Brad brings more than two decades of pastoral ministry serving congregations in diverse settings. Prior to his call to Church of the Palms, Brad served as Senior Pastor and Head of Staff at Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, Florida, where he led a vibrant suburban congregation. Earlier, he served as Associate Pastor at Roswell Presbyterian Church in Roswell, Georgia, where he provided leadership in pastoral care, worship, and older adult ministry. Earlier in his ministry, he served as Associate Pastor at Avondale Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, focusing on youth ministry, summer mission experiences, and church operations. Brad holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary, with additional study at the University of St. Andrews and the University of Glasgow in Scotland. He has served the wider church as a commissioner to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly and in leadership roles within the Synod of South Atlantic and the Presbytery of Florida, while also contributing to community initiatives supporting refugees, housing stability, and hospital spiritual care. Brad is married to Julianne Clayton, a trained and certified spiritual director with a Master’s in Christian Spiritual Formation. Together, they enjoy travel, time with family, and sharing a deep commitment to nurturing faith and spiritual growth across generations.

Hmingi is very grateful to God for this call to serve and care for God’s children at Church of the Palms. She loves people of all ages and believes in the Congregation caring for the congregation. Her most life changing experience was interning at Mother Teresa’s Children’s Home and Home for the Dying and Destitute in Kolkota, India. Hmingi’s hobbies are gardening, painting, cooking, telling and laughing at jokes and entertaining. Hmingi holds an undergraduate degree from Aizawl Theological College, Master of Divinity from Bishop’s College, Kolkota, India, Master of Theology from Presbyterian Seminary and Colleges, Seoul, Korea, MA from Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond, VA, and Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Hmingi has served Churches in Ohio, Kentucky, Texas, Delaware and Maryland. Hmingi and her husband, the Rev. Dr. Will Browne, love to travel around the world to learn new things and to feel at home with their lives.

Hmingi can help you with… questions about funerals and memorials, hospital visits, new members, small groups, WNL, home communion, PW, Deacons, and Stephen Ministry. She also speaks Mizo!

Sarah is the Executive Pastor at Church of the Palms. Born and raised in Colorado, Sarah and her family have been members of Church of the Palms since 2014. Sarah went to University of Kansas for her undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Journalism (with a PR emphasis). She later earned a Masters degree in Film Production from the University of Miami and a Masters of Divinity from University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. After working as a film and television producer for 17 years, Sarah joined the staff of Church of the Palms in 2017. She has been married to husband Steve since 2003 and they have two children, Sawyer and Sydney. Sarah loves reading, cooking, spending time with friends and being with their dog, Huckleberry.

Conor grew up here in Southwest Florida, specifically Punta Gorda, before attending Florida Southern College. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Conor attended Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary to complete a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry. During his time outside Austin, TX, he worked in a rural church as their Student Ministry Director. Conor moved to Sarasota in May 2021 as the Family and Ministry Director at COP. While leading our families, Conor completed his MDiv at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and became our Family Life Pastor in summer of 2025. Conor lives with his wife Megan, daughter Finnley, and dog Kay. In his free time, you’ll find him staying active and enjoying the outdoors.

Conor can help you with… questions about Family Ministry, Student Ministry, Palms Angels, After Hours (Youth Group), and Young Adults Ministry.

Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard trained for the ministry of the Church of Scotland at the University of Glasgow and later at Fuller Theological Seminary, California.  He recently retired after nine years at Christ Church of Longboat Key.  Prior to serving at Christ Church, he served churches in Edinburgh and West Kilbride, Scotland, in Melbourne, Australia and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He is married to Joan, a retired elementary school principal, and the couple has two children, their daughter, who lives with her husband and two teenagers in Toronto, Canada, and their son who enjoys surfing in San Francisco.  They have attended Church of the Palms since leaving Longboat Key, and Joan became a member last year.

Carol Homeister is the Children’s Ministry Director at Church of the Palms. Carol loves to laugh and share the amazing love of Jesus with kids. She enjoys teaching our Chapel kids each week, Sunday Kids Worship, and mentoring our teens in student ministry. Carol and her husband Eric have four children and love to vacation in the summers on Lake Michigan.

