Our Staff

REV. MELISSA MICHAM Lead Pastor

Pastor Melissa Micham was ordained as an ELCA minister in 2007 and welcomed by Olivet in 2016. She served as the pastor of Glenwood Lutheran Church from 2007 to 2015 and as Site Director for Abundant Life Together, a gap year ministry for young adults, from 2015 to 2016, both in Toledo, Ohio. In 2024, she graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science with an associate’s degree in Funeral Service Arts & Sciences. From 2016 to 2025, Pastor Melissa cared for, inspired, and cultivated the people of Olivet as Associate Pastor. In late summer of 2025, she accepted a call to become Olivet’s Lead Pastor. Pastor Melissa and her husband, Marvin, share their home in Berkey with two cats. Pastor Melissa loves to read and cycle, and is always up for an adventure.

REBECCA CRESS Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries

Becky has degrees in American Culture Studies and Spanish, and Biology with an emphasis in Ecology and Conservation Biology. She got started working with kids as a Family Service Coordinator with Texas Migrant Council in Northwest Ohio. While there she registered infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children of rural migrant workers for local Migrant Head Starts and connected their families with local financial, social and health services. After earning her biology degree, she joined MetroParks Toledo as a naturalist and informal educator, designing programs for and working with kids aged 2-18 at school, library, and on-site programs as well as at summer day camp. A lifelong Lutheran, she was baptized in 1979 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ravenna, Ohio, and has been a proud member of Olivet since 2016. Becky was honored and humbled to be called to Olivet’s team as Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries in the fall of 2021.

SHANNON WALKER Director of Operations

Shannon is responsible for the daily operation of the building, supervision of staff, as well as various activities and ministries happening in our busy congregation. She has been serving Olivet since 2003 and enjoys her two children and four grandchildren, as well as traveling with her husband of 54 years, Skip.

JILL HEPNER Membership + Ministry Coordinator

Jill has served at Olivet in many capacities over the span of 13 years: as nursery caregiver, office volunteer, and on the youth & family ministry team. Presently, she rings in the Jubilee Handbell Choir, is a Minister of the Word (reader), and also Vacation Bible School helper. Her professional experiences include 3rd grade teacher for 10 years, classroom aid, and math intervention specialist. Jill and her husband, Jon, are parents of Emily and Abigail.

SARA MARTIN Communications Specialist

Sara began at Olivet in February 2024 and is responsible for creating Olivet’s communications content. Her duties involve helping design Olivet’s weekly worship bulletins, bi-weekly and quarterly newsletters, and other media for use throughout the church. Sara and her husband, Tyler (who you’ll find in the Christian Life Center tech booth on Sundays), enjoy spending time at home with their son and three cats.

MIKE VINCE Financial Secretary

Mike has served in as Olivet’s Financial Secretary since 2002 and is appointed by Council. His responsibilities include check writing, banking processing, managing various systems related to contributions, income, and expenses. He serves on the Finance Team and is instrumental in the budget process. Mike and his wife, Karma, have three daughters and are long-time Olivet members.

DR. STEPHEN HODGE Adult Choir Director

Steve has a long history with Olivet as the Adult Choir Director. Dr. Hodge was Professor of Music at the University of Toledo and Director of Choral Activities. He welcomes people with a love of music and singing to consider joining Olivet’s Adult Choir.

CAROL MILLER Handbells & Children’s Choir Director

Carol has a long history with Olivet’s music ministries dating back to 1994. Currently she directs two handbell choirs, Jubilee and Rejoice. She also assists with children’s worship programs. She is a long-time Olivet member and is employed as an insurance agent at a Sylvania agency.

SARAH LEWIS Pianist/Organist

Sarah has a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Hope College and a master’s degree in church music from Trinity Lutheran Seminary. She has been in music ministry for over 20 years and joined Olivet in the fall of 2022. Her favorite activities include short distance hiking, taking her kids to the playground, and kayaking. Sarah has a passion for hymnody; be sure to tell her what your favorite hymns are!

ASH LOVEGOOD The Vine Praise Band Leader

Ash Lovegood, who joined Olivet’s music ministry team in March of 2020, has been leading worship in a variety of settings for over 20 years. They grew up in Toledo and discovered a passion for music very early in life. Ash enjoys performing in a variety of settings around the Northwest Ohio area and is a proud staff member at Toledo School for the Arts. Ash lives with their partner and two adorable hound dogs and enjoys spending time with them whenever they can.

ANDREA LAWS Custodian

Andrea has been a staff member since 2009 and is dedicated to maintaining Olivet’s large facility along with other members of our custodial team. Andrea works Monday through Friday mornings. She tackles her daily chores with a friendly and accommodating nature. Andrea and her husband, Rich, have 3 daughters and 3 grandsons.