Staff
Meet Our Staff
Rev. Emily Bagwell
Senior Pastor
srpastor@centumc.org
Emily Bagwell is a lifelong United Methodist who believes the Church can be a beautiful, bold force for belonging and transformation. She comes to Centenary UMC with deep gratitude and great excitement for the shared ministry ahead.
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Originally from Georgia, Emily studied at Berry College and earned her Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. She began her ministry in 2013 and was ordained as an elder in the UMC in 2017. She has served churches in the Atlanta area and worked to develop educational tools that help communities grow in justice, compassion, and connection for the past 6 years in her work with Reconciling Ministries Network.
Now settling into life in Richmond, Emily is thrilled to explore all the city has to offer—and even more thrilled to plant roots with the Centenary community. She’s energized by the possibilities of this new chapter: worshiping, serving, growing, and dreaming together.
At the center of her life is her beloved family: her wife Erin, their two little ones, Reed and Ruthie, and two incredible bonus kids, Livi and Oskar, who are charting their own grown-up adventures. Together, they’re always up for cooking something delicious, wandering a new trail, riding their e-bike, and finding joy in the small, sacred moments of everyday life.
Emily is honored to serve in the Virginia Annual Conference and to join in the faithful, creative work God is doing at Centenary and beyond. She’s ready to get started—and looks forward to connecting with everyone soon!
Carina Brackin
Director of Music
dirmusic@centumc.org
Carina Brackin earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts studying with Dr. Timothy Olsen. She spent the following year studying organ at the University of Notre Dame with Dr. Craig Cramer and working at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
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In addition to playing numerous solo concerts including recitals at the Spoleto Festival, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and Bruton Parish Church, Carina competed in the Quimby/AGO Competition for Young Artists, placing second in the Mid-Atlantic regional competition in 2017. She served as organ scholar for the Royal School of Church Music Carolina Course at Duke University in 2017, the Organist for Main Street United Methodist Church in Kernersville, NC, and Organ Scholar for Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, VA.
While she was growing up, Carina stayed heavily involved in church choirs and played both fife and harpsichord for Colonial Williamsburg. She became an avid hand bell ringer at an early age and has previously directed thriving handbell program of 54 ringers. In addition to handbells, she has directed a Spanish language choir.
Carina, her husband T.J. and daughter Norah are happy to be part of the Centenary community.
Monica Hunasikatti
Director of Engagement
engagement@centumc.org
Hello everyone! My name is Monica Hunasikatti and I am an information professional living in Central Virginia. I have a Bachelor's from Virginia Commonwealth University, class of '15 and a Master's in Library and Information Studies, class of '20.
I have worked as an advocate for folks in the LGBTQ+ community who've experienced violence and chronic homelessness. I hope to integrate these skills in order to create more culturally aware and accessible public spaces.
Melissa Martinez
Director of Children's Ministry
children@centumc.org
Melissa Martinez has been working with children at Centenary for over a decade. In her role she educates the children about God and helps them grow in their faith. Her favorite thing about Centenary is the history and the way it feels like a family. She was born in Brooklyn, NY, grew up in Henrico County and attended the Center for the Arts High School for dance. She has enjoyed working with children in the community through the YMCA and teaching dance and likes to relax with her seven kids, and they love to explore on family trips during spare time.
Dr. Lana van Essen
Director of Operations
operations@centumc.org
Hi, I'm Lana. (It rhymes with llama, not banana.) I have an MA in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary and a DMin in Leadership from Pacific School of Religion, which is a long way of saying I have spent years asking why organizations do things the way they do. I live here in Richmond with my wife of almost 15 years, Kim, and our two kids. Most mornings you'll find me at the gym. Most evenings there's a guitar in my lap. What I love about this work is that moment when the numbers stop scaring somebody. That's usually when a leader can breathe again and get back to the thing they were called to do.
Al Richardson
Facilities Manager
Al Richardson is the Facilities Manager at Centenary. He makes sure that Centenary’s members, volunteers, and visitors feel welcome and have a clean and safe environment for our church activities. Al enjoys football, listening to gospel and jazz music, attending Masonic Lodge meetings, and spending time with his family. He is proud of his grandson, who plays professional football and is a 2025 Super Bowl champion. Al is from Richmond, and his favorite thing about Centenary is the way you always feel welcomed with open arms. He likes being able to make people happy and uplifting his homeless friends.
Laura Nealley
Administrative Assitant
admin@centumc.org
Laura Nealley is our Administrative Assistant. She runs the office and manages the church calendar, newsletter, and many other important things! She has 10+ years of experience in church offices and enjoys the wonderful community at Centenary. She is married with two grown children, and one special needs cat.
Dr. Danielle Watson
Soprano Section Leader
Dr. Carol Hill
Alto Section Leader
Todd Minnich
Tenor Section Leader