Carol can help you with… questions about Children’s Ministry, Impact Kids, youth baptisms, births, summer camp, kids chapel, and Vacation Bible School (VBS).

Sandy currently lives in the Parrish area. Her marriage to the love of her life expanded her family by two children. She has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for over two decades and feels extremely blessed to have spent those years with wonderful people here at Church of the Palms and in her previous church in Sarasota. When she has free time, she spends it with her family and close friends. She loves to bake and watch her son play college baseball.

Sandy can help you with… questions about Palms Preschool, child registrations, and school break camps.

Maezi has been working with kids for most of her life. Originally from Kansas City, Maezi and her family moved to Sarasota in 2013 and have been attending Church of the Palms ever since. She attended Lakeview Elementary, Sarasota Middle School, and graduated high school at Riverview. In 2024, Maezi earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of South Florida. After many years of volunteering in services and Vacation Bible School, she took over as Nursery Coordinator in the Nursery and Frog Room in 2021. This is where you will find her every Sunday. On the weekdays, you can find her teaching 2nd grade at The Classical Academy of Sarasota.  In her free time, Maezi enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, theatre, and planning her next trip to a Florida theme park.

Maezi can help you with… questions about our Sunday morning teaching nursery.

Andrea recently moved back to Sarasota from the Virgin Islands after nine years of island living. She was excited to reconnect with the Church of the Palms Music Ministry and to begin singing again in the chancel choir. She was a Middle School Science Teacher for about 16 years, and while living in the Virgin Islands became a SCUBA diving instructor and dive shop co-owner. Her other hobbies include sewing, knitting, and cooking. Andrea and her fiance’ are looking forward to getting married in Spring 2026 and are excited to begin this new chapter in their lives together. 

Kari Hamada has served as Director of Worship and Music at Church of the Palms since August 2025. She holds a Master of Arts in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of South Florida. She also earned a Distinction in Grade 8 Voice from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in London, England. Ms. Hamada is entering her second year as Artistic Director of the 140-member Sarasota Choral Society, where she leads the organization’s annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. She also serves as Associate Conductor and Principal Alto Section Leader of the esteemed choir, Key Chorale. A certified K–12 music educator, Ms. Hamada has taught music in public schools throughout the United States and abroad. She also performs professionally as a member of the 30-voice Richard Zielinski Singers, a select ensemble that presents contemporary choral repertoire throughout the United States and Europe. In 2015, Ms. Hamada joined Genevieve Beauchamp as Assistant Director of Sarasota Young Voices. During her time with the organization, the ensemble became a beloved part of the Sarasota arts community, performing both nationally and internationally.

Ms. Hamada is passionate about creating meaningful musical experiences that inspire faith, foster community, and draw people closer to God. She believes music is a powerful expression of worship and strives to present it in a way that allows its beauty and message to deepen faith and touch the hearts of both performers and listeners. She is grateful to be part of the Church of the Palms family and to lead its vibrant music ministry. She enjoys sharing her love of music with her three children, Emma, Adam, and Joey.

Hobby: Organizing sanctuary closets, cooking, playing with flowers 

Likes: Strong coffee, dark chocolate, Bach & Prokofiev

Dislikes: Beets, mosquitoes, plastic cups left in pews

Yoko can help you with… questions about ushering, joining the pew rack team, becoming an acolyte, and volunteering in the Sanctuary. She also speaks Japanese!

Jonathan Spivey grew up in Sweden and began playing piano at the age of 5. He took lessons in Stockholm with Stig Ribbing and Lars Roos, and gave performances in Drottningholm Theatre and in Trondheim, Norway. Jonathan was a National finalist in the Music Teachers National Association auditions. Jonathan studied with Martin Canin in New York. Jonathan has given concert appearances in Carnegie’s Weill Hall, Seoul, Korea, Melbourne, FL, and Kansas City, MO. Jonathan is also the pianist in the Sarasota Piano Quartet and the organist at Church of the Palms in Sarasota.

