The last half of 2021 brought some shifts and additions to our staff team. We invite you to celebrate the changes and to welcome our new staff members.

 

Diana Marr- Retired!

   Diana Marr, Office Assistant for Worship & Christian Education has retired! She was with us for six-and-a-half years but not to worry, she not leaving us as an FPC member. So without grief we celebrate her career and her time with us. A heartfelt congratulations, Diana. We appreciate you and wish you joy and peace in this new phase of your life. 

 

 

Karah Varner- Office Assistant   

 

   Because of this transition, we are excited to introduce you to our newest administrative staff member! Karah Varner was recently hired and trained as our new Office Assistant. Amidst many other things, she is now the one creating the Sunday worship screens and helping with the camp registrations of our children and youth. We'll let Karah introduce herself: 

I arrived in Fresno in 2019, wondering what was next in this journey with the Lord. He had led me to the coast for school, to East Asia for ministry, and then landed me here in Fresno, near my childhood hometown. Through this season, He has shown me His heart for His children uniting together in worship and growing closer to Him in community. He combined past and present communities in leading me to First Presbyterian Church in 2021. I am excited to be serving alongside the great team here at FPC. My hopes in serving on staff are to continue to grow in my love for the Lord and to assist the Worship and Christian Education departments for His glory in our church. 

Kaitlyn Kelley- Front Desk & Systems Administrator 

 

    Kaitlyn Kelley began working at FPC in August of 2021 as our Front Desk & Systems Administrator. She is a Pink House Intern, and was a Summer Staff member in 2021. Kaitlyn says:

  If you call the church, I'll probably be the one to answer your call. That's part of my job as Front Desk & Systems Administrator. I love connecting people and organizing information, and I've enjoyed every day of work since I started in August, 2021. I'm grateful for the people and opportunities God has woven together in my life since I moved to Fresno from Illinois in March, 2021. 

Teresa Leonard- Communications & Front Desk Assistant

   Soon after Kaitlyn arrived, Teresa began training as the new Communications & Front Desk Assistant. FPC provides a part-time job for Teresa as she pursues her Master’s Degree. Teresa says: 

 

   I returned to Fresno in 2013 after attending the summer Fresno Urban Institute (in the Pink House) in 2008. I taught for seven years but am now a graduate student. I am glad to be working part-time as the

 Communications and Front Desk Assistant while I attend Fresno Pacific University. My goal is to help facilitate increased communication, connection and engagement within the church. 

Cody Gragnani- Technology Assistant

   Just a few months later, we welcomed Cody Gragnani as the new Technology Assistant. This addition helped free up Josh Gillispie in his expanded role as Director of Technology & Modern Worship. Photo & bio coming soon on our website. 

Chrisie Periera- Nursery Coordinator

 

   In January we welcomed our new Nursery Coordinator, Chrisie Periera.

   Chrisie grew up in Fresno, attended Fresno Pacific College, left for England to obtain a doctorate in math (yep, she’s a smart cookie!). She returned to Fresno 13 years later with her husband, Jit, two children, and one on the way. Having one more child here, she is now a mom to four children, ages six and under, and looks forward to loving more as she leads the Nursery at FPC. She is interested in photography, personal development, entrepreneurship, and taking courses in learning how to parent. Stop by the Nursery on a Sunday to welcome her.