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 a 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.

God has taken the Klouse Family on some amazing adventures over the years. From New Jersey to serving in Jamaica, to Denver Seminary, to North Carolina as a trauma chaplain, pastoring at a few large churches, then back to New Jersey, it’s been a wild ride.

Paul is passionate about reaching people, and helping them walk with God no matter what stage of their faith journey they are on. Walking with people through life’s challenges, and being an advocate for those who are hurting.

Paul loves surfing, hunting, fishing, gardening, Hallmark movies, and being outside with his family. He has three daughters, one son, and has been married for 23 years to his awesome wife Megan. He has degrees from Denver Seminary (M.Div), and Liberty University (Masters of Clinical Mental Health) which help him to help others.

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.

God was talked about in Susan’s home growing up, and she knew that He was supposed to have an important role in her life. Through the example of men and women in a campus ministry called Cru at the University of Delaware, she finally understood what it mean to have a personal relationship with God. As she grew in her relationships with God, and with people, she became passionate about pursuing both.

After graduation, she was a teacher of teens with disabilities in a private school, and began attending The Chapel. She met her husband Jeff in the Young Adults group. They continued to attend The Chapel where they raised three sons. Two are now adults, and one is at home with the Lord. She came on staff as director of Chapel Women in 2009, and later added Adult Discipleship to her responsibilities. The support of The Chapel Family through her own trials and tragedies has strengthened her desire for every person to live connected to Jesus and to community.

Susan and Jeff have five grandsons “The Fab Five”. Don’t tell anyone, but “Nana” is her favorite role and title! She enjoys creative and colorful activities alone, but nothing energizes her more than sunshine and beaches with her favorite people!

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 her 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.

Rebekah Mathew grew up in a Christian household where faith and family were at the center of her life. Being surrounded by prayer, Scripture, and spiritual guidance from a young age helped shape her foundation and eventually led her into a personal relationship with Jesus. Those early experiences continue to influence the way she walks with God and encourages others in their own journeys.

She is currently in her second year at college, studying marketing. With a heart for creativity and connection, Rebekah hopes to blend what she’s learning in school with her role in ministry to help others feel supported, encouraged, and invited into a deeper relationship with Christ. Whether she’s helping with events, behind the scenes on social media, or just having a conversation, she values being present and intentional with the people around her.

Rebekah has been personally impacted by The Chapel’s young adult ministry, and now considers it a privilege to serve the same community that helped her grow. Through The Girls Room and discipleship groups, she found meaningful friendships, mentorship, and a clearer understanding of God’s grace — all of which have become important parts of her testimony.

One verse that continues to encourage her is Numbers 6:24–26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” This passage reminds her of God’s faithful presence, even in seasons of uncertainty.

Outside of ministry and school, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, having good conversations over chai lattes and of course, retail therapy.

At fourteen, Jamie experienced something that would shape the rest of her life: she discovered just how deeply loved she is by God. That moment of surrender to Jesus ignited a passion to help others discover the same truth that changed everything for her: they are loved beyond measure. For over thirty years, this calling has taken her on quite an adventure. From leading a music ministry that traveled throughout the country to launching a nonprofit in Rwanda, Africa, each step has deepened her understanding of how God meets people in their brokenest places with hope and healing. Now, as Director of Care at The Chapel, she gets to walk alongside families in North Jersey during their most vulnerable moments—and honestly, it's both an honor and one of the greatest blessings of her life.What draws her to serve here at The Chapel isn't just the ministry itself, but the people. When someone sits across from her sharing their struggles, she sees someone who needs to know they're not alone, that they're deeply valued, and that there's hope even in their hardest seasons.

Her journey through Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, with studies in counseling and psychology, and later at Northeastern Bible College, equipped her with tools. But it's really the years of walking through her own valleys—and watching God show up faithfully every time—that allow her to offer something real to the families she serves. Whether she's providing pastoral care, connecting people with resources, or simply listening over a cup of coffee, her heart is to help others discover their true identity and worth in Christ.

When she's not at The Chapel, Jamie can be found sharing life with her best friend and ministry partner, Anthony, whom she's blessed to call her husband. They love exploring new pizza places (because good pizza is a gift from God), spending time with friends and family, and soaking up sunny days at the Jersey shore.

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.

Toni’s relationship with God has been an important part of her life as far back as she could remember thanks to the first influence of her mom. Toni’s journey with God has filled her life with joy, conviction, and grace, grounded in the good news of the Gospel and the promises of God’s Word. She and her loving husband, Vinny, have been happy to call The Chapel their church home for about twenty years now. 

