Meet the nbumc staff

​Rev. Kara has been serving alongside the people of North Bethesda since July 2021. Prior to that, she served at Glenmont UMC for three years and Bethesda UMC for five. She grew up in Washington, DC, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in math and English. While teaching math in Cape Town, South Africa, Rev. Kara felt called to build and bridge communities of faith, and she came home ready to pursue ordination in the United Methodist Church. She earned her Masters in Divinity from Yale Divinity School, where she most enjoyed studying environmental theologies, global sacred music, and pastoral care with refugee populations. Rev. Kara is a competitive runner and triathlete who spends a lot of time listening to Taizé music, losing/finding her keys, and over-committing to complicated craft projects.

Gwendolyn joined NBUMC’s staff in January 2023, and is our Office Manager. In this role, she acts as our financial secretary, does building scheduling and is probably the first person you’ll speak to if you call or visit the church during the week. Gwendolyn is a graduate student at American University pursuing her Master's in Public Policy. She dedicates her studies and research to issues of juvenile justice reform. Gwendolyn is originally from Arkansas and is a lifelong Methodist and pastor's daughter. She enjoys spending her free time with her cat, cross-stitching, and singing off-key.

Tsitsi Sithole, a long-time member, serves as Director of Children's Ministries. In this role she will develop and oversee programming for our children inclusive of Prime Time. Tsitsi has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education with a focus on equity and inclusion. She received her Ed. M. in Early Childhood and Adolescent Risk and Prevention from Harvard Graduate School of Early Education. 

Suzanne was identified for her demonstrated ability to be an enthusiastic, creative, and compassionate youth leader who will build relationships with the youth in both congregations. She has served in Faith’s Chancel Choir since 2022 and created the Faith 101 curriculum for our new youth members. Suzanne is a physics teacher at Poolesville High School. She and her husband, Benjamin, have 7 children between the ages of 13 and 20.

Simon Charette joined the NBUMC staff as the Director of Music in October 2022. He directs the adult choir, and accompanies worship on both organ and piano. Simon is a conductor, collaborative pianist, and vocal coach based in Washington, DC. He has worked with internationally acclaimed artists from the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Opera. He was recently appointed Associate Artistic Director of the Washington Opera Society. He also serves as assistant conductor of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra in Annapolis. Simon is the artistic director of the Choir of the Embassy of France in Washington and the French Choir of Washington, DC. He holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from the Université de Montréal. 

Linda has been a member of NBUMC for many years. She joined the staff in 2006 as Minister of Visitation. She collaborates with the pastor to ensure a positive connection is maintained with members of the congregation. Linda visits those who are sick, homebound, or in nursing homes, often with the pastor. She also spends time working with our seniors. Linda coordinates a shawl and greeting card ministry to reach out to members and friends for various occasions and to provide needed encouragement. Linda also helps coordinate some of the special events that take place at North Bethesda.