Interaction welcomes new Adjunct Staff, Melissa Shipman and Nancy Elwood. Melissa and Nancy have decades of experience working with TCKs, parents, teachers, and educational consultants in the realm or TCK education. As Adjunct Staff they will take on much of Interaction’s dealings in that realm. We love Nancy and Melissa, and we want you to get to know them.
Getting to Know Melissa and Nancy
Recently, Sheryl O’Bryan had the opportunity to ask Nancy and Melissa a few questions so you could get to know them a little better. We invite you to “eavesdrop” on their conversation.
TCKs always want to know your geography. So, where have you lived? And in which place does your toothbrush currently reside?
Melissa: In the US I’ve lived in Indiana, West Virginia, and Georgia, I’ve also lived in Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary. My current toothbrush location: north of Atlanta, GA.
Nancy: I was born in Canada, and I moved to the U.S. when I was 11. My husband and I moved to Europe in 1983, first in Yugoslavia, then Austria, and finally Hungary. We currently reside in Cumming, GA.
Of all the places you’ve lived, what’s a must see or do in one of them?
Melissa: You must take a train through Transylvania in Romania in the spring. Breathtaking!
Nancy: All of the countries I have lived in are beautiful but one of my favorite places is Plitvice in Croatia. It’s a national park with spectacular waterfalls.
Sheryl: Croatia moved to my bucket list a long time ago, now I have another place to visit there. Maybe I’ll have to go in the spring so I can see Transylvania, too. What places do you have on your bucket list?
Melissa: Ireland; the western US (national parks, the Pacific Northwest, etc); and the Amalfi coast of Italy.
Nancy: Been there, done that for much of Europe so I need to see America: Alaska, Hawaii, New England.
Working with Interaction International
Sheryl: Let me know when you’re going and if you need a travel buddy! Back to more “work” things! In a nutshell, what’s your role at Interaction International?
Nancy and Melissa:Supporting TCK education personnel. (And they said it in unison!)
What part of that makes you want to get up and get to work in the morning?
Melissa: My colleagues! I am so thankful that I get to work with the people in TCK education that I’ve met over the past 20 years.
Nancy: Working with TCK educators over the past 30 years has been challenging, fulfilling and inspiring.
Sheryl: Melissa, as the executive director of PACE (and a few other organizations!) why Interaction?
Melissa: I am thrilled at the opportunity to get to work alongside Interaction. Interaction has played a critical role in supporting kingdom work by focusing on our TCKs, and has been a trailblazing organization in this!
Influences
Sheryl: I’m always fascinated by what people are reading, watching, and listening to. I think it gives a different perspective on who they are that you might not see otherwise. What’s in the stack of books you’re working through? Are there any podcasts you’re enjoying right now?
Melissa: Harry Potter (I’m trying to catch up with my daughter!); Atomic Habits; Prayer in the Night; Jesus and the Disinherited. My current favorites podcasts are The Holy Post, Thin Space, and TED Radio Hour
Nancy: I’m trying to understand the American culture a bit more after having lived overseas for 35 years, so I’m reading Eugene Cho’s Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk. A second issue I’m exploring is what the Bible says about women in ministry so I am reading The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr.
Sheryl: Wow! That’s some diversity. Atomic Habits is one I’ve been slooooooowly working through. I love getting James Clear’s weekly newsletter. It’s a quick read that gives you something to chew on for a longer time. Nancy, both of those books sound good just from the titles. Now my “to read” list is even longer! Melissa, I have to look up those podcasts. I’m intrigued.
OK–two last questions that are semi-related. First of all, What’s one of your favorite movies? Why do you like it so much?
Melissa: Princess Bride– what’s not to like?
Nancy: Return to Me–it’s so cheesy and satisfying!
Sheryl: Yes! I can watch both of those over and over again. And finally, at least for today, extra butter or extra salt on your popcorn at the movies?
Melissa: Butter!
Nancy: The butterier the better!
We are so pleased to be able to announce, “Interaction welcomes new adjunct staff–Melissa Shipman and Nancy Elwood!” TCKs around the world will benefit from your expertise and passion for TCK Education.