Aaron Adams
Student Minister
My wife Elyse and I have two boys, Cameron and Cole. I've served full-time at Mount Carmel for since 2012 and was previously on full time staff at Woodland Lakes Christian Camp for seven years.
Favorite thing about my position at Mount Carmel and the church family: I love working with students because they're at the point in life where they're beginning to figure out who they are and who they want to be.
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: I love attending Reds baseball games and finding new food joints around the Cincinnati area.
One quirky thing about me: I'm an adrenaline junky. I've jumped out of an airplane three times!
513-528-0230
Barb Anderson
Worship Production Assistant
I was born and raised in the Cincinnati area, then moved to Los Angeles in 1986, where I met my husband Rick. We both had worked as musicians in different bands for a number of years. I'm a trained graphic artist and worked for a greeting card company for several years.
Rick and I married in 1987 and moved back to Cincinnati in 1989 and began leading worship on Easter, 1990.
After moving to Ohio, Rick and I had three children, Hannah, Moriah, & Noah. Hannah and Noah currently lead worship with us on a regular basis, and Moriah, who was married in February 2017, is currently involved in ministry with her husband, Lavelle Thompson.
Your favorite thing about your position or the church family at Mount Carmel: Rick and I fell in love with Mount Carmel the first time we visited. We felt loved, accepted and welcomed. My prayer is that though the church has grown over the years, people still have that welcoming experience when they come here.
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: My favorite thing to do in Cincinnati is to go to the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo. I also love all the choices in great cuisine! And there’s always Skyline and Graeter’s!
One quirky thing about you: Rick and I pick up on lines of songs that people will unknowingly say in general conversation and we will break into whatever song that line is from. Our family also does that with movie lines.
513-528-0230
Rick Anderson
Associate Minister of Worship Ministries
I am a native Californian (but don’t hold that against me…). I began performing in bands professionally when I was fifteen years old and moved to Los Angeles at nineteen with a plan to pursue a career in music. God had other plans. I became a Christian at 26, met my wife the following year and within a couple of years we felt the Lord calling us to move to Ohio to be close to my wife’s family. Prior to entering into full-time ministry, I served as Senior Music Buyer for Berean Christian Stores and as a marketing consultant for Christian Music artists/records labels. My wife, Barb, and I have had the privilege of leading worship together at Mount Carmel since 1990. Our three children, Hannah, Moriah and Noah were all raised in Mount Carmel and continue to be involved in various areas of ministry. We cherish the love and compassion of this church family and consider it a privilege to call this our church home.
Favorite thing about my position at Mount Carmel and the church family: It is an honor and privilege to lead the congregation into the presence of God in worship. It is the most important position I have ever held.
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: To enjoy the various cultural attractions in this city and area and, of course, to savor a good cup of coffee!
One quirky thing about me: When I surrendered my life to Christ I was the lead vocalist in a heavy metal band in L.A. Yes, it’s true.
Didi Bacon
Senior Minister/Elder
I've been married to Shannon since 1992. We have four adult children - Valerie who is married to Justin, Madeline, Christian and Andrew.
I was born and raised in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Africa. While I lived there, I came to Christ through the work of missionaries. My family left Africa to study for the ministry in 1988 in England. My studies were completed at Cincinnati Bible College (now Cincinnati Christian University) in 1990. In 1994 I was called to serve as Youth Minister at Bethel Church of Christ. In 1997 I joined the staff at Mount Carmel as Family Life Minister and became Senior Minister in 1999.
Your favorite thing about your position or the church family at Mount Carmel: We love to give. Our church family loves to bless others. We have such a HUGE heart for God and for serving people. We love to have fun - usually around delicious food!
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: Shannon and I love to discover unique places to eat. Nothing better than discovering a restaurant that has a unique and delicious menu.
One quirky thing about you: I hate emails sitting in my InBox, texts unanswered, update notifications still showing (you know the red circle with a number in it, for us iPhone users). Nothing better for me to have an empty inbox, iMessage list, and all updates complete at the end of the day.
Leslie Benton
Administrative Assistant
My husband Jeff and I were married at MCCC in 1991. We have four adult children, Alyson, Kristine, Margaret and Jeffrey. We are so thankful that our three dogs and one cat allow us to live in their home.
Your favorite thing about your position or the church family at Mount Carmel: I love being a part of making people feel welcome and comfortable whenever they come through Mount Carmel's doors for whatever reason.
