MOPS at OCC Leadership

Get to Know Your Steering Team
2008-2009
Your Steering Team is here to serve you, come along side you, encourage you, be a listening ear, celebrate with you, and be your friend. We care about you and know that being a mother is one of the most difficult jobs there will ever be. We share in those joys, heart aches, challenges, and questions with you.
You are not alone. We understand. We are Mothers of Preschoolers!

MOPS Coordinator Dawn Felgar mops@occ.org As MOPS Coordinator I am the "up-front" person. I handle the organizational needs of the group and lead and encourage the Steering Team. I serve as the liaison between our MOPS group and our chartering ministry of Overlake Christian Church. Married to Jason of 13 years November, together we have three children. "MOPS has helped me to feel that WA is my new home. God has blessed with so many wonderful friendships! I have been presented with great parenting ideas and skill that have made a big difference in my mothering. Thanks to MOPS for helping me to see that being a mom can be fun!"	Discussion Group Team Leader Deanna Woo As Discussion Group Team Leader, my job is to encourage and train Discussion Group Leaders, work closely with our Coordinator, and substitute for absent DGLs. Married to Michael they have two kids. "I came to check out what MOPS was all about. . . it's met my need to connect to people. . . plus it's always wonderful to have a short breather from the kids!" Her favorite things are red, Chinese food, Vancouver BC (where her family is from), ice cream and John 3:16.
Discussion Group Leaders As Discussion Group Leaders, also referred to as DGLs, we are the contact for a small group of women within our MOPS group. We set up playdates and mom night outs so we can get to know each other better and support each other on a deeper level. Discussion groups provide an essential "connecting" place where we can develop a sense of belonging and are able to develop significant relationships.	Jean-Marie Gard Married to Sebastian, they have one son. This is Jean-Marie's 2nd year as a DGL. "MOPS has really helped me to get connected to other Christian moms in the area. Being new to the area, this was very important to me. It really helped me to feel cared for."
Christy Bowen	Jennifer Giddings "Mops has shown me that other moms have been where I am and made it thought. I feel empowered to tackle the challenges of motherhood." Jennifer is married to Aaron and has two children. Her favorite children's book is the Belly Button book by Sandra Boynton and loves mind chocolate chip ice cream.
Hospitality Gals Our job is more behind the scenes. We get to create an environment for you to walk into that is inviting and warm. Setting up tables and making coffee is our pleasure. Cheryl Christopherson "I have met my very best girlfriends through MOPS. They have been there for me. . . and have held me accountable in my spiritual life." Cheryl's favorite color is purple. Married to James they have three kids and loves to vacation on the Oregon Coast. Christy Watson "My Mother has always been my hero. A single mom to two, she worked tirelessly to ensure our welfare and positive impact." Christy is married to Brandon and has two children. She loves anything fondue, would love to vacation in Thailand, likes orange, and her favorite dessert is a toss up, German Chocolate Cake or Molten Lava.	Registration Diana Brown I am the bright cheerful face you will check in with each time you enter the doors to our MOPS meetings. I handle all the registrations for the group and make sure you get all signed up as a member with MOPS international. I look forward to getting to know you! Together, Diana and Andrew have been married 10+ years and have two daughters. "Being with other moms at MOPS gives me great perspective on the challenges I face in motherhood. They are so encouraging and great at reminding me how much God loves me and gave me my children knowing that I am the perfect choice to be their mother; not perfect, but just right for them."
Mom Care Andrea Simpson I help to organize meals for moms who just had a baby, or are going through a life changing time such as a death or severe illness. "Receiving diners through mom care when I had Chloe was definitely a blessing." Married to Tyler, Andrea likes pink, enchiladas, and chocolate cake with caramel icing.	Finance
Speaker Contact Francine Sullivan francinesullivan@aol.com I work with a team of leaders to put together the speaker schedule for the year, with a wide range of topics that will benefit each mom and offer a new and fresh perspective of parenting, and am the contact person for the speakers.	Publicity I oversee the Newsletter production which helps to keep our group connected. Every discussion group will have opportunity to contribute something to the newsletter, making it more personal and special.
Creative Activities
MOPS Mentors We are women who have been in your shoes. We are here to support you, encourage you, provide a listening ear, and reassure you there is life after diapers! Dee Dee War Married to Lon for 28+ years. Together they have FIVE children! "The best part of being a mom is when your kids grow up and they love God and they love each other."	Kay Carrothers As Lead Mentor I attend Steering Team meetings and provide support and spiritual growth for the Steering Team. I am also here for you, our MOPS moms. Married to Mel Carrothers, OCC Elder, Kay is joining us for another great year! Barb Gilmore
MOPPETS Director Aurora McKinley OCC Children's Ministries MOPPETS@occ.org	OCC Liaison Norv Brown OCC Children's/Family Ministries norvb@occ.org