Dr. Jonathan Smith is a versatile musician, producer, and educator specializing in guitar across multiple genres. As Contemporary Media Specialist at Church of the Palms, he brings experience from performing with local ensembles including GS Duo and The Dialogue.

Jonathan plays numerous string instruments including a variety of guitars, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele. His approach to teaching blends classical foundations with modern techniques, making music accessible to everyone.

With degrees from Stetson, Akron, and Shenandoah universities, Jonathan also serves as COO of Galestro Records and is a Recording Academy voting member. He’s passionate about using music and sound to create meaningful experiences in the community.

Damon May is a strategic communications strategist and creative leader with more than 25 years of experience helping nonprofits, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and international humanitarian initiatives develop communications strategies that build trust, engage stakeholders, strengthen brands, and inspire action. His expertise spans strategic communications, public information, digital engagement, branding, multimedia storytelling, and integrated campaigns that create meaningful community impact.

Damon founded and led a humanitarian nonprofit serving orphans, vulnerable families, and underserved communities in Ukraine. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media from Ball State University, studied in London, and has completed executive coursework in Public Relations, Crisis Communications, and Global Diplomacy.

He and his Ukrainian wife, Lienna, enjoy raising their daughters, Sophia and Stella, exploring new cultures, traveling, and celebrating the diversity of people and places around the world. His faith continues to shape both his life and his work through a commitment to love God and love neighbor. DamonMay.com

Chris Villalobos is a student at State College of Florida studying music composition and sound design. Going by the alias Charion, he loves to create cinematic music and sound effects. He recently designed music and sounds for SCF’s 60th season theater production, “A Rock Sails By,” and continues to release more work on his website, CharionStudios.com.

He is grateful to be a part of the Church of the Palms family and is excited to share his passion for sound with the community.

Natalie landed on the Suncoast from her hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania, in the Fall of 2024. She comes from a large Christian family in which God comes first. Graduating from Gannon University with a BA in Theatre & Communications Arts, she found her true love in radio broadcasting for more than 35 years. Natalie and her husband Duke are musicians and nature enthusiasts.

Heather was born and raised in Sarasota County, she is a cradle Presbyterian, having been baptized at Bee Ridge Presbyterian Church. For the last 35 years, she has been a member of Venice Presbyterian Church, where she married her high school sweetheart, Calvin, and they raised two awesome sons, Alec and Erik. She is very thankful that God’s grace led her to COP.

Duty to God and Servant Leadership are a large part of her life. Heather actively volunteers with the BSA for her local Troop and Crew, as well as for Florida DeMolay at the Venice Lodge. Her most prized possession is the District Award of Merit Knot that she wears on her uniform, given to her by the Two Rivers District for being a great “Mom” and “Sister” to her scouting community.

When not at work or a scouting event, Heather has an eclectic love for books ranging from Agatha Christie mysteries to the latest Harry Potter series.

Stop by the front office to say “Hi” and she is really good at giving hugs!

Heather can help you with… questions about volunteering on a hospitality team, special events, Upper Room booklets, sermon text mailings, and name badges.

Victoria is Administrative Assistant to both Rev. Dr. Hmingliani Browne and Rev. Sarah Soboleski. She was raised in Sarasota, Florida before relocating to Virginia. In her free time, Victoria enjoys crocheting and spending quality time with her husband and son outdoors.  Victoria is a graduate of Bright Point Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. She is truly honored to be a part of the team and community here at Church of the Palms.

Beth is a native of Sarasota. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from Eckerd College and her Master of Arts degree in English from Florida State University. Beth recently retired from the Sarasota County School District after 31 years of teaching English, Speech, and Creative Writing. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, theatre, music, and cheering for FSU football and Duke basketball.

Beth can help you with… questions about weddings, baptisms, Race & the Church events, SARI, session packets, foundation packets, church music events, and the choir.

