Ashlei Brathwaite was born in Colorado to two military parents. She has called the DMV home long enough to be considered a true local. With a background in psychology and years of experience in education and coaching, she’s always been passionate about the growth and development of the next generation. In 2022, she answered what felt like a sacred nudge from God to step into ministry, bringing together her love for young people and her faith. Ashlei began as the Kids Director and now serves as Family Ministries Pastor, leading with creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping kids and families grow in faith together.

Helping launch NoVA Community Church, Ashlei has a heart to see connections grow across generations—building a community where every person is known, valued, and invited to be part of God’s bigger story. Whether she’s leading on a Sunday or organizing meaningful gatherings that bring people together, Ashlei brings warmth, intentionality, and joy to everything she does. When she’s not serving, you can usually find her hosting friends in her cozy, book-filled home, planning her next adventure, or curating the perfect playlist for the season she’s in.