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.

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 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.

Church Staff

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.”

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

Tabitha Esbrook
Children’s Ministry Assistant

Hi! I am the new Children’s Life Ministry Assitant and am so blessed to be in this position! 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!