Ministry Admin
Riley Bucklin has a deep passion for helping young people grow in their faith and for supporting the life of the local church. Originally from Kernersville, North Carolina, she grew up engaged in her church community at Main Street United Methodist Church, where she was confirmed and later served as a youth summer intern for two consecutive summers. Those early experiences sparked a love for youth ministry and a curiosity for the behind-the-scenes work that helps ministry thrive.
That calling led her to the Center for Youth Ministry in Training, where she earned a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. During that time, she met her husband, Brett Bucklin, and the two have since served together in ministry. At Virginia Beach United Methodist Church, Riley served in both children’s and communications ministry, including helping launch a preteen ministry for fourth and fifth graders while also serving as Communications Director.
Riley and Brett now live in Aiken, South Carolina, where Brett serves as Youth Director and Riley continues to volunteer in the local church. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their Aussiedoodle, Sadie Mae, as well as exploring new places, trying local restaurants, and cooking together.