Meet the Team
Rev. Dr. Sheldon Steen, Pastor
As a (nearly) lifelong Presbyterian, Sheldon has been working in ministry for more than two decades, earning a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology from Columbia Theological Seminary. He received his PhD in Religion from FSU in 2023. Sheldon began his professional work in youth ministry in Florida and Georgia, and then as the Pastor of Jasper First Presbyterian Church in Jasper, Florida. After serving as a Parish Associate at Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, Sheldon directed the campus ministry at UKirk Tallahassee, serving Florida State University and Florida A&M University. He was called to CPC in June, 2020. Sheldon and his wife Mary have five children and one dog, love to camp, and are co-owners of Amicus Brewing Ventures in Tallahassee, where Sheldon serves as the head brewer. |
Carol DeLoach, Director of Christian Education
With more than 30 years in Christian Education programming, Carol has served PC(USA) churches in both full and part-time educator positions as well as a brief stint with Youth Ministry Architects. She has a BS degree in Communication Disorders from Florida State University, and has completed coursework at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education/Union Seminary, Columbia Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary. Carol currently serves as special assistant to the Provost at FSU and enjoys spending time with grandchildren, dogs, and raising monarch butterflies. |
Dr. Linda Lovins, Minister of Music
A church musician for more than 35 years, Dr. Linda Lovins has directed church choirs and handbell ensembles in her beloved northern New York State and north Florida. After a 19-year career as a music educator in New York State, Linda served Florida’s students and arts educators, first as the Florida Alliance for Arts Education’s Program Director, and then as the state’s Arts Education Specialist at the Florida DOE. Linda holds degrees in K-12 Music Education from the Crane School of Music at Potsdam State University, and a PhD in Choral Music Education from FSU. She recently earned a Certificate in Ministry through Austin Theological Seminary and is nearing completion of the requirements for recognition as a Certified Church Musician through the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM). Linda is a Co-Director for the 2024 PAM Worship & Music Conference at Montreat and serves on the Planning Team for the 2023 PAM conference. She also serves on the Presbytery of Florida’s Committee on Nominations. Linda loves all things Christ Presbyterian, Montreat, and Dogwood Acres. Most importantly, Linda shares life with her beloved husband, Bob, and is a very blessed “wicked stepmother” to Rachel and Sam. For fun, Linda works with Flint VIII, a very bright CCI change-of-career dog, and looks forward to raising another puppy for Canine Companions for Independence. |
Shannon Guse, Church Administrator
Shannon Guse is a former middle and high school health teacher who most recently served as the Director of High School and College Ministries at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX. Prior to moving to Dallas, she worked with youth at Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, FL for 16 years. Shannon is excited to be back in Tallahassee with her husband Matt and two adult children. She loves reading, spending time outdoors, and volunteering in the community. |
Dr. Dean Peiskee, Pianist
Dr. Galen Dean Peiskee, Jr. has his degrees in piano performance and accompanying from Texas Christian University and Florida State University. He and his wife Cheryl (who is also a pianist) have six active children. He has been happy to serve as Christ Presbyterian Church's pianist since 2