Our Staff

When did you first come to Central UMC? I was an Associate Pastor in charge of Youth Ministry, Christian Education, and Evangelism at Grosse Pointe UMC when I first walked into the building of Waterford Central Church. It was Enabling Day when our District Churches got together for training, worship, and fellowship. Herb Glenn was the pastor. I remember thinking what a beautiful setting for a church and ministry! I stood at the end of the hallway on the east…

Patty Stroup, also known as Coach Patty is Central’s Director of Lifelong Faith Formation. Patty is from Colorado and has been serving children, youth, families, and adults in Faith Formation for over 20 years in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the United Methodist Church. She has a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and a Master’s in Christian Education. Patty has coached youth sports such as basketball, soccer, softball, and lifetime sports to kids as young as 3 years…

Dr. Aran Kim is a music director and organist at Waterford Central United Methodist Church. She is also a collaborative pianist in the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance and plays for the Oakland Chorale, the University Chorus, the Treble Choir,  and the Symphony Chorus and is an accompanist to the Gilbert Jackson Chorale. Aran is a member of MDML, an affiliate of the Music Teacher’s National Association, and actively maintains her teaching career as a private piano…

When did you first come to Central UMC? Christmas and Easter – 1997 Started Attending regularly and volunteering – 2006 Interim employee – July 2011 Officially started – November 2011 What is your favorite thing about Central UMC? The Congregation – they are my second family What was your first job? I worked for Waterford Township in the Assessing office while I was in high school. What’s on your iPod right now? A little of everything with lots of country.…

Director of Marketing & Community Relations Robin Danek is a veteran marketer with over 20 years of experience helping companies build their business. Pasts clients include Amae Plastic Surgery Center, Belknap Industries, Rayco Industries, Macomb Hand Surgery, Eva-Dry, Danlaw, and others. Additionally, Robin has worked extensively with Fortune 500 clients, including Nestle, Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Glaxo Smith-Kline, Saturn, Harman International, Whirlpool, Clorox, and Armour-Eckrich, among others. Robin has a Bachelor of Business Administration and a strong background in online…

When did you first come to Central UMC? I was born into the church. My family had been members for about 5 years before I was born. What is your favorite thing about Central UMC? My favorite thing about Central is how it feels like a family. If you could vacation anywhere… where would you go? If I could vacation anywhere I would go to NYC!! What’s on your iPod right now? Stand in the Light by Jordan Smith. What…

Erica grew up at CUMC so it has become a second home for her. She is in the nursery room and does the child care on Thursday nights to allow choir members and other members to participate in church programming. Erica feels very blessed to take this opportunity as she can bring her son along and he has an opportunity to play with his friends. Erica has served and volunteered with Central’s Vacation Bible School program for almost 10 years…