OUR BOARD
Brittany Burkett
Brittany Burkett first encountered Barnabas at the invitation of a friend to attend a one-day training. Since then, Brittany has taken part in additional Barnabas Training and been challenged to listen differently and deeply in conversations and to see God’s redemptive story at work in individuals and in the larger church community. Brittany graduated from Wheaton College with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree and has served various nonprofits, including a recent role on the board of Elijah House Academy in Richmond, VA. Brittany previously worked in corporate communications for a private equity fund and currently teaches elementary art part-time at Imago Dei Neighborhood School through MAKE Studio. She and her husband Jeff and their children worship at Redeemer Anglican Church.
J.G. Carter
J.G. Carter appreciates the way The Barnabas Center helps so many come to a better understanding of God’s love through caring, honest dialogue and authentic, meaningful conversations. J.G. was born and raised in Richmond. Following graduation from Freeman High School, he received his bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. He recently wrapped up a 36-year career in residential mortgage banking. J.G. and his wife, Jill, live near the University of Richmond where they raised their 4 adult children. They were a part of a group of friends which founded the Richmond Christian Leadership Initiative (RCLI) and J.G. served on its board for 12 years, including 4 years as its Chair. The Carters are long-term members of Hope Church, where J.G. serves as an Elder and Trustee.
Jill Carter
Jill Carter has a passion for The Barnabas Center after experiencing its transformative work through the counselors and the specialized training classes. She is excited to help Barnabas grow in both the number of counselors and the scope of meaningful conversations, seminars and classes throughout the city of Richmond. Jill graduated from Oklahoma State University and met her husband, J.G., while working in Washington D.C. before moving to Richmond to raise their family of four children. She has been a part of Hope Church since its founding and enjoys spending time with family, experiencing the arts, and traveling to learn and appreciate new things.
Julie Davis
Julie Davis first encountered The Barnabas Center in the counseling room as a client and was deeply impacted by the Barnabas approach of gently yet honestly entering into one's longings and disappointments. She soon began participating in Barnabas Training and is grateful for the tools it provided her in applying the Gospel to her life as a believer, wife, mom, laborer, and friend. Julie moved to Richmond in 2008 as a dancer with the Richmond Ballet. Upon completing her undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership and Management at Regent University, Julie transitioned to home life as a mother to four children. In addition to caring for her kids and participating as a member of City Church of Richmond, Julie teaches pilates at Niche Pilates Studio and dances with Conflux Dance Theater.
Graham Howell
Graham Howell began to realize how powerful and healing the skill of listening is a few years ago when he had the opportunity to share his story with a group of men. The group’s attentiveness and follow-up questions led to a much deeper understanding of himself. Desiring to do the same for others led Graham to The Barnabas Center. A 1982 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Graham retired at the end of 2018 after a 42-year career in logistics with Overnite Transportation/UPS Freight. He has been married to Laurie for 39 years and has 3 children and 6 grandchildren. The Howells are members of Northside Church of Richmond and enjoy spending time with family, gardening, local history, and volunteering at Imago Dei Neighborhood School.
Michael Oberle
Michael got involved in Barnabas though their training classes where the LORD showed him how curious and authentic conversations can transform relationships. He currently serves on the finance committee and is excited to see how Barnabas can help the Richmond community grow in depth of relationships. Michael has been a Richmond native for 20+ years moving here for a job after receiving a masters at Virginia Tech in 2000. In his spare time he, his wife and four children enjoy travelling, outdoor activities, board games and a good movie night. Michael and his family attend West End Presbyterian Church where he serves as an Elder..
Ed Satterfield
Ed Satterfield has a passion for transforming conversations and believes that The Barnabas Center is changing the culture of the Richmond area to engage each other in vulnerable, genuine relationships that connect us in the real places we live and struggle. Ed grew up in Richmond, attended the University of Virginia, and later completed a Masters in Education in Counseling Psychology at Georgia State University and MDiv at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. Ed entered pastoral ministry, serving several churches in Northern VA and working as Executive Director of the Lay Counseling Institute, a similar ministry to The Barnabas Center. Ed then returned to Richmond to serve at Third Church where he continues as Executive Pastor.
Rick Schofield
Rick Schofield was drawn to Barnabas because of its relational, practical healing approach. He feels The Barnabas Center model really gets to the root cause of our struggles through both its professional counseling and layperson training. Rick, originally from Northern Virginia and living in Richmond for over 30 years, is self-employed with a real estate business that includes rental properties and investments. One of his passions is assisting nonprofit organizations reach their full potential. He has done this through past volunteering experiences and through Flashpoint Fund, a local foundation he created several years ago. Rick enjoys spending time with family, vacationing at the beach, golfing, snow skiing, and tuning in to documentaries and podcasts. He is married to Carly and has a daughter, Sarah.
Karen Wood
Karen Wood was introduced to Barnabas through Hope Church and the training has impacted her life in positive and meaningful ways. The mission and vision of Barnabas brings the gospel into everyday life and relationships and comes alongside the local church as we care for the people around us. She graduated from William and Mary and later received a masters degree in Health/Fitness Management from American University. Karen previously directed the children’s ministry at Hope Church, later served on the Hope session as an Elder, and has served in a variety of ministries in and around Richmond. Her favorite activities include spending time with her growing family, tennis and being at the beach.
Hank Wood
Hank Wood was introduced to Barnabas through participation in a Barnabas training session at Hope Church where he is a member. He loves the way Barnabas is impacting lives in the Richmond area through gospel centered teaching and counseling. Hank graduated from the College of William and Mary and later received an MBA from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. He has worked at Hamilton Beach Brands for the past 25 years, currently serving as the Vice-President of the Global Commercial business. Hank is an avid tennis player and sports fan and is a member of Hope Church where he has served as an Elder and Chairman of the Finance Committee. Hank and his wife of 34 years, Karen, love spending time with their three grown children, their spouses and expanding families.