MEET YOUR STUART CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH MINISTRY TEAM

Dr. JoAnna Oster has been in education for over 20 years. Dr. Oster’s education titles include teacher, university professor, intern principal, FACCS presenter, Development Director, Academic Dean, Vice President of Education, Dissertation Chair and Committee Member. Her professional experiences include university level teaching at Trinity International University, Davis College, Pedrone Ministry College and Liberty University.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Public Speaking from Palm Beach Atlantic University and has a one-year Bible Certificate from Davis College. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. She is married to her best friend; Scott, and they have two beautiful girls: Ella & Olivia. Her passion is to train the next generation in God’s love creating a ripple to make an impact on our community.

Mark Nygard is a lifelong musician, educator, and worship leader with more than 25 years of ministry experience. A Florida native, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Church Music from Palm Beach Atlantic University and has served as a worship pastor since 1999. Growing up in a pastor’s home, music and ministry have shaped his life from the very beginning.

In addition to worship leadership, Mark has dedicated over 15 years to serving as a youth pastor, mentoring and guiding students in their faith. He has also taught both elementary education and music. For five years, he directed a fishing camp in Stuart, combining his love for the outdoors with mentoring young people. Most recently, he founded NoteWorthy Music Academy, a school devoted to inspiring the next generation of musicians and a ministry of Stuart Congregational Church. As the Director of Music Education and Worship Ministries at Stuart Congregational Church, he leads worship and develops ministry teams.

Outside of his ministry and teaching, Mark is deeply devoted to his family. He and his wife, Dorian, are proud parents of five adult children and grandparents to one grandchild. In his free time, he enjoys boating, fishing, and spending time with loved ones.

Brenda has been married to Mark for 54 years and they have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. She graduated Cum Laude from University of Akron with majors in Business and Organizational Communication and Public Relations. She served as the Chief Professional Officer of Barberton Area United Way and Director, Community Impact Data and Research, United Way of Summit County.

Debra Drew Scruggs Burgess is a rare native local Floridian. Coming from a family of 9 children, she is accustomed to lots of people and large gatherings. Born and raised in Jupiter, FL she has spent her life living on the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches. Growing up as a child she helped her father grow and run the Jupiter Ice Company, as well as her oldest brothers’ Air and Refrigeration business. She now manages her own housekeeping business and is mom to two children, Michael and Olivia.