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: I am a country girl (raised in KY) so whenever I am in Cincinnati there is always something new and exciting to me! My husband, though, would definitely say Graeters and hometown teams, in that order, are his favorites.
One quirky thing about you: I do not have a Facebook account and that is just one of my many quirks.
513-528-0230
Bill Burchett
Campus Custodian
513-528-0230
Connie Butler
Bookkeeper
I grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania where I met my husband, Mike, at McCrory’s Five-and-Dime Store where I was working at the time. We moved to Cincinnati in 1993 for Mike's job. We have two adult children; Jen & Ryan. I've been working at the church since 2000 as the Administrative Assistant. Eventually my love for numbers took over and I moved into accounting as the bookkeeper.
Favorite thing about my position at Mount Carmel and the church family: I am blessed to be able to work in my church and couldn’t ask for a better bunch of people to work with.
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: We have a walking tour book of Cincinnati. Mike and I love walking and seeing all the sites our community has to offer. Our goal is to visit every site in the book before we retire.
One quirky thing about me: I love socks with designs. Could be designed for a holiday, have animals on them, sports related, striped, etc. No plain colored socks for me!
513-528-0230
Lisa Davis
Children's Minister
My husband, Brian and I have 3 adult daughters who are married to 3 wonderful men. We also have recently been blessed with our first grandson! I have a Master's degree in Ministry Leadership from Cincinnati Christian University and have had the blessing of serving two other congregations in the areas of Student and Children’s Ministry.
Favorite thing about my position at Mount Carmel and the church family: I love the vibrancy of our ministry. The commitment our KidCity team has to our families is second to none!
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: Love all the Cincy foods, the Cincinnati Nature Center, Museum Center and King's Island!
One quirky thing about me: I'm left-handed; which also means I'm in my right mind!
513-528-0230
Erin Dobson
Administrative Assistant
My husband, Craig, and I have been married since 2010 and have two children. We moved from Nashville in September of 2015 and we have been attending Mount Carmel ever since. I have a Social Work degree from the University of Cincinnati and have been working in the mental health field for over the last 10 years. I love tennis, musicals and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite thing about the Mount Carmel church family: I love the generational diversity that Mount Carmel offers. I love our small group, we truly live life together and have become a family.
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: My family and I enjoy bike trails, the zoo, Coney Island, Cincinnati Nature Center and finding unique food spots.
One quirky thing about me: I love to dance and enjoy dressing my family in matching pajamas.
513-528-0230
Jeff Driever
Sound Engineer
I have been married to my wife Desree since 2005 and we are blessed with two incredible children, Ray and Leah.
I am a full-time computer network technician and a semi-professional sound engineer. In addition to my "work" at Mt. Carmel I also run the sound board for a local ten-piece rock and roll cover band.
Favorite thing about my position at Mount Carmel and the church family: I love the way music moves people. We have so many talented musicians and when they put their hearts into their worship songs I see the wonderful way that it affects those in attendance.
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: The Cincinnati Zoo, Red's games, Skyline Chili and of course listening to any kind of live music (except country music).
One quirky thing about me: I have a gorgeous Harley-Davidson motorcycle that I'd rather ride than polish, and I could eat pizza every day of the week.
513-528-0230
Arlan Howard
Associate Minister of Discipleship Ministries
I was born in Kentucky but grew up in Cincinnati. And except for the time I was in the army, I've lived in the Greater Cincinnati area my whole life. After my time in the army, I attended the University of Cincinnati and began a career as a design engineer. Thirteen years later I felt the call to be in full time ministry at Mount Carmel. And I haven't looked back since!
Favorite thing about my position at Mount Carmel and the church family: I love seeing the engagement the church has in the local community. And I love the spirit of our volunteers. They make it possible for us to serve multiple organizations in the Cincinnati area.
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: My wife, Tara, and I live in Bellevue, Kentucky and love walking to Newport on the Levee or riding a trolley downtown to enjoy the Banks or Fountain Square area.
One quirky thing about me: I have a faux Dell laptop. Really do. I pasted a Dell logo over the Apple logo on my laptop. Does that really mean I'm a non-conformist?
513-528-0230
Joe Hubbell
Worship and Music Assistant
I am the second oldest of five siblings in a crazy weird family. I've had a love for music ever since I was a kid. My primary goal in life is to glorify God with the gifts that He has given me and to love others the way I’m called to love.
