Meet the Team

Sam is a native of “Scratch Out,” Arkansas—more officially known as New Edinburg, population 127—and comes to Candler with experience serving in both the church and the academy. He earned his MTS from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, and is currently finishing up his PhD in Christian theology at Yale, with a focus on the work of the Holy Spirit. He’s served churches in Texas as an associate pastor and as a director of music and media. Outside the office, Sam enjoys, well, being outside, including cycling and snow skiing. And if you’re looking for some good background music while you complete your application, just get him on speaker phone—he moonlighted as a professional pianist in college and can play most anything by ear, with a sweet spot in his soul for jazz, gospel and Johnny Cash. But you may want to come visit in person: Sam always (“ALWAYS,” he stresses) has candy in his office. Jelly beans, anyone?

Kathryn is a Georgia native through and through. She hails from Lilburn, graduated from UGA in 2011 with a BA in history (go Dawgs!), and earned her MDiv from Candler in 2022. She is seeking ordination as a deacon in the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church. We call her Kathryn, but she’s “Aunt Kat” to her three wonderful nephews. If you want to talk about anything pop culture related, Kathryn is your go-to. When she’s not in the admissions office, you’ll likely find her rewatching her favorite shows, listening to Dolly Parton’s greatest hits, or working on embroidery projects.

Tayler is a native Texan, though he likes to claim that he is a Georgia boy now. Having spent his life bouncing between a farm and the beach, he thinks this has given him the perfect balance of diligent work and living in the moment. He earned his BS in communication studies from the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ’em Horns!) and his MDiv from Candler. Tayler has served in variety of ministry settings including nonprofits, youth ministry, campus ministry, and in the local church as a pastor-in-charge. Outside of the office, Tayler loves going to baseball games, watching college football, playing trivia, hiking, making the perfect cup of coffee, and just being with people (or dogs). His Enneagram 2 personality is especially evident in his work here at Candler, as he is genuinely invested in helping others.

Tammy comes to Candler’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid team from Prairie View, Texas, where she served in Prairie View A&M University’s admissions office for over 10 years. She holds an MS degree in higher education/student affairs and a BS in early childhood education, and is currently pursuing her PhD in educational leadership. Tammy describes her scholarship as “devoted to advocating for the marginalized,” and her research explores DEI issues around women and men of color in academia, LGBTQ+ students, and financial aid access at HBCUs.

When she’s not working or studying, Tammy enjoys reading (two of her favorites are Du Bois’s The Souls of Black Folk and Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina), spending time with her loveable pups Foxie Brown and Kawala Bear, traveling, and eating cake (especially buttery yellow cake with chocolate frosting). And if you want to improve your crossword skills, let her know! She’s a self-proclaimed fanatic of the game Word Crossy, and has a nightly ritual of solving no fewer than five puzzles before she goes to sleep.

Hailing from Winston-Salem, NC, Emily graduated from Appalachian State University with a BA in Religious Studies. After college, Emily found Candler School of Theology and has been a part of this community ever since. In 2020 Emily completed her Masters of Divinity from Candler and in 2021 she joined the Admissions Team.

Emily is an ordained deacon in the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, and she is a passionate teacher, mentor, and caregiver. In addition to her leadership in the church and the academy, Emily is a health and wellness advocate and a certified yoga and fitness teacher.

When Emily is not working, you can find her reading, crushing another Peloton workout, or hanging out with her husband and fellow pastor, Rev. Josh Miles and their beautiful baby girl, Daisy.

Candler Housing Coordinator

Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina

Alma mater: Claflin University, Orangeburg, South Carolina, where I majored in political science and religion and philosophy with a minor in African studies.

Fun fact:  I’m a foodie at heart and love to create new dishes mixed with my southern roots.

What do you love about Candler?

If I had to pick one thing, it would be the mentorship provided by professors and senior students.

Activities at Candler: Black Student Caucus

What do you love about Atlanta?

The diversity—there is something for everyone regardless of interest.

Hometown: Seoul, Korea

Alma Mater: Methodist Theological University in Korea

Fun fact: I traveled to London in May 2023, and King Charles came out to welcome me. The real fact is that I was trapped in downtown London for over three hours due to a street parade the day before King Charles’s coronation.

