Meet Our Staff

Leonard Rex, Pastor

Leonard was born near Erie, Pennsylvania, and moved to Kentucky when he was 15. He graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College and Asbury Theological Seminary. He has pastored churches in Elkton and Hanson, Kentucky, and in Halifax and Bailey, North Carolina, before coming to Mount Zion in 2007. His wife’s name is Donna, and they have two boys: Josiah and Daniel. Leonard’s hobbies are ventriloquism, illusion, hunting, and fishing.

Pastor Leonard can be reached at (919) 772-8415 and pastor.leonard@mountzion-umc.org.

Kim B. Stephenson, Children's Pastor

Kim was born in Johnston County, North Carolina, where she has resided her entire life. She graduated from Johnston Community College, later returning to receive her Early Child Care credentials. Kim spent many years working in the corporate world but felt called to work with children. She has several years of childcare experience, including teaching at a Christian preschool and developing and running a very successful school-age children's program at a local child development center. God has now called Kim to further do His work as Children's Pastor at Mount Zion. Kim looks forward to working with both the children and parents of the Mount Zion family as well as the families of our community. Kim is blessed with two wonderful sons, Zackary and Matthew. She enjoys time with family and friends, crafts, reading, and sharing her faith with others.

Pastor Kim can be reached at (919) 772-8415 and pastor.kim@mountzion-umc.org.

Carley Scheitrum, Associate/Youth Pastor

Carley works directly with our youth ministry as well as assisting with the general pastoral role of equipping, leading worship, teaching, and caring. We believe Carley is not only a great fit with our church family, but also particularly qualified for this role.

Carley comes to Mount Zion from Duke Divinity School. She is originally from California and has lived in North Carolina for eight years, since moving to attend college at Pfeiffer University. After college, Carley worked at North Morganton UMC in Morganton, NC as Program Director. Carley felt the call to seminary which led her to Duke three years ago. Carley loves working in the church and is excited to learn from the youth and the rest of the congregation. She also loves hiking, camping, rock climbing, and reading.

Nancy Rivers, Music Director

Nancy Rivers was born in Gassaway, West Virginia. When she was nine months old, her father entered Duke Seminary and became a Methodist minister. Nancy is an instructor of mathematics at Wake Technical Community College. Growing up immersed in music and church led Nancy to serve as choir director. She has sung in church choirs for as long as she can remember and has rung handbells for about 15 years. She previously directed the handbell program at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church before coming to Mount Zion in 1990.

Nancy served many roles in music at Mount Zion that led to her hiring as choir director in 2002. Nancy and her husband, Anthony, have two daughters, Elizabeth and Tori. Nancy plays the piano and clarinet, and her hobbies include music (of course), yard work, attending her girls’ sporting events, horses, and reading mysteries.

Nancy can be reached at (919) 772-8415 and info@mountzion-umc.org.

Elaine Heintzleman, Musician

Elaine is from Pennsylvania, Montana, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, ever on the move, taking music wherever she goes. She has served churches in all these states as organist and pianist. As a Methodist she served as conference officer and music director at Schools of Mission.

Elaine's husband, Kermit, supports her endeavors! They have three grown children with families of their own. Elaine and Kermit proudly acclaim their achievements.

Elaine can be reached at (919) 772-8415 and info@mountzion-umc.org.

Marilyn Johnson, Church Secretary

Marilyn was born in Warren, Pennsylvania. She and her husband, Doug, have been married for 31 years and have two children, Evan (age 10) and Mary (age 10). Their family has lived in Willow Spring for 15 years. Previously, Marilyn's husband served in the military, and they have lived in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Georgia. Marilyn has held several office positions over the years, managed the Mt. Pleasant Senior Center, and taught preschool at a local church. Marilyn's hobbies include reading, cooking, and sewing.

Marilyn can be reached at (919) 772-8415 and info@mountzion-umc.org.