Desi Sharp Brumit is a native Oklahoman and a lifelong United Methodist whose call to ministry began early. At nineteen, she stepped into her first role serving the church as a youth director, which began a lifelong calling to walk alongside people in faith.

Desi pursued this calling through her education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Oklahoma City University and a Master of Divinity with honors from Boston University School of Theology. She later completed a Master of Business Administration in Non-Profit Church Leadership with highest honors from Dakota Wesleyan University, combining her love for ministry with a desire to help churches lead and serve their communities well.

Since 2014, Desi has served as a pastor in the Oklahoma Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. She is passionate about preaching, teaching, and building relationships within the church and the wider community. In addition to her local church ministry, she currently serves as Chair of the Southeast District Committee on Ministry and as a member of the Call Committee for the Board of Ordained Ministry. She is always happy to sit down with a cup of coffee and hear someone’s story.

At home, Desi shares life with her husband Jason, also a United Methodist pastor, and their small dogs, Esme, Wesley, and Fiona. When she has a quiet moment, she enjoys relaxing with a good book in her hammock. Desi and Jason also love to travel and look forward to exploring as much of the world as they can together.

Family is an important part of Desi’s life. She has two stepdaughters, Kaysi and Lauren, sons-in-law Marvin and Rylan, and grandchildren Henry, River, and Sabrina. She also enjoys time with her parents, her three brothers and sisters-in-law, and her nieces and nephews.

Desi loves discovering all the ways that God is at work in the life of Poteau First United Methodist Church and this community.

My name is McKinlee Ellis, and I’m so thankful to serve as the Children’s Director at Poteau FUMC. I’m beginning my third year in this role, and getting to work with kids and help them grow in their faith is something I truly love.

During the week, I work at Kiamichi Tech’s Poteau Campus as a Career Specialist. I get to travel throughout the county and work with students in 5th–8th grade, helping them explore their interests, discover their strengths, and learn about all the possibilities for their future.

Outside of work and church, I’m married to my husband, Andrew, and we have two fur babies at home—a golden retriever, Elliot, and a brown lab, Roxy. They definitely keep our life full of love, fun, and a little bit of chaos!

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our church and be part of helping kids know and grow in their relationship with Jesus.

My name is Gunnar and prior to my 5 years as the youth director here at FUMC Poteau I spent my time working as a school-based children’s case manager, supporting children and families and helping young people navigate the challenges they face. Now I do the same type of work in a way but through the lense of faith.

I’ve been married for almost 10 years to my wonderful wife Grace, and I’m also a proud father to our sweet boy Gilly. Being a husband and dad has deepened my love for children and strengthened my desire to help create places where kids feel welcomed, valued, and seen.

My experience working with children has taught me the importance of creating environments where kids can have fun, ask questions, be heard, and—most importantly—be safe. My hope is that every child who walks through our doors knows that they are loved by God, welcomed by our church, and encouraged to grow into the person God is calling them to be.

Alisha Smedley is the Performing Arts Director for Poteau Public Schools, where she teaches choir and drama to students in grades 5-12. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Music Education from East Central University and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Alisha also serves as Music Director at First United Methodist Church in Poteau, is Vice-President of the local community theater board, and directs Camp Bravo, a summer musical theater camp for children and youth. With more than 20 years of experience in music education and theater, she is passionate about creating meaningful performing arts opportunities for students and the community.

Alisha is married to fellow educator Vance Smedley, and together they are raising their daughter Danika, who keeps life busy, entertaining, and full of fun.

Bill earned music degrees at Oklahoma State University and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. 

Bill was choral director at Poteau High School for thirty-two years and Wister High School for six years. The P.H.S. Choirs and the W.H.S. Choir consistently earned Superior ratings at District and State contests. 

Bill started playing the organ/piano at church at the age of fifteen, and has continued playing for the past fifty-four years. Bill has been organist/pianist at Poteau FUMC since 2015. 

Bill is married to Suzanne, and together they enjoy exploring new and old antique shops, watching OSU football and professional tennis. They also enjoy day trips and morning walks with their dog, GiGi.