Leadership

Dr. Stagg earned his M.Div. from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, and his D.Min from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He was ordained as a minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1995. A member of the Board of Trustees of Columbia College, a Disciples-affiliated college in Columbia, Brad and his wife Patricia have three children: Luke, Annie, and Noah.

Stacy Silverwood joined us as the Director of Youth & Children's Ministries in July of 2026. In addition to her work at the church, Stacy works part time at Tiger Academy of Gymnastics. For the past 16 years, Stacy has been homeschooling her 4 children, Mason, Ryley, Jodie, and Faith. Stacy has been volunteering for church programming for over 20 years. She spent 10 years at Olivet Christian Church co-leading all youth and children’s program, until her family joined First Christian in 2017. She has been active in youth programs and the life of the church since that time. Stacy most recently served at FCC as a teacher at Mothers' Day Out Preschool, working with the three year old class. Stacy is still homeschooling her youngest daughter Faith, and helping her 3 older children navigate adulthood. In her spare time she loves reading, being outside, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Rev. Sally Robinson was ordained in the Christian ministry in 1987.  She served congregations in Kentucky and Iowa.  In 1999 she returned to Missouri and began chaplain ministry in long-term care and retirement communities in Columbia, MO.  She has been the Director of Columbia Older Adult Ministry since 2005.

Topher Otake is an active choral conductor, music educator, and performer with experience leading a wide range of singers from youth and collegiate students to adults and senior voices. He first joined the FCC team in 2022 as Director of Music Ministry, a role he maintains alongside directing vocal ensembles at Jefferson City High School, Columbia Youth Choirs, Columbia Chorale, and The Boonslick Chordbusters. A passionate advocate for music education, Topher thrives at the intersection of community and choral artistry. Deeply embedded in mid-Missouri’s music scene, he brings a people-first approach to teaching and performance, driven by a belief in music’s power to connect and transform. His dynamic leadership has expanded programs, engaged families, and built lasting collaborations across schools and arts organizations.

Rochelle previously served churches in Columbia, St. Louis, Chicago, Iowa, and California. She is professionally a medical doctor and serves as assistant professor/hospitalist with the University of Missouri General Medicine School/Clinic. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Jerry, and their two grown sons.

Travis brings a longtime passion for music and more than three decades of musical experience to First Christian Church's early service each week. He studied music and business at Graceland University, where he led and performed in several vocal and instrumental ensembles. In his spare time, Travis is active in the Columbia music scene and often plays in groups and studio sessions.

Madison Myers went to the University of Missouri for a Bachelors degree in music, specializing in Opera and Voice. She has two cats and a big dog. If she is not working or making music, you can find her outside, playing Xbox, or listening to an audiobook.

Hayley Batterson has supported children’s ministry at First Christian Church for the last seventeen years as a Sunday School teacher, a Children’s Worship leader, a VBS teacher & helper, our go-to Children’s Moment volunteer, and chair of the Christian Education (Children & Youth) Department. She is familiar with the program not only as a board member of the church, but also as a previous Mother’s Day Out parent. Hayley brings to this position nearly twenty years of professional sales and marketing experience that we believe will immensely benefit an ever-growing and evolving preschool program. We are so excited to have Hayley on our team! 

Samantha (Sam) Dunnings is our MDO Assistant Director and all-around rockstar! With 16 years of early education and daycare experience, Sam is the heart of our infant program and brings unmatched care, skill, and a whole lot of laughter to our days.  Sam is sharp, dependable, and awesome at everything we throw her direction here at MDO!

Sam keeps our team smiling with her pranks and quick wit–and we wouldn’t have it any other way!  Sam joined the MDO team in 2024, served as our interim director in the fall of 2024, and together with her husband Ken is raising two incredible humans of their own. We are beyond lucky to have Sam’s heart and humor paving the way at Mother’s Day Out Preschool!