Rev. Dr. Tanya Marie Eustace Campen is an ordained deacon in the Rio Texas Conference and currently serves as Director, Intergenerational Discipleship for the Rio Texas Conference Office.

A native Texan, Tanya was born in Houston and grew up in Midland. She graduated with honors with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Music and Religion from Austin College in Sherman. Her Masters of Divinity is from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Tanya received her doctorate of philosophy in Christian education and congregational studies from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Her research focus is children's spirituality.

Dr. Campen has over 20 years of experience as a Christian Educator, Youth Director, and Minister to Children and Families in the local church. She has taught courses, webinars, and workshops for ministry leaders in Christian Education, Faith Formation, Intergenerational Ministries, Children’s Spirituality, and Youth Faith Development. She writes regularly on ways church leaders can help individuals in their communities recognize and respond to God’s grace and love, making a difference in the world around them. Tanya’s gifts of curiosity and wondering help her ask big questions as those she is coaching discern their best possibilities and next steps. Tanya has served churches large and small, rural and urban. She has also worked for Discipleship Ministries, an agency of the United Methodist Church.

Her most recent book, Holy Work with Children: Making Meaning Together, celebrates children as theologians and invites those who journey with children (Parents, caregivers, ministry leaders) to consider how they support and encourage children in their meaning making process as they grow in and develop a life long faith.

When Tanya isn't working, she cherishes moments with her husband Ryan, their son and daughter, affectionately known as 'Thumper' and 'Flicker,' and their Portuguese Water Dog, Bela Esperança ('beautiful hope'). Tanya and Bela, a retired therapy dog team, bring 5 years of experience from diverse ministry contexts. Bela's specialty was supporting non-verbal autistic children, a role they both found immensely rewarding. Nowadays, Bela enjoys her retirement, caring for her beloved humans, Thumper and Flicker.

Tanya also spends a lot of her free time outside- experiencing God’s beautiful creation. Running, cycling, and yoga help keep Tanya connected to God as well as personal meditation, prayer, and her time with beloved friends and family. Tanya has completed three marathons and a Bike MS 150 mile ride.

Tanya believes that God is actively present in the lives of all people and enjoys discovering God in every life moment.

Connect with Tanya: Let's grab a cup of coffee/tea and have a chat

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