Dorothy was born in Louisiana and grew up in Texas and Georgia.  She graduated from King College, Bristol, TN, in 2004 with a major in business administration and economics and a minor in Spanish. During her time at King, Dorothy grew in her love for the Lord and passion for the church. Toward the end of college she sensed God’s call to serve in vocational church ministry, and upon graduating she spent six months serving as a missions intern at a church in Argentina.  The following year she began her graduate studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in December, 2007. During seminary Dorothy served as a seminary intern at Newton Presbyterian Church, and during her search for a pastoral call she served as its Director of Administration.  Upon receiving a call from First Presbyterian Church, Goldsboro, NC, Dorothy began serving as the Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Youth Ministries in July, 2009.

After arriving in Goldsboro, she reconnected with an old friend and fellow Presbyterian minister, Brandon Hood, who was visiting his home state of North Carolina from Japan, where he was serving as a Navy Chaplain.  After months of a long distance romance they were married at First Presbyterian Church, Goldsboro in October, 2010, and Dorothy then joined Brandon at his duty station in Japan.  During her 14 months in Japan, Dorothy taught English lessons to Japanese adults, taught an adult Sunday school class at the base chapel, and was an almost full-time host and tour guide to their
numerous visitors from the States.

Dorothy and Brandon were excited to move to Norfolk, which is within driving distance of family, when Brandon received orders to work with the Ministry Center at Naval Station Norfolk.  He works with a team of chaplains who cover primarily cruisers and destroyers.

Shortly after moving to Norfolk, Dorothy and Brandon were blessed by the birth of their first child, Caroline, in January, 2012.  Dorothy and Brandon are thrilled to be a part of FPC Norfolk and have been blessed by this wonderful church community.  Dorothy loves church ministry and is
thankful for the opportunity to serve God through her work with small group ministries.