Support Staff | Music Staff
Jim grew up in the Chicago area, graduated from the University of Iowa, Bethel Theological Seminary, and did post graduate clinical study at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. In his spare time, Jim enjoys hanging out with wife Debbie, playing blues guitar, walking the beach, cooking (and eating of course) and working out.
This position is currently open.
Beau is passionate about student ministry and seeing young people's lives changed for Christ. Beau and his wife, Kristin, and two children, Asher and Eden, see Front Porch and First Presbyterian as a "home away from home" for college students. They would love to have you join them at any one of their "happenings."
Ann Martel Corley was called to ordained ministry in midlife. A graduate of UC Berkeley, she later graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary and was ordained in l988. Now officially retired and a newcomer to the Central Coast, she continues interfaith pastoral work and enjoys working with seniors.
Dr. Springer served as Pastor and Head of Staff at First Pres from September 1975 to March, 1990. He and his wife Judy love living on the Central Coast, spending time on the golf course being involved in the life grandson, Jason.
Angela Williams is a recent graduate of Fuller Seminary, with a Masters of Divinity. She also has a Bachelors in Youth Ministry from Azusa Pacific. Angela grew up in Kentucky and moved to LA county 7 years ago. She has been involved in youth ministry for 9 years and loves everything that comes with it... youth group, attending activities that are important to youth, connecting with families, and going on trips. She also enjoys hiking, going to the beach, weight lifting, laughing, writing, college football and telling stories.
Erin has lived in the East coast, Mid-west and has enjoyed California living for the last 22 years. She is married and the mother of 2 children and 2 dogs.
Debbie is writing her dissertation and plans to graduate from San Francisco Theological Seminary with her Doctorate in Theology in Fall 2010. In the tradition of her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she too married a pastor and loves working alongside him. She also has 2 sons, Mark and Scott.
This position is currently open. Please contact the church office for more details and an application.
Barbara has lived in San Luis Obispo since 1962. She worked as elementary school secretary in San Luis and Morro Bay, retiring in 1994. She is an avid quilter and loves spending time gardening working in the office.
Chris is married to his lovely wife, Sarah. They both love spending time with their son, Clint, who is 2 years old.
Jennifer has been a part of First Pres since she was 6 years old. Her passions are doing weddings and working with the children of our church. She is married and has one son, Ian.
Dale Wolff has been directing the Praise Singers on a volunteer basis since 1989. His other musical endeavors include singing with the Vocal Arts Ensemble and the "Bald Spots" doo-wop group, and occasionally writing songs. He is a retired Ph.D. psychologist and former Mental Health Director for the County. He and his wife Kathy have three grown sons and several grandkids. His other activities include Rotary, travel, writing, photography, and golf.
Greg received his Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from UCLA. He is delighted to use his training and talents as a gift to God and to enhance worship. He enjoys spending with his girlfriend and hanging out with his four kids.
Linda feels blessed to be able to worship God through playing the piano at First Pres. During the week, Linda works in student services as a counselor at Cuesta College. The remainder of her time is dedicated to her church, her family and friends, and her favorite hobbies, gardening and reading.
Ekaterina (Katya) Gotsdiner, born in Toula, Russia, holds a degree in music theory from the Moscow Music Tchaikovsky College, degrees in musicology and Organ, and a Doctor of Musical Arts (ABD) degree in organ performance from the Moscow State Conservatory. Gotsdiner has won multiple awards and has performed throughout Russia, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States. In addition, she taught music theory at Moscow Conservatory College from 2001–08. Katya comes to the central coast with her husband, Andrew McMahan, Cal Poly’s new Director of Bands.
Pastoral & Program Staff | Support Staff
Meet our Team
Pastoral Team
James Blades (EXT. 202)
Senior PastorJim grew up in the Chicago area, graduated from the University of Iowa, Bethel Theological Seminary, and did post graduate clinical study at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. In his spare time, Jim enjoys hanging out with wife Debbie, playing blues guitar, walking the beach, cooking (and eating of course) and working out.
Position Open
Associate PastorThis position is currently open.
