Pastor & Staff
OUR PASTOR – Reverend Doctor Natalie C. Wimberly
The Reverend Doctor Natalie C. Wimberly accepted the call to the Harrisena Community Church in September 2017. Dr. Wimberly brings a wealth of experience and expertise in administration, pastoral care and counseling, education, mental health and cultural sensitivity and awareness. She is an educator, administrator, entrepreneur, scholar, theologian, scientist, mental health professional, mother, sister, grandmother, friend and lifelong learner.
She is a leader with a vision. She believes that God has given each individual the gifts and graces necessary to enrich society and build community. Greatly influenced by her parents’ lives and work, Dr. Wimberly is committed to the overall health and well-being of the individual, family, and community. Her parents’ lives exemplified their love for God and neighbor. Dr. Wimberly has strategically worked to support the growth and development of individuals, while building community, one person-one family at a time. She believes that the good news of Jesus the Christ is best experienced in service to others.
Dr. Wimberly has served in pastoral ministry for over a decade. She has also served in both the public and private sectors, as well as, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. She is a leader who seamlessly applies theory to practice. She has developed and implemented curriculum and goals in elementary, secondary, post-secondary and graduate school education. She has served as consultant to the State of Massachusetts Board of Education, interim administrator of a private parochial school, executive director of a national educational initiative and faculty member at Boston University in both the School of Education and the Metropolitan College (Department of Applied Behavioral Science).
Dr. Wimberly is a graduate of the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology with a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree in Clinical Psychology with certification in Health Psychology, a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) degree in Religion, Culture and Personality and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling both from Boston University School of Theology. Dr. Wimberly’s educational portfolio also includes a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. She has completed four years of postdoctoral training with two years in residency at Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services, Inc. in clinical neuropsychology and two years at the Albert and Jesse Danielsen Institute at Boston University as a Senior Clinical Fellow.
Dr. Wimberly is the mother of 3 children and the grandmother of 11.
Organist: Melissa Ferrie-Healy
Melissa has been actively involved with Harrisena's music ministry since she first joined the church, in 1991. She began as a choir member, and has served as Harrisena’s organist and choir accompanist for the past 20 years. She holds music degrees from Hartwick College and Northwestern University, teaches elementary general-vocal music in Saratoga Springs, and is principal keyboard player for the Glens Falls Symphony.