MEET THE TEAM
Rev. Dawn L. Stewart
PASTOR
Pastor Dawn came to Covenant UMC from Glyndon, MD. She has a passion for making worship engaging and transformative, exploring the connections between creativity and faith, and working for a more peaceful and just world. Outside the church, she loves cooking, making stained glass, kayaking, and biking. Before entering seminary and pursuing her ministerial vocation, she earned a Ph.D. in mathematics, served as an officer in the United States Air Force, and taught high school. Her husband, Kevin Hulsing, is also a Ph.D. in mathematics and enjoys a career as Senior Cloud Specialist. She has two grown children who live and work in the DC area.
Monica Duran
OFFICE MANAGER
Monica is a west-coast born, east-coast raised gal who found Covenant UMC in the Fall of 2022 as our Office Manager. She’s always enjoyed the many hats she gets to wear when navigating through an office. She has a long administrative background both in the corporate world as part of a DC Metro area financial firm and in church ministry where she served as a youth leader, secretary and pastoral council member. She’s excited to bring her experiences from both to serve the CUMC community. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her family watching a Marvel movie or eating out at one of their favorite local spots.
Kathy Herman
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
A native New Yorker, Kathy moved to Gaithersburg in 1983, and immediately found her church home at Covenant United Methodist Church. In addition to directing the Chancel Choir and playing organ and piano here at Covenant, Kathy worked as a choral music teacher in the Sachem School District, NY, and in the Montgomery County School System. Kathy is inspired by the wealth and diversity of talent represented in the Covenant family. She believes that music ministers to the congregation in a very special way and she searches for music in a variety of styles that will provide joyful, welcoming and spirit-filled opportunities to praise and worship God.
Jennifer Simpson
YOUTH DIRECTOR
Jenn found Covenant UMC in January of 2015, shortly after she moved to Germantown, MD. She found her faith during her years in the youth group at Hedgesville UMC in West Virginia and is very passionate about helping youth grow in Christ. In addition to working with the youth, Jenn works for a family-owned business in Gaithersburg. When she is not working, Jenn enjoys spending time with family, reading, watching movies, and trying to cuddle her adorable cat, Po.
Luke Lowery
ASSISTANT YOUTH DIRECTOR
Luke Lowery started attending Covenant UMC as a child in 1997. Growing up in the church, Luke was active in the children’s ministries, youth group, VBS, and other church activities. Some of his favorite memories include winning the Chili Cook-off with his dad. Luke loves participating in the services, singing in the choir, playing the drums, and being a Lector. He is very passionate about helping the youth grow in Christ and growing with Covenant UMC. On his off days, Luke loves spending time with his wife, his dog, and cat.
Vacant
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
Covenant UMC is seeking a dedicated and creative Director of Children’s Ministry to revive the children’s ministry program in a suburban church experiencing generational transition. This will involve flexibly planning weekly children’s Sunday school opportunities for preschoolers up to 5th grade in a time when weekly attendance is small and the program is being redefined and revived. It will also involve creatively planning and executing family activities which engage families in activities that connect them with faith, fellowship, and service (e.g., VBS, Trunk or Treat, Family Faith Nights, and intergenerational service activities). Position requires up to 20 hours per week, including attendance on Sundays and holidays to coordinate Sunday school and holiday events. Qualified applicant must have a love of children and experience in working with children. Qualified applicant must be a creative thinker, team player, and good communicator. Education and experience in child faith development is a plus. Inquiries and resumes with a cover letter may be sent via email to dawn.stewart@covenant-umc.com.
Liz McClure
CO-DIRECTOR OF CUMPRESCHOOL
Mrs. McClure has a bachelors degree in elementary and special education from the University of Delaware along with a certificate in early childhood education. . She been a teacher for over 20 years, including teaching at CUMC Preschool for 8 years. She became Director in 2021. Her three children are alumni of the preschool and include a college sophomore, a college senior and a recent college grad. Outside of school, Mrs McClure enjoys volunteering at the county animal shelter and spending time with her friends and family.
Susan Keeley
CO-DIRECTOR OF CUMPRESCHOOL
Mrs. Keeley has a bachelors degree in business with a concentration in marketing from the University of Mississippi. She also worked in a preschool as an assistant when her children were younger. She uses her skills to manage the business side of the school as well as handle all marketing and community outreach. She has four mostly-grown children. Outside of school, Mrs. Keeley enjoys crafting and reading, as well as hanging out with friends and family.