meet our team

As the Executive Pastor, Jason leads the church’s operational and strategic initiatives, ensuring that every aspect of ministry aligns with the senior pastor’s vision. With a deep passion for personal spiritual growth and leadership development, he is dedicated to equipping teams and fostering a culture of excellence within the church. Jason and his wife, Anna, have been part of Church of the Valley in various capacities since 2009. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2018, Jason transitioned into full-time ministry, bringing his leadership experience and strategic mindset to the church staff. One of his greatest joys is helping turn ideas into reality through thoughtful planning and strong team collaboration. Jason and Anna have two adult children, Tabitha and Brycen. When he’s not serving in ministry or spending time with his wife, Jason enjoys working with his hands—crafting projects from wood and metal.

Pastor Bryan trusted The Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior during his Freshman year in college. After entering the U.S. Air Force God began to lead him into full-time pastoral ministry. While always an Ohio State Buckeye fan, he loves all New England sports teams and especially enjoys the rich history of the New England region. He considers it a tremendous blessing to share the gospel in the Pioneer Valley, help believers in their connection with Christ and with His Church.

Doctor Professor Devon LeBlanc is both an entrepreneur and scholar. He spent his early childhood self-teaching himself the fine arts. However, the pressure of being such a promising prodigy deterred him from the creatives altogether. He sought to pave a new path. After graduating high school in the top 0.1 percentile nationally, he sought the trades. He would become a fully licensed master barber in a short 5 month’s time. Believing this to be the career he would attain for a number of years couldn’t have been further from the truth. In the summer of 2020 at the height of the Covid19 pandemic, Devon would get his call to ministry during a moment of solitary worship in his parent’s attic (his bedroom.) This moment of clarity bestowed to him from the Lord would send him on the hunt for higher education from Liberty University where he would (again) graduate top of his class. Following his academic achievement, he would become employed here at Church of the Valley. (This bio was written by Doctor Professor Devon LeBlanc with no inaccuracy or embellishments whatsoever.)

Mike is a western Massachusetts native who ventured below the Mason-Dixon to win the heart of a southern belle and whisk her back to New England against her will. They live in Chicopee with their two perfect children and two horrible dogs. In his spare time, Mike likes photography, rock climbing, and switching checking accounts every 3 months to take advantage of cash back offers.

Sarah works as the Business Administrator, covering many areas within the church while supporting the work of our pastors and ministry leaders. Within her role, Sarah exhibits a passion for organization, especially seen in her appreciation of a well-made spreadsheet. She is thankful to have the opportunity to support the mission of Church of the Valley through helping the pastors, ministry leaders, and members. After coming from Maine for college, Sarah officially made western MA home when she began teaching at a private Jewish school. In the way only God can work, she was led to the Lord and saved while working there. God has worked many ways in her life and just when she thinks she can’t or won’t do something, God has led her to both try and find some of her greatest joys! Never would she have expected to have the friends and family she’s made through the church, or be led to serve within the student ministry. She has a passion to serve within the church and help others to know Jesus. In her free time, Sarah enjoys playing games, spending time with friends and family, and quilting. She has two cats, Charlie and Cooper, who bring much joy.

I'm a proud mom and stepmom of two 20 something young men. I live in Chicopee with my husband John and French bulldog Emma Grace. I enjoy movies, music, yard work, trips to the ocean, and spending time with my family and friends (but a quiet night at home with my love and my pup is the best!). I've been attending Church of the Valley since 2021, and I've been on staff since 2023. As Hospitality Director I oversee an amazing group of volunteers across 8 ministries from the 'street to the seat', making sure the guest experience is welcoming, comfortable and free of any distractions. These ministries include: AM Set Up, Parking, Coffee, LifeCenter, Greeters, Ushers, Security and Medical Assistance.

I’m Emanuel Ortiz, but most people know me as Manny. I’ve been happily married to my amazing wife, Molly, for 7 years. Together, we’re raising two wonderful children—our daughter Januelyz, who is 15, and our son Emanuel II “E2”, who is 4. I work full-time and am currently a student at Colorado Christian University, pursuing my studies while growing deeper in my walk with Christ. My family and I have been part of the Church of the Valley family since 2018, and we began serving in 2021. I will be serving as the Facility Director at Church of the Valley and I also have the joy of teaching in Valley Kids. I love sharing the Word of God with our children and helping create a space where everyone can encounter God, grow, and feel at home. As I pour into others, I’m also continuing to grow in my own faith. Outside of church, one of my passions is dog breeding and the shows—specifically American Bullies and French Bulldogs. I believe God gives us all unique gifts and interests, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to use mine for His glory. It’s a blessing to serve this church family and be a small part of the big things God is doing at Church of the Valley.

As an Administrative Assistant, I am blessed to have this supporting role and the privilege of working with a wonderful team of people. Together we are creating and maintaining a positive efficient workplace. I pride myself on being dedicated, loyal and a bit of a fun-loving spirit. When I'm not at work, you can find me enjoying quality time with family and friends or working on a home project. I believe that building great relationships at work and beyond is key to making every day brighter.