About Me

 Hello! I’m Jenny Newman.

My professional life has taken a few interesting turns. I began with a degree in Communications/Journalism and spent my early career working as a newspaper reporter and editor. Eventually, I found my way into youth ministry and Christian education, and somehow, more than 25 years later, I’m still here.

I currently serve as a Director of Christian Education at a Presbyterian church in Pittsburgh. I’m a Certified Christian Educator in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), with additional training and certificates in youth ministry and theology, and I’m currently pursuing a graduate degree in Christian Education.

Over the years, my work has given me the opportunity to teach, write, plan, create, organize, ask questions, lead, learn, and occasionally figure things out as I go. I’ve also been involved in community service and organizing, including helping to start a local nonprofit and serving in local elected office as a school board member.

I’m particularly interested in Christian education, theology, children's and youth ministry, inclusive approaches to faith formation, and the ways people learn and grow throughout their lives. I love finding creative ways to make complicated ideas accessible, and I have a particular fondness for questions that don't have easy answers.

I live in Western Pennsylvania with my husband, surrounded by dogs, cats, and various woodland creatures who seem to have decided that our home is also their home. I have a wonderful extended family, including grown children, nieces, and nephews, and a perpetually optimistic list of books I intend to read.

When I'm not working or studying, I’m usually reading, drinking coffee, watching entirely too much television, going to the movies, playing the ukulele, building LEGO sets, or petting a dog or cat.

There is also a bit of Pittsburgh history woven into my work. The church where I serve has a connection to Fred Rogers, who was a longtime member. I like to think that his emphasis on kindness, imagination, curiosity, and taking children seriously is a pretty good tradition to be connected to.

And, since this is an important part of getting to know me:

I am an overthinker.

I believe in the Oxford comma.

And I am a UNO purist. Draw Fours cannot be stacked. This is not negotiable.

Thanks for reading. I’m glad you’re here.