Staff
The Rev. Christine Stoxen, Senior Pastor
Christine was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up in Connecticut, graduating from high school in Avon, Connecticut. She graduated from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, with a BA in Psychology and Elementary Education. She received her Masters of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, in 2000. Christine serves on the board of the Campus Ministry at the University of South Carolina, Advisory Board to the Rice Home, and on the CROP Walk Board. She is married to Craig Stoxen, the director of the South Carolina Autism Society. They have two sons, Zachary and Nicholas.
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Sarah Flatt, Vicar
Sarah is originally from the state of Michigan. Her family has lived in St. Clair Shores, outside of Detroit, for the past 14 years. Her parents still live there, and her younger brother is attending college a few hours north of home. She graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a BA in Theatre and Creative Writing, two things she is still very passionate and excited about today. She is working on a Master’s of Divinity through Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. She worked as the Chaplain at a Lutheran camp in Virginia during the summer of 2009.
Sarah enjoys spending time with her cat, Ella, a good book and cup of coffee, watching movies with friends, and attending concerts or theatre events. She also enjoys travelling. Since High School, Sarah has been involved in advocacy ministry on a variety of levels, and she hopes to find ways to continue this throughout her call. Sarah loves to have conversations with people about everything, from how God is working in your life to a Broadway musical. She is excited to be part of the ministry and staff here at Living Springs.
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Office Manager - Shawn Dunn
Shawn was born and raised just around the corner in this beautiful community. Growing up she had a passion for literature, which was nurtured by her wonderful family, and led her to major in English. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina (Go COCKS!) in May of ’08.
Shawn is an avid reader, writer, and lover of music. If you come to visit the office do not be surprised to be welcomed not only with a smile, but with a song. She looks forward to meeting everyone and being a part of this joyful congregation.
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Laura Turnmire, Bell Choir Director
Laura was born in Pasadena, Texas and came to Columbia by way of Springfield, Ohio. She is a graduate of Wright State University with a BS degree in Accounting and Finance. She is currently attending Columbia College, working on a BA in Elementary Education. Laura became a member of Living Springs in 1989 and has served on the Council, Worship, Christian Ed, Finance, Evangelism and Social Inreach Committees. She is presently on the Worship Committee and has been the Handbell Director for over 10 years.
Laura has worked at BlueCross BlueShield of SC for 20 years. She is a Contracts/Budget Analyst for the Information Systems Division. She is married to Bob Turnmire, IS Manager for the State Budget and Control Board. They have a daughter, Audrey and a son, Evan.
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Nickie Riley, Director of Music Ministry
Nickie Riley began her evolvement in church music when she was enrolled in preschool choir at Eau Claire Baptist Church at the age of 5 years old. She was nurtured through Bible study, choir attendance, and worship experiences. She began her piano training at the age of 7 with Fawn Nations. At the age of 13, Nickie became the accompanist for all 5 choirs at Eau Claire Baptist.
Through strong leadership at Eau Claire Baptist Church, Nickie felt the call to work as a Minister of Music. Preparations lead her to Columbia College, where she triple majored in Church Music, Organ Performance, and Theory and Composition. During her studies at Columbia College, Nickie was required to participate in 2 practicums. One practicum was at Centenial Presbyterian, and the other at Good Shepherd Lutheran, where she fell in love with the Lutheran Liturgy. She knew very quickly that the Lutheran Church would be her home.
Upon graduation, Nickie moved to Fort Worth, Texas where she pursued and received a Master of Church Music degree, with emphasis in conducting. While there she represented SWBTS in a national organ competition in San Antonio, Texas and accompanied 2 operas. She was also a Teaching Fellow in piano and conducting, while at the same time coordinating a church position with 5 choirs. After completing her education, she moved back to Columbia and married Tim Riley, They have two children: Elizabeth, age 18 and Matthew, age 11.
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Sherry Forsgren, Bookeeper
My name is Sherry Forsgren. I have been in the accounting field over 36 years. I retired as the Accountant for the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District in Monterey, California after 16 years. I worked for a CPA firm before that and had my own bookkeeping and income tax practice out of my home from 1980 until 2005. My son and his family had moved here in August of 2001 and after making numerous trips from California to here to see my son and grandchildren, my husband asked me if I was ready to move here and I said YES!!! We sold our home in California and moved here in January 2005. We love it here and I love being close to my family. I volunteer at Lake Carolina Elementary two days a week and I am the secretary/popcorn chairman for my grandson's cub scout pack.
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Tammy Mancuso, Director of the Preschool and Afterschool Care
Hello,my name is Tammy Macuso and I am proud to be the director here a Living Springs Lutheran Church Preschool and ASC. I have been in the child development field for over 17 years working in a variety of settings and roles. I graduated in 1991, with a Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Hartnell College in California. My husband, Robert and I have three wonderful children, ages 12, 10 and 8. We have lived in Columbia for four years and we have enjoyed every moment here. We enjoy reading Harry Potter and are huge Disney fans! I also have a passion and love for gardening. I am very honored to be the director at LSLCP/ASC and welcome you to come by and visit us at any time.
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The Rev. Dr. Donald H. Hillyard
Rev. Dr. Hillyard is a pastoral psychotherapist with years of practice as a mental health clinician and former parish minister. His Doctorate in marriage and family ministry at Eastern University in Philadelphia, Pa. specialized in clinical work. He comes to Columbia, SC after serving the Lutheran Counseling Center of Metropolitan New York for six years following the 9/11 atrocity, as Director of Disaster Relief programs for 300 Lutheran schools and churches in the New york area. He and his wife, Betty have built a new home in Lake Carolina.