All Staff Members

Rev. Robert (Woody) Woodward

Senior Pastor

941-746-0101

Pastor Woody, a native of Maine, has been a counselor, police officer/deputy sheriff, nonprofit CEO, professional magician, and an innkeeper. He has been chair of numerous statewide non-profit organizations, an elected municipal official, and a consultant in non-profit management and leadership. Later he was called to ministry, eventually serving as the Associate Pastor of a… Read More »

Ramon “Ray” Ocaño

Minister of Music

ray@manateelife.church

Ray Ocaño was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, came to the USA as an infant, grew up in Arizona and was introduced to The Salvation Army as a young boy. At age 14 he felt God was calling him to ministry, started in the church as a musician, soon became Assistant Children’s Choir Director, taught Sunday… Read More »

Kathy Cooke

Director of Ministries

Kathy@ManateeLIFE.church

Kathy Cooke has lived in Bradenton since 2005, the year she became a member of Manatee LIFE Church and assumed the position of Assistant to the Pastor. Kathy is an Air Force Brat who spent most of her early years in Fort Worth, Texas. She is the mother of two sons. Kathy attended college in… Read More »

Jamie Witherspoon

Preschool Director

941-750-6739

Preschool@ManateeLIFE.church

I have worked in childcare professionally for over 20 years, and been here at “MUMPS” since 2016. I am so honored and excited to be your Preschool Director!

Hannah Dubil

Administrative Assistant

Hannah@ManateeLife.church

Hannah Dubil was born in Bradenton, and attended Anna Maria Elementary School, King Middle School, and Manatee High School. Hannah joined Manatee LIFE Church staff as administrative assistant in March 2023. Hannah’s hobbies are photography, painting, and thrifting. Her family pet is an Irish Doodle named Duffy.

Adrienne Scott

Office Staff

Office2@ManateeLIFE.church

Adrienne Scott joined the Staff as Administrative Assistant in August 2019. She is originally from New York and has lived in Bradenton since 2001. Adrienne attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and ultimately received her A.S. in Computer Office Applications and Technology from Florida Metropolitan University. She is a volunteer at WJIS (JOYFM 88.1). … Read More »

James Davis

Groundskeeper

Sharon Smith

Custodian

Sharon is originally from Miami, FL, and is an official “PK” (Pastor’s Kid). Her father was the late Rev. Clarence Smith and her mom lives nearby in Palmetto. She has four children, all but one of whom live in Manatee County, and four grandchildren. Sharon takes great care to ensure Manatee Life Church and the… Read More »

Staff