Barbara brings a lifelong passion for holistic care, education, and community connection to her role as Health & Wellbeing Coordinator. With decades of experience as an occupational therapist, educator, and health coach, she leads two signature ministries at Church of the Palms: Senior Wellbeing and The Caregiver’s Pathway. Through monthly wellness programs, caregiver support groups, and a monthly respite event called Neighbors Needing Respite, Barbara helps individuals and families navigate aging and caregiving with compassion, dignity, and practical tools for everyday life.

Rooted in both clinical expertise and spiritual care, Barbara’s approach welcomes everyone—regardless of faith background—to find encouragement, support, and meaningful connection.

She and her husband, Wilbur, share their home with a spirited cockatoo named Bailey, who keeps them on their toes and brings joy to their everyday rhythm.

Barbara can help you with… questions about Senior Well-Being / Support groups & Caregiver’s Pathway.

Melissa grew up in a small town in the mountains of Virginia, where she attended a small Methodist church. She is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she earned her Master’s degree in Public History. She loves crafting, playing with her dog Finn, and spending time at the beach.

Rick grew up in Sarasota and graduated from Riverview High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army / 82nd Airborne. After serving 4 years and opting not to re- enlist, he moved to Miami. He went to the Broward Fire College and became a Ranger with the Florida State Division of Forestry fighting forest land fires. About 2 years later Rick was hired by the Iona McGregor Fire Department where he spent the next 26 years. Rick retired in 2016 reaching the rank of BC/Paramedic. While working he attended Florida Southwestern State College receiving a degree in Fire Service Administration/Science. He also served as a member of the USAR Team (Urban Search and Rescue) dealing with disasters such as hurricanes, HAZ-MAT, trench rescue, swift water rescue, dive team rescue and high angle (repelling). Rick has two daughters and four grandsons whom he spends most of his off-time with. Rick loves to spend time with his family. He also enjoys fishing (offshore), spending time in the woods (camping), and college football (he has season tickets to the University of Miami Hurricanes). He feels very grateful and blessed to be working at Church of the Palms.

Rick can help you with… questions about facilities, set-up and tear down of events, broken/damaged property, campus tours, alarms, and security concerns.

Texas will always be home for Robert, but he’s looking forward to embracing his new life as a Floridian. Robert obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia and has been in the business of church operations for more than twenty years. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Rachelle, for thirty plus years. They have two adult children, Hayden and Madison, and are fully embracing the empty-nester lifestyle. Robert enjoys cooking outdoors and, if you ask, he will tell you “Texas has the best BBQ” and “no, beans don’t go in chili.” He can often be found cheering on his favorite sports team, the Dallas Cowboys (America’s Team), and the Texas Rangers.

Robert can help you with… questions about vendors, contracts, remodeling, IT/network help, and accidents on property.

Joe was born and raised in New Jersey. His favorite “playgrounds” were New York City and the Jersey shore. He is a certified radiology and radiation therapy technician. Joe worked at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and the 21st Century Oncology in Sarasota. He volunteers at our food pantry, helps with tutoring students, and loves singing in the choir under the direction of Kari and Jonathan. 

Keanius was born in Sarasota, Florida, and graduated from Sarasota High School in 2024. He is currently in flight school to one day become a commercial airline pilot. He comes from a Christian family and enjoys learning more about flying and traveling around the world.

Originally from Cuba, Ramon obtained is Bachelors Degree in Bible from Seminario Evangélico de Cuba Los Pinos Nuevos in 2001. He is married to Milegros and has three children, David, Viana, and Viviana. He moved to the US in 2001 and lives in Englewood. 

Originally from Mexico, she moved to Sarasota in 2000. She is married to Juan and has 3 children, Lucero, Maite, and Juan.  She loves to cook and walk. 

Cheyla was born in Cuba in Puerto Padre. She came to the United States in 2014 with her two daughters, Yanet and Amanda. She graduated as a mid-level commercial technician. Her hobbies are cooking, listening to music, and going to the beach.

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Kathy can help you with… questions about the food pantry, volunteering, community service, and our food service ministry.