Operations Pastor

About Nicole:

Hi friends, I’m Nicole!

My journey has been quite the rollercoaster, and I’d love to share more of that with you over a cup of coffee, but until then here’s a little bit about me!

My Roots:

I was born right on the state lines of Tennessee and Virginia, I’ve called Florida home since the age of five. Ft. Myers is where I grew up, and I’ve witnessed its transformation into the vibrant-traffic-riddled community it is today. While not a native Floridian, I wholeheartedly consider myself one.

Education and Career:

I proudly graduated from Fort Myers High School in 2006 (Go Green Wave!) I continued my education at what was then known as Edison Community College, now FSW (It says Edison on my diploma, that’s how old I am!). My journey led me to a career in the Lee Health system, where I’ve worked since 2010 as a neurodiagnostic technologist. I’m the one who “electrocutes” people (in a safe way) and I also watch people sleep (monitoring their sleep patterns, not in like a weird way or anything)

I hold a BA from Regent University in Biblical and Theological Studies. Currently, I’m pursuing a graduate degree in mental health counseling. (Check out my sermon on Mental Health) My aim is to provide support and guidance to LGBTQ+ youth as they navigate the intersections of their lives and faith.

Adventures and Challenges:

I thrive on tackling physical challenges that push me to my limits. For instance, I completed the Ironman Santa Rosa in 2019 and conquered Disney’s Dopey Challenge in 2022 and 2023. These experiences remind me of the strength we find within ourselves and the power of perseverance… Also they make me feel like a real bad a-word!!

My Life:

I am married to my beautiful wife, Annika, who is not only the love of my life but also my rock and unwavering support in everything I set out to do. We are also the parents to a beautiful, rambunctious, handful of a 4-year-old!

Fun Facts:

• I make it a point to always return shopping carts to the cart return.
• I have a peculiar fascination with true crime.
• My favorite color is purple.
• (I’ll admit these facts may not actually be “fun”).

Nicole’s Recommendations:

• Podcasts // Faith Adjacent, The Podcast With Knox and Jamie, The Bible For Normal People , Refuge Church Podcast 😉
• Non-fiction Books // Searching for Sunday & Inspired (Rachel Held Evans), Unclobber (Colby Martin), Jesus and John Wayne (Kristin Kobes Du Mez) Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes (Kenneth E. Bailey) 
• Fiction Books // Last time I lied, Survive the Night, & The last one left (Riley Sager), The It Girl (Ruth Ware), Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone (Benjamin Stevenson–don’t let the title freak you out, IT’S GOOD!), Drowning (T.J. Newman)

I look forward to connecting with you and having that cup of coffee. (My treat!!)