Meet Our Staff
Rev. Amanda Geddings Richardson, Pastor
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Amanda is originally from Bishopville, SC. She graduated from Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC) before going to the University of South Carolina-Upstate. While at Upstate, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education degree with an emphasis on Physical Education/Parks and Recreation. In college and upon graduation, she worked with the Residence Life department at SMC, the Spartanburg YMCA, Buncombe St. UMC, and Disciples UMC, Greenville. For some years after, she worked with the City of Columbia-Parks and Recreation as the Aquatics Manager at the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center. Then, she finally answered her call to the full-time ministry, a call that she felt since high school. She began her studies for a Master of Divinity and graduated from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia.
Before being appointed to Aldersgate UMC, she served at O’Neal St. UMC, Newberry and Johnston/Harmony UMC Charge, Johnston. She is ordained as an Elder in Full Connection in the South Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Amanda is married to Christopher, who is a high school science teacher. They have two dogs, Daisy and Pearl, who are full of personality. Amanda and Chris, along with their dogs, enjoy camping, exercising, and being with family and friends.
Dr. Johannah Myers, Director of Discipleship
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Johannah Myers is originally from Summerville, SC. She graduated from Furman University with a B.A. in Psychology and received a Master of Divinity from Duke University. She’s been on staff at Aldersgate since 2009. Here, she oversees Bible studies and other small groups, Sunday School, retreats, and Messy Church, working with all ages. In 2019, Johannah received a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary, after completing her doctoral studies with an international cohort at Wesley House in Cambridge, UK. Her doctoral project focused on intergenerational faith formation. In addition to her work at Aldersgate, Johannah is the Executive Director for Messy Church USA. While she loves her work, in her spare time she is an avid sports fan, especially Duke football and basketball, and is always planning her next adventure abroad.
Dr. Grant Knox, Director of Music
Grant earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music at the Eastman School of music and his D.M. at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He serves as Associate Professor of Voice and Director of Lyric Theatre at Furman University. Dr. Knox is enjoying a varied career in opera, musical theater, concert and recital. He has appeared with the Cincinnati Opera, Atlanta Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, Chautauqua Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, Ohio Light Opera, Asheville Lyric Opera, Lyric Opera Atlanta, Rochester Lyric Opera, GLOW Lyric Theatre, and with Maestro Lorin Maazel’s Castleton Opera Festival. Equally at home in concert repertoire, Knox has been engaged by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Philharmonic, Greenville Symphony Orchestra/Chorale, Cobb Symphony, Peninsula Music Festival, Bach Ensemble of Cincinnati, Rochester Oratorio Society and in recital at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Grant and his wife Danielle have two children (Emila and Evelyn) and are thrilled to serve at Aldersgate.
Jennifer Nelson, Director of Child Development Center
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Jennifer received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from College of Charleston before pursuing and receiving a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of South Carolina. Prior to coming to Aldersgate CDC, Jennifer taught sixth grade, K4 and Reading Recovery in public schools. She was a Media Specialist in Pickens County, and taught Spanish at church preschools in both Rock Hill and Greenville. She has been Director of Aldersgate CDC since 2010. Jennifer and her husband Jon have three children: Emily, Mary Katherine and J.C., who all live in Greenville.
Dr. Susan Kindall, Office Manager
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Susan Kindall is an internationally recognized performing scholar and director. Having served in over 500 churches, Dr. Kindall currently serves as Music Director at Landrum Methodist Church in our glorious South Carolina Upcountry. She says, “Equipping the Church to passionately know and worship God is a transformative experience. My life is about loving the Lord through loving people, serving both. Since coming to know Christ at an early age, I have been dedicated to promoting Spirit-led community through creative, visionary, flexible, and diverse musical offerings. Nurturing redemptive relationships has resulted in my mentees now serving the Lord as ministry leaders around the globe. As an outdoor enthusiast, I also love animals, hiking, running, and travel.”
PJ Esparza, Musician
PJ Esparza is a dedicated musician and aspiring church organist and music director, also pursuing a career in the medical field with a particular interest in neurology. He is currently working toward a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance at Furman University and is on the Pre-Med Track. A versatile musician, PJ has experience in choral ensembles, jazz combos, worship bands, and classical organ performance.