Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Rev. Mick Whistler

Lead Pastor

Pastor Mick grew up in Ohio before completing a bachelor's degree in marketing from Wright State University in 1992. He enjoyed an exciting career in marketing for nearly 15 years, even earning an MBA from James Madison University in 2000, prior to his call to ministry in 2006. Since then, Mick has served churches of various sizes, completed his Master of Divinity degree at United Theological Seminary in 2009, and was ordained an Elder in Full Connection in the United Methodist Church in 2012. He is married to his wife, Renee, and they have one daughter, Emma. In his free time, Mick loves spending time with his family, playing golf and going to the movies.

Rev. Diane Mendelson

Associate Pastor

Pastor Diane was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She attended Franklin University and has two adult children. Her daughter, Merceydez, is a first grade teacher in Dublin, and is married to Dustin. They have 3 children. Being a grandmother is wonderful! Her son, Trevor, is an assistant to the offensive line coach for Notre Dame and is married to Erica.  Prior to entering the ministry, Diane served as a regional manager for a retail company for 10 years. Diane is a licensed local pastor with the United Methodist Church and completed the Course of Study through the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Diane enjoys running, all outdoor activities, and the beach! 

Rev. Matt Overman

Pastor of Children and Family Ministries

Matt grew up at Grand Lake church and is blessed to continue to serve as the children and family pastor. He graduated from Wright State in 2010 with a Bachelors in Educations and from United Theological Seminary in 2015 with a Masters of Divinity. Matt was ordained as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church in June 2017. Matt has been married to his best friend and wife, Beth, since September 2009. They have three sons, Patrick, Charlie, and Mark and one daughter, Evelyn. His hobbies include working around the house, playing games and watching TV.

Liz Trigg

Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries 

Liz grew up in Ottawa, Ohio, where she always attended Trinity United Methodist Church. It was at Trinity that Liz first discovered her love for ministry, as she volunteered with the children and youth in the church. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing games, watching movies, and listening to audio books. After graduating from Ottawa-Glandorf High School, she attended The Ohio State University at Lima. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education in 2014. In 2018, she completed a Master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, from Marygrove College. Liz was a middle school teacher for 5 years. She is grateful that listening to God's call led her to Celina, serving the Youth and Young Adults at Grand Lake UMC. 

Amber Snyder

Ministry Support 

Amber was born and raised in Lynn, IN before moving to Ohio in 2016. Most of her career has been spent working in the Manufacturing industry, however, for the past few years she has felt God pulling her in a new direction. Amber started attending Grand Lake UMC in 2019 and quickly felt connected to the people, the ministries, and the community outreach. She feels blessed to join Grand Lake UMC in her new role and is excited to see what God has planned. Amber spends most of her free time with her husband, Jason and daughter, LaMya. She also enjoys festivals, card making and camping. 

Tolin

Canines for Christ Therapy Dog

Tolin is a certified therapy dog through Canines for Christ Therapy Dog Ministries. Tolin is a German Short-haired Pointer/Beagle Mix and was hand-picked at 9 weeks old to be trained as a service dog for a military veteran. She excelled at her training and would have made an excellent service dog, but was unable to be teamed up with her intended match. Tolin came to live with Pastor Matt & Beth Overman and their family in January of 2020. She has become an important part of their family and in the ministry at Grand Lake Church. You will normally find Tolin in the kid's hall on Sunday Mornings and Wednesday Nights. She is also excited to be out in the community visiting schools, nursing homes, the library, and other places. If you feel called to the ministry of pet therapy, please contact Pastor Matt.
Robyn Sheets
Office Manager 
Janie Overley
Financial Secretary
Carolyn Pancake
Treasurer 
Mark Armstrong
Building Manager 
Michelle Heindel
Director of Communications
Rodney Hartings
Lead Media Technician
Ken Wiehe
Lead Sound Technician
Bob Moreland
Praise Team Coordinator
Suzanne Murlin
Sanctus Choir Director

Carol Zimmerman
Organist

Sheila Gudorf
Christ's Kids & Cherub Choir Director
Angie Smith
Custodian (A.M.)

John Harter
Custodian (P.M.)
Vicki McGee
Nursery Ministry Caregiver
Lisa Snyder
Nursery Ministry Coordinator
Roni Wiehe
Nursery Ministry Caregiver
Lily Westgerdes
Nursery Ministry Caregiver

CREATIVE DISCOVERY PRESCHOOL STAFF

Mindy Sudhoff

Director/Teacher

Mindy Sudhoff has been teaching at Creative Discovery Preschool since 1999. In 2004 she began serving as the Director. Mindy Sudhoff has an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from Lima Technical College and an Associate's degree in Accounting from Wright State University. She is Creative Discovery's Enrichment teacher.

Stacey Gibbons

Administrative Asst./Teacher

Stacey Gibbons began teaching at Creative Discovery Preschool in 1995. She holds a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with concentrations in Early Childhood and Social Sciences from Wright State University. Stacey Gibbons teaches the MWF AM and P.M. Pre-K A classes and the T-Th AM and PM 3 year old classes. She also is the Administrative Assistant.

Chloe Russell

Enrichment Teacher

Chloe Russell began teaching at Creative Discovery Preschool in 2020. Chloe is an Enrichment Teacher and will be working in small groups with the students throughout the school year.

Cassie Sapp

Teacher

Cassie Sapp began teaching at Creative Discovery Preschool in 2017. She teaches the MWF Pre-K A AM and PM classes and the AM and PM 3 year old classes.

Kendra Noll

Teacher

Kendra Noll began teaching at Creative Discovery in 2021. She teaches the MWF Pre-K C AM class, the MWF Pre-K B PM class and the T-Th 4 year old classes.

Jaime Collins

Teacher

Jaime Collins began teaching at Creative Discovery in 2020. Jaime teaches the MWF AM Pre-K C class. 

Madelynn Sudhoff

Teacher

Madelynn Sudhoff began teaching at Creative Discovery in 2019. She teaches the MWF Pre-K B AM class.