Our Leadership

While now living in New England, Nicholas is a native of old England. His family is from Birmingham in the center of the UK. After working at a University in London for five years as a Chemistry Professor, he had the opportunity to move to the University of Connecticut. Nicholas and his wife Susan live in Southington. They have been a part of the church since 2006. He was ordained in 2019 and often gets to put his teaching hat on, giving some Sunday morning messages.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Chip found 180 Life Church in January 2006 and felt that it was a place he could truly feel God moving. He joined staff in June 2009 and hasn't looked back. Some of his duties include operations, partnership, life groups and special events. Chip is married to Amanda and they reside in Farmington, CT with their two sons Christian and Thomas. Outside of work you can often find him on the pickleball court, disc golf course or softball field and he is a volunteer captain at the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department.

Born and raised in the Natural State, Ben recently moved to Connecticut with his wife Grace. He has a passion for leading Christ-centered worship that ushers people into the presence of God, and to see Young Adults emboldened and equipped to be the hands and feet of Jesus making and sending disciples.

Jen joined the team as the Children's Ministry Director in May 2022 but has been attending 180 Life Church since 2008. Originally from a small farm town in Illinois, Jen is passionate about serving the local community, hosting kids and families, and supporting moms and families in this parenting journey. She lives in West Hartford with her husband Jeremy and three daughters Johanna, Julianne, and Jade.

Grace Valentine serves as the Creative Coordinator for 180 Life Church, where she brings a passion for artistic expression and storytelling to every aspect of her work. Originally from Peoria, Illinois, Grace spent much of her childhood living overseas, an experience that shaped her creativity and perspective. In 2024, she and her husband, Ben Valentine—Worship Coordinator at 180 Life Church—relocated from Arkansas to Connecticut. Together, they lead the church’s Young Adults ministry and are deeply committed to fostering community, spiritual growth, and discipleship among the next generation. Grace oversees the church’s creative presence, including photography, graphic design, and social media, using her gifts to communicate vision and connect people. Outside of her role, she enjoys spending time with her church community and friends, as well as working as a part-time assistant manager at Giv Coffee, where she shares her love for great coffee and meaningful connection.

Ashley is our Kids Curriculum Specialist for ages birth through 5th grade. She received her bachelor's degree in middle school math and science education from Valparaiso University in 2009. She and her husband Ryan are both originally from the Chicago area but have called Farmington home since 2020. They have 3 boys: Jackson, Wyatt, and Miles.

Born and raised in Newfoundland, Canada, Tinisha moved to Connecticut in 2017. She resides in Windsor, CT and is married to her husband Blessing Noah. They have three young kids: Grace, Seth, and Trinity. Tinisha joined the Kids Ministry Team in March 2024. She has a passion for Kids and Youth Ministry and a desire to see the next generation know and love God.

Alex joined the 180 Life staff as Student Ministry Director in June 2026 after attending the church with her family since 2023. Originally from New Jersey, she moved to Connecticut from North Carolina and has a deep commitment to investing in and shaping the next generation of Christ-followers. Alex is excited to see what God has in store for the youth in our community and is dedicated to creating a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where students can grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and deepen their relationship with Christ. Alex lives in New Hartford with her husband, Steven, and their two sons, Jayce and Dakota. When she’s not investing in students, you can usually find her enjoying the outdoors with her family.

Jim is an elder and a lifelong follower of Christ who has been attending 180 Life Church since 2012. Originally from upstate New York, Jim has been married to his best friend Tanya since 2000 and is a dad to three amazing adult children (Caleb, Faith, and Noah). Jim's work focuses on the unique needs of making and sending men as disciples and exhorting them to step up in all areas of their life.