Dr. Bothuel (pronounced ba-THELL’), is a native of Charleston, South Carolina whose spiritual roots run deep. Her late father, Mr. Oneil Canty, was active in the United Methodist Church as one of its spiritual lay leaders. Her late mother, Rev. Nancy Canty, was an evangelist in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a pastor in the Pentecostal denomination. Under her mother’s strong influence, Dr. Ethel—from early childhood, began demonstrating her musical and oratorical skills by studying piano and memorizing verses as required for special occasions in her church.

Dr. Ethel acknowledged God’s call to preach the Gospel in 2005, was licensed to preach by First Baptist Church, Vienna, VA (the late Pastor Kenny Smith) in 2006 and ordained in 2012. She has served the church in many capacities including those of choir master, minister of worship and arts, Bible study teacher, a brief tenure as supply pastor (UCC), and more. She is passionate about helping others and believes that serving the church is a lifelong calling. The harvest is [indeed] plentiful and the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37). She continues to preach the Good News!

Dr. Ethel is a graduate of Howard University (Sociology), has earned two degrees from Wesley Theological Seminary (Theological Studies and Church Leadership)—both higher education institutions are in Washington, DC., has a certificate in non-profit excellence from Washington State University, and is a member of Leadership Greater Washington. Dr. Ethel (as she prefers to be called) served for over 25 years in the human capital space. Her experiences include work as department director, consultant and executive leader for Equal Employment Opportunity programs in universities and non-profit organizations. Throughout her life and career, she served the church and left corporate to work full-time as church leader.

Her firm belief is that God “…is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Eph. 3:20 KJV).

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