Staff

Heather Zempel

Dream Collective Executive Director

Heather Zempel, Dream Collective Executive Director

A native Alabamian, Heather Zempel currently leads the discipleship efforts at National Community Church in Washington, DC where she oversees small groups, directs leadership development training, and serves on the weekend teaching team. 

Heather followed a circuitous route into full-time ministry. Having obtained bachelor's and master's degrees in biological engineering from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!), she worked as an environmental engineer and as a policy consultant on energy and environment in the United States Senate before coming on staff at National Community Church. Using her educational background, Heather now can be found exploring environments that foster spiritual growth.

She lives on Capitol Hill where she can be found enjoying the adventures of parenting with her husband Ryan as they raise Sawyer, their fun-loving and energetic daughter. Heather is the author of Sacred Roads, Community is Messy, and Amazed and Confused. 

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Joel Buckner

Director of NCC Learning

Joel Buckner, Director of NCC Learning

Joel brings 17+ years of experience to NCC, having worked in higher education and the non-profit sector. He's your go-to guy for career advice, creativity boosts, and just getting things done. He’s all about keeping it exciting—think accountability, inspiration, and transformation.

Beyond NCC, he's a devoted husband and father, a coach, loves singing and photography, and loves traveling.

Departments: Dream Collective | NCC U
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Nina Schmidgall

Pastor of Ministries and Discipleship/Reformation Catalyst

Nina Schmidgall, Pastor of Ministries and Discipleship/Reformation Catalyst

Nina was raised in northern California, in the heart of the Silicon Valley. She originally moved to the nation’s capital to work for the United States Congress which she did for just under a decade. After many years as the NCC Family Ministry Pastor, Nina now serves as the NCC Pastor of Ministries. She is also the Director of Church Partnerships for the newly launched Dream Collective - a network of church leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs. Check it out at thedreamcollective.com.

Growing up in California, Nina attended a performing arts high school which is possibly where she caught her flair for overly expressing emotions! She is a graduate of Westmont College in beautiful Santa Barbara. She received her Master’s in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University in Lakeland Florida. Nina is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Missiology through Southeastern University. 

Nina and her husband, Joel, are the authors of Praying Circles Around Your Marriage. They are raising their three incredible kids on Capitol Hill, just steps from the United States Capitol and around the corner from at least five great coffee shops.

Departments: Dream Collective
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Drake Deriemaeker

Dream Fellow

Drake Deriemaeker, Dream Fellow

Drake was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up in Bel Air, Maryland. After he and his family accepted Christ when he was 4, he got his start in the world of ministry working with a Spanish-speaking church plant and Teen Challenge in Baltimore city. Since then, he has been serving in whatever capacity he can in various churches, including 4 church plants. Drake has a passion for expressive storytelling through various artistic channels including writing and music. He also has a passion for church planting, developing community, and equipping others with the tools they need to be healthy members of the body of Christ. Drake went to the Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts where he studied A/V Technology. From there, he received his associates in Mass Communications from Harford Community College and his bachelors in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University. Drake is currently studying to receive his Masters of Divinity from Southeastern. 

Departments: Dream Collective | NCC U
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Jimeka Jones Setzer

Church Planter In Residence

Jimeka Jones Setzer, Church Planter In Residence

Jimeka Jones Setzer was born and raised in the District of Columbia. Years later she and her family moved to Maryland and called Prince George’s County home.

Jimeka is a fourth-generation pastor and preacher, with her maternal great-grandmother and maternal grandfather leading the way. She is a third-generation graduate of Howard University earning a Master of Divinity degree; also earning a graduate certificate in Muslim-Christian Studies and Peacemaking from the Washington Theological Consortium.

 Reflecting the heart of a servant leader, Jimeka teaches spiritual development through pastoral care and mentorship. She walks with others as they navigate various rhythms of life and creates intimate community connections through dialogue, spiritual direction, and prayer.

With Spirit and scholarship, she helps others understand, identify and embrace Imago Dei and has developed a keen awareness of how to companion women on their faith journey as convener of I Am the Balm Wellness Retreat, The Well-Woman Program, and Grown Woman Society. Collectively, these offerings allow women to create deep connections with God as they (re)discover the beauty in sacred texts, center faith, and increase their commitment to become the hands and feet of Jesus.

Jimeka still resides in Prince George’s County, along with her husband, Gene, and their daughter, Jahna. When they are not contending against DC traffic, you’ll find them enjoying family vacations and discovering local ice cream shops with vegan options.

Departments: Dream Collective
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Cat Davis

Executive Assistant

Cat Davis, Executive Assistant

Cat was born in New Mexico, raised in Missouri, and went to the Illinois Institute of Art- Chicago where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design.  Through her in-school focus of commercial design, she transitioned into visual merchandising, styling, and window installations for large fashion retail companies.  In 2018 Cat and her husband (Dustin) moved to Washington DC where they started attending NCC.  She is now excited to support the vision and mission of Dream Collective.

Cat and her husband enjoy traveling, food, coffee, and hanging out with their dog (Kona).

Departments: Dream Collective
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Devyn Grijalva

Dream Fellow

Devyn Grijalva, Dream Fellow

Hello, I'm Devyn Grijalva, a 21-year-old Christian hailing from the beautiful landscapes of Guatemala. Though I was born in Silver Spring, MD, my formative years were spent in Jessup, MD, where I cultivated a deep appreciation for faith, community, and, the beauty of God's creation.

My journey took an inspiring turn when I graduated from the Freestate Challenge Academy, a military school in Aberdeen, MD. This experience instilled in me discipline, determination, and, a sense of duty that I now carry into my ministry work. Ministry is my passion, and I've discovered a particular calling to work with the youth. It's incredible to witness the transformative power of faith and mentorship in young lives. My aim is to inspire, guide, and support them on their unique spiritual journeys.

Beyond ministry, I find solace and inspiration in nature. Hiking and leisurely walks in the great outdoors are my soul's medicine. While I'm out exploring, you can often find me with a cup of coffee in hand. Music is another profound love of mine. Whether I'm singing praises in church or enjoying melodies that stir the soul, music plays a vital role in my life. In addition to English, I speak Spanish, which allows me to connect with a broader range of people and cultures. 

Departments: Dream Collective | NCC U
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