Our Staff

I was raised in a small town in North Carolina and I love small town life! I met my wife Alexa in Honduras where I served as a missionary teacher for a couple of years. We began here at Upward in 1997 and have loved the path forward (most of it). I love to read, play the piano, and exercise (my latest craze is my rowing machine). Serving Jesus in this community is my passion.

My name is Greg Dixon and I have served at Upward since 2015. I currently serve as the Executive Pastor. I am married to my wife, Danielle, and together we have two amazing daughters, Hope and Faith. I love Duke Basketball, being outdoors, a good leadership book, and a good practical joke.

I came on staff at Upward in February 2020. I serve as Director of Operations and thoroughly enjoy every aspect of involvement at UCF, including being a first-time guest, volunteering, and serving as a Deacon before coming on staff. I am married to my best friend, Scott. We have three children and seven grandchildren. For me, the best ingredients to start the day involve my front porch and a cup of coffee at sunrise.

I am married to my beautiful wife Jessica. We have 3 amazing kiddos; Gavin, Jayce and Emma. I drink way too much coffee, love a good dad joke, and love everything to do with sports. (Except duke). I have been on staff at Upward since July of 2017, and absolutely love being a part of the Upward Family!

What’s up! My name is Michael Craver and I have been on staff at Upward since November 2020. I love the fact that I get to be a part of creating an environment that can help people grow their relationship with Christ. My wife Becca and I got married in February 2021, and had our daughter Hampton in November 2024. I LOVE sports (Go Duke), playing music, and a good movie!

Hi! My name is LeAnn West and I have been a part of the Upward team since 2018. My husband, Chris, and I met in high school and grew up in the small town of Mayberry. We have been married for 16 years and have two amazing kids: Ella and Miller. We are loving this season of watching our kids grow & building a home together. A few of my favorite things are being a soccer mom, Duke basketball, evening walks in our neighborhood, and family movie nights. We're so thankful that God brought our family to Upward and truly believe the best is yet to come!

Hey hey! I serve as the Family Ministries Pastor here at UCF — which also happens to be the church I grew up in. I’m married to my best friend, Taylor (she's the best), and we have an amazing daughter, Eden (also the best), along with two pups, Peanut and Winston (not the best). I love Jesus, Chick-fil-A (Signature status, no big deal), all things sports (Clemson guy), and watching the next generation discover who they are in Christ — not in that order.

Hey! I serve as the Worship Pastor here at UCF. I met my wife, Jamie, at university in 2011, and we got married in 2014. We moved here from Halifax, Canada in 2025, which makes me the token Canadian on staff—though Jamie would want you to know she’s American. Some of my favorite things are music, books, beaches, mountains, trees, birds, laughing with friends, sharing great food, and enjoying peace and quiet. I love Jesus and His Church, and I’m truly honored to serve as your Worship Pastor.

Hey everyone! I'm Eli Tilley and I'm grateful to be a part of the Upward team as of 2026. My wife, Hope, and I met on a worship team we served on together in 2021 and we've been married since 2024! I grew up in the small town of Walnut Cove, NC and have lived out here in the mountains of WNC since my college days where I attended Montreat for music school, and obtained my MACS degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. I love spending time with my family, running, playing basketball, and playing the banjo. I'm excited about what God is doing here at UCF and I'm grateful to be a part of such an awesome church family!

Hello! I am so excited to be the Community Impact Director here at Upward! I came on staff here in May of 2025. I am blessed to be married to my best friend, Janine and we have 3 incredible daughters Haddie, Ellie, and Izzie. When I get a chance I do enjoy a casual round of golf, growing food and plants, and taking in the mountain views with family or from the seat of a mountain bike. I look forward to what God has in store for my family and me as we continue on this journey of following Him.

Hi, I’m Tamra Wilson! I’m married to my best friend, Chris, and we have three incredible kids—Laurel, Anistyn, and Gabe. I’m so excited to be the Children’s Director here at UCF. I love reading, making memories with my family, and sharing meals with good friends.

Heyo! My name is Andy. I joined the team in 2024, and before that, my wife, Sarah, and I served as Deacons at Upward. We have two adventurous daughters, Eva and Lila, a little guy, Boone, and our Boston Terrier, June. Since moving here in 2020, our family has loved exploring every outdoor adventure—from hiking and camping to fly-fishing and zip lining. (We’ve even blazed a few trails of our own!) I'm an avid Notre Dame football fan, thanks to my father-in-law. I have the honor of serving as your Connections Director, and I'm thrilled to be part of what God’s doing here at Upward and in our community!

I was born and raised in Fresno, California, but God moved us to WNC in July of 2017. I have been married to my amazing wife Kim for 27 years. We have two adult daughters, Mia and Nikki, and one teenage son, Tommy. We’ve been blessed to call Upward home for the past three and a half years, and it is an honor and blessing to now be on staff as the Director of Discipleship. Serving the Lord in ministry has been an amazing journey, and I’m excited to see what He has in store for the days ahead!

Hi! I’m Megan and I joined the Upward team in 2025. It’s a joy to get to serve as the Children’s Director at Upward West! I'm married to the best, Adam, and we have 6 awesome kids! I’m always thankful for these beautiful Appalachian mountains, reading, hiking, coffee, a good ribeye, WWII novels, and Creation (except for spiders or really, anything that has more than 4 legs)! I’m passionate about learning, organizing, nourishing meals, all things missions, and home educating our kids.

I have been part of UCF for more than 40 years. I started attending in college. I have been involved in Ladies Ministry , Youth Ministry, Children's Ministry, and Administrative Board. I have seen God blessed UCF in so many ways. I am so excited to see what God’s plans are for me being on staff.

I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. My husband Jerry and I enjoy hiking and traveling especially visiting national parks. We enjoy watching college basketball.

My name is Kayla Radford, and I just recently joined the Upward staff as an Administration Assistant in June of 2023. Most Thursday nights, you will find me serving with guest services as a greeter. I grew up in the small town of Murphy, NC. My husband, Tyler, and I have been married for 15 years. We have two amazing girls, Kirsten and Kaylee. I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, and reading good books in my spare time. My most favorite season of all is the Fall.