Mother Mo began her journey in ministry in the Roman Catholic Church, where she first served in parish ministry as a director of religious education, before discerning a call to the priesthood in The Episcopal Church. While participating in the diocesan seminarian cohort, she worked as a mental health case manager, halfway house chaplain, and a children’s residential treatment specialist. Those experiences continue to shape her conviction that the Church is called to proclaim the Gospel with compassion and courage and a deep commitment to God’s justice.
A graduate of Bexley Seabury Seminary, Mother Mo completed Clinical Pastoral Education at Akron General Medical Center and was ordained to the priesthood in 2022. She previously served as Priest-in-Charge of St. James Episcopal Church in Boardman, where she learned the true meaning of “baptism by fire” as a solo priest in an area with very few clergy colleagues.
Mother Mo is passionate about preaching, pastoral care, Christian formation, and helping people encounter God’s presence in ordinary life. She has a particular love for welcoming those who may have felt uncertain about church, believing that the Church is at its best when it reflects the radical hospitality and transforming love of Christ. She is also excited about exploring new ways of sharing the Gospel through digital ministry and creative liturgical evangelism.
Outside the parish, Mother Mo enjoys reading theology and history, exploring the rich traditions of Christian spirituality, spending time with her daughter, Deborah, and being thoroughly entertained by her two cats, Azrael and Uriel. She also loves live music and concerts (especially the merch tables) and, of course, puppets.