About the #picture team

Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen

Rio Texas Conference

Rev. Dr.  Tanya Marie Eustace Campen is an ordained deacon and currently serves as the Director of Intergenerational Discipleship for the Rio Texas Conference.

Tanya holds a doctorate of philosophy in Christian education and congregational studies from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Her research focus is children’s spirituality. She has 20 years of ministry experience including previous appointments in the local church and at Discipleship Ministries (an agency of the UMC).

When Tanya is not at work, she can be found spending time with her husband Ryan Campen, their son and daughter (who they lovingly call “Thumper" and "Flicker"), and their Portuguese Water Dog, Bela Esperança (beautiful hope). The Campens enjoy spending time outside, listening to live music and theatre, and exploring their home of San Antonio, TX.

Visit Tanya's ministry website
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Rev. MELISSA Collier GEPFORD

GREAT PLAINS Conference

Rev. Melissa Collier Gepford is the Intergenerational Discipleship Coordinator of the United Methodist Great Plains Conference, in which she helps congregations establish healthy discipleship systems.

She grew up in East Texas and graduated from Perkins School of Theology. As an ordained deacon, she connects church people to the world. Melissa is a writer, speaker, and more recently, the creator of Dandelion Marketplace.

She enjoys drinking good coffee, working out, and testing her semi-green thumb. Melissa and her husband, Bill, enjoy dancing when they can and love playing with their son, Finnegan.

Visit Melissa's ministry website

Rev. Kathy Pittenger

Michigan Conference

Rev. Kathy Pittenger is an ordained deacon and she currently serves as the Children's Initiatives Coordinator for the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. 

Kathy earned a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Bachelor in Arts in Educational Ministries from Malone University. She has served in local churches in both unpaid and paid roles for over 20 years. 

Kathy and her husband, Rich, have two sons, Elijah and Micah. They enjoy spending time in nature, hunting cool rocks around Lake Michigan and Superior, building LEGO, and playing video games. The Pittenger family lives near Lansing, MI.

Visit Kathy's ministry website