Cathy is a mother of three grown children. She began regularly volunteering with the Youth when her youngest was 16, about 12 years ago. Cathy taught Special Education at Maryville High School for 18 years, including 10 years in the alternative schools.

She retired from there and now teaches English Language Learners (ESL) at Whittle Springs Middle School in Knoxville half days. 

This is Cathy's fourth year doing that.

An interesting fact about Cathy, is that she lived in Belgium and the Congo for a while as a child because her parents were missionaries for one term. She still keeps up with some of the “missionary kids” she knew back then.   

John lives on a farm in Rockford where he raises cattle. He was a teacher for over forty years, most recently teaching English and coaching boys and girls soccer at Maryville High School. He enjoys playing the guitar and singing.  Over the years, he has worked with the youth at 1st on Sunday nights and has been a chaperone at both Resurrection and Assembly.

Beth Kyburz is excited to be working with our youth. She is a School Counselor at Carter Middle School, and she has worked with children, youth and families for over 20 years. Her son Adam recently graduated from high school and loved his time with the 1st UMC youth group.

During this time, she helped with youth group meetings, chaperoned the Resurrection trip, and even learned how to drive the church bus. She enjoys traveling, reading, going to the theater, and kayaking. She is looking forward to getting to know our youth even better, and is very excited to be part of Echo groups.