Beau Tanner Smith (EXT. 204)
Front Porch (college) Campus PastorBeau is passionate about student ministry and seeing young people's lives changed for Christ. Beau and his wife, Kristin, and two children, Asher and Eden, see Front Porch and First Presbyterian as a "home away from home" for college students. They would love to have you join them at any one of their "happenings."
Rev. Ann Martel Corley
Parish AssociateAnn Martel Corley was called to ordained ministry in midlife. A graduate of UC Berkeley, she later graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary and was ordained in l988. Now officially retired and a newcomer to the Central Coast, she continues interfaith pastoral work and enjoys working with seniors.
Dr. Jack Springer
Pastor EmeritusDr. Springer served as Pastor and Head of Staff at First Pres from September 1975 to March, 1990. He and his wife Judy love living on the Central Coast, spending time on the golf course being involved in the life grandson, Jason.
Program Staff
Angela Williams(EXT. 512)
Youth DirectorAngela Williams is a recent graduate of Fuller Seminary, with a Masters of Divinity. She also has a Bachelors in Youth Ministry from Azusa Pacific. Angela grew up in Kentucky and moved to LA county 7 years ago. She has been involved in youth ministry for 9 years and loves everything that comes with it... youth group, attending activities that are important to youth, connecting with families, and going on trips. She also enjoys hiking, going to the beach, weight lifting, laughing, writing, college football and telling stories.
Erin Cracknell (EXT. 205)
Children's Education DirectorErin has lived in the East coast, Mid-west and has enjoyed California living for the last 22 years. She is married and the mother of 2 children and 2 dogs.
Administrative Staff
Debbie Blades (EXT. 207)
Church AdministratorDebbie is writing her dissertation and plans to graduate from San Francisco Theological Seminary with her Doctorate in Theology in Fall 2010. In the tradition of her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she too married a pastor and loves working alongside him. She also has 2 sons, Mark and Scott.
Position Open (EXT. 200)
Office SecretaryThis position is currently open. Please contact the church office for more details and an application.
Barbara Wines (EXT. 200)
Church ReceptionistBarbara has lived in San Luis Obispo since 1962. She worked as elementary school secretary in San Luis and Morro Bay, retiring in 1994. She is an avid quilter and loves spending time gardening working in the office.
Chris Bartlett
Facilities & Maintenance EngineerChris is married to his lovely wife, Sarah. They both love spending time with their son, Clint, who is 2 years old.
Jenifer Gordon-Rabendalt
Wedding PlannerJennifer has been a part of First Pres since she was 6 years old. Her passions are doing weddings and working with the children of our church. She is married and has one son, Ian.
Music Staff
Dale Wolff
Praise Choir DirectorDale Wolff has been directing the Praise Singers on a volunteer basis since 1989. His other musical endeavors include singing with the Vocal Arts Ensemble and the "Bald Spots" doo-wop group, and occasionally writing songs. He is a retired Ph.D. psychologist and former Mental Health Director for the County. He and his wife Kathy have three grown sons and several grandkids. His other activities include Rotary, travel, writing, photography, and golf.
Greg Magie
Chancel Choir DirectorGreg received his Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from UCLA. He is delighted to use his training and talents as a gift to God and to enhance worship. He enjoys spending with his girlfriend and hanging out with his four kids.
Linda Brady
PianistLinda feels blessed to be able to worship God through playing the piano at First Pres. During the week, Linda works in student services as a counselor at Cuesta College. The remainder of her time is dedicated to her church, her family and friends, and her favorite hobbies, gardening and reading.
Katya Gotsdiner
OrganistEkaterina (Katya) Gotsdiner, born in Toula, Russia, holds a degree in music theory from the Moscow Music Tchaikovsky College, degrees in musicology and Organ, and a Doctor of Musical Arts (ABD) degree in organ performance from the Moscow State Conservatory. Gotsdiner has won multiple awards and has performed throughout Russia, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States. In addition, she taught music theory at Moscow Conservatory College from 2001–08. Katya comes to the central coast with her husband, Andrew McMahan, Cal Poly’s new Director of Bands.
Pastoral & Program Staff | Support Staff
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