Staff

Decatur First UMC has a dynamic staff supporting our congregation's ministry and operations. Please feel free to contact our staff members using the telephone numbers and email addresses provided. We invite you to learn more about the individuals on our staff. Just follow the [bio] links by many staff members' names to find out additional details about them from their family and their career backgrounds to their favorite foods.

Dr. David S. Naglee [bio]
Senior Minister
404-378-4541 x.105
dsnaglee@decaturfirst.org

Dr. Katy Hinman [bio]
Associate Minister
404-378-4541 x.102
khinman@decaturfirst.org



   
Diana [bio] and Jim [bio] Roberts
Ministers to Senior Adults
404-378-4541 x.115
dianarob@mindspring.com

Rev. James R. Styles, Sr.
Minister Emeritus



Kiera Stegall [bio]
Director of Children’s Ministries
404-378-4541 x.110
kstegall@decaturfirst.org





Jonathan Brown [bio]
Minister of Youth
404-378-4541 x.114
jbrown@decaturfirst.org




  
Patrick Littlefield [bio]
Intern Minister of Youth
404-378-4541 x.114
plittlefield@decaturfirst.org
 



  ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORT STAFF
Listed alphabetically


Randy Beebe [bio]
Facilities Manager
404-378-4541 x.113
rbeebe@decaturfirst.org
 
 

Lora Biccum [bio]
Nursery Supervisior
loraustin@gmail.com

John Cowden [bio]
Director of Music
404-378-4541 x.112
jcowden@decaturfirst.org




Bethany Eyrich [bio]
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
404-378-4541 x.100
beyrich@decaturfirst.org




Joanne Hauserman [bio]
Director, Preschool & Kindergarten
404-377-5784
dfumpreschool@yahoo.com




DeMario Holman [bio]
Maintenance



Julia Hsu [bio]
Accounting Manager
404-378-4541 x.103




Karen L. Edmunds
Director of Weddings
404-378-4541



Michele Wright [bio]
Director of Children’s Music
mwright@decaturfirst.org




Lexie Parker [bio]
Office Manager
404-378-4541 x.116
lparker@decaturfirst.org




Eloise Ragsdale [bio]
Director, Children's Morning Out
404-378-4541 x.111
cmodecatur1st@gmail.com




Paul Stone [bio]
Maintenance


 

Mitch Weisiger
Associate Director of Music
404-378-4541 x.117
mweisiger@decaturfirst.org

Sally Winter [bio]
Director of Care and Records
404-378-4541 x.107
swinter@decaturfirst.org



BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:


David Naglee
Family: David is married to Cindy and they have two adult children and a son-in-law.

I love Decatur First UMC because… “of the wide variety of ways the church is engaged in missions, the long rich history, and the abundance and exuberance of young adults and families.”

Favorite food or restaurant: hamburgers and chocolate éclairs

Favorite Bible verse: Philippians 3:2, “Beware of the dogs;” and Psalm 8

Hobbies or personal interests: woodworking, mechanics, the violin, sailing and puzzles

Favorite book: The Bible!

Background: David was born in Cuba, New York and spent his childhood in New Jersey. When he was 13 years old he moved with his family to LaGrange, Georgia. David is a graduate of LaGrange High School and LaGrange College, where he majored in chemistry. He received his Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and his Doctorate of Ministry from the Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. David has had eight appointments within the North Georgia Conference, and was a District Superintendent prior to his appointment to Decatur First. United Methodist ministers are abundant in David’s family; his father, grandfather, uncle, and father-in-law all served in the ministry of the United Methodist Church.
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Katy Hinman
Family: Katy has a dog and a cat. She lives in Decatur near her parents, sister and sister-in-law.

 I love Decatur First UMC because…“I love thAt the Church has such a wonderful balance of a welcoming family feel, with a passion for mission and ministry.”

Favorite food or restaurant: Zuma Sushi at Toco Hills

Favorite Bible verse: Job 42:3, “Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”

Hobbies or personal interests: Katy skates with the Atlanta Rollergirls (roller derby). Her skate name is Bat L. Royale, and she skates for the Sake Tuyas. In addition to derby, she likes to run, sing, act, and generally be outside.

