John O’Leary was born in Winter Park, Florida, and graduated from Northeastern State University. He has been married to his wife, Ashley, for 20+ years, and together they have three children. John has served on the First Methodist staff since 2021, providing pastoral care and guidance to our church staff and congregation. Most Sundays you will find him preaching at our 9:00 AM Contemporary Service. He enjoys Chewy Sprees and draws strength from his favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 2:4–5: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
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Executive Pastor
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Director of Administration
Sue Anderson, originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduated from the University of Louisiana Monroe and has been a dedicated member of the First Methodist staff since 2002. She has been married to her husband, Larry, for nearly 39 years, and together they have two children and three grandchildren. Sue enjoys Almond Joy candy and finds daily encouragement in her favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
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Director of Childcare
Tonda Butler, originally from Monroe, Louisiana, has been a valued member of the First Methodist staff since 2009. She has been married to Rev. Vincent Butler for 30+ years, and together they have one daughter, along with their beloved “doggy-son.” Tonda enjoys shopping, decorating, and cooking. Her favorite candy is Hot Tamales, and she finds inspiration in her favorite Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 2:9: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him.”
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Director of Afterschool Care
Linda Crawford, originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, graduated from the University of Louisiana Monroe (formerly NLU). She has been a member of First Methodist for more than 35 years and joined the staff in 2020. As a retired teacher, Linda has a passion for taking care of children, ensuring they are safe, nurtured, and encouraged in their growth. She is married to Danny Crawford, and has two daughters and four grandchildren. Linda enjoys Hot Tamales candy and treasures her favorite Bible verse, John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
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Receptionist
Carol Duncan, originally from Houlka, Mississippi, graduated from Wallace Community College in Hanceville, Alabama. She has been part of the First Methodist staff since 2023. Carol has been married to Tim Duncan for 30+ years, and together they have four children and twelve grandchildren. Her favorite candy is Snickers, and she treasures her favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11: “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
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Executive Assistant
Lindsey Killen, originally from Brandon, Mississippi, graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. She joined the First Methodist staff in 2025. Lindsey is married to Will Killen, and they have two sons. Her favorite candy is Snickers, and her favorite Bible passage is Psalm 121, which reminds her of the Lord’s faithful protection and guidance.
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Director of Contemporary Worship
Enrique Magaña, originally from Ft Myers, Florida, joined the First Methodist staff in 2025. He is a talented musician who leads and inspires our worship teams with creativity and heart. Enrique is married to Alex Magaña, and together they have three children. He enjoys Kit Kat candy and lives by his favorite Bible verse, Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
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Adult Education
Blake Marchbank, originally from Sterlington but now residing in Mangham, graduated from the University of Louisiana Monroe with a BA in History. He has been a lifelong member of First Methodist and joined the staff in 2021. Blake is married to Mary Marchbank, and they have one son. His favorite candies are Raisinets and Dots, and he finds inspiration in his favorite Bible passage, Matthew 28:19–20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
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Director of Hospitality
Emily Martin, originally from Monroe, Louisiana, graduated from Neville High School and LSU. She joined the First Methodist staff in 2023 and leads the hospitality ministry, ensuring that every guest and church member feels welcomed and cared for. Emily is married to Wes Martin, and together they have two sons. She enjoys all kinds of chocolate candy and is guided by her favorite Bible verse, 2 Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
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Director of Communications
Kathryn McCarty, born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, graduated from Louisiana Tech with a degree in Graphic Design and has been a member of the First Methodist staff since 2013. As Director of Communications, she oversees the church’s messaging, media, and public relations efforts to keep the congregation connected and informed. She is the mother of two children, enjoys Smarties Squashies candy, and finds encouragement in her favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:39: “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
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Assistant Director of Childcare
Jana Spillers, originally from West Monroe, graduated from West Ouachita and joined the First Methodist staff in 2007. She has been married to her husband, Adam, for 16 years, and together they have four children. Jana enjoys Kettle Corn and draws strength from her favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 14:1: “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”
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Church & Facilities Manager
Kim Williamson, originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been involved in church administration for 15 years and joined the First Methodist staff in 2023. As Church and Facilities Manager, she oversees the maintenance and smooth operation of all church facilities, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for members and guests. Kim is married to Pete Williamson, and together they have five children and six grandchildren, all of whom she considers her pride and joy. She enjoys Heath Bars and holds dear her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”