After going through significant personal struggles and grief, while experiencing the comfort, guidance, and grace of God, Toni decided to get her Master of Biblical Counseling (MAC) from Westminster Theological Seminary. Her desire has been to provide the same love and care to others as she learned about in 2 Corinthians 1: 4, “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” In Toni’s own brokenness and navigating through life, she is reminded that we are created to carry one another while keeping our eyes on the Lord. Toni, having a special place in her heart for those that are sick and near the end of life, decided to continue her education by becoming a Board-Certified Chaplain. Although Toni does not hold this role on our staff, it has prepared her well in leading the Visitation Team. She is forever grateful to her late brother, Salvatore Dolfi, for the support and encouragement he continuously provided.

In her free time, Toni likes to spend time with her big Italian family including her dad, Rudy, her nephew Joseph, and her “niece,” Talia. She, also, enjoys reading, traveling, visiting New York City, and watching reruns of sitcoms.

Kathy has been part of the Chapel community her entire life, attending since she was 2 weeks old. For 22 years, she has served as Care Ministry Assistant and Wedding & Funeral Coordinator, bringing deep roots and dedication to her role.

God has equipped her with a compassionate heart, and her work is more than just a job—it's a way to serve those in need and show God's love in practical ways. She assists pastors, directors, and volunteer leaders to help their ministries meet the needs of so many.

What she loves most about the Chapel is its friendliness, welcoming spirit, and faithful teaching of God's Word. As part of the Care Team, she has seen God at work in powerful ways, watching discouraged people find hope and experience God's love.

Outside of ministry, she enjoys vacationing and spending time with family. She and her husband George have been married 50 years and are blessed with two children, Tim and Kristy, and five grandchildren. The entire family lives within two miles of each other, and she loves attending her grandchildren's various sporting events.

Ingrid realized her need to follow Jesus as Lord while in college. She graduated from Bucknell University and immediately started graduate studies to pursue public school special education. During this time her search for Christian fellowship led her to The Chapel. It was here her faith took root and she met her husband, Tom. They have been married for over 35 years, and have two adult children, and two precious daughters-in-law. 

Ingrid’s passion for new ways that the church could support individuals who have special needs/disabilities formed over time as she worked as a School Psychologist and served in the children’s ministry, dreaming of what could be. She celebrates every step of The Chapel reflecting the truth that all are wonderfully made, in God’s image, and indispensable to his church.

In her free time, Ingrid loves to nurture her family, see things bloom inside and out, satisfy her appreciation for Swedish antiques and Fika, complete a few puzzles, and escape to the beach.

Jasmine is passionate about sharing her journey of faith and the incredible ways God has worked in her life, including how she came to call The Chapel her church home!

Jasmine is dedicated to nurturing young minds and supporting families, working to cultivate a love of learning and promote emotional well-being at The Chapel Preschool. With a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, Jasmine has over a decade of professional experience blending her knowledge of child development and mental health to create a warm, supportive learning environment.

Jasmine is happily married to her husband Brett, and they love spending family time making memories with their 7 children. Jasmine has fun taking care of her backyard chickens and dreams of traveling the world. Alongside her role at the preschool, Jasmine also finds great fulfillment in her work as a licensed therapist, counseling children, teens, and adults.

Becca Curcio is the Administrative Assistant at The Chapel Preschool, where she combines her love for children with a deep commitment to ministry. With a heart for serving young families, Becca supports the daily operations of the preschool with professionalism and care. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing, Christ-centered environment where children and their families feel seen, supported, and loved. Her mission is to share the love of Jesus in every interaction, helping young hearts and homes flourish.

Becca has been happily married to her husband Chris since 2017, and together they have a daughter, Elyse. In her spare time, Becca enjoys expressing her creativity through watercolor and acrylic painting, crafting homemade ice cream, and spending time with family and friends playing boardgames, listening to music and reading. Whether at work or at home, Becca’s life is rooted in faith, love, and a passion for building strong, joyful connections.

Carolyn’s love for Jesus and compassion for local and global missions started at a young age while growing up in the Catholic church. In her teens and twenties, she struggled to stay connected to a church, and sought out a deeper meaning to faith. Her neighbor invited her to a bible teaching evangelical church, there she came to know Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior. Since then, she has had a full career in business, and served here at the Chapel as a volunteer in several ministries. 

Supporting missions has long been a passion of hers and she has had the privilege of traveling on short-term missions to Jamaica; offering medical, dental and eye care. And locally supports our 12 Mile Bridge partners in Paterson. By meeting tangible needs, missions allow us to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Matthew 25:40 tells us “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Carolyn was raised locally with 5 siblings. She has two grown daughters, two wonderful son-in-laws and six grandchildren. When not found with her nose in a book, she loves to oil paint, garden, bike ride, hike and travel.