nancyv@fpcnaples.org

With over 15 years of experience in Family Ministry, Nancy has been with First Presbyterian Church of Naples (FPC) since 2018.  Here she works with children, youth and young adults.  She graduated from North Central College in Naperville, IL with a business degree and has continued with religious studies at Defiance College. Nancy is a trained Stephen Minister and is certified in Progressive Youth and Family Ministry through Vibrant Faith Ministries.   She teaches chapel for the preschool and directs all the children’s and youth programming at the church – she has also facilitated Divorce Recovery for elementary students in prior settings.  Nancy continues to pursue her professional growth by serving on the Board of Directors of Everyday Hero in St. Petersburg, FL and is currently in the 2019-2021 Cohort of the Living School for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM (founded by Father Richard Rohr).  

Nancy is a Veriditas Certified Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator having trained with the leader of the labyrinth movement, Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress.  She works with people of all ages in classes (including her volunteer work at Avow Hospice), retreats and programs to present the labyrinth and walks with them in the mystery.  Her work was recently featured in Lucy Tobias’ book, Circle the Center – Labyrinths in Florida.    

In her spare time, Nancy is a volunteer for the Blue Zones as a Purpose Facilitator and travels throughout Collier and Lee Counties facilitating those workshops.  Nancy has written confirmation curriculum for the United Church of Christ (UCC), co-wrote curriculum for the 2016 UCC National Youth Event and has served on the Board of the Association of United Church Educators for 5 years.

Originally from Willow Springs, IL, Nancy moved to Florida over 18 years ago.  She has one daughter, Julia, a graduate of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL.  Nancy creates, walks, and photographs labyrinths as a spiritual practice in her own life and also enjoys yoga, walking and nature.