Meet our staff
Elizabeth Arthur
Coordinator for Mature Adults
I am blessed beyond measure to call SBPC my community. Not only have I been a part of it for over 25+ years, but I have had the wonderful opportunity to share God's love working alongside our amazing Children's Ministry and now our Mature Adult Ministry in our Solana Beach Community Senior Center. In Him, Elizabeth Arthur.
Contact Elizabeth:
858-509-2580 x1401
Melissa Bolt
Director of Wellness
Assistant Director of Children’s & Preteen Ministries
I have attended SBPC for over 20 years and worked for SBPC for over 10 years. I have enjoyed volunteering and working with Children's and Student Ministries over the years. I am a wife to Bart Bolt, mother to Aliya, Aidan and Aaron Bolt and daughter of Pamela and Wendell Wierenga (also members of SBPC).
Contact Melissa:
Cell (858)314-9616 Call or Text
Katie Bowman
Assistant Director of Middle School Ministry
After being so welcomed into the SBPC family in 2022, I am so excited to join the team and continue to serve the youth of this church! It is an honor to see God move in and around the students here. I cannot wait to continue to be a witness of it. I enjoy reading, spending time in nature, and gathering together in community in my free time. I look forward to meeting you!
Contact Katie:
858-509-2580 x1452
Aaron Burgett
Director of Worship Arts
I have been directing the choir at SBPC since 2017 and have a passion for bringing together unique and diverse voices for the unified goal of experiencing and glorifying God in community. When not making music, I enjoy surfing, going on hikes with our dog (Milo), playing Mario Kart with my wife (Madeleine), and hitting up the Pickleball courts with friends!
Contact Aaron:
858-509-2580 x1213
Sheila Clevenger
Coordinator for Communications and Media
I was born and raised in San Diego. I started my Graphic Design career in 2003, but have been creating all my life. The list includes painting, jewelry making, sewing, and cake design, to name a few. When I’m not working, I enjoy sailing, going to the beach, reading, cooking and spending time with my family and friends. I'm very blessed to have found SBPC and look forward to all the experiences I will encounter.
Contact Sheila
858-509-2580 x1218
Camilla Cristando
Coordinator for Hospitality
I moved to San Diego and joined SBPC in 2022. My role here is in hospitality and events, which is a new field to me and something I am very excited about doing and learning more about. When I’m not working, I spend most of my time taking care of our two little girls, and together we love to explore and enjoy all the beautiful beaches and scenic trails in the area.
Contact Camilla
858-509-2580 x 1206
Jen Engelhardt
Director of Early Childhood Children's and Preteens Ministry
A San Diego native, I began attending SBPC at the age of 4 and started working at SBPC as part of the nursery staff at age 14. After attending college at UC Santa Barbara, I joined the staff full-time in Children's Ministries (with my role having grown and expanded over the years). In addition to my heart for Children and Families and MOPS Ministry at SBPC, I have a deep love for photography, social justice, nature, tennis, skiing, travel, and time with friends & family. It's an honor and privilege to serve our young families through KIDSunday, MOPS, and Small Groups, and to get to partner with amazing staff and volunteer teams in the execution of those programs, as well as to get to lead our church's Small Group for Moms with Young Kids and to co-lead one of the "What Does the Bible Say About Justice?" cohorts.
Contact Jen
858-509-2580 x1353
Amy Gilchrist
Executive Administrative Assistant
I started attending SBPC in 2008 and was invited to join our staff in 2012. In addition to serving our church as a whole, I am also a student ministry volunteer. I have a passion for investing in students and enjoy serving with our middle and high school ministries. My other passion is anything involving the Chicago Cubs and Bears. Bear Down!
Contact Amy
858-509-2580 x1208
John Illian
Minister of Visitation
Care Ministries
I am a very part time Minister of Visitation who serves on SBPC’s Care Team. As needed, I visit the homebound, bereaved and hospitalized, and I officiate at memorial services. Coming back to SBPC has been a homecoming of sorts. In the 1970’s prior to going to seminary, we lived in Cardiff and were active participants in the life and ministries of SBPC. After seminary I was ordained as a Presbyterian pastor and served in four different churches where my responsibilities often included the Caring Ministries, Mission, and Spiritual Formation. In the Fall of 2014, we retired and moved back to North County. Connie and I greatly enjoy being here again and have sensed God’s call to serve here. But you will understand when I say that at this stage of life, we also really enjoy traveling to see our four daughter’s families and our eight grandchildren. Finally, we pray that our time together with you will bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ.
Contact John
858-509-2580 x1210
Kristi Kincheloe
Administrative Assistant for Adult Discipleship and Worship Arts
After living in many wonderful places, I moved to Solana Beach in 2019 and began worshiping at SBPC shortly thereafter. I started working at SBPC in 2021, first with Children and Preteens Ministry, and now with Worship and Adult Discipleship. It is a privilege to help support staff as they create opportunities for people to connect with God in our worship services, small groups and formation retreats. In addition to my role at SBPC, I am also a Spiritual Director. In this role I am honored to companion people as they look for God in their everyday lives and discern God’s call. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids.
