KJ grew up in St. Joseph, MO and attended Missouri Western State University.  She grew up in the Disciples of Christ Christian Church and became a Licensed Minister in 1992 in the DOC.  She is now Licensed through the United Church of Christ.

Through her passion for ministry, KJ lead spiritual growth programs like Making Peace with Your Past, Steps of Courage and Fan into Flame, served as Choir Director in Presbyterian and Methodist churches and worship leading. 

As Associate Minister of Congregational Care she loves supporting and connecting people through Stephen Ministers, Prayer Ministry, Hospital & Home Visits, Pastoral Care, Deacons, Usher and Greeters. 

Prior to coming to First Plymouth, her career of thirty-six years as a Licensed Adult Care Home Administrator in Kansas and Pennsylvania provided insight into the challenges of people of all ages and the need for God’ grace and love.  KJ served as CEO of a non-profit healthcare organization for fifteen-years; served on the Kansas State Board of Administrators, Kansas Adult Care Executives Board, Workforce Investment Board, Chairman of the Board for Leading Age Kansas, and a fellow of Leading Age Leadership Academy.  During her tenure of thirty-years in Lawrence Kansas she also spoke at many National and State Conferences. As a writer and author, her book Managing with Integrity for Long-term Care was published by McGraw-Hill. 

KJ loves spending time with her family.  She was a single mom of daughter, Rev. Hollie Schmidt who is married with a blended family of 5-children and her son, Chris who is married with 3-children and lives in Pennsylvania.  She loves celebrating holidays with everyone together along with family vacations to Colorado, lakes, beaches, Disney and one cruise together.   She loves swimming, KC Chiefs, and Kansas Jayhawks.