Deeply philosophical, and all around goofy person, Steven is a great conversationalist and deeply passionate about children, youth, and families. Hailing from La Grande, Oregon, Steven has spent that last 8 years studying, and working in ministry contexts. Steven holds a B.A. in Philosophy/Philosophy & Religion and has a Master of Divinity degree. Some of Steven’s passions are include rock climbing, coffee, unraveling the secrets of the universe, and reading the next queer love story. In his free time, Steven likes to write and read any number of things.

A lifelong Methodist, except for a brief teenage Presbyterian rebellion, Laurie has been on staff at Bellevue United since 2011.  Before that she worked with children, youth and families in Snoqualmie, WA and Mequon, WI. Faith is a strong force in her life, and sharing it with others is life-changing.  When she's not at church you can find her on the hiking trails or behind a sewing machine.

Thriving on checklists and planning, Aya enjoys having a diversity of tasks to work on throughout her day. Her prior experience has been in project management and customer relations management. Aya holds a BFA in Graphic Design and Multimedia and has been running her own photography and design business for the past 14 years. Aya loves looking at cat photos (she is allergic to real cats), coordinating the Seattle chapter for Progressive Asian American Christians, and planning her next trip.

Melissa O’Neal has been a part of the staff at Bellevue FUMC since 1987. She has a Bachelors of Music Education from Willamette University in Salem Oregon. Melissa has also worked at Morningside United Methodist, and Ravenna United Methodist. She loves teaching piano and accompanying students in the Seattle area. Her all time favorite job has been being a mom to three wonderful sons. Favorite pastimes include volunteering as a pianist at Evergreen Hospital, spending time in the garden, and reading a good book!

Abby Duke grew up here at Bellevue First UMC where she began leading worship at age 12. Since then she received her BFA in musical theatre and directing, performed in New York and Seattle, teaches acting/singing/piano lessons, and directs or music directs theatre. She went back to school to receive her BS and then Master's in Medical Speech Language Pathology. Abby loves to bring together all aspects of her life; using music, singing and theatre to connect God to our every day life and find ways to create communication for all. She believes in collaboration, empathy, asking questions, abstract discussions, and creative worship. Abby also loves learning, cooking for people with dietary restrictions, eating along the vegan to pescatarian spectrum, working in the wine industry, at-home yoga, laughing, and Harry Potter.