Children’s Ministry Director - First Baptist Church of Pocomoke City

Tanya Area serves as the Children’s Ministry Director at First Baptist Church of Pocomoke City, where she is dedicated to helping children know, love, and follow Jesus. With a Master of Arts in Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministry from Bethel University, Tanya brings both theological depth and practical experience to her role.

Her passion is creating a welcoming, Christ-centered environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to grow in their faith. Whether she’s teaching Bible lessons, organizing outreach events, or partnering with parents, Tanya’s heart for ministry shines through everything she does.

Tanya believes that the early years are foundational for lifelong faith, and she is committed to walking alongside children and families as they explore God’s love together. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and finding creative ways to bring Scripture to life.

Youth Pastor - Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cumberland, Maryland.

I’ve been in full time ministry as a missionary and pastor for over 20 years. I currently serve as the Youth Pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cumberland, Maryland. I’m so thankful that God called me to work with students because I love seeing their enthusiasm for growing in faith and serving. It’s exciting to be on the frontline of what God is doing in our local schools.

Mountain City Church - Guest Care & Hospitality Team Leader

I love serving the next generation because I see in them the future of the Church, the world, and the unfolding of God’s redemptive story. Each young person represents potential—potential to know Christ deeply, to walk in truth, and to impact their communities with light and love. 

There’s a deep joy in walking alongside them, pointing them toward Jesus, and helping them discover their identity and purpose in Him. It’s not about simply transferring knowledge—it’s about investing in souls, nurturing faith, and watching lives be transformed.

Serving Christ’s Kingdom is the heartbeat behind it all. His Kingdom is not just a future hope; it’s a present reality breaking into the world through love, justice, mercy, and truth. To be part of that—whether through mentoring, teaching, praying, or leading—is an honor. It means aligning my life with a purpose greater than myself.

Ultimately, I serve because Christ first served me. His love compels me to give, to build, and to sow into what truly lasts—eternal souls and God’s eternal Kingdom.

Escape Student Ministries

Born and raised in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Eric's desire to see the Mid-Ohio Valley thriving was homegrown. After a few years of part time youth ministry for the church in which he had grown up, Eric made serving as Director of Escape Student Ministries his primary work in 2015 when The Escape was still a church based youth ministry. In 2025, when The Escape became an independent organization, Eric assumed the role of Director of Operations for Escape Community Ministries, Inc.

In addition to Eric's work with students through The Escape, he has also volunteered and substitute taught in local public school systems since 2013 and now sees clients (primarily middle and high school students) at a local mental health counseling clinic a few days a week. Eric's wife, Olivia--a public school librarian--and daughter, Emberlyn, can often be found serving students shoulder to shoulder with him and the rest of The Escape team. Eric's desire is to give middle and high school students such a good experience with Jesus and his church that they choose to make a relationship with God part of their adult lives.

Eric graduated from Appalachian Bible College with a double major in Theology and Youth and Family Ministries in 2012 and from Malone University with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2025.

Mountain City Church - Associate Pastor/Family Ministry

Marty has been attending MCC since he and his wife moved here in 2018. He came on staff in 2022 and works with the families, children and youth.

His background in ministry includes everything from full-time camp ministry, private education, teaching music, directing local children's community theater and building website. 

"I love teaching children and youth. As I've grown in my roles, I see the church as vital in the life of our families. I want to help equip parents and families to disciple their children well, and help equip churches to foster that role."