Stephenie Van Wagenen

Lead Catechist

I grew up in Orange Park, Florida, and worshiped in an Anglican church with my family from a young age. I am blessed by having strong Christian parents and extended family and cannot remember a time of not knowing Christ. It was in middle school, through missions trips with our youth group, that my personal faith deepened and took off. For this reason, missions has always been close to my heart.

I served in various ministry discipleship and leadership positions throughout high school and college. I attended the University of Florida for undergrad and graduate school, and earned a Masters of Sustainable Development Practice (MDP). After graduation, I served for three years on the mission field in Ethiopia with Water is Life International, where I helped facilitate well drilling projects in rural areas in the southern part of the country. During my time in Ethiopia, I also completed a Diploma in Christian Ministry from Trinity School for Ministry.

After returning from Ethiopia, I married Hunter, and we moved to Greensboro, North Carolina. It was there, at our Anglican church, that I first experienced and grew to love Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as a discipleship experience for children. When we moved to Vero Beach in 2020, we knew that we wanted to start this ministry for our children and all the children of Christ Church. I became the Lead Catechist for Christ Church in January 2023 and have enjoyed building our Atrium and growing with our children as we experience more of Jesus together. I enjoy daily life with our three rambunctious children at home and a newborn, as well as reading, running, kayaking, and beekeeping.