Background: Katy grew up in Decatur and attended to Druid Hills High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. After college, she went to the State University of New York at Stony Brook on Long Island, where she earned her PhD in Ecology and Evolution studying nectar-feeding bats in Arizona. She was working in Phoenix, Arizona as the Bat Biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department when she was called into the ministry. She received her Master of Divinity at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. For five years, she worked as the Executive Director of Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit that works with faith communities on environmental issues, before getting her first appointment in ministry at Decatur First UMC.
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Diana Roberts
Family: Married to Jim Roberts. Proud godmother to seven godchildren and loving aunt to nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

I love Decatur First UMC because… of the wonderful variety of membership and the dedicated mission-mindedness of the congregation.

Favorite food or restaurant: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, tomatoes, and everything chocolate.

Favorite Bible Verse: Micah 6:8

Hobbies or personal interests: Card-making, needlework and other crafts, photography, the mountains, traveling.

Favorite book: In addition to the Bible, Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns

Background: Born and reared in Lanett, Alabama. Earned an AB degree in Philosophy/Religion at Birmingham-Southern College and an MRE degree at The Divinity School of Duke University. She was consecrated/formally designated through the years as a Certified Director of Christian Education, a Consecrated Lay Worker, and a Diaconal Minister. She was ordained as a Deacon in full connection in the North Georgia Conference in 1997, the first year of this clergy order. Served churches as a Director of Christian of Education in Jackson, TN; Greenville, NC; Knoxville, TN; Charlotte, NC; and Decatur, GA. Was senior editor of undated youth curriculum for the General Board of Education/Discipleship for four years in Nashville, TN.
Retired in the North Georgia Conference after serving 11 years as Executive Director of the United Methodist Housing and Homeless Council of the North GA Conference. After moving to Atlanta from Charlotte and still keeping current her certification as a DCE, Diana had several years in the secular business world. She first worked with the US Dept. of Labor Office of Information and Reports in a temporary position. Then, for several years in the publishing field, she was an assoc. editor of Southern Hardware magazine, the editor/assoc. publisher of Pension World magazine, and the managing editor of The International Journal of Retail Banking. She has also been a free-lance writer for numerous business publications, as well as a free-lance editor.
Since 2007, Diana has served again on staff at Decatur First UMC—this time with her husband Jim as Sr. Adult Ministers to visit members who are elderly shut-ins. Diana and Jim live in Decatur (almost).
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Jim Roberts
Family: Jim is the oldest of his parents’ four children. He has been married to Diana for 31+ years.

I love Decatur First UMC because…the church is large enough to have many opportunities, but it also has the feeling of a friendly, smaller church.

Favorite food or restaurant: Any place Mexican.

Favorite Bible verse: Isaiah 40: 28-31.

Hobbies or personal interests: Since high school, Jim has had a strong interest in photography—even has a magazine cover credit. He is also an artist, who paints oils and pastels, and draws pen and ink and pencil sketches. Jim also likes computers, having bought his first Macintosh in 1987—and now only admits to having “more than one.”

Favorite book: The correct answer is the Bible. Jim also likes to read anything by Jeffery Deaver. When speaking to Deaver at the Decatur Library two or three years ago, Jim told the author, “You need to write faster or I need to read slower.”

Background: Jim was born and reared in Atlanta. His college affiliations are Reinhardt College, Emory University, and Georgia State University. In his early adult years, Jim served appointments in the North Georgia Conference as a Local Pastor. His first appointment was in Monticello. After that, he served three years in the Griffin District. His last appointment was at Lovejoy – Mt. Carmel. Jim is currently a Certified Lay Speaker in the North Georgia Conference. In 2007, Jim retired as a computer graphic artist from Primerica, a subsidiary of Citigroup. Currently, he is on staff with Diana to visit the elderly shut-ins.
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Patrick Littlefield

Family: Patrick is the son of Bobby and Theresa and has a younger sister, Melanie.

I love Decatur First UMC because…it is loving community that welcomed me the moment I started attending. After moving to a new state and searching for a church to attend, I visited Decatur First and found many great people and ways to get involved, culminating in my current position as interim youth minister (getting involved here for me has been kind of like a hungry kid at a candy store – I started off grabbing a few gummy bears whenever I passed by and then before I knew it I was behind the counter working). Decatur First has been the perfect complement to seminary by challenging me and giving me the opportunities to grow in and more fully live out my faith.

