I became a member of ZUMC in 2005 and from the start, noticed how warm and welcoming our congregation is.  I'm employed as staff therapist at IU Health, Buchanan Pastoral Counseling Center and counsel couples, individuals, children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression and other family and life issues. I facilitate Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Eating workshops. I am a Certified Child Trauma Specialist and a Mental Health Fellow with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. ZUMC has a covenant relationship with BPCC and provides an office in the church where I see clients.

The other "hat" that I wear at ZUMC and am passionate about, is Coordinator of Stephen Ministry.  After returning from leader training workshop at Stephen Ministry St. Louis in 2007, members of our congregation completed 50 hours of training to learn how to provide Christ care for our congregation and the Zionsville community.  Stephen Ministers listen, offer encouragement, caring and supportive heart, a shoulder to lean on during times of tragedy, pain and suffering. I am quite proud of the hard work and dedication of our excellent Stephen Ministry team. Stephen Ministers understand that inner peace comes only from God and ask God's blessings to share that peace with others, becoming "... instruments of Christ's peace, sowing love, forgiveness, faith, hope and light" (paraphrased Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi) 

I'm married to Michael Mindel and we live in a historic 1870 home in the Village of Zionsville where we can often be seen working in our garden and playing with our dogs, Hanna and Mouse.  I have three grown children, 6 grandchildren, one step-grandaughter and one great-grand chid.