My name is Pam Stout, and I'm thrilled to join AnnArbor.com as the Community Assistant coordinating the Faith and Home & Garden sections.

I've called Ann Arbor home for 20 years, and I love this diverse, creative and vibrant community. I'm proud to be part of a new venture that embodies the hopeful spirit of this town.

I have high hopes for the Faith and Home & Garden pages. The Ann Arbor area is bursting with potential for great content and conversations in both areas. I'll be looking for more contributors, both experts and regular folks, to represent the depth and breadth of perspectives in our community.

A little background on my personal journey:

Like many people, I've gone through a series of career twists and turns. After ten years in administration at the University of Michigan Health System, I transitioned from full-time career parent of two to stay-at-home mom of three young children. The change was rewarding but challenging for me — in fact, the life change drove me to do some serious soul searching.

The camaraderie of community and church groups kept me sane, and through them I discovered a passion to explore my faith in more depth. I also started a business to provide support and advice for fellow parents. Today my three kids, ages 14, 11 and 9, keep me hopping and laughing on a regular basis.

A year ago I launched a blog, BeyondJustMom.com, to reflect on the intertwining relationships of faith, family and the flux of life. I had no idea how much I would enjoy writing and connecting with people around these topics. Last summer I jumped at the chance to join AnnArbor.com as a Parenting contributor, and now I'm excited to take the lead on the Faith and Home & Garden pages.

I come to the Faith arena as a moderate, passionate Christian who has a lot to learn, but I don't think I fit any typical stereotype. I've grown my own spirituality by learning about faith traditions far different from mine, and I'm eager to learn more. I am drawn to resources like David Crumm's ReadtheSpirit.com and Krista Tippett's Speaking of Faith, and I look forward to profiling a variety of faith communities. I'd love to hear from local congregations about things you find inspiring: holy experiences, mission trips, special events, or the everyday impact on your community. If you have stories to share, insights, photos, or other ideas, please get in touch with me. Tell me what you'd like to read about in the Faith section.

On the Home & Garden front, I bring the viewpoint of a New Mexico farmer's daughter with an appreciation for good weather, soil, and fruits of labor. I married the son of a master gardener who preserves heirloom seeds and buries roses deep in the earth to survive the Minnesota winters. I'm not quite as dedicated, but I love to tour beautiful homes and dream of possibilities. I plant seedlings in the spring with hopeful anticipation. Later in the season, though, my discipline and follow-through needs a little boost. I look forward to inspiration and advice from the experts in this area.

I envision expanding our coverage to feature more unique local homes and gardens. I'd like to highlight local garden clubs and community projects. I hope to inspire everyday folks with simple remodeling ideas, decorating advice, or gardening tips. We need to explore the local craft scene and provide inspiration for do-it-yourself projects. If these tickle your fancy or you'd like to contribute in another way, let's talk.

So please, join in the conversation here on AnnArbor.com. Submit your stories, successes or lessons learned so that we can celebrate, comiserate or laugh along with you. Send me your photos or post a feature on our Community Wall. And if you or someone you know might like to contribute regularly in Faith or Home & Garden sections, send me a message.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Pam Stout coordinates coverage of the Faith and Home & Garden sections on AnnArbor.com. Send her a message at pamstout@annarbor.com.