Favorite thing about my position at Mount Carmel and the church family: I absolutely love the body of believers here at Mt Carmel because I have the opportunity to work alongside with them combining my gifts with theirs.
Favorite thing to do in Cincinnati: I enjoy eating all of the great food in the Cincinnati area.
One quirky thing about me: I am a pun enthusiast!
513-528-0230
Tim Peace
Teaching Minister
My wife, Angie, and I were married on July 7, 2006. We have two dogs who run the household.
I am a PhD Candidate in New Testament and Source Texts of Early Christianity at Radboud University, in Nijmegen, Netherlands. I am currently writing a dissertation on the reputation of Simon Peter within the early Christian texts. I have a Master of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biblical Studies, both completed at Cincinnati Christian University.
Favorite thing about my position at Mount Carmel and the church family: I came to faith in Jesus when a friend brought me to Mount Carmel as a freshman in high school. The folks who mentored me in the faith are now my colleagues in ministry at the church. This place truly feels like family to me.
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: I went to my first Reds game (that I can recall) when I was between four and five years old. The opponent: the Pittsburgh Pirates. For better or for worse, I love Cincinnati sports teams (and Pittsburgh will forever be the enemy)!
One quirky thing about me: I like to dip french fries in mustard. I know, it’s strange. Deal with it!
513-528-0230
Jeff Perrine
Associate Minister of Administration Ministries
I come from a very large family. I had over 30 aunts and uncles and more cousins than you can count. I actually thought some of my cousins were aunts and uncles as they were my parent's age.
After spending 20+ years in the Information Technology industry, mostly with IBM, a sister church of ours, SouthBrook in Dayton, invited me to join their staff in the administration/operations area. From there I served in Indianapolis with East 91st Street Christian Church as Finance and Operations Director. I have a degree in accounting from Wright State University.
Your favorite thing about your position or the church family at Mount Carmel: While a big congregation, Mount Carmel folks have a unique warm and friendly style. The environment here is so welcoming that people have a sense of belonging on day one of being here.
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: Finding tasty and unique locally owned restaurants. And visiting Fountain Square!
One quirky thing about you: I love the accents of different countries. I can almost sound as British as Didi.
Tim Pride
Campus Manager
I was married in 1993 to my wife, Cindy. I was a fireman for the City of Cincinnati for 40 years and retired in 2017! I've attended Mount Carmel since 2003 and on staff since 2007.
Favorite thing about my position at Mount Carmel and the church family: I have a wide variety of responsibilities, so most of the time, no two days are alike and I get to do a lot of “hands on” work and “problem solving
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area:
Golf.
One quirky thing about me: People say I hold a sandwich wrong when I eat it. My thumb is on top while my fingers are on the bottom. Why do I need four fingers to hold the top on my sandwich? I want them underneath to support everything.
513-528-0230
Riley The Dog
Staff Mascot
Unless you are here during the week, you probably haven't met me. But if you are here during the week, we've probably met. Riley Anderson, dog-son of Rick and Barb Anderson. I have three human siblings, Hannah, Moriah, and Noah.
Your favorite thing about your position or the church family at Mount Carmel: I get to make the staff feel good. They pet me, walk me, feed me treats, and act like I'm something special. Then I take a nice nap and enjoy all of the love and affection I've been given. And hopefully the staff feel the love and affection I have for them.
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: I get to go to Doggy Day Care one day a week! It's just dog-gone fun because I get to play with all of my doggy friends without my human family around. It's like a sleep over, only during the day.
One quirky thing about you: I'm pretty sensitive and get my feelings hurt pretty easily. You'll know it when I pout; I just refuse to look at you. But give me a treat or one scratch on the head and I'm back to normal.
Chris Van Huss
Missions Minister
I've been married to my wife Jody since 1998. We have three adolescent children: Kaylee, Kristen, and Samuel. I have been a part of Mount Carmel since 1997. I'm a full-time high school teacher and part-time supply house sales.
Favorite thing about my position at Mount Carmel and the church family: I love helping Mount Carmel capture a glimpse of God's heart for the nations, and equipping them to fulfill the Great Commission and Commandments of Christ.
Favorite thing to do in the Cincinnati area: I love Skyline Chili and (unfortunately most years) root for both the Reds and Bengals.
One quirky thing about me: I am just as comfortable attending a NASCAR event as I am reading classic works of literature.
513-528-0230