Our Staff

Rev. Jessica Cavinee

Lead Pastor

jcavinee@lewiscenterumc.org

Rev. Jessica L. Cavinee has served in the United Methodist Church for more than 25 years and joined Lewis Center UMC as Associate Pastor in 2022 before stepping into the role of Lead Pastor in 2023. She also serves on West Ohio Conference teams and facilitates a Spaces For Thriving cohort for MTSO.

Jessica and her husband, Blake, live in Marysville with their five children—Zac, Brock, Sarah, Nic, and Madoc. Jessica enjoys spending time with family, reading, baking, traveling, and learning from others’ stories. She believes in lifelong learning and sees life as a grand adventure.

Rev.  Phil Rode

Associate Pastor & Contemporary Worship Leader

prode@lewiscenterumc.org

As Associate Pastor at LCUMC, Rev. Phil Rode helps lead worship, oversees community outreach, and supports discipleship growth. He holds degrees in Middle School Education (Asbury College), Counseling Psychology (University of Kansas), and Clinical/Pastoral Counseling (Ashland Theological Seminary), with additional ministry studies at MTSO.

Phil answered his call to ministry in 2005 after years of discernment. He enjoys fixing guitars, spending time with his wife, Stephanie, and their daughters—Audrey, Paige, and Ellie—and their two German Shepherds. Phil also leads Beer and Hymns in Delaware, a monthly community gathering that brings faith and music together in unexpected places.

Eric Herr

Co-Youth Director

Eric Herr serves as Co- Youth Director, co-leading youth worship and activities in the Youth Activities Community Center (YACC). His passion is helping students build a strong, enduring faith while forming meaningful Christian friendships.

With 30 years in broadcast television, Eric brings a storyteller’s heart to ministry. He enjoys training in martial arts with his sons, Caleb and Ethan, and supporting his wife, Marcia, who sings in the choir and worship band. The Herr family has been part of LCUMC since 2012.

Tonya Apke

Co-Youth Director

Tonya Apke serves as Co-Youth Director, guiding middle and high school students alongside Eric Herr. A faculty member at The Ohio State University in the Physical Therapy program, Tonya brings compassion, energy, and real-world experience to youth ministry.

Her faith journey began through a young adults’ group and a life-changing mission trip. Tonya and her husband have three children—Cole, Reid, and Brielle—and she loves cheering them on in sports and spending time outdoors. She also serves on LCUMC’s Lead Team.

Danielle Becker

Preschool Director

Danielle Becker leads the LCUMC Preschool, overseeing staff, students, and family relationships. With a degree in Communications and an Ohio teaching license for preschool through third grade, she brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education.

A longtime church member, Danielle is passionate about helping young children learn and grow in a Christ-centered environment. Outside of work, she enjoys singing with the worship band, watching her kids’ sports, exercising, home projects, and real estate.

Lois McKenzie

Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry

Lois joined Lewis Center UMC in 2024 and serves as Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry, focusing on preschool, Pre-K, and kindergarten. After 10 years as a stay-at-home mom to her children, Jameson and Bristol, she also built a thriving photography business capturing families and kids. Lois and her husband, Phil, who have been married for 11 years, love exploring outdoors, cheering for hockey and dance, and sharing God’s love by creating joyful spaces for young children.

Pam Cherubino

Elementary Children’s Ministry Director (Grades 2–5)

Pam Cherubino leads Big Kid Connection, 3rd Grade Bibles, Club 54, and helps coordinate Vacation Bible School and other children’s events. With more than 20 years in ministry, Pam began as a Worship Director before finding her true calling in children’s ministry.

Raised Lutheran, Pam felt called to ministry in college and has a heart for helping kids experience God’s unconditional love. She enjoys quilting, reading, sports, and running her online fabric business. Pam and her husband, Joe, live with their goldendoodle, Lily Bet.

Tamara Hallas

Music Director

Tamara Hallas has served as Music Director at LCUMC since 2006, bringing passion and excellence to worship through music. She directs the Sanctuary Choir, Adult Handbell Choir, “The Band” contemporary ensemble, soloists, and instrumental groups—helping musicians of all ages share their God-given gifts.

An alum of The Ohio State University, Tamara holds degrees in Vocal Education and Vocal Performance. She has also served in worship leadership roles at other local congregations. Tamara is dedicated to creating meaningful worship experiences and fostering community through music.

Stephanie Herbert

Church & Preschool Treasurer

Stephanie Herbert has served as Church and Preschool Treasurer since 2021, managing financial operations for both ministries. Before joining LCUMC, she worked as a Staff Accountant at Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers and spent 10 years in accounting with DHL.

Stephanie and her husband, Bob, have two children—Sophie and Reese—and a dog, Chester. When she’s not working with numbers, she enjoys running, volunteering with school boosters, and cheering on her kids’ athletic events. Stephanie’s greatest joy is serving Jesus and supporting youth and children’s ministries alongside her family.