Leadership

Philip was raised in rural Wythe County VA as one of five homeschooled boys. Throughout his teenage years, he worked for his family businesses in lawn care, electrical work, and managing a local horse camp. Philip was active in youth group and the worship team at his home church during high school. He also met his now-wife, Emma, in youth. After graduating, Philip helped lead the youth group at his home church while studying business and finance at Wytheville Community College and Radford University before he became a real estate agent full-time. Philip and his wife Emma got married and moved to Christiansburg in early 2020 and got plugged into Northstar quickly, where his passion for the worship team, youth ministry and BEing the local church grew.

Tanner is a New River Valley Native, a musician, a businessperson, a motorcycle rider and a wannabe world traveler.  In 2011 he earned his master’s degree in Philosophical Apologetics at Biola University. Tanner is an adrenaline junkie and enjoys just about any outdoor adventure. He's attended Northstar since 2012 and is proud to serve with the music team as our volunteer worship leader.

Carri was raised in Allentown, PA. You would find her 6 out of 7 days of the week at Parkettes, a gymnastics training facility in her hometown. Her gymnastics took her to West Virginia University earning a BS in Exercise Physiology. Carri was involved with a few different ministries on campus at WVU, but met her now husband Josh through BCM. After spending one year at home in PA coaching gymnastics, she moved back to Morgantown, WV, married Josh and pursued a degree to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. Since being licensed, Carri has worked mostly in inpatient rehabilitation settings focusing on rehab with Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, and Stroke patients. After having their first son, Liam, Carri and Josh moved to CO, while Josh completed his PhD. After having their second son, Eli, they found themselves in Charlottesville, VA. Josh accepted a position at VT which brought their family to Blacksburg, VA in January of 2020. Carri enjoys exploring the mountains, hot yoga, reading, attempting to train their GSP puppy, Kenai, and digging into God's word with a friend and a good cup of tea.

Emily is originally from Pittsburgh, PA before coming to Virginia Tech for undergrad.  She got a BS in Computer Engineering and a Minor in Disabilities Studies, graduating this past spring.  She is now continuing with a Masters degree, also in Computer Engineering.  You'll likely see her helping out with the kiddos in Jumpstart!  She loves everything outdoors from kayaking to camping, scuba diving to hiking!

Matt was born in California and spent a year there before moving to Fredericksburg, VA where he was raised until he went to college. Matt is a student at Virginia Tech, studying Data Science while nurturing a passion for Astronomy (not Astrology) in his Minor studies. In high school, he was involved in the Marching Band where he played the saxophone, and he carries that passion for music with him onto the worship stage every so often on Sundays.

Amy is one of eight kids and was born and raised on a small farm in Fairfield, PA. In July of 2013 she and her family relocated to Pearisburg, VA. She has recently moved to Christiansburg with her parents and younger sister. After graduating highschool in 2021 Amy has decided to take a gap year to take a break, work, travel and explore more of what God has in store for her. She is a proud aunt, animal lover, and coffee fanatic. Amy plans to continue to intern into the fall and get more involved with the college ministries at Northstar.

Joy was born and raised in New Hampshire until her family packed up and moved to Virginia in 2016. She has an older sister and brother, and a younger brother. She is currently enrolled in New River Community College to obtain her Associates in General Studies. She plans to further her photography business and use her creative skills to serve the church. Joy loves hiking, kayaking, and spending time with friends and family. 

Simon was born in Chesterfield, VA, but his family is from Eritrea! He has lived in Virginia his whole life, and is currently a student at Virginia Tech, where he is studying aerospace engineering. After Simon graduates VT, he will be a Navy Pilot. He loves the outdoors like camping, rock climbing, rappelling, scuba diving, and playing soccer. Simon has flown planes, helicopters, and driven a submarine.