Favorite food or restaurant: Asian (especially sushi, Korean, Chinese, and most recently Indonesian), ice cream, chocolate, tea

Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 86:11 – “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; knit my heart to you, that I may fear your name.”

Hobbies or personal interests: reading, playing percussion, tennis, hiking, playing Sonic the Hedgehog (3 on Sega Genesis is a personal favorite) and Rock Band/Guitar Hero, internet videos (watching and making)

Favorite book: I am a fan of C. S. Lewis (especially The Chronicles of Narnia) and Fyodor Dostoevsky (especially The Brothers Karamazov)

Background: Patrick was born in Sulphur Springs, Texas and raised in Sherman, Texas, about an hour north of Dallas. He attended college at Southern Methodist University, studying psychology and religion. Up to the early years of college, Patrick was involved at FUMC Sherman where he served as youth leader and intern. Through college, he also served in many leadership roles in the SMU Wesley Foundation, Younglife, and as a lead team member for New Day Dallas. In 2010, he set out east and now attends Candler School of Theology at Emory University where he is working on a Masters of Divinity.
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Jonathan Rikard Brown

Family: Jonathan has an amazing Cat (Ollie) and an awesome Dog (Tipper). He is the son of Joy and John David Mardis, and Ron and Sharon Brown. 
I love Decatur First UMC because… of the great youth and the abundance of people who quote movies.

Favorite food or restaurant: Country Fried Steak and Mashed Potatoes. 

Favorite Bible verse:  John 9:30 “The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.”

Hobbies or personal interests: Jonathan is an avid comic book fan, and a big fan of DC. He also enjoys writing, and has published four articles. He also serves on the editorial board for the Pisgah Review. 

Favorite Book: Anatomy of the Fourth Gospel by R. Alan Culpepper, and Promethea By Alan Moore and J.H. Williams III

Personal Info:  Jonathan is a life long member of the United Methodist Church, and the son of two United Methodist Ministers. He attended Young Harris College and Brevard College for my undergrad. He completed my B.A. in Religion in 2007. He has served two previous churches as Youth Pastor/Director (Coosa UMC and Maple Avenue UMC). He completed my Master of Arts in Religion with an emphasis on New Testament at the University of Georgia. 
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Randy Beebe
Family: Randy is married to Stacy, and they have an adult daughter, Danielle, two cats and a dog named Maggie.

I love Decatur First UMC because…“It has enlightened me to see the good in people.”

Favorite food or restaurant: Café Lily

Favorite Bible verse: Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart does good, like medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.”

Hobbies or personal interests: sailing and travelling

Favorite book: The Sea Wolf by Jack London

Background: Randy is retired from AT&T, and he and his wife are very involved in the community. Randy’s aspiration is to run for political office in Avondale Estates.
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Lora Biccum
Family: Lora is married to Austin, and they have three young children.

I love Decatur First UMC because…“It is a very strong community of faith and I love working with the church's young families. This gives me the opportunity to help foster the growth and development of their children.”

Favorite food or restaurant: Mexican

Favorite Bible verse: Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. Think about Him in all your ways and He will guide you on the right paths.”

Hobbies or personal interests: reading, hiking, traveling, time with family and friends, volunteering, cooking and rocking babies

Favorite book: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Background: Lora’s family joined Decatur First UMC when she was six-years-old, and the church has been a part of her life ever since. She began working in the nursery in 1995, while attending Georgia State University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. She is a certified teacher and taught first grade in the DeKalb County School System until she decided to stay home with her children. She re-joined the nursery as the staff supervisor in January 2007.
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Merrilee Brock
Family: Merrilee is married to David Brock, and they have two young boys, Andrew and Asa.

I love Decatur First UMC because…“of the members. One might think that I am serving God here in my position at Decatur First, but really I am only tiny limb of the Body of Christ. Many times I am lifted and, in fact, served myself by the other parts of the body of Christ here at Decatur First. The teamwork among the staff and volunteers of the church is humbling, gratifying and uplifting. I love my job!”

