LadybugContact KIDZone

Email Us

KIDZone Ministries
College Church of the Nazarene
504 E. Dewey Ave.
Nampa, ID 83686

Phone: (208) 466-8421

Ministry Staff


Rev. John Miller

- Children's Pastor


A little about myself: I am originally from Hendersonville, Tennessee (just outside Nashville) and I came to Nampa via Charlotte, North Carolina and Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to moving to Nampa, I ministered at the Church of the Nazarene International Headquarters, where I served in Pensions and Benefits while attending seminary. While I have worked in the music business, as a computer consultant, conference and event planner, and accounting technician in the past, my passion and calling is to full-time ministry. I thank the Lord for bringing me to the Treasure Valley where I can serve the Lord by ministering to and with the College Church kids and parents.

My education:
Bachelor of Science Music Business, Trevecca Nazarene University, 1993; Master of Arts Christian Education, Nazarene Theological Seminary, 2006

My hobbies: I love spending time with my wife when I'm not working. I also love to play the acoustic, electric, and bass guitar in my spare time. I've played in bands my whole life and most recently played bass guitar in a Christian Rock/Blues band in Kansas City called "Second Mile" (www.secondmileband.com). I enjoy reading and watching movies. I like most sports, but specifically I enjoy bike riding, hiking, and camping!

A little about my family: My beautiful wife's name is Melinda and we have been married since December 1, 2001. We met at church in Kansas City where we both had moved to pursue our call to ministry. Prior to relocating to Nampa, Melinda served for seven years in Nazarene Missions International (NMI) at Nazarene International Headquarters. She currently works as the MBA (Master of Business Administration) Program Administrator at Northwest Nazarene University. Melinda loves music, missions and animals! We have a son named Jackson who was born in November of 2009 and we also have a "fur kid," a shelter-rescued dog named "Taco" that we spoil rotten.

Heidi Curtis

- Early Childhood Director


A little about myself:
I have been the Early Childhood Director since May of 2007. I am also an academic administrator at the Idaho Virtual Academy, the largest virtual charter school in Idaho. I have been with IDVA since 2003 acting in many roles as teacher, lead teacher, instructional coordinator and administrator. Before that, I taught middle school English in Caldwell for 10 years. I grew up in Alaska, where I lived until coming to NNU.

My education:
Bachelor’s of Education in English from NNC in 1994. Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from NNU in 2000 with an added Certification in School Administration in 2006.

My hobbies:
What do I do in my spare time? When I am not working or around the Garden, I love to read! I try to read two to three books a week, often late at night after the kids are in bed. We also love playing games and having fun with friends and family.

A little about my family:
A bit about my family: I have been married to Ron since December of 1993. Ron teaches Choir at Vallivue High School in Caldwell. We love singing together and traveling when we get the chance. We have two children, Bradley born in 2000, and Madison, born in 2004.

Emely De Leon

- KIDZone Ministries Preteen Director


Who am I?:
I was born in Los Angeles California and spent 3 years on the coast of Guatemala. I consider both those places home. I can speak Spanish fluently and enjoy translating. I moved to Nampa to go to college and fell in love with the Northwest.

My education:
Graduated from Northwest Nazarene University with a B.A. in Religious Studies

What do I enjoy?:
I enjoy trying new things; recently I have become an avid dodge ball player. I also enjoy doing yoga, reading, dancing, watching movies and playing board games.

A little about my family:
I have three nieces and two nephews. I am blessed to have two of them in the area and enjoying taking them on trips and reading to them. I am the youngest of five children and have three roommates that I consider like my sisters. I also have wonderful dog named Sadie.

Heidi Weaver

- KIDZone Ministries Intern


A Little About Myself:
I have lived in Covinton, WA (30 min. S of Seattle) until entering my freshmen year at Northwest Nazarene University in 2008. I have been working as the Children’s Intern at CCN since September 2009. Even before setting foot in College Church, I have always been involved in children’s ministry—nursery and preschool volunteer, VBS, and children’s musicals. I’ve also served through music on worship teams and in musicals.

My education:
I am currently working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education as a junior at NNU.

Hobbies:
I love playing sports (especially tennis) and hanging out in the great outdoors—hiking, camping, rafting—love it all! I enjoy being crafty and creating original projects. I absolutely love to laugh, take pictures, decorate, perform, and sing.

My Family:
I am the youngest of 3 siblings and over the last few years have gained an awesome brother and sister-in-law. My older brother, David (26) and sister, Kendra (23) are both happily married and have careers that they are incredibly passionate for. They are such great examples of finding what you love and, well, doing it! I cannot wait to follow in their footsteps and share in their great joy as I head on my career path. My amazing parents continue to reside in WA and serve in many areas of ministry at the church. They have always loved and supported me in all my endeavors. You really should meet them!

Gayellen Smith

- Administrative Assistant


A little about myself:
We moved to Nampa from Champaign Urbana, Illinois in August of 1994. I’ve worked at College Church as a secretary for the last 10 years. Prior to that I worked 11 years in Christian retail – eight years at a store in Illinois and three years here.

My education:
I have a BA in English education from Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois.

My hobbies:
I enjoy reading and gardening. Recently I’ve been learning to quilt and enjoy it very much.

A little about my family:
Terry and I have been married for 36 years. Terry works at Healthwise in Boise as an information architect. We have one daughter Sarah who is married to Dan and lives in Nampa. My new “kids” are two Ragdoll cats named Tega and Taka. I love talking about them – just ask!


Children's Ministry Team:

Kinder Church - Teresa Henry
VBS Directors - Ron Curtis and Cara Groth
Bible Buddies Director - Nikki Pearsall
Child Care - Terri Slemmer
S.W.A.T. - Heidi Weaver and John Miller
Bible Quizzing - Carol Humphrey and Teresa Henry
Mission Education - Melinda Miller
CCN KIDZone Choir - Cara Groth, Amy Ackley
PACERS Director – Emely De Leon