Meet the staff at Kingswood Church!
Dr. Dana Everhart, Senior Pastor
Dana Everhart joined Kingswood Church in July 2024. He holds degrees from Florida Southern College (B.A.) and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology (M.Div. and D.Min.). Dana finds great joy in the full life of a pastor—leading worship, preaching, visiting with others, and even handling the administrative work. A true United Methodist at heart (and a bit of a church nerd), Dana embraces all aspects of ministry.
When he’s not at the church, you’ll likely find him biking on his Cannondale Treadwell 2 or taking long, early-morning walks through Brook Run Park. He’s also a devoted fan of Chick-fil-A—so much so that they know him by name!
Stay connected with Dana on Facebook or Instagram—he’s doing his best to keep up with the times!
You can email Dana at deverhart@kingswood.church
Allen Baston, Executive Director / Principal Musician
Allen has served as Kingswood Church’s organist for over 25 years. Sixteen years ago, he joined the staff full-time as Office Manager, and over time—with the addition of more than six different roles—he has grown into his current position as Executive Director and Principal Musician. In short, Allen does just about everything at Kingswood except preach and teach.
A proud Georgia native, Allen is also the father of a son who continues to make him proud. Outside of his work at Kingswood, he stays busy in the music community—serving as Production Coordinator and Principal Accompanist for a regional choral group, and directing his own summer choral ensemble.
You can email Allen at abaston@kingswood.church
Jessica Spencer, Minister of Families & Children
Jessica Falk-Spencer is the Minister of Family and Children at Kingswood Church. Originally from the New York City suburbs, she moved south to attend NC State and has since made the Southeast her home. Jessica is passionate about helping children and families grow in faith and actively serves the Dunwoody and Atlanta communities.
Her ministry at Kingswood began in 2018, after five joyful years teaching in the church’s preschool. Raised in the Episcopal Church, she now loves being part of the United Methodist tradition and the Kingswood family.
Outside of church, Jessica volunteers in local schools, serves on her neighborhood swim and tennis board, and brings nearly 20 years of leadership and volunteer experience to her role. She and her husband Andy have three wonderful children and a beloved dog. In her free time, she enjoys family activities, live music, musicals, walking, and supporting her community.
You can reach her at jspencer@kingswood.church
Adam Ely, Minister of Youth & Sports Fitness
Adam Ely serves as Kingswood Church’s Minister of Youth and Sports and Fitness Ministries. He graduated from James Madison University with a degree in history and several education courses, completing his program early in order to pursue seminary. Adam is now a first-year Master of Divinity student at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, where he is preparing for a lifetime of ministry.
Passionate about walking with young people in their faith journeys, Adam seeks to build community through both spiritual growth and physical activity. Outside of church and school, he enjoys sports, music, traveling, trying new foods, and finding ways to connect with all.
You can email Adam at aely@kingswood.church
Andie Ashe, Minister of Communications
Andie Ashe serves as Kingswood Church’s Minister of Communications. With a background in fine arts, she spent five years teaching art and AP Psychology at a small private school before seeking a new direction in the post-pandemic world. Having grown up in a United Methodist household, Andie was delighted to bring her creative energy to the Kingswood team.
In addition to her work at Kingswood, Andie also serves as Communications Director at Decatur First United Methodist Church. When she’s not crafting messages or designing media, she’s creating one-of-a-kind jewelry using the lost-wax casting method.
Andie married her Bosnian husband, Theo, in October 2023, and she happily admits to a deep love of spicy food and expensive candles.
You can email Andie at aashe@kingswood.church
Charlene Smith, Financial Administrator
Charlene Smith serves as the Financial Administrator for Kingswood Church. Having over 25 years of Church Finance Administrative experience, she has enjoyed her time serving Kingswood and several other ministries in the South East Region. These organizations have included various size ministries and denominations.
Charlene has been happily married to her high school sweetheart Kevin, for 36 years. They have three children Brandon, Blaire and Bailey.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family.
You can email Charlene at csmith@kingswood.church
Beth Newton, Preschool Director
Meet Beth Newton, the Director of Kingswood Church's Preschool! With over 21 years of experience in early childhood education — including 8 years as a preschool director — Beth brings a deep passion for working with young learners. She is thrilled to be part of the Kingswood preschool family and is committed to creating a nurturing, playful, and engaging environment where every child can grow and thrive.
Families are encouraged to schedule a tour of the preschool to see the beautiful, friendly, and fun atmosphere in person.
To set up a visit or learn more, you can email Beth at bnewton@kingswood.church
Luke Ziegler, Modern Worship Leader
Luke Ziegler serves as Kingswood Church’s Modern Worship Leader. With over 20 years of experience leading worship, Luke is passionate about creating meaningful, Christ-centered worship experiences that connect people to God.
In addition to his role at Kingswood, Luke is an Assistant Professor at the University of West Georgia, where he teaches graduate courses in instructional technology, media, and design. When he’s not teaching or playing music, you’ll find him spending time with his wife and three children, brewing specialty coffee, exploring the outdoors, or working on DIY home projects.
You can email Luke at lziegler@kingswood.church








