Meet Our Team
I am so glad to be here! I joined the Point Washington United Methodist Church family on July 1, 2026, and I am honored to serve as your Senior Pastor.
I am an Elder in the Alabama-West Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. Over the years, I have been blessed to serve congregations across the Conference in both rural and urban settings — most recently as the District Superintendent for the Panhandle District. In every place I've served, my hope has been to bring a spirit of grace, encouragement, and steady leadership to the community God has called me to.
My ministry began in youth work, where I served for more than 20 years. After Hurricane Katrina, I stepped away from youth ministry to engage full-time in recovery efforts along the coastal regions of southwest Alabama and Mississippi. That season changed me deeply. It sharpened my sense of calling and led me to pursue theological education at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, where I earned my Master of Divinity.
My husband Keith and I make our home in beautiful Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. We are the proud parents of two daughters, Ashley and Amy, both of whom are married. My greatest joy outside of ministry might just be being "JJ" to my granddaughter Eloise — and to our beloved pets, Wilbur the cat and Oddball the dog. When I'm not in the office, you'll likely find me outdoors — walking, paddling, or sitting somewhere quiet with a good book, soaking in the beauty of God's creation.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple desire: to love God and to love others well. I can't wait to get to know each of you and to walk alongside this congregation in this new chapter.
REV. JEAN TIPPIT, SENIOR PASTOR
CHRIS KLAUS, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY
I am excited to be part of the staff at Point Washington UMC. Some of my earliest memories—singing in my father’s church choir in South Louisiana— sparked a lifelong love of worship and ministry.
My upbringing fostered a love for good food and music of all genres. As the son of a music minister, I spent my life immersed in church communities— choirs, youth groups, and Sunday worship—where I feel most at home lifting my voice in praise.
I studied voice and commercial music at the University of North Alabama and entered full-time ministry in Huntsville, Alabama, in 2007. In 2015, I moved to the Emerald Coast to serve on staff at Destin Methodist Church, where I remained until 2022. After a brief respite from ministry leadership, I am looking forward to what’s next in the life and ministries of Point Washington.
For me, worship ministry is more than just music—it’s a sacred, communal practice that brings generations together and deepens our walk with Christ. I find meaning in the beauty of diverse voices blending in harmony—musically and spiritually—a powerful reminder of worship’s ability to unite and transform.
I am married to Keri and have two daughters, Carson (married to AJ) and Erin. June, our chocolate lab, holds the key to all of our hearts.
PAUL BARNETT, YOUTH DIRECTOR
I have served as Director of Youth Ministries at Point Washington United Methodist Church since July 2005. Prior to joining the ministry team at PWUMC, I served on staff at Niceville UMC, as a volunteer youth leader at St. Augustine UMC, and as a short term missionary to Guinea-Bissau, Africa. I came to know Christ at the age of 16 in 1997 and experienced the call to the ministry in 1999 while working as a youth ministry intern at Niceville UMC.
I was born and raised in Niceville, Florida and graduated from Niceville High School in 1998. I received a Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences with an emphasis in History and Religion from Flagler College in 2004. I have one child, Isaiah.
I have a deep passion for connecting teenagers to Christ and to each other in true Christian community. When not hanging out with the students of POWASH Youth, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing disc golf, ultimate frisbee, kayaking, throwing the cast net, watching movies, and watching college football!
KELLY YOAKUM, CHILDREN'S DIRECTOR
My first experience in ministry was leading worship in children's ministry growing up as a preacher's kid in a small military town in Alabama. After graduating with an Early Childhood degree, I began teaching in a private Christian school in Birmingham, Alabama. While volunteering in the children's music ministry, my home church asked me to step in as children's director interim to coordinate, recruit, and lead children's programming. Through that experience, I found an excitement for working full time ministry.
Throughout the years, I have served in children's ministry through a leadership role full time and as a volunteer. My passion is building a community to reflect the love of God.
My hobbies include playing the piano, spending time with friends and the outdoors, watching my daughter's college volleyball team, baking apple pies and homemade yeast rolls, and taking my dog, Conner, on walks.
I am excited to build relationships within the Santa Rosa Beach community and offer a welcoming place for families to grow in connection and to create a curiosity for following Christ.
HILLARY TURNER, PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
It is my pleasure to be the Director of The Preschool at Point Washington where we strive to give the best faith-based education we can provide! I am a native of the area, born and raised in Lynn Haven, Florida, and in the middle of two wonderful sisters, one involved in Pensacola Theatre and the other teaching right down the road at South Walton Montessori. My parents are also local real estate agents. I have been with the preschool since 2019 and also have a background in working on behavior and social skills with children.
I cherish my roots in Florida and in my free time, I can be found taking my dogs to the bay, completing a puzzle, or reading a good book. The Preschool at Point Washington has my heart and I look forward to all the possibilities ahead!
AMY STOYLES, BUSINESS MANAGER
My favorite part about working at Point Washington United Methodist Church is that I get to work surrounded by my friends and family. As a longtime member and attender of Point Washington UMC, I have had the joy of serving in almost every part of our church before joining the staff as business manager in 2024. My two children, London and Brighton, attended our preschool, took lessons at the Music Academy, played in the nursery, and now participate in the Children’s and Youth Ministries. My parents frequently volunteer at the church, and you can almost always find us in the front row of the 11 a.m. service watching my dad play the piano with the praise band.
