Meet our staff
Elizabeth Arthur
Coordinator
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
Student Ministries
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
Assistant 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
Terri Carter
Coordinator
Small Groups and Connect
Sheila Clevenger
Coordinator
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
Kimberly Christie
Administrative Assistant for
Discipleship and Worship
I was born and raised in the East Bay Area, but just recently moved down from Seattle after living there for four years! In my free time, I love spending time with my husband (Nate), our wonderfully energetic dog (Willie), and watching lots and lots of sports. I feel beyond blessed to be welcomed by the SBPC community and am excited to enter into this role!
Contact Kimberly
858-509-2580 x1454
Morgan Cunningham
Assistant Director of High School
Student 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
Lexi Durand
Administrative Assistant for Students
and Missions & Outreach
I am so blessed to be a part of the SBPC community! I have prayed for quite awhile now for the perfect place to work and grow in ministry full-time, and I have found that in SBPC. If you see me around, please come say hello!
Contact Lexi
858-509-2580 x1220
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
Assistant -
Children's and Preteens Ministry
I came to stay in SBPC in 2019 after living in many wonderful places with my husband, Ted, and my two daughters. I began working at SBPC in 2021. It is a privilege to help facilitate opportunities for people to connect with God, especially our youngest ones. In addition to my role at SBPC, I am also a Spiritual Director finishing my training. In this role I am honored to provide opportunity and companionship to individuals looking to nurture connection with God in their everyday lives.
Contact Kristi
858-509-2580 x1350
Karen La-Haise
Coordinator
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
Christine Peterson
Assistant Director of Discipleship and Curriculum
Children's and Preteen Ministry
I've been a part of SBPC since college. Doug and I were married here in 1994 and have been involved in many ways ever since. I started on staff seasonally for KidsGames many years ago and then moved to a regular staff position in 2019. I loved having our two boys here as they were growing up and now am thrilled to come alongside kids and families as we all seek to know Jesus better. In my spare time I like to read, knit, watch baseball (Cubs AND Padres) and ride my new electric bike!
Contact Christine
christine@solanapres.org
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
Lisa Pittman
Director of Worship Arts
SBPC has been our family’s church home for the past 30 years and I have been on staff in the worship ministry since 2009. It is my joy to plan and lead our worship services each week, as our church family gathers to experience God’s presence, sing his praise and offer ourselves as an act of worship. I am married to Todd, and we have three young adult kids- Katie, Matt and Alex. I enjoy traveling, cooking new recipes and walking with our spirited rescue dog, Milo.
Contact Lisa
858-509-2580 x1214
José Ramirez
Facilities Director
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
André Rocha
Mission and Outreach Director
I joined SBPC in June of 2019 after a decade serving as a missionary in Greece. I am passionate about mobilizing the people of God to participate in the mission of God in the world and enjoy helping people to discover their calling. As a native of Brazil, I love to eat churrasco and feijoada, particularly if it's while watching my favorite soccer team. I am married to Molly who I met while in Greece and we are currently seeking to add to our family! My life verse is, "Faithful is the One who calls you, who will also fulfill." 1Thessalonians 5:24
Contact André
858-509-2580 x1204
Stephanie Ruffner
Early Childhood Coordinator
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 (soon-to-be) 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
