Disability Ministries Committee of the United Methodist Church


photograph of Elizabeth von Trapp Walker

Rev. Elizabeth "Tizzy" von Trapp Walker,
Southeastern Jurisdiction

The Reverend Elizabeth (Tizzy) von Trapp Walker has been an ordained Elder in Full Connection on the Virginia Conference since 2005. She was diagnosed profoundly hard of hearing at the age of 5 with onset occurring between the ages of 1-3. She is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite Seminary (M.Div.) and State University of New York at Albany (M. Ed. in Student Personnel and Counseling in Higher Education).

Married, she pastors a three-point charge and is inseparable from her hearing ear dog, Sawyer. Coming from a family with 2 wheel chair users who are polio survivors; and with an Uncle with Downs Syndrome; she is passionate about disabilities ministry for all. "I have found my role as 'the voice' in particular for the Deaf and hard of hearing for the Virginia Conference to be a challenging and often frustrating experience. After 10 years, however, things are beginning to move forward in ministry for all persons with disabilities. This is most exciting."

And, yes . . . if anyone wonders about my maiden name; I am from the von Trapp family made famous by The Sound of Music.