Our Team

I am originally from Wheaton, IL, but actually grew up in various parts of the country including Wisconsin, California and Colorado! I've been married to my amazing partner in life, Carrie for 32 years. We have a son Michael (married to Kelly), a daughter Rachel (married to Rob…who also happen to have our fabulous grandson, Demetrius), and a daughter Katie. 

I received my Bachelors of Music degree at Colorado State University, in Ft. Collins, CO and went on to receive my MDiv. from Denver Seminary in Denver, CO. I have pastored in Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, Missouri and am now happy to be serving in Rhode Island! The best part of my job in ministry is listening to people's stories and seeing lives truly transformed when people connect with the God who loves them. When I'm not working, I love to kayak, hike, read, travel and hang out with our kids.

I am married to Dean Lavornia, whose job is only one letter difference than mine (pastor-pastry) and we have two adult children, Brittany and Benjamin. We live in Narragansett, RI and I received by M.Div from Gordon-Conwell Seminary (C.U.M.E.). What I enjoy most about working at Christ Church is when people extend me the honor of allowing me to walk alongside them during both stressful times and joyous times. When I have free time, I love to spend it at the beach, Beavertail or in the sea (swimming, sailing, kayaking)! I also love constructing and collecting things for Terrariums and Pottery.

Originally from neighboring Connecticut, my wife, Shannon, and I are thankful to call Christ Church and the area around the Central West Bay our new home. I hold with a B.S. in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University, a M.A. in Worship from Northern Seminary. It's a joy to serve alongside the amazing team of staff and volunteers at the church, and I love to see people take steps toward freely and readily worshiping God for all that He is and for all that He has done. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and exploring new areas!

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, our 2 dogs, and 12 chickens. I really love summer campfires, boating, ice cream, listening to K-Love, and going on local adventure drives with my daughter. I love nature, and peaceful times praying and reading. I originally hail from Overland Park, Kansas and attended Johnson County Community College, LaBaron Beauty School, National Association of Realtors. Best part of my job at Christ Church is having the opportunity to see others grow in their walk with Christ, and connecting with others through gatherings, small groups, and events.

I am  a widow and grandmother with 2 children and 3 grandchildren. I grew up in Newington, CT and received a BA from Univ. of CT and an MS from Univ. of RI (biological oceanography). Later in life I returned to school to take graphic design courses which led me to my job at the church. I love to connect people with the person or information that they need to flourish at Christ Church and in life. When I'm not working, I love to go kayaking in the summer, ride my horse, work on stained glass or spend time with my grandchildren.

I live in Coventry, RI with my husband, our horse, goats, chickens, cats and dog. I love working with such a wonderful staff. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and best friend, Jonathan, along with our 13 grandchildren. Extra activities include horseback riding, gardening, sewing, knitting, hiking, bicycling and getting away on our Goldwing.