Staff -
Meet the Staff of the Christian Life Center
Director of Recreation Ministries: Joelle R. Akridge
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Joelle Akridge joined the staff as Director of Recreation Ministries in the fall of 2005. She previously worked at Samford University for 13 years. During her tenure at Samford, she was employed in Residence Life, Campus Recreation and Athletics. Joelle has a passion for sports, health and wellness and is thrilled to be in a position to use those passions to reach others for Christ on a daily basis. Her favorite sport is basketball, and being a native of North Carolina, she is a die-hard Duke Blue Devils fan. She is a graduate of Wingate University, Wingate, NC and her Masters Degree is from the University of South Carolina. Joelle is married to Vestavia Hills native and fellow sports enthusiast, Scott Akridge. They are the proud owners of Sam, the wonder dog.
Recreation & Women's Ministry Assistant: Liz Parkinson
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Liz Parkinson began her service at SMBC as a teacher in the Early Learning Center after being a kindergarten teacher in Florida. In July of 1992 she moved to the Music Ministry under Aubrey Edwards. Her move to the CLC followed. Liz assists in all aspects of the Recreation Ministry as well as Women's Ministry. She is a University of Florida fanatic who has converted to Alabama fan, since that's where her money is going these days for tuition and spending money for two children in college. She is married to David and has three children, Ryan, Kendall and Josh.
Recreation Associate: Lynne Monk
Lynne Monk joined the Recreation Ministy staff in a part time position in March of 2008. She is very familiar with the ministry as her children have participated in various programs through the years, she previously worked one day a week in the ministry and she works with Director of Women's Ministries, Susan Forehand on the Memory Keepers side of activities. Lynne is married to Don and is the mother of Zach and Griffin. Lynne is excited to join the staff as we work to encourage our congregation to live healthy lives, especially our children.
Recreation Assistants:
Jeremy Andrews is a student at Samford University. He is majoring in physical education and prayerfully seeking how God would have him use that degree. He is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. Jeremy has a love for children and sports, and he is very excited to combine those in ministry. He expects to graduate from Samford in May 2008.
Mike Motta is a student at Samford University's Beeson Divinity School. He expects to graduate in May 2009. He is from Dothan, Alabama and graduated from Samford University in 2006. Mike enjoys working with youth and children of all ages and plans to pursue youth ministry after Divinity School.
Heber Paiva is a student at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. He is from Brazil and has attended SMBC since December 2001. His interest include spreading the Gospel, soccer, video games, and singing. He plans to become a dentist, after his tenure at UAB.
Maintenance Associate: Buddy Peeples
Buddy has served on the SMBC staff for six years. He works hard to keep us straight and organized. His cheerful face and quiet nature are merely a cover for the practical jokes he loves to pull!
