Rev. Joy Van Staalduinen is a deacon in the United Methodist Church. As a deacon, she serves through word, service, compassion, and justice.

Joy received a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from East Carolina University. She has experience teaching special education in both public and private schools. In addition to teaching for three years, she has also served as a community services director at the Autism Society of North Carolina where she trained staff to work directly with individuals on the autism spectrum.

Following her teaching experience, Joy received a masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. While studying at Candler she focused her courses on pastoral care and also received an additional certificate in religious education.

After seminary, Joy completed a pastoral care residency at Duke University Hospital where she deepened her expertise in pastoral care. She primarily served pediatric patients and their families. Joy served as a chaplain in labor & delivery, NICU, PICU, and on the pediatric palliative care team.

Joy has served in youth ministry for 17 years. She has worked in both large and rural churches. She enjoys catering curriculum to meet the needs of specific groups. She loves empowering young people in church leadership.

Joy is married to James. Together they share their first child “sweet pea” who died during early pregnancy, and two year old Emmett. After losing her first child during pregnancy, Joy sensed a call to work with other families facing a similar grief and launched the Love & Loss podcast.

Joy enjoys traveling and spending time with family. In her free time you can catch her listening to podcasts and cross-stitching.