OUR STAFF
Who We Are
Michelle Wilkey
Pastor
pastormichelle@harmony-creek.org
Pastor Michelle Wilkey has been an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ (UCC) since July of 2014. Her first call was at David's United Church of Christ in Kettering, OH, where she served for over eight years as the Associate Pastor. In 2016, Pastor Michelle was accepted into the program Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI), which is a leadership program offered by the UCC Pension Board. She considers herself a lifelong learner, and this leadership program is a wonderful way for her to continue to grow in her leadership skills. She is also very grateful for all the things she learned during her time at David's, and she feels honored to have been able to serve the church alongside Rev. Dr. Brian Q. Newcomb.
Pastor Michelle was excited to accept the call to become Harmony Creek Church's next Lead Pastor. She began her time at this wonderful church in January of 2023, and she is greatly looking forward to doing ministry with everyone at Harmony Creek Church.
When she isn't busy pastoring, Pastor Michelle and her spouse, Jae, love to travel and spend time with their two dogs, Lemmy and Clark Kent. They also love spending time with their friends, whom they consider to be their chosen family.
Pastor Michelle prides herself on not being your typical pastor. Once you get to know her, you will soon discover that is the truth.
Raven is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ. She graduated from Chicago Theological Seminary in 2016, and she is currently working on her Doctorate at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She also serves as a Hospice Chaplain, outside of her church work. Raven is passionate about LGBTQIAP2+ issues and is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. Raven lives in the Dayton area with her wife Courtney and their adorable baby girl, Victoria.
Melanie, our Director of Children's Ministry, is a mother of three children and a supportive military wife to her active duty spouse. Having grown up in Pennsylvania, she received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Human Relations, with a secondary degree in Criminal Justice. She spent her first few years out of college in Pennsylvania working as an Adult Lead Parole Officer. She then met her husband, who was starting his career in the military.
For the past nineteen years, Melanie and her husband have moved all over the country. During this time, she has accumulated countless hours of planning, volunteering, organizing, and creating activities and events for her children in many different areas, serving as homeroom mom for all three children, girl scout leader, youth leader, and volleyball coach, to name a few. She is also a fitness enthusiast and coach. Melanie owns her own small fitness business helping adults, teens, and children stay active and fit. She is also very involved fostering dogs in the Dayton area and enjoys going on rescue missions to help stray and abandoned or abused animals.
Melanie loves creating a welcome space for all children who choose to participate in The Great Adventure Sundays and enjoys planning fun activities for the community and families.