Tristan Bland

Tristan is an experienced musician and leader; with more than 10 years of experience in youth leadership, music instruction and camp counseling, he received his bachelor’s degree from Catawba College in 2022 and has been a central part of the Afterschool Program since 2024. He has also been with Christ United Methodist Church in their music ministry and audio-visual tech since 2023.

Tristan believes that the best way to set up students for success as they grow is to foster  constructive communication and introspection, to help each child value themselves as their neighbors. His goal is for each student to feel valued, so that everyone can flourish!

Emily Hope

Emily is an experienced assistant teacher at the CUMC afterschool program. Currently pursuing a transfer associates degree, Emily plans to attend UNC Wilmington in Fall 2027. With many childcare positions under her belt, she’s worked with children and youth of all ages. Keeping an active role in the youth and family ministries at CUMC, she brings a particular eye for detail and always keeps an open mind. In her free time Emily enjoys the outdoors, especially spending time going on walks and taking in the scenery.

Lee Barnes - Family Pastor

With over 35 years of experience as a pastor, youth minister, and parent, Lee is deeply passionate about bringing fun and faith to family ministry. His extensive background includes serving as the Pastor of Students and Families at Apex UMC, Director of Family Ministries at Noah’s Ark Childcare, and as the family ministry consultant for the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. This professional expertise is rooted in his personal life; he and his wife, Kim, have been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of four adult children. Whether leading in the church or at home, Lee truly knows families and is dedicated to helping them thrive.