As a child, Kathy wanted to be a nurse. She completed her first year of nursing classes at Columbia Union College, while also taking voice lessons. By the end of that year, she felt called to be a music teacher.

Kathy sang her first solo when she was five years old for Adult Sabbath School. Thanks to her parents, music education was an important part of her life as she began piano lessons in 2nd grade, sang solos and with choirs, played flute during her elementary and academy years, took harp lessons, and continued voice lessons with her teacher at Southern Missionary College. Kathy completed a Bachelor of Music Education in voice (1983), followed by teaching school music (1983-1984), and elementary certification at CUC (1984-1985). She gained teaching experience by providing music classes, giving private lessons, and directing children’s and adult choirs.

Before completing an M.Ed. in music at the University of Maryland (1985-1990), Kathy taught 4th /3rd elementary classes at John Nevins Andrews School (1989-1994) her childhood elementary school. Favorite activities include worship, Bible classes, and teaching students to praise God by presenting Bible musical dramas. Kathy married her husband, Rick, in 1987.

Kathy then taught K-11 music at Spencerville Adventist Academy (1994-1999) until Rick was called to work as the VP of Finance for the Carolina Conference. After moving to Charlotte, Kathy taught music lessons and classes at several SDA schools, planned music for conference events, and camp meetings, and directed the camp meeting choir.

Rick and Kathy were blessed by God with the adoption of their son, Bradley Russell from Ukraine (2002), and their daughter, Grace Russell from China (2008). Kathy has loved being a mom and homeschooling her kids!

Before Grace arrived, Kathy was invited to lead as Children’s Ministries Director for the Carolina Conference (2007). Her work is to equip Children’s Ministry leaders to help children know and love Jesus. Leading Primary and Kindergarten, supporting Adventurers and leading Pathfinders, preaching evangelistic campaigns, and recording Kathy’s Kids StoryTime, have all contributed to Kathy’s personal growth in ministry.

During her extensive work with children in the Carolinas, those who served with her recognized the spiritual depth and extensive pastoral ministry that Kathy is providing to these young people—that she is truly the Children’s Pastor for the Conference—and rightfully recommended that she be Commissioned.

She is grateful to God for allowing her to do ministry with Rick. She is grateful for the love and support of family and friends, and for the way God has used her life experiences to prepare her for the next steps in His service. Kathy is willing to follow God where He leads.