I love seeing how God works to transform lives and the beautiful ways our church community supports and loves one another and the greater community.
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Originally from St. Louis, Mo., I graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Journalism in 2001. My first job was as a reporter for the Anniston Star in Anniston and Montgomery, Ala. I moved to Santa Rosa Beach in 2005, where I co-founded and spent 18 years as the CFO of a local business.
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When not at church, you can usually find me playing with my kids and our puppy, Banana, or swimming, biking, or running in races of all distances. I am also a co-founder and organizer of the 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Race, an annual charity run that raises money for local non-profits.
BRITTANY ADAMS, DIRECTOR, POWASH MUSIC ACADEMY
I grew up in Marietta, Ga., the daughter of a United Methodist minister of music, where my love of music and faith were woven together from the very beginning. From singing in the children's choir to performing with the handbell ensemble, touring the country with the church youth choir and earning all-state honors in my high school choir, music has always been at the heart of who I am.
I attended Ole Miss on a vocal scholarship before transferring to and graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development. After 17 successful years in corporate management, I answered God's call in a new direction. In 2018, I moved to Santa Rosa Beach with my husband, Matt, and daughters Elise and Amelia, where I spent seven fulfilling years as a pre-K co-teacher at a local Christian preschool.
Now, as director of the PoWASH Music Academy, I'm living out my calling — bringing more fine arts opportunities to our South Walton community and sharing the love of Christ with students along their musical journey!
MANDY MARKHAM JOHNSON,
COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING COORDINATOR
I joined the PWUMC team in June 2025 after retiring from the University of Alabama where I was most recently Director of Marketing for UA Online in the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education. Prior to that position, I worked with the University's campus bookstores in many different roles - primarily promoting the UA brand and trying to buy enough merchandise to satisfy the Crimson Tide fans who shopped in our stores and online. I started working at UA a few months before Nick Saban did and retired about a year after he retired. What a time to be a Bama employee and fan!
I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama and hold a bachelor’s degree from Samford University and a master’s degree from Birmingham-Southern College. My husband, Phillip, and I live locally with our two rescued Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Birdie and Olive. We've been visiting 30A for many years and enjoy the beach and riding our bikes in the lovely state parks in our area. We also love worshipping at PWUMC and have found the members and minsters to be welcoming, caring and wonderful examples of Christ's love.
MARGARET COX, AUDIO / VISUAL TECH
I was born and raised in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee. From my earliest days, I found solace and purpose in the halls of the First Baptist Church Knoxville. It was there that my passion for music blossomed, leading me to become a longtime soloist both within the church choir and in the wider community.
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One of the highlights of my musical journey was the honor of singing the National Anthem for the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball games over three decades. It was a privilege to lend my voice to such a beloved tradition and to be part of the excitement surrounding those games.
In addition to my musical endeavors, I found fulfillment in service and event management. For a decade, I had the distinct privilege of serving as the producer and director of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies in Knoxville, TN. This role allowed me to celebrate the achievements of remarkable athletes and contribute to the rich tapestry of women's sports history.
My professional journey also led me to the position of Director of Corporate Operations for the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation, where I had the opportunity to promote the vibrant culture and attractions of my hometown.
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Even in retirement, my commitment to service and music remains unwavering. For over 15 years, I dedicated my time as a volunteer audiovisual technician at First Baptist Church, and now, in my new home in Florida, I've found joy in continuing this role at Point Washington United Methodist Church. Additionally, I'm delighted to serve as the Audio Visual Director for Point Washington, while still sharing my voice in the church choir and assisting as the volunteer assistant music director.
Through music, service, and community involvement, I've found purpose and fulfillment, and I look forward to continuing to share my talents and passion with those around me.
In my free time, I cherish moments spent with my friends and family. I also love playing golf. There's something truly special about the serene atmosphere, the challenge of the game, and the camaraderie shared among fellow golfers. It's a wonderful way for me to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.
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And of course, I can't forget to mention my beloved furry companion, Bunker. As a dedicated dog lover, I find endless delight in showering Bunker with love and affection. Whether we're taking leisurely walks, playing fetch in the backyard, or simply cuddling up together, Bunker fills my life with unconditional love and happiness.
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In all aspects of my life, whether it's through music, service, hobbies, or companionship, I strive to find meaning and fulfillment. I am grateful for each day and the opportunities it brings to make a positive impact and share my blessings with those around me.
Oksana Stamov
Collaborative Pianist
Phone & Email
OKSANA STAMOV, COLLABORATIVE PIANIST
I recently relocated to Santa Rosa Beach with my husband, Lou, and our children. My husband and I are both seasoned teachers with roots in the Chicago area, and we're thrilled to now call this community home.
I've taught private piano lessons for more than 20 years to students of all ages, 7 and up, from beginner through advanced levels. I studied at the Odessa Conservatory of Music and the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, and I've taught at the Roselle Fine Arts Academy, the Arlington Institute of Music and the Performing Arts, and the Palatine Music School. I've also served as a pianist for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Highland Park for many years.
I love helping students set attainable goals and guiding them every step of the way as they achieve them. I can't wait to help grow our local community's love of music!
JULIENE WATSON, SENIOR NURSERY ATTENDANT
I have been the senior nursery attendant at PWUMC for over 10 years! I love the kiddos of this community and look forward to providing dependable, safe and nurturing care every Sunday morning, Wednesday night and anytime in between! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and grandson.
Tyler Stevens
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
850-231-4928