The Reverend Dr. Michael L. Lyle – Senior Pastor
Our Pastor believes that the deepest hunger of every human heart is a close relationship with God. In his leadership of our church, Mike works to help us connect more closely and faithfully with God, and thus with the very best that life has to offer.
Mike became our Senior Pastor in July of 2005 and is an Elder in the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. He has previously served churches in Roanoke, Fincastle, Madison, Wolftown, Winchester, and Loudoun County. Mike is married and has two married daughters and three granddaughters.
Mike holds degrees from Emory & Henry College, Wake Forest University and Wesley Theological Seminary. He received a D.Min. from Wesley after completing course work in the International Track which enabled him to study at United Methodist seminaries in Sweden and Germany.
Victoria Shields – Minister of Music
Prior to coming to Washington Street UMC, Victoria served as the Minister of Music at the Historic Pohick Episcopal Church in Lorton, Virginia for seven years. At Pohick, Victoria grew the music ministry through her work with children, establishing good relationships with those involved in the life of the parish, encouraging anyone with an interest in music to participate in music ministry, and through a creative approach to music in worship. Before coming to Washington, she was the chapel organist at Williams Smith and Hobart Colleges in conjunction with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Geneva, New York.
Victoria received her Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music, with concentrations in Music Education and Organ Performance. She was a student in the organ studio of Michael Farris, studied piano with Vincent Lenti and harpsichord with James Bobb. While at Eastman, Victoria was the recipient of the Frasier Organ Scholarship and the Fay Stinson Craighead Memorial Scholarship. She is active as a recitalist with future performances including Trinity Episcopal Church in Seattle, Washington, St. Paul’s Episcopal in Old Town Alexandria, National City Christian Church and the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, DC.
In addition to her work in the church, Victoria is active with the local chapters of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) as coordinator of the Potomac Organ Institute (www.potomacorganinst.org) and Executive Secretary for the 2010 AGO National Convention to be held in Washington, DC. In addition to her career in music, she is also a positive dog training instructor at All About Dogs, Inc. in Woodbridge, Virginia (www.allaboutdogsinc.com). She believes that through positive reinforcement and building good relationships, humans can improve their life with their dogs as well as with our other two legged friends!
Rachel Miller - Director of Missions and Age-level Ministries
Rachel believes we have been placed in this world to worship God and to spread the good news about Christ our Savior. She feels that everyone should feel loved and accepted and be given opportunities to learn about God and have a deep, meaningful relationship with God.
Rachel earned her undergraduate degree in Communications from Old Dominion University and has studied Theology and Christian Education at Regent University and Wesley Theological Seminary. She volunteered with the youth of Redwood UMC and was previously the Youth Director for Boones Mill UMC. She has spent many years working with children of all ages and knows that they are all special gifts from God.
A native of Ohio, Rachel moved to Virginia with her family in 1995 and moved to Alexandria in 2007.
During the months of June, July & August 2010, Rachel was on a mission trip to the Congo DR as an Individual Volunteer of the United Methodist Church.
Jasmine Milone – Preschool Director
Visit the Preschool page.
Jasmine and her family joined the Washington Street Preschool in 2002 when their oldest child enrolled in the preschool program. The child centered and nurturing preschool environment that enables children to learn and develop at their own pace, was especially important when selecting a preschool for their three children. Thankfully, current families continue to recognize and enjoy these very same characteristics today at Washington Street Preschool. Jasmine first joined the Washington Street staff in 2006 when she became the pre-kindergarten class teacher. In January of 2008, she became the director of the preschool.
Jasmine moved to Alexandria in 1979 and calls Old Town home. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her passion for teaching young children was always in tandem with her love for the arts. In addition to experiences in early childhood education, Jasmine also enjoyed teaching English as a Second Language.
Jasmine is extremely proud of the mission of Washington Street United Methodist Church Preschool and works diligently with the dedicated and talented preschool staff everyday to achieve the preschool’s mission. She believes that every child is entitled to quality early childhood education. Working with children is indeed a vocation.
Ann Cary McLain – Office Manager
Alexandria has been home to Ann Cary’s family for four generations. She graduated summa cum laude from Marymount University with a BA in design. Previous employment includes ten years at EEI Communications — in human resources and as manager of the company’s staffing service.
Barbara Harslem – Financial Administrator
Barbara Harslem and her husband George Tuttle have lived in Alexandria since 1971 and have raised their four children in the Del Ray neighborhood. They are members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. They are active volunteers in their church community in addition to volunteering in a variety of community endeavors. Barbara has a BA from Smith College and a Masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to working for the federal government, she has worked in higher education and run a small community business. Barbara works for two other Methodist churches in addition to WSUMC.
Bobby Cochran – Custodian
Bobby is a native of White Sulphur Spring, West Virginia. He and his wife, Janet, are the parents of two grown daughters. He enjoys yard work, fishing and above all else, he’s a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Bobby also works at another downtown church.
Some Photos Copyright @2002 Olan Mills, Inc.
