T H E   T E A M

Our Staff

Reverend Lisa Barbery 

​Pastor Lisa is an ordained elder and has been serving Crooks Memorial since July 1, 2013.  She grew up around the country, names Minnesota as her “native land,” and considers Virginia home.  After receiving a BA in Social Work (Minnesota State Univ, Mankato) and an MSW in International and Community Development (Monmouth University), Pastor Lisa worked in the field of Child Welfare.  During this time, she also became a volunteer serving her local church’s youth group which evolved into her becoming the Director of Youth Ministries for four years.  It was during this time that Pastor Lisa discerned her call to ordained ministry and received her Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2009.  Prior to coming to Crooks, she served appointments on the Lynchburg and Alexandria Districts.  She possesses a heart for relationships and enjoys engaging others to see where God is at work in their lives, the world, and the church.  She is passionate about “being” the church rather than “doing” church, engaging others to use their gifts in ministry, and partnering alongside others to grow the church through the grace of God.  Pastor Lisa enjoys singing, traveling, movies and concerts, a good conversation around a table, and most importantly time with her elementary age daughter, Hannah, who is her “sunshine and joy.” 

Phillip J. Higgins
Director of Music Ministries  

​Phillip joined our ministry in the fall of 2017.  Originally from Skokie, IL Phillip showed interest in playing music at an early age.  He would crawl to the living room to hear his dad play their Theatre Organ and at the age of 4, taught himself how to play the melody of “Alley Cat” on it.  He continued through childhood taking organ lessons and competing in festivals.  At age 10, Phillip began classical organ lessons at Wheaton Conservatory of Music in Wheaton, IL.  At age 13, he started Classical Piano lessons and continued through his teen years performing in many local, state, and national competitions. Phillip received a Bachelor of Music (BMUS) from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL in 1992.  While at Moody, Phillip served as a local church organist and choir director, while also accompanying many voice and instrumental majors.  After college, Phillip moved to Virginia and has served in the roles of Organist, Music Associate, Ministry of Music, and Music Director of several churches.  He also worked at Woodbridge Christian School as a Music Teacher and Choir Director and has taught private lessons.  Phillip is married to Carolyn Marie (Nieman) Higgins.  Phillip and Carolyn have two daughters, Alana and Hope, and Phillip also has a son, James who is currently serving in Afghanistan in the US Army.

Kristie Brookshire
Administrative and Communications Assistant

Kristie received her Associates Degree from Commonwealth College and has over thirty years of administrative and client service experience, including her last role as an Administrative Assistant at a United Methodist Church. She lives in Hayes with her son, Trey and husband, Clay. Kristie enjoys spending time with family and looks forward to frequent visits with her son’s family from Baltimore, including her two grandsons. She considers herself blessed to have multiple family members in the area and enjoys spending time with all of them at weekly Sunday evening gatherings. She enjoys reading, going to the movies, and is a novice knitter.

Steffany Brewer
Nursery Staff 

Steffany joined our ministry team in 2018 and cares for our youngest disciples.  She is a graduate of York High School and a Lifetime Girl Scout having participated for 12 years, receiving the Bronze and Silver Awards during this time.  She is a student at Thomas Nelson Community College with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.  Steffany has been a childcare provider since 2012, serving many families long term.  She completed babysitter training, is a Certified Nursing Assistant, and possess a BLS certification for First Aid & CPR.  Steffany can also be found working at Hairphenalia just down the road.   In her spare time she enjoys singing, dancing, writing poetry, and reading.