Monica has a passion for ministry and service to others that spans decades. Her enthusiasm is demonstrated through her diverse gift of music, artistic innovation and versatility, sound teaching and preaching, true commitment to God, and service to “the least of these (Matthew 25:31-46).” Her life, ministry, and call to service are undergirded by her core values: honesty, integrity, justice, kindness, and grace.
Pastor Monica, as she is affectionately called, has been honored to serve as Senior Pastor, Worship Pastor, Associate Minister, Minister of Music, and professional Chaplain in churches and hospitals that support marginalized and underserved populations. Her work extends beyond institutional walls into the community as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing mental health services to individuals, couples, and families with a plethora of emotional concerns. Through Faith Health, Monica merges her pastoral acumen and therapeutic skills to create relationships with Black church leaders inviting them to prioritize mental health in their congregations in service to their parishioners.
Monica graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. She completed four units (chaplain residency) of Clinical Pastoral Education at the Bay Area Center for CPE and earned a certificate of completion for Domestic Violence Advocate Training from Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments.
With tremendous joy and humility, Pastor Monica has ushered congregations into authentic worship for more than 30 years. She is an accomplished artist who has inspired international audiences and graced the stage with prominent figures in the gospel music industry. Monica received the Woodie Award for Outstanding Musical Performance (Female) for her portrayal of “Dorothy” in the St. Louis Black Repertory Company’s production of the hit musical, “The Wiz.” She also wrote and produced the “7 Last Words of Jesus, The Musical” which chronicles Christ’s sojourn to the cross through the artistic mediums of drama, music, dance, and spoken word.
Monica is thrilled to introduce her new book, Sometimes It Just DON’T Work: The Trials, Lessons, and Triumphs of Divorcing the Pastor, to the world. It is a story of faith that shares candidly the journey of her marriage, her courageous decision to end it, the unforeseen aftermath, and her extraordinary recovery. It provides lessons about guilt, vulnerability, grief, and forgiveness while exploring important topics such as mental health in the church. Sometimes It Just DON’T Work is a vital resource for any marriage, or aspiring marriage, in the trenches of ministry or positions of power. Monica is excited to present her findings and offer in person seminars to leaders at churches, conventions, conferences, and in theological institutions.
Monica resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and is a devoted mother to Alexander and Kennedy. In her spare time Monica enjoys laughing and making others laugh, roller skating, dancing, going to the theater, and enjoying the serenity of her home.