Jody is a graduate of The Ohio State University and holds dual Bachelor of Art degrees in English and Political Science as well as a Master's in Public Administration. Jody graduated from McCormick Theological Seminary and began her pastoral ministry at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Schererville, IN.

Jody has served congregations in Deerfield, IL; Schererville, IN; and Titusville FL.  Before entering seminary as a second career pastor, Jody served as an Adjunct Professor at The University of Findlay teaching macro and microeconomics and as the President/CEO for the NW Ohio and Michigan Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.