Originally from Minnesota, the Rev. Dr. Shelli M. Poe earned a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies (Theology, Ethics, and Culture) from the University of Virginia. She was ordained within the Congregational tradition in 2007 and received full ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ in 2010. Following her ordination, she served churches in New Jersey and Mississippi, most recently as Senior Minister of Safe Harbor Family Church in Jackson, Mississippi. Alongside her pastoral ministry, Pastor Shelli taught theology and religious studies at several colleges and universities, including the University of Virginia, Mary Washington University, and Millsaps College, and currently serves as a Visiting Professor at Iliff School of Theology. She is also the author of numerous scholarly books and articles.

Since being called as Little River's Senior Minister in 2023, Pastor Shelli has led the congregation in worship, faith formation, pastoral care, outreach and community engagement, and strategic visioning. She is passionate about cultivating an inclusive community where people can deepen their faith, pursue justice, and discover meaningful ways to serve their neighbors. Outside of ministry, she enjoys Olympic-style weightlifting, studying German, traveling, and spending time with her spouse, their two step-sons, daughter, and two French bulldogs.