Favorite food or restaurant: Asian

Favorite Bible verse: Isaiah 40:31, “…but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

Hobbies or personal interests: reading, writing, scrapbooking, leading a middle school girls’ group, and watching her boys play

Favorite book: Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell and Peachtree Road by Anne Rivers Siddons are near the top of Merrilee’s list.

Background: Merrilee was born in Massachusetts and raised on the Space Coast of Florida. She has worked as a church secretary for three other congregations. Prior to her position at Decatur First, she served as a licensed sub-agent and customer service representative for her husband’s insurance agency.
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John Cowden
Family: John is married to Lisa. They have two young children and a dog.

I love Decatur First UMC because…“...the congregation is theologically diverse. Some are liberal and others conservative, but all of us work together for the kingdom of God. That gives me profound hope I can't find anywhere else.”

Favorite food or restaurant: Asian food – he could eat it every day and twice on Sunday.

Favorite Bible verse: John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

Hobbies or personal interests: rowing, working in the yard, and working on projects for his wife's kindergarten classroom

Favorite book: John loves short stories and poetry. His favorite short story is "A Piece of Steak" by Jack London.

Background: John was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was during college that he became a United Methodist, but not until the summer after college that he decided to pursue church music. He earned a Master of Sacred Music degree from Emory University. Prior to Decatur First, he worked full-time at Embry Hills United Methodist Church.
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Bethany Eyrich
Family: Bethany is married to Jeff, and they have a young daughter, Madison.

I love Decatur First UMC because…“of all the wonderful people here.”

Favorite food or restaurant: chicken fingers and fries

Favorite Bible verse: 1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

Hobbies or personal interests: spending time with family, reading, playing sports, skiing and sailing

Favorite book: Bethany loves children’s books

Background: Bethany grew up near Decatur and attended Druid Hills High School. She graduated from Furman University with a degree in elementary education and focused her studies on children’s literature. Before joining the staff of Decatur First she worked for a publishing company in Atlanta.
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Joanne Hauserman
Family: Joanne is married to Bill, and they have two adult children, Jill and Philip.

I love Decatur First UMC because…“I have grown up here. I started attending when I was in first grade. This is home to me.”

Favorite food or restaurant: coffee and anything chocolate

Favorite Bible verse: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...”

Hobbies or personal interests: reading, walking, swimming and playing bridge

Favorite book: Joanne reads constantly and loves books, but she does not have a favorite.

Background: Joanne grew up in Decatur and attended Decatur City Schools through high school. She graduated with a degree in elementary education from North Georgia College and State University. Her master’s degree is in early childhood education, and this is her 26th year working at the preschool.
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DeMario Holman
Family: DeMario’s mother, Retha Murray, also works at Decatur First UMC, and he is the father of two young boys.

I love Decatur First UMC because…“The people are very nice and friendly!”

Favorite food or restaurant: IHOP

Favorite Bible verse: Psalms 23

Hobbies or personal interests: basketball, and the entertainment of his children

Favorite book: Secret Window by Stephen King

Background: DeMario was born in Buffalo, New York and went to Seneca Vocational High School. Before working at DFUMC, he was a Shipping Specialist for Federal Express in Williamsville, NY.
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Julia Hsu
Family: Julia has two adult children, a son and a daughter.

I love Decatur First UMC because…“the members are friendly and staff is easy to work with.”

Favorite food or restaurant: Julia likes anything that tastes good.

Favorite Bible verse: Proverbs 3: 5 & 6,

Hobbies or personal interests: music and reading

Favorite book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Background: Julia grew up in Taiwan and came to the United States to further her education in 1979. She graduated from Georgia State University with B.S. and M.Ed. degrees. She currently owns a tax and accounting business and is an Enrolled Agent licensed with the IRS.
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Kiera Stegall

Family: Kiera lives with her incredible husband, Jonathan, and their amazing daughter, Leila. She also has a cat named Galadriel, but don’t tell Galadriel she’s a cat… she thinks she’s a dog.

I love Decatur First UMC because… “I felt like family as soon as I walked in the door.”

Favorite Food or Restaurant: Hmmm… so many to choose from. Since I can’t leave my response in book form, I shall have to go with sushi and coffee.

Favorite Bible Verse: John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” (No, not because it is easy to remember due to its brevity; rather, it reminds me that God loves me enough to weep with me.)

