Born and raised in Tampa, FL., Jonelle has worked as an EMT/Paramedic, served in the US Army Reserves and US Air Force Reserves and taught middle school.  After sensing God’s call to ordained ministry, Jonelle moved to Orlando in 2003 in order to attend the Orlando campus of Asbury Theological Seminary.

Jonelle’s service in the Air Force Reserves took her to Saudi Arabia, where she served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm as an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician during the Gulf War in 1990.  Jonelle has also traveled on mission trips to Cuba in 2004 and China in 2008.  During each mission trip, she has witnessed the power of God’s Spirit at work in the lives of those living under government oppression, and has also had the opportunity to share God’s love through actions and words during those trips.  Jonelle is involved in ministry with KAIROS Outside, an extension of KAIROS prison ministry.

Jonelle has been a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, and after moving to Orlando, became a member of Azalea Park United Methodist Church.  She has been a member of the Leadership Council, served as the Lay Leader and has been a small group leader with the By the Book Bible studies.  Jonelle graduated from Asbury in 2008 and is currently serving as the Youth Director, working with the youth group and youth Sunday school class, while continuing the candidacy process towards ordination in the United Methodist Church.

Jonelle is the proud owner of two dachshunds – Buster, a fearless and avid hunter of all creatures, both large and small – and Nugget, the more “laid back” one.  She, along with Buster and Nugget, live in the Azalea Park area in the parsonage provided by Azalea Park United Methodist Church.