Our Team

Pastor of Teaching & Vision

Hi! I'm Vince Oliveri, and I serve as the Teaching Pastor at The Vine Church. Originally from Chicago IL, I have lived in many places—Madison WI, Pittsburgh PA, Austin TX, Richmond VA, and Southwest VA. Alongside my wife Kara and our four kiddos, Zoe, Theo, Bo, and Lucy, I now love to call Blacksburg home. I hold a BS in Human Development from Virginia Tech, an MDiv in Christian Ministry from Southeastern Seminary, and a PhD in Theology from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, UK.

I'm passionate about teaching the Bible, cultivating a gospel-saturated community, and training future church leaders, pastors, and church planters. In addition to pastoring at the Vine and teaching seminary courses in theology with Southeastern Seminary and the Bonhoeffer Haus, I also love to get coffee with friends, read and write stories for my kiddos, and go on adventures with my family.

Worship Pastor

Hey! My name is E.L. Smiling and I serve as the Worship Pastor at the Vine. I grew up in Stafford, Virginia and came to Blacksburg as a student in 2010 to play football at Virginia Tech and pursue a business degree. I also work for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Virginia Tech as the Campus Director and Men’s Basketball Chaplain.

My wife Meghan and I have a son E.L. Smiling IV and we enjoy board/card games and competitive fun. I love good music, food and developing leaders in the church, in worship and in campus ministry.

It is a blessing to serve at The Vine and to be on mission with so many wonderful brothers and sisters who love the Lord and love this community!

Discipleship Pastor

Hi! I'm Michael Worrall and I serve as the Discipleship Pastor at the Vine Church. I grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia before moving to Blacksburg in 2009 to attend Virginia Tech. I hold a BA in Communication from Virginia Tech and an MDiv from Southeastern Seminary. I have been married to Emily since 2017 and we have 4 wonderful kiddos--Aidden, Lila, Audrey, and Kalayah. We love growing our garden and fruit trees, reading (and listening) to good books, and sharing good food around the table. I particularly love listening to music while working outside, nerd books, and good coffee.

In addition to pastoral ministry at the Vine, I work as the Associate Director of the Bonhoeffer Haus where I help churches start and run ministry apprenticeships. I care deeply about forming whole-hearted and Gospel-centered leaders in and for the church and am so grateful to serve in this way at the Vine!

Director of Communications and Administration

Hi there! My name is Hayley Paljug and I serve as the Director of Communications and Administration. I grew up in Virginia Beach and moved to Blacksburg in 2013 to pursue a degree in communications from Virginia Tech -- 10+ years later and I am so grateful to still call the NRV home!

My dear husband, Jason, and I have been married since June 2016. We welcomed our first daughter, Callie, in August 2024 — a gift from the Lord! We live here in Blacksburg and are so thankful for the opportunity to frequently cheer on our Hokies in Cassell Coliseum at men’s and women’s basketball games! We love to travel to new and familiar places where we enjoy great food, beautiful hikes and time in nature, and live sports and music. I love to listen to and play music, cycle, and spend time with friends and family over some trivia or a board game.

I have a passion for people and friendships and love the opportunity to meet new people at The Vine and cultivate friendships!

Vine Kids Director

Hi! I’m Kara and I get the privilege of serving the kids and families at The Vine Church. I’m married to Vince and am a mom to four sweet ones, Zoe, Theo, Lucy, and Bo. I grew up in Blacksburg and have a love for the mountains! 

I have over eight years of experience in kids and student ministry and am passionate about sharing the gospel with the next generation of believers. Getting to see children grow in friendship with one another from one Sunday to the next is one of my favorite part of leading kids ministry. 

Vine Kids Preschool and Training Coordinator

Hi! I am Meghan Smiling. I serve as a part of the Vine Kids team where I primarily focus on training the volunteers and teaching on Sundays with the kiddos in the nursery or in the elementary classroom.

I graduated from West Virginia University, where I was saved in 2016. I moved to Blacksburg in 2018 and have loved growing my family here in the New River Valley. I also work as a behavior analyst serving individuals with Autism spectrum disorder in a private day school.

The Vine has been a huge part of my family with my husband, EL, being the worship pastor and my son growing friendships in the nursery/preschool classroom.

Vine Kids Elementary and Curriculum Coordinator