Meet Our StaffMeet Our Staff
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Rev. Jeffrey V. O'Grady, Pastor A native of Minnesota, where the "call" to ministry was first discerned. Rev. O'Grady attended the University of Minnesota, Luther Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary, preparing for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and receiving ordination in 1988. After serving congregations in Minnesota and California, he returned to Princeton Seminary in 1995 where he served as the Dean of Student Affairs for eight years, before receiving a call as the Pastor of San Marino Community Church. He and his wife Lynn have three children: Molly, Meghan and Ryan. E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Rev. Karen W. Berns, Associate Pastor With a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, Karen served as the Associate Pastor of Pleasant Hills Community P.C. in Pittsburgh, PA, and many know her as Associate Pastor at La Canada Presbyterian Church where she served 17 years in diverse ministries, including pastoral care through Stephen Ministries and Deacons. As former chaplain of Vitas Innovative Hospice, Karen ministered to patients and families and continues caring for the bereaved through grief support groups. She is a speaker for church renewal and sits on the U.S. Board of "Discover the World" supporting AIDS orphans in Kenya. Karen and her husband Don have two children, and three grandchildren. E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Jennifer Baer, Director of Christian Education After receiving her BA from Knox College in 1999, Jen joined the Peace Corps. and served in Benin, West Africa. When she returned home, Jen taught children with autism in Northern California. Through her work in various congregations both here and overseas in Scotland, she found her calling to ministry to children and their families. In 2006, she received her Master of Divinity Degree at Princeton Theological Seminary. While at Princeton, Jen developed family worship programs and specialized in helping churches with inclusion of individuals with special needs. She is a candidate for ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. Jen joined our staff in July 2009. E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Paul Blakesley, Director of Student Ministries An enthusiast for every new challenge, Paul has not allowed mountains to get in his way, marathons to slow him down, or passed up the opportunity to explore new places. Paul grew up in Minnesota, where some call “God’s Country”. He had early dreams of being a politician while attending the University of Minnesota but then discovered the joys and wonders of taking part in the work of expanding God's Kingdom. In 2004 Paul moved to Pasadena to attend Fuller Theological Seminary. Having graduated with his Masters of Divinity in June 2008, Paul started his dream job directing the youth ministries at San Marino Community Church in the fall of 2008. E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Rev. Dr. Don Berns, Parish Associate Don joins the San Marino Community Church staff as Parish Associate, focusing on training seminary interns. Don served as Parish Associate for six years at Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, (1997-2003) having previously served 20 years at the La Canada Presbyterian Church (1976-1996). While at La Canada he developed an intern program widely acclaimed for sending over 100 interns into full time, ordained ministries across the country. In addition to his pastoral experience, Don has also spent time in the business world and brings a special sensitivity to those dealing with chronic health issues. E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Rev. Dr. Don Maddox, Parish Associate
Don grew up in Pasadena where he attended the Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian and Westminster Presbyterian Churches. Beginning at Fuller, he transferred to Princeton Seminary graduating in 1969 with a M. Div. Degree. He served congregations in New Jersey, Kansas and California. He furthered his studies earning his In. D. Min Degree in Spiritual Direction in 1995. Since retirement in 2006, he served as intentional interim pastor at two local congregations. He is a member of the San Gabriel Presbytery H.R. and currently lives at Monte Vista Grove Homes for retired Presbyterian clergy. Email:
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Skip Ober Miller, Business Manager Skip graduated from Bethany Theological Seminary in 1993 and quickly discovered his calling to church administration. Skip has served as co-pastor of South Bay Community Church of the Brethren in Redondo Beach and as administrator at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pasadena. He joined the staff in March 2004. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Glenn DeLange, Chancel Choir Director Dr. DeLange is a graduate of California State University, Los Angeles where he earned a Masters Degree in Music. Dr. DeLange also holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne and served for several years as the Dean of Arts and Letters at Mira Costa College. He has also served as President of the Music Association of California Community Colleges, and served as the Worship and Music Resource and Literature chair for the Western Division of the American Choral Directors Association. For over 35 years as a music educator and church leader, his choirs have toured worldwide. Dr. DeLange joined the SMCC staff in 1995. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Lisa Edwards, Organist Lisa Edwards is a graduate of North Texas State University in Piano and Organ Performance with a Master's Degree in Keyboard Collaborative Arts from USC with honors. She plays with the Los Angeles Master Chorale at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and assists in rehearsals and performance for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She is part time organist for other congregations, as well as teaching piano at the college level. She is also the pianist for Vox Femina under the direction of Dr. Iris Levine and choral director at Alverno High School in Sierra Madre. E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Nancy Swanson, Nursery School Director Nancy is a graduate of Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota. She earned her Master of Arts Degree in Child Development from California State University, Los Angeles, in 1997. Nancy is on the Advisory Board of the Pasadena City College Department of Child Development and has been an adjunct professor in that department. She and her staff were awarded Accreditation for the Nursery School from the National Association for the Education of Young Children in 1991. The school has continued to be accredited every three to five years since that time. Nancy has been the Nursery School Director since 1986. E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Noel Snyder, Worship and Music Assistant Raised in Michigan, Noel sensed a call to ministry in high school and graduated from Hope College with a double major in Music and Philosophy. He has been active in a variety of ministries, including many years working at summer camp with children who have special needs. Noel has earned his Master of Divinity and is currently pursuing his Ph.D from Fuller Theological Seminary and has been received by session as an Inquirer to the Presbytery of San Gabriel. Noel is married to Heidi Snyder. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Peggy Flynn, Administrative Assistant for Pastoral Support Peggy graduated from UCLA with a degree in Psychology/Communications. She brings years of experience working as an account executive in advertising in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. Upon moving to San Marino with her husband and two children, she managed a satellite office for a worldwide film distribution company and served as board member of many non-profit organizations including of SM Junior Alliance, NCL, Kidspace Museum and San Marino School PTA. Peggy joined SMCC staff in May 2009 providing support to pastoral staff as well as coordinating new membership and overseeing the website and other media. E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Allison Switzer, Administrative Assistant, Membership A Pasadena-area native, Allison grew up in Altadena attending |
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Eva Farrar, Receptionist Eva Farrar was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Living in Monrovia with her husband and four active children, she was a stay-at-home Mom for 16 years. Eva decided to return to the workplace as a pre-school teacher at Calvary Road Baptist Academy and later as an administrative Assistant for a Mobile Automotive Company. Eva joined SMCC in December of 2008 as Receptionist. She also handles class enrollment and registration, along with other administrative duties. In her free time, Eva enjoys running marathons and being involved at her church. E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Bong Bringas, Seminary Intern Arnolfo “Bong” Bringas attended college in the Phillipines, and now lives in the U.S. working fulltime in litigation and legal documentation. He became an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in 2004. Upon entering the seminary he served as Pastor’s Assistant, and Youth and Children’s Minister at the Filipino Community Presbyterian Church in Eagle Rock. Bong is currently a student at San Francisco Theological Seminary/Southern California working on his Master of Divinity and preparing for ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Bong is married with two lovely children. E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |