Jean was born in Brooklyn , NY, on April 3, 1960, along with an identical twin sister, Fran. Jean has been an integral part of children's ministry at Blue Ridge for several years, so her face is a familiar sight. However, when Fran visits, you see a double-take response from many people as they try to tell one from the other.

Helping children fall in love with God is what Jean likes most about her job at Blue Ridge. It also gives her plenty of opportunities to use her spiritual gifts of faith, teaching, and leadership. She truly loves people and has an innate understanding of both adults and children which helps her communicate effectively with everyone from children to teachers, small groups leaders, and other staff members.

Jean has a great sense of humor and loves to laugh, so people find her very fun to be around. She also loves her mom's homemade manicotti, movies that end “happily ever after,” any Chinese restaurant in New York's Chinatown, spending time with friends and family, quiet times on the beach and doing ministry with friends.

Her family includes her daughter Maria whom she describes as “God-centered, servant, leader, loving daughter, and friend”; and her son James who is “friendly, uniquely bold when telling others about God, does a great Popeye impersonation and is a lover of cartoons.”

Jean graduated from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY, with a degree in English and a minor in Special Education. She taught school for many years before coming on staff at Blue Ridge.

Her favorite book is the Bible and her favorite Scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6. Jean readily says “serving God is my life.” It shows in everything she does. As a good friend of hers says, “If you're looking for someone that has incredible wisdom, Jean is that person. You can talk to her about anything and she will love you through it, sharing God's truth with you. Sit down and talk to her about life, about God, you'll be grateful you did.”

jbrebner@blue-ridge.org
434.525.7481 ext 104