Meet Our Staff

Tara loves a good book and a hot cup of tea, preferably together. She and her husband Brian also enjoy live music and go to as many concerts as they can. Tara thinks being a pastor is the greatest privilege and loves serving the warm and welcoming community that is FPC Raleigh.

Laurie enjoys playing games with her family, cooking, and running (very slowly). She loves FPC and is grateful that she gets to do ministry here!

Ernie and his wife Elaine are excited to be in Raleigh near their children, grandchildren, and other family. When he's not helping out part time at the church, Ernie enjoys golf, pickleball, running, biking and reading - and mostly hanging out with his three grandsons ages 6, 4, and 2.

 

Beth is a Raleigh native. She loves to spend time with her husband and two kids, dabbles with photography, crafts, and loves to watch sports. Beth absolutely loves working with our young people and seeing how God is at work in their lives. Supporting the overall Christian Education ministry gives her so much joy - from our Child Development Center to Adult Church School.

Having wandered, ambled, and trekked across the country Mark and his family have contentedly landed in Raleigh. Thrilled by the music of choirs, organs, sackbuts, banjos, and the like, Mark also spends his time hiking, birding, reading, and dancing with his wife and two children.

Karl hails from central Wisconsin. He met his wife, Lora, in Northern Kentucky while serving in his first full-time position. They have lived in Princeton; Minneapolis; Greenwood, MS; Cincinnati; and Raleigh (since 2007). They love spending time in their yard and entertaining. Karl currently serves on the Board of Director’s for Presbyterian Association of Musicians.

Kathy is a proud cradle member of FPC. She enjoys music, baseball, cheering for the Tar Heels, her family, time with friends, the beach, and especially her two Sheltie fur babies, Fen and Lily. Kathy is honored to help lead and guide FPC in serving the community and helping neighbors in need both in our backyard and around the world.

Gail enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies, LJ and Bailey. She enjoys putting puzzles together and pedicures (the massage is the best part)! Gail enjoys being able to serve the members of FPC.

Melani enjoys spending time with her four daughters. She also enjoys bargain shopping and traveling. Melani enjoys working alongside the staff and serving the congregation.

Brooke loves Dominos Pizza, French Fries, and her cat, Bailey. Brooke looks forward to making new connections at FPC.

Tyler enjoys the outdoors and pointing out birds with his daughter. He is excited to bring a decade of experience working backstage in theaters across the state to his role serving the church community.

Fain cherishes every moment spent with her husband and two young children. Whether she’s outdoors working in the yard, cheering at baseball games, attending gymnastics events, or snuggling on the couch, she finds joy in every family activity. Passionate about working with young children and their families, Fain loves helping them recognize their unique strengths. She feels truly honored to serve God in such a meaningful way.

Valerie loves traveling and exploring new places, especially the beach. Valerie loves spending time with family and friends, She has a pittbull and a rabbit. Her passion has always been to watch small children learn and grow in a safe and loving, nurturing environment.