Heather Baker Utley
Bio
I love grand adventures. My brother once noted that I'm most content when I'm setting out on my own path. (Other people just say I'm stubborn.)
It is, however, when I'm facing a huge challenge on my own that I can hear God's voice and see myself most clearly. Living between the mountains, ocean, and Seattle makes me feel like every day is an adventure...thus, I love living here.
I joined the staff of Youth Dynamics in July 2004 as an Area Staff for Arlington YD. I loved mentoring teenagers and partnering with local churches and Arlington High School to impact teens. In spring of 2006, I moved to the Administrative Office to work as YD's Communications Director. In this role, I am able to combine my love for student ministry with my specific passions of writing, creating, teaching, and empowering. I love managing projects, brainstorming about our mission and vision, and learning how to grow through the challenges of organizational leadership.
I am a born and raised native of the Buckeye State. In May 2003, I graduated from Taylor University (Upland, Indiana) with a degree in Literature and International Studies. Somehow, God led me through Ohio, Indiana, and later Kenya to bring me to missionary service in Washington. I met my husband Clay at a rather serendipitous moment in the fall of 2006 on the Congress Street bridge in Austin, Texas, and we were happily wed in August of 2008. Clay serves as the youth pastor at Arlington Free Methodist Church, and we love serving alongside each other in full-time ministry and working with teens.
In my free time, I love creative cooking, listening to music, making up silly songs about nothing, knitting, writing, practicing yoga, and sitting still. I'm trying to like board games, thanks to the ever-present nagging encouragement from my loving husband.
Sometime in the very near future, you will find me planning my next road trip, my favorite books in tow, praying for God to light my next steps.