, combining her love of the arts with God’s word and the Holy Spirit.  Mya has directed music for various churches in Virginia, Connecticut and Florida. Her primary instruments are voice, guitar and ukulele.

Mya and her husband, Bryan, relocated back to Florida in 2020 and are enjoying Martin County.  They have two daughters, Sayla and Maryna, and two cats named Tuna and Mahi.  They enjoy music, traveling, boating, camping, going to the beach and renovating their property near Lake Okeechobee.

Life Verse:
1 Corinthians 13:4, 6-8
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

Denny is a native Floridian.  He moved to South Florida in 1993 and has lived in Stuart for 23 years.  He and his wife, Kristine, have three adult children and seven grandchildren.  Due to a nudge and realization that something was missing in their lives, Denny and Kristine began attending The Grace Place in 2007.   Denny joined The Grace Place staff 11 years ago, bringing with him 35 years of experience in the construction industry as a carpenter and project manager.  

Denny enjoys family, the outdoors and doing what he can to help others.

Life Verse:
Matthew 34:6
"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Stephanie has been on staff at The Grace Place for 20 years.  As the leader of Celebrate Recovery for 17 years, she is passionate about helping people overcome their hurts, habits and hang-ups.  Stephanie has been married to her husband Bill for 43 years, they have three children and four grandchildren.  

In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys soaking in the beauty of the beach.

Life Verse:
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Kayleigh has over a decade of teaching experience in various settings including public schools, online classrooms, and children's ministry. She earned her B.A. in Music Education K-12 from Southern Wesleyan University with a concentration in choral music. Kayleigh has a passion for helping families thrive, growing closer to Jesus and with one another.

Kayleigh and her husband, Ryan, moved to Florida in 2020 from South Carolina and began serving at The Grace Place in 2022. Their favorite job ever is "Mom and Dad" to their lively toddler, who is a constant source of joy and delight.

Kayleigh also enjoys singing, painting, going to the dog park, and writing songs.

Life Verse:
Matthew 5:8
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

Born and raised in Connecticut, Anita moved to Florida in July of 2018 and joined The Grace Place in August of that year.  In February 2019, Anita joined our staff as Office Assistant.  A year later, she also began leading Grief Share.  After the death of her daughter in 2016, Anita retired from UPS to raise her two grandchildren. She has two other adult children and six grandchildren.

When Anita is not busy running to and from basketball games or practices for two Martin County leagues, she enjoys relaxing with a good book on the beach or creating art in her studio.

Life Verse:
Joshua 1:9
"...Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Peggy moved to Stuart 20 years ago from Nashville, where she put her bookkeeping skills to use in banking and other businesses before coming to Florida to work with family at a yachting company.  On moving to the area, Peggy began attending worship services at The Grace Place.  She was surprised, thrilled, and thankful for God opening the doors for her to join The Grace Place staff as their bookkeeper.  Hard to believe that was 10 years ago!  
 
Peggy has five adult children,  five grandchildren, and now three great grandchildren! She enjoys spending time with family, get-a-ways with her sisters, centering at the beach, reading mysteries, and baking.

Life Verse:
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

Kate was born and raised in Florida.  She has been part of The Grace Place family nearly all her life, and she fell in love with Children’s Ministry at a young age.  After volunteering for many years, Kate turned her attention to the Preschool where she taught for over 9 years.  She recently worked for the TN Department of Children’s Services and TN Highway Patrol before returning to Florida and heeding God’s call to pursue the opportunity of serving as the Preschool & Aftercare Director for The Grace Place.  Kate is passionate about creating positive and meaningful relationships with children and families, while nurturing children’s educational and spiritual growth in Jesus Christ.

Kate is a wife to a police officer and a mom to two children.  She enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her family.

Life Verse:
1 Peter 5:7
"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."