Leadership

Rev. Mark Reynolds is passionate about helping people discover a loving faith that deeply connects them with God and sustains them throughout life’s journey.  He has been the pastor at First UMC since July 2016. As a native of Lakeland, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Florida Southern College (1996), Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University (1999), and Master of Arts in Religion at Vanderbilt University (2007) while pursuing a PhD in Christian Theology. After serving in various ministries beginning in 1994, he was ordained in the United Methodist Church as an Elder in Full Connection (2010).

 In addition to serving full-time in ministry, Pastor Mark is also an author and teacher. He currently serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry in the Florida Annual Conference. Before becoming our pastor, he spent eight years teaching in the Philosophy Department at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida.

Pastor Mark and his wife, Emma, have four children, and on days off he enjoys surfing, reading, and writing.

Shelly Deliz is a native of Oswego, New York but has lived on the Space Coast for over 20 years. She has more than 15 years of experience educating and sharing her Christian faith with preschoolers and their families. Shelly is married to Michael, a geologist at NASA, and has two adult children, Michael Jr. and Gabrielle.

Dr. Shannon Paoletti has over 25 years of experience in creating and directing organizational development and training/education consulting services for the military, as well as university, high school and elementary school staff and students. She has extensive international experience in developing and training educators and volunteers to implement character education and youth development programs at premier Christian youth institutions such as Geelong Grammar School and St. Catherine’s School Sydney. Shannon worked with the University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center for 18 years as a lead instructor on resilience and positive psychology topics. One of Shannon’s greatest passions is working with children, youth, and parents to build and maintain resilient faith-based families that thrive.

Shannon earned her Bachelor of Arts from The George Washington University (Psychology/Sociology 1994), Masters in Developmental Psychology from Boston College (1995), and her Ph.D. in Counseling, Developmental and Organizational Psychology (2001) from The George Washington University.

She moved from New Jersey to Cocoa Beach, Florida in February 2020 with her husband and daughter. In Shannon’s free time she can be found chasing her daughter on the beach.

Mark Bolton is a native of Grosse Pointe Park, MI.  He worked as a School Psychologist for the Detroit Public Schools for 32 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology from Wayne State University. Upon retirement, he and his wife, Shannon, moved to Cape Canaveral in 2021.  Mark has approximately 30 years of experience as a performing musician. He has also recorded, mixed and produced albums for several local artists/bands in Michigan.

Dr. Wm. Jean Randall holds degrees in vocal music education, organ performance, and sacred music from Wayne State University and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jean served as director of music and organist at several churches in southeast Michigan and at the Masonic Temple Detroit during his long career. He has appeared in concerts and festivals throughout the United States and Europe both as a solo performer and choral conductor. Jean, and his life partner Ellen, are very excited to join the ministries at First UMC Cocoa Beach!

Loretha joined our staff in the spring of 2025, although she and her family have a long history with our church. She has an extensive background in paralegal and administrative work. 

Amanda Tate-Mutchler is a Brevard County native. Though she moved around through childhood and early adulthood, she returned home in 2013.  Amanda earned an Associates of Arts degree from Eastern Florida State College  and has over 20 years experience in finance.

Amanda also serves part-time as treasurer for First UMC and our preschool. She is married to Robert and has an adult son, Max. Amanda and enjoys time by the water, gardening, and new adventures.