A life-long Missourian, Emily grew up in a small town in the middle of the state, where music and faith were fundamental to her development. As a daughter of an organist, she spent many hours at church and has participated in music ministry for most of her life. Emily sang her first church solo, “Away in a Manger” at age three and began playing the piano as soon as she could sit on the bench.  Her theatre debut was “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” when she was in first grade.

Emily continued her love for the performing arts while studying music education at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has since been a choir director at Parkway North High School, Webster University, and the St. Louis Children’s Choirs. She has directed musical theater productions and camps at organizations in Columbia and St. Louis. Throughout her career, Emily has had the opportunity to serve several Methodist churches as music director and pianist.

Emily has professional experience working with all ages, from birth through adulthood. She believes in the uniting force of the performing arts and it is her goal to share her love of music and faith with everyone she serves. Emily lives in the Creve Coeur area with her husband, three daughters, and their cat, Bella.

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Staff

Ethan Massey

Ethan Massey currently lives in South City with his husband, Kurtis, and their two dogs, Bailey and Bella. He is an avid reader and when he is not relaxing with a good book, you will find him cheering on St. Louis CITY SC. They love to get out and spend

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Beth Boemler

Beth is originally from St. Charles and feels called by God to counsel and minister to youth. She attended college in Springfield, MO and volunteered as a Youth Ministry leader at King’s Way UMC. For six months, Beth had the opportunity to provide interim leadership to their middle-school program during a season of

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Melanie Knipping

As the Director of Circle of Friends Preschool, I have a passion for helping children and families enjoy a great start to life-long learning! I have an Associate’s degree in Child Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Business. I have been involved in the early childhood education field as both

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