Gretchen Umholtz was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. She grew up in various parts of the country, but always in the Presbyterian Church, in which her father was an ordained minister. Upon moving to southeastern Massachusetts (where Presbyterian churches are rare) in 2002 she began worshiping at Church of Our Saviour, Middleboro, and was confirmed into the Episcopal Church in 2003. Gretchen teaches Classics (including ancient Greek art, language, and culture) at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Since 2006 she has lived in Brockton, with her husband and dog. She was one of the founding members of Grace Chapel and has served many roles since, including Clerk, Warden, and currently Treasurer. Gretchen enjoys music, gardening, time with family, and travel in Greece.