Pastor: The Rev. Marissa Harrison (she/her)
Pastor Marissa graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Communication and Leadership from the University of Florida in 2012. After serving as a peer minister with Lutheran Campus Ministry at UF and working as a camp counselor at Lutheridge Camp in Arden, NC, she discerned her call to vocational ministry. In 2016, she earned her Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and began serving as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church (Logansport, IN) and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (Camden, IN). In May of 2020, she accepted the call to serve Good Soil Lutheran Ministries. She is excited to partner with the people of Good Soil in loving service to God and neighbors near and far. Pastor Marissa lives in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood with her husband, Trey, and their two pets, Jake and Jasper.
Brynna Bailer Mango, Worship & Music Coordinator
Brynna Bailer Mango holds a B.M. in Music Education with a focus in choir and general music from Cleveland State University. She has taught K-5 General Music and Middle School Choir, as well as private piano lessons to all ages from 3-year-olds to seniors. While teaching piano, she served on the board of the Northeast Ohio Music Teachers Association as both Festival Chair and Secretary, and has been an adjudicator for the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs. After pivoting out of a full-time music career, she now works as a Children’s Librarian Assistant. Brynna lives in Tremont with her partner Sebastain and their happy family of instruments. She’s thrilled to be the Music and Worship Coordinator at Good Soil, and she looks forward to making joyful noise with you on Sunday morning!
Sean Kennedy, Church Administrator
Sean Kennedy holds degrees in history from Ohio Wesleyan University and John Carroll University. He works on digital media with several institutions and was a manager of a high-end art gallery in West Cleveland.
He often conducts historical research for projects on his own time. Sean lives with his wife, Aliyah, and their two children. They enjoy traveling and fossil hunting among their many activities together and spend much of their time involved in church life.
Cara Rovella, Communications & Community Life Coordinator
Cara Rovella received her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Cleveland State University in 2022. She began serving at Good Soil in June 2023. Previously, she was an elementary school secretary at a Cleveland charter school and the student administrative assistant at her alma mater. Cara is a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, teaches voice lessons at both Westlake Music Academy and Avon School of Music, and is a section leader in the church choir at First Congregational UCC in Elyria.
Joe Dudas, General Contractor
Joe is a retired remodeler and lives with his wife of 47 years, Debbie, in North Ridgeville. He has 2 sons and 1 grandson. He is an avid golfer in his spare time.
Gary Smith, Church Sexton
Gary is a lifetime resident of Cleveland and father of 2 grown children who both work in the medical field, and grandfather of 2. He is an overall handyman and an expert in deck restoration and pressure washing.