Spero is excited to welcome Rev. Gina Ellis to our team! She has been appointed as
our Spiritual Life Coordinator, taking over for Rev. Deb Pollex. Gina brings with her a
wealth of experience in children’s ministry with the United Methodist Church and has
also been a foster parent for 7 years. Though she will be working with us part-time, Gina
will continue to serve at Mount Vernon First United Methodist Church and Bluford
Otterbien United Methodist Church. We are grateful to have her on board and look
forward to the positive impact she will make at Spero.

After working in subsidized housing for over two decades, she opened a restaurant with
her husband, Jerry. Later, she became a custodian at a church where she discovered
God’s calling for her and decided to become a Licensed Local Pastor.

Gina’s experience in ministering to children and youth, as well as her experience as a
foster parent, led her to accept this position at Spero. She has witnessed firsthand the
emotional pain that some young people carry, and has gained valuable insights from the
10 long-term foster care placements she and her husband have had.

As the Spiritual Life Coordinator at Spero, Gina will be providing guidance, support,
education, and engagement opportunities to our youth who live on campus as well as
our staff. Gina is excited to connect and build relationships with many young individuals
on campus. One of her passions is cooking, and she is delighted to share this passion
and cook alongside the youth. She believes that gathering at a communal table helps us
bond and grow closer to one another.

The Spero Spiritual Life Program offers:

• Weekly Spiritual Life Group for residents
• Youth-led worship services
• Interactive prayer spaces for youth and staff
• Prayer request
• Office Blessings
• and more!