Hobbies or Personal Interests: I enjoy a good death metal rendition of “How Great Thou Art”… well, really many forms of technical metal. I enjoy reading children’s literature. Shamefully, I watch more television than I should. I like movies that make you think or inspire you (like Inception or Invictus) along with Pixar and Marvel. I am addicted to good coffee/espresso… although I only drink decaf. I love spending time with my husband and daughter. (Every other week) I want to pursue a PhD in missiology. I LOVE to teach using comedy, which makes me perfect for children’s ministry.

Favorite Book: Hmmm… again, so many to choose from. I would have to say Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time” series, Robert N. Munsch’s “Stephanie’s Ponytail,” Ivy Beckwith’s “Formational Children’s Ministry,” and a number of missiology books. Oops… was that more than one?

Background: Kiera earned a bachelor’s in Church Ministries with a concentration in Bible and a minor in Children’s Ministries from Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. In 2006 she and her husband, Jon, moved to Atlanta, where Kiera completed her MDiv at Candler School of Theology. Kiera has been working in a ministry setting with preschool and elementary age children for the past 6+ years.
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Lexie Parker
Family: Lexie is married to Dick, and they have two teenagers, Lea and Jay.

I love Decatur First UMC because…“It is my home church! It is a place where people can find God, learn how to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and work together to bring God’s Kingdom on earth now.”

Favorite food or restaurant: Any vegetable or fish

Favorite Bible verse: 1 John, 1:7, “…walk in the light, as He is in the light…”

Hobbies or personal interests: gardening and painting

Favorite book: whatever her kids are reading

Background: Lexie grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and attended Auburn University. She worked in International Business, Finance and Technology Project Management for SunTrust Bank before becoming a stay at home mom and professional volunteer. Decatur First UMC is her first venture back into the workforce.
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Eloise Ragsdale
I love Decatur First UMC because…“it is a comfortable place for me to realize God's goodness.”

Favorite food or restaurant: Any restaurant in Decatur

Hobbies or personal interests: photography, reading, walking, and playing bridge.

Background: Eloise is a native Atlantan, has lived in Decatur for 30 years and has been a member of Decatur First for 28 years. She loves Decatur and the hometown feel.
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Paul Stone
I love Decatur First UMC because… “I am glad to be working here.”

Favorite food or restaurant: chicken livers

Hobbies or personal interests: having a good time

Background: Paul grew up in Atlanta and attended Washington High School. He has been working at DFUMC for 15 years.
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Sally Winter
I love Decatur First UMC because of…“The People! Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Our jobs revolve around our congregation. It is really special that our church has such a wonderful community of fun and faithful people.”

Favorite food or restaurant: Coca-Cola’s Tab Cola (even though Sally knows it is not a food), steak or lamb

Favorite Bible verse: Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Hobbies or personal interests: cooking, baking, knitting, sewing, monogramming, scrapbooking and photography

Favorite book: Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Background: Sally grew up in Atlanta and has been a life-long member of St. Mark UMC in Midtown, where she was the director of the day care center after graduating from The University of Georgia. After working with children for many years, Sally moved into home health care with the elderly. In addition to working at Decatur First, she has been a caretaker to the same person for the last 15 years.
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 Michele Wright
Family: Michele is married to Frank. They have 3 married children, 4 grandchildren and a sweet little Scottie dog. I love Decatur First UMC because – I immediately felt welcomed and surrounded by family during my first worship service. The staff and people of Decatur First have reached out to make me feel “at home” here.

Favorite food or restaurant: My hubby and I enjoy dining at Oyster Bay in Lawrenceville. I love seafood, especially lobster. On a trip to Maine, I ate lobster for lunch and dinner every day.

Favorite Bible verse: Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

Hobbies or personal interests: cooking, baking, reading, dancing, and singing with my grandchildren

Favorite book: Jane Eyre, stories set in Ireland in the early middle ages

Background: Michele was born in Waukegan, Illinois. She has been teaching music for 30 years. Michele’s career in church music began in 1981 when she was asked to start a children’s choir program at Harmony Grove UMC. She went on to serve as the Head of the Children’s Music Ministry at St. John Neumann Church and later joined the music staff at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Michele is a certified Kindermusik educator and the Founding Artistic Director of the Lawrenceville Community Children’s Choir.

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