Preschool Staff

Roxann Marchesi
Director & Lead Teacher

I’ve been teaching at Journey (and Holy Cross before that) for 17 years! I’m married to Steve, mother to Kristen and Caitlyn, my two awesome adult kids, and I have two super snuggly doggos. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development and Bachelors Degree in Business and have more than 25 years of experience in the field.

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.

Melissa Clark
Teacher

Hello Friends, I have been a preschool aide and teacher for 14 years, 11 of those years right here in Oxford. I have lived in Ortonville for 30 years with Bob, my husband of 34 years. I am a mother of two, a 26-year-old son and 23-year-old daughter, both are married. I am excited to get to know and help your child learn and grow, about the world around them and about Jesus!

Katie Cahaney
Teacher

I’ve been a teacher here since 2017, I can honestly say it’s been one of my biggest blessings! I’ve been in Oxford my entire life and I’m so happy to be apart of this community and helping our littles learn and talk about Jesus. The Journey Preschool staff is like my second family and I can’t wait to teach your kiddos this year!

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 17 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 Iive in Oxford and have 2 children. Ashley (20) is a Junior at MSU and plays in the Spartan Marching Band. Jackson (17) is a Senior at Oxford High School and enjoys time with friends and playing golf.  We have an adorable dog named Trapper.

Lauren Phelps
Teacher

Hi everyone! I am the newest member of the preschool staff here at Journey, but I have been substituting and volunteering here for 6 years! I grew up in Oxford and graduated from OHS in 2020. I also am a graduate from this preschool and am so beyond blessed to be back and working here! I’m currently in school pursuing a degree in Elementary Special Education and am so lucky to be living with my family, dog, and 3 cats! I can’t wait to get to know you and your student this year!

Church Staff

Pastor Matt Schuler
Lead Pastor

I’ve called Oxford home since 2015 when I was called to serve as a pastor at Holy Cross. Liz, my wife, founded and runs Kairos Pizza, a pop-up and catering business, that you may have seen in town at GravCap, at the Farmers Markets, or at any of the many events she’s catered. We are blessed to raise five children who are spread out over four schools this year in Oxford! When you see me around town, say hey!

Pastor Dan Meckes
Executive Pastor

I have served as a pastor for over 30 years with Journey being the fifth congregation. My wife, Janelle, and I have been blessed with five children and six grandchilldren. We are active DIY’ers around the house and Janelle continues to come up with many projects. If you have questions about Jesus, or just need to talk, don’t hesitate to get ahold of me! I love the words of Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

Pastor Mark Hill
Associate Pastor

I‘m a grateful retired guy who feels honored and blessed to be helping the pastors and people at Journey to grow the kingdom of God in north Oakland County and reach more people with the good news of the God’s love for all in Christ. My primary focus is to build on the positive relationship that already exists with Prince of Peace in Ortonville. Cora, my wife of 47 years, and I have two daughters and four grandsons who live in upstate New York and Oxford, MI.

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. I and my husband, Paul, are members of Journey and have one daughter, Rachel who lives in Zeeland, Michigan.

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.

Mike Felten
Director of Family Life

I am originally from the Cleveland, OH area. I grew up in Lutheran education from preschool all the way to college. I attended Concordia University Ann Arbor, where I majored in Family Life Education, with a minor in Youth Ministry. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, softball, and golf, fishing and time in the lake, and reading mystery novels. I can’t wait to get to know you!