Contact Kristi
858-509-2580 x1350
Karen La-Haise
Coordinator for Care Ministries
Carla Martinez
Preschool Director
Hi! My name is Carla Martinez and I have been serving our preschool families and their children at SBPC for 24 years. I started teaching preschool in 1994 in Imperial Valley, there I worked for head start until I moved to San Diego with my husband. My husband Leo and I were high school sweethearts and have been married for twenty five years. We have been blessed with five boys, Robert, Noah, Carlo, Felipe and Cristoforo, ages 14-22. We enjoy spending time as a family watching movies, going to concerts and attending our boys sports events.
Contact Carla
858-755-4133
Paula Mazza
Director of Children's and Preteen Ministries
Hi There! I have been on staff since 2004 and have called SBPC home since 1982. It is such a joy to serve in the same church that I grew up in! What's my favorite part of being in this community? YOU! I love people. God gave me a special heartbeat for people who are in their preteen years as well as people living with mental health concerns. I am married to the love of my life and get to be called mom by four spectacular young adults. If you see me on the patio, please say hi!
Contact Paula
858-509-2580 x1352
Janean Merryman
Office Manager and Worship Coordinator
I've worked at the church since moving to San Diego with my husband and 2 daughters in 1998. I've worn many hats while working here from an Admin Assistant to Office Manager and I've enjoyed every minute of it.
Contact Janean
858-509-2580 x1205
Christy Ogden
Finance Manager
I first came on staff at SBPC as a part time admin for the Student Ministry under Dave and Siv Ricketts. Wow ... how time flies. That was 17 years ago this September! I live right here in the beautiful Solana Beach. I love to bake and try out new recipes. It's very satisfying when a new recipe turns out well and with 2 thumbs up from my husband!
Contact Christy
858-509-2580 x1225
Lisa Owens
Director of Mission Partnerships
SBPC is the church home where I came to know Christ as a middle schooler, met and married my husband Matthew 25 years ago, and came back to after raising our family in Temecula for twenty years. What a surprise gift and honor the Lord has given me now in this season to get to serve our local and global partners and our congregation as we all seek to respond to His call to join Him in mission. I love new places, people, and experiences, so this position brings me all kinds of joy! I also delight in my three young adult children, all the newness of empty-nesting, the ocean, running outdoors, and special times over delicious food with friends and family.
Contact Lisa
858-509-2580 x1204
Doug Peterson
Director of Media and Communications
I have attended SBPC since getting married to my lovely wife, Christine, here in 1994. We are thrilled to have been blessed with two sons who are now young adults. I have been on staff since 2003 and love being a part of a church that is making a difference in the community and the world for the cause of Christ. I love playing any type of disc-based sport (disc golf, ultimate, etc) and am a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.
Contact Doug
858-509-2580 x1216
José Ramirez
Director of Facilities
It is a pleasure and privilege to serve God, and I am really happy to be here. I look forward to collaborating together in the years ahead.
Contact José
858-509-2580 x1500
Derren Raser
Assistant Director of Worship Arts
My family and I have been back attending SBPC since 2022. I have always loved being a part of the music ministry at SBPC - whether that’s been as a worship team member, a guest leader, or when I had the privilege of serving as interim director of contemporary worship back in 2009 - and I am thrilled to be stepping back into music leadership in this very special church community. I have a passion for welcoming others, for making music in community, and for finding creative ways to make old music feel new. In addition to creating music, I also enjoy capturing the world through the lens of my camera, and telling stories through my podcast One Rare Heart. My wife Lisa and I love to travel and stand up paddle boarding, and we have always enjoyed helping our sweet daughters discover new and exciting ways to explore God’s vast and beautiful creation.
Contact Derren
858-509-2580 x1214
Stephanie Ruffner
Coordinator for Early Childhood
I first came to SBPC back in 2017 when my daughters attended Solana Beach Presbyterian Preschool. I was in SBPC MOPS for four years where I was a room mom for MOPS Kids and helped with service and events. I joined a small group with friends in the beginning of 2021. Raised mostly in San Diego, I am a wife and a mother of two. Solana Beach Presbyterian is a wonderful place and I am so happy to be a part of this great community.
Contact Stephanie
Cindy Wright
Minister of Care and Mature Adults
Serving on SBPC's Staff since 1989 has been a true joy for me! I LOVE working with, by, and for God's oldest children. SBPC has been my home church since I was a teenager. I'm blessed to be married to Mr. Wright and we are delighted to be grandparents to 6 amazing kiddos. When not chasing grandkids, you'll find me in the garden, creating in the kitchen, or walking our dog, Scout.
Best vacation ever: Walking the Cotswold Way
Favorite hymn: How Great Thou Art
Favorite verse: So many to choose from! Rom. 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Contact Cindy
858-509-2580 x1400
Morgan Ziegler
Assistant Director of High School Ministries
I began working here in July of 2020 and have loved getting to be a part of this church community. My favorite part of my job is getting to live life alongside students. Getting to know them as individuals and having conversations about faith is an honor and joy. In my free time I enjoy playing music, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. If you see me around, please come say hi!
Contact Morgan
