A congregation member for many years, Kara joined the Harrisburg UMC staff in 2023 as the office manager. She enjoys welcoming visitors to the church and interacting with the congregation and the community. She finds great joy in her administrative duties, which she sees as one of her ministries for the Lord. When she’s not working, Kara enjoys spending time with her husband and their pet ferrets as well as knitting and quilting.

Executive Assistant to the Pastor 

Forrest Brown is a Minister of Music with over 20 years of experience serving congregations through music that nurtures faith, connection, and worship. He holds a master’s degree in Sacred Music and approaches ministry with a deep respect for the church’s tradition and a genuine care for people. Forrestalso brings national touring experience, shaping a steady, humble professionalism in every setting. He is married to his wife, Angela, of 17 years, and they are the proud parents of two children, Miles and Ella. Forrest is grateful for the call to serve the Church and believes music is a vital way to pastor hearts and build community

I have served as the Preschool Director at Stepping Stones Preschool for 25 years. I discovered my love for working with preschoolers while still in college, and I have been passionate about this calling ever since.

I am grateful for the opportunity to nurture and guide young children during such an important stage of their development. It is a joy to share the love of Christ with the children and to partner with their families and my coworkers each day. One of my greatest delights is seeing the world through the eyes of a child and sharing in their wonder and curiosity.

I have been married to my husband, Jim, for 38 years, and we have three children and three grandchildren. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, and reading.

Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in audio-visual technology, ensuring our worship services, events, and programs run smoothly and effectively.

Ben holds a B.S. in Music Technology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where he earned distinctions for both his academic achievements and his leadership in audio engineering. His career has included roles such as a Recording Studio Manager, where he trained students on advanced recording and mixing techniques, and as an AV Event Support Technician at UNC Charlotte, troubleshooting and maintaining networked AV systems for classrooms and events.

With certifications in a wide range of professional Audio Visual tools, Ben’s expertise spans live sound, recording, post-production, and audio networking technologies. Whether it’s setting up flawless sound for worship services or enhancing the audio-visual quality of our community events, Ben is dedicated to ensuring a seamless experience for everyone.

Daija specializes in the integration of spirituality with mindfulness and bodywork, creating a unique therapeutic approach that addresses the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of well-being. She is skilled in working with a diverse range of clients, including teens, adults, and couples, helping them navigate various psychological challenges.

Her expertise extends to addressing issues such as imposter syndrome, assertiveness, and identity concerns, along with deeper emotional struggles related to guilt, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, and adjustment disorders. Daija’s approach is compassionate and holistic, ensuring that each client’s individual needs are met with tailored therapeutic interventions. This holistic method not only aids in alleviating psychological distress but also promotes overall personal growth and healing.

Her approach is empathetic and supportive, aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, including issues related to identity, acceptance, and the complexities of navigating personal and societal relationships. Daija’s practice is a place where all clients, especially those from marginalized communities, can feel seen, understood, and empowered.