What do you love about Candler?

I love the fancy vibes and friendly hospitality in Candler’s diverse atmosphere. The hospitality of the admissions office is one of the reasons I chose Candler and want to help contribute to the hospitality of the environment. Additionally, professors, staff members, and students also have their own passion and fashion, which is one of my specialties!

What do you love about Atlanta?

I love Atlanta’s weather and the unique southern vibes. When I arrived at Boston’s airport while traveling to Boston, I realized I thought of Atlanta as my hometown. I guess I have already melted into Hotlanta!

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida (duuuuuuvaaal)

Alma Mater: University of North Florida

Denomination: United Methodist

Vocational goals: I plan to serve as an elder in the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. My greater goal is to make the church (in spirit AND in building) a safe space for those who have traditionally not been welcomed, and to be a good advocate for them.

Fun fact: I just really love Coca-Cola. I love the soda flavors, the marketing, specifically the Hilltop commercial and song from 1971 (which I have a vinyl of!). Please come talk to me about Coca-Cola.

What do you love about Candler?

I love that Candler is so intentional about fostering community and provides opportunities to engage with the community, like working with Arrendale Women’s Prison. The work I get to do there and the connection within my six-person Contextual Education cohort is one of the best parts of my week.

What do you love about Atlanta?

I love seeing the skyline of downtown Atlanta when driving at nighttime. Seeing the lights glow on the buildings makes me feel connected to the city. Oh, and The Coca-Cola Museum, of course!

Hometown: Springfield, Missouri

Denomination: United Methodist

Vocational Goals: Ordination as an elder.

Fun fact: I have been to 49 states and 17 countries.

What do you love about Candler: I love the community of students and how approachable the professors seem to be.

What do you love about Atlanta: There is a good sports scene both collegiate and professional. There is also a lot of parks and places to go for a walk or a hike near campus and just around.

Favorite Things: Jigsaw puzzles, St. Louis cardinals baseball, and playing games with friends or family.

Favorite Quotes: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives” -Jackie Robinson; “Church is not a museum for saints, but rather a hospital for sinners” -Ann Landers

Hometown: Moyamba, Sierra Leone

Alma mater: Valley View University, Accra, Ghana

Fun fact: I love DIY. I once got a mechanic’s toolbox to replace a broken piston in my car. Disassembly was fun and easy. Piecing it back, well that’s another story you will have to come ask me about.

What do you love about Candler: The Professors. Each and every class has been very formative. My top three professors I would recommend you take a class from: Dr. Kemp, Dr. Ayres, Dr. Lösel.

What do you love about Atlanta: The diversity and the people. My favorite new spot is an African Market I just discovered.

Hometown: Macon, Georgia

Denomination: United Methodist

Vocational Goals: I am a certified candidate on the elder track in the UMC and look forward to serving churches.

Fun fact: I have been skydiving.

What do you love about Candler?

I love the combination of vigorous academics and authentic heart development in the classroom and in chapel. I am also so thankful for the community I have found here.

What do you love about Atlanta?

I love the variety of cultural opportunities: museums, theater and the symphony, and lots of great restaurants—just to name a few.

Hometown: Duluth, Georgia

Denomination: Pentecostal

Vocational Goals: My heart is really with the Hispanic community and all the pain the immigrant community goes through. My goal is to cater to their needs but also to help others understand what it is the Hispanic community goes through.

Fun fact: I’ve got a decent aim with a slingshot.

What do you love about Candler?

The classes and the genuine love and concern for each of their students.

What do you love about Atlanta?

The food and entertainment (concerts and soccer games).

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Denomination: United Methodist

Vocational Goals: Become an ordained elder in the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church

Fun fact: In my first week at Candler, I dropped my water bottle in chapel and it broke into multiple pieces and the water went everywhere. Some of my closest friends now are the ones who helped me clean up the water that day.

What do you love about Candler?

The people. I know it sounds cheesy, but the community at Candler is something like I’ve never experienced before.

What do you love about Atlanta?

The diversity of experiences and opportunities.