Answering the call to pastoral ministry was a long and winding road for Valerie. Although serving, leading, and working in a variety of faith communities had been a part of her story from childhood, she only began seminary later in life. This led to her ordination as SummitLIFE’s administrative pastor in 2020. She originally joined SummitLIFE in 2015 after her son Aaron, a founding member, invited her to check it out.
Missions and outreach are Valerie’s passion, and she is active in a number of community outreach organizations including Faith Community Liaison for the Northern Arizona Coalition Against Human Trafficking, the Interfaith Alliance for Hope House for homeless moms and kids, and Meals on Wheels, as a driver.
Valerie is an avid reader, loves gardening and growing things, hiking, and visiting national parks. She has four adult children who live in Arizona and Oregon.