Church Staff

Katie Darlington
Director of Music

I’m from Bend, Oregon and received my bachelors in music from Concordia University in Irvine, California. I have been in Lutheran education my whole life and have a heart for using music in worship. I have experience with many different styles of music and has a passion for working with musicians from all different backgrounds to worship our Lord.

Judy Dober
Administrative Assistant

I’ve been the Administrative Assistant at Journey since it began. Before that, I was the Administrative Assistant at Living Word Lutheran Church for 27 years. I also lead the Women’s Ministry at Journey and help with several outreach programs. My husband, Paul, and I are members of Journey and have one daughter, Rachel who lives in Zeeland, Michigan.

Tabitha Esbrook
Children’s Ministry Coordinator

I grew up in Lutheran Education graduated from Concordia University St. Paul, MN with a Bachelor of Arts with Music, Education and Lutheran Theology. I have ALWAYS found a passion for working with children and truly feel called to this position. I have been married to Alex for 10 years and we have 4 children (3 boys and 1 girl). Outside of church my passion is playing handbells!

Preschool Staff

Roxann Marchesi
(pronounced Mar-K-Z)
Director & Lead Teacher

This is my 19th year at Journey Preschool. I have almost 30 years of Early Childhood experience, an Associate degree in Early Childhood Development and a Bachelor degree in Business. Believe it or not, I will be going back to school this year for more education in Education!

My handsome husband and I have two adult daughters, Kristen and Caitlin. Kirsten (a Genetic Counselor) is married to Ankush (a Therapist) and Caitlin (an Analytical Chemist) is working on a Doctoral Degree in Chemistry at Michigan State. If that isn't enough, we also have two super snuggly doggos named Zoey & Naya. God is good!

Ashley Rice
Teacher

I am a U of M Flint graduate (Go Blue) with my bachelor's in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. I have been teaching at Journey since 2018 but have been active with the program since 2013. My husband (Matt Rice) and I have 3 children who all attend Oxford schools. When we aren't busy driving our kids around to their extra curricular activities; we enjoy camping, playing board games, or a peacefully competitive game of Overcooked on the Nintendo Switch.

Julie Brandt
Teacher

I am happy to be returning back for another year working with the great staff at Journey Lutheran Preschool. I have had the wonderful opportunity to be involved with the preschool program over the last 19 years through volunteering, substituting and working part-time. I grew up in Lake Orion and earned a BA in Communications from Oakland University. My husband, Greg, and I live in Oxford and have 2 children. Ashley (22) is a Senior at MSU. Jackson (19) is a Sophomore at GVSU. We have an adorable dog named Trapper.