Martha Stokes, Director of Lay Life & Work, Disabilities, and Older Adult Ministries
You might be asking, "Just how diverse is this office?" My staff portfolio includes the Board of Laity, United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, Commission on Disabilities, Health and Welfare Ministries of the Board of Global Ministries, and Older Adult Council. I work with the Virginia Interfaith Committee on Mental Illness Ministries (VICOMIM) as the Conference Coordinator of Mental Illness Ministries. My office is also responsible for making sure that all people can participate fully in the activities of our Annual Conference session. It has been my honor to be a part of the conference staff team since July of 2000. Prior to this position, I worked in the fields of rehabilitation and education as a Vocational Evaluator and Vocational Counselor for the Henrico County Public Schools, Richmond, Va. I continue to maintain my credentials as a nationally certified vocational evaluator and as a Virginia certified rehabilitation provider. I hold a master’s degree in social work in the areas of mental health and mental retardation from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a bachelor’s degree in religion and social work from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC. My husband, Steve, and I are part of the family of Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Glen Allen where I serve as chair of the music and arts program area committee, lay worship and song leader. I love church music and arts, a family heritage from Fieldale United Methodist Church on the Danville District. I am a certified lay speaker and in the process of professional certification in Older Adult Ministries. |
As the Director of Lay Life and Work, Disabilities, and Older Adult Ministries, I have the wonderful opportunity to work with a tapestry of amazing people from all walks of life, ability levels, and backgrounds. My life is truly enriched by all those who call and write our office, participate in our conference programs, and help me to continue to grow on my spiritual journey.