Staff & Elders

Dave had the privilege of growing up in a Christian home, but in his late teens and early 20s his skeptical nature caused him to struggle deeply with faith. Through the influence of Cru at Virginia Tech, he developed at deep confidence in Jesus and the historic Christian faith. After 35 years of marriage to his best friend Norma Jean, four adult kids, and over 30 years of ministry experience, Dave is even more certain about Jesus and more convinced of his calling.

A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (DMin), Dave has served on the Chapel staff since 1996. He views himself as a shepherd, called to feed, lead, and care for the amazing people of The Chapel. His life verse is Matthew 10:8—“Freely you have received; freely give,” and he is constantly amazed with the never-ending supply of grace he freely receives from God.

Having served as a missionary in Latvia before coming to The Chapel, Dave is passionate about international mission work, as well as local inner-city ministry through The Chapel’s 12-Mile Bridge partners.

In his free time, Dave loves traveling with his wife, reading, hiking, fishing, and spending time at the Jersey Shore.

Litthya, born and raised in Venezuela, has spent the past 20 years making the United States her home. She's a proud single mom to two spirited daughters who keep her busy and laughing. Her faith journey started in her teenage years, and music has always been her lifelong companion.

Initially dreaming of writing pop music, she was surprised (and delighted) when God nudged her toward using her talents for worship instead.

Now, Litthya has the joy of serving at The Chapel alongside an amazing team of worship volunteers who never fail to inspire her with their dedication and support. By day, she’s an Insights Lead and holds an MBA in Marketing, but her heart truly comes alive helping others experience Jesus through music. 

In her free time, you’ll find her dancing, walking, or happily recharging her social battery at home. Through every twist and turn, music and faith remain her joyful anchor. She believes that all things work together for the good of those who love Him!

Brandon grew up in a Christian home with a deep love for music. It was in college where these worlds collided. A worship pastor in Orlando challenged Brandon, and showed him what a relationship with Christ could look like in his own life.

After graduating from Full Sail University Brandon entered full time ministry. Shortly after marrying his wife Savannah they moved from Florida to New Jersey to be part of the team here at The Chapel. For the past decade Brandon has used his technical skills, and creativity to support our ministries and events.

Since being in Jersey his family has grown to include two children. In his free time Brandon enjoys playing board games, collecting Pokémon cards, and spending time with his family.

Steven was fortunate enough to be raised in a Christ centered home and accepted Jesus very early on in life, which created a strong base of faith for managing life’s trials.

He attended Northwestern College where he completed a degree in Digital Media Arts. Between internships and freelance he found his way to Out of Blue Productions where he worked on children’s preschool shows for a few years. When Steven wanted a change in work and he saw a position for live production in ministry, and trusted in God that this was the next move. With his love of production and the church it has been a great match.

  Steven married Kathryn in 2020 and they welcomed a daughter to the family in 2022. He enjoys working on his cars, organizing his collectables and spending time at Jersey shore. 

Heather came to faith in Jesus at a young age which only fueled her passion for ministry to children. Wanting the next generation to experience a life long journey with Jesus. It was in high school that God confirmed a calling to ministry.

She married her husband Josh in 2001 and serving the Lord has always been a priority in their marriage. Heather has two awesome daughters who inspire her to be a better woman each day.

Heather has over 20 years of ministry experience working with kids, students and families. She loves creating teams and inspiring them to use their gifts for God’s glory. Her passion is coming alongside parents to help them pass on the faith to the next generation.

Heather is never one to miss an adventure or a chance to laugh with friends and family but also has her favorite spot on the couch to enjoy some TV, movies and reading.

Ministry has been part of Julie's DNA since she was a child with parents and grandparents who were actively involved in the church community. When she first joined The Chapel's women's ministries in 2015, she instantly felt a sense of belonging and an eagerness to study God's Word. So, when an opportunity came up to work on staff in a ministry she already adored, it was a no-brainer! It brings her such joy to help women and young adults thrive in the church family that has helped her flourish in her own faith.

Julie is married to her teenage crush, Bobby and together they have three children that keep her schedule and heart full. She is passionate about using her gifts of public speaking and writing, and is the author of four books including Meaning in the Mess which highlights how to find joy despite difficult life circumstances.

Whenever she gets a few moments to herself, she can be found browsing the clearance aisles at Marshall's, reading Christian romance novels, or taking a power nap. 

Jackie grew up Catholic but didn’t come to know Christ personally until her early 20’s, thanks to a faithful co-worker, who invested in her life. At age 6, she lost all hearing, after a battle with meningitis. For years, she struggled with, “Why?” but as she experienced God’s love, she began to see her deafness as a gift that drew her closer to Him. Her journey gave her deep empathy and a passion for serving others.

Jackie has been married to her husband, Dave, for almost 20 years, with two children, Mackenzie & David. Though she has a background in exercise science, becoming a mom changed her desires. She left my job in Corporate fitness to be a stay-at-home mom. Over time, Jackie felt God calling her to ministry, and when the time was right, He opened the door for her to serve on the Discipleship team.

Jackie is passionate about God’s Word and helping others know Jesus, grow in faith, and live out His mission. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, exercise, and being outdoors.

John became a Christian close to forty years ago. In his early years as a believer, he went through a difficult divorce. However, God used that time to help him be more devoted to Christ and to grow in his faith. Having gone through such experience has helped John understand and empathize with others in similar situations. 

For twenty seven years, he served in the role of elder and worship leader at Fellowship Chapel, which was a church planted by Jacksonville Chapel in the early 90’s. He now serves as Associate Director of Care and has been married to his wife Debbie for twenty four years. God has given him a great desire to see other believers walk closely with Jesus.

As a certified Dare to be Different, and Prepare/Enrich mentor, he leads engaged couples through their preparation for marriage. Both, he and his wife, are passionate about helping couples enjoy healthy relationships and lead a “Marriage Workshop” to help them align their marriages to God’s design.

John and Debbie have two sons and two beautiful grand children. They enjoy traveling, going for walks, hiking and riding their bikes. They also enjoy having friends over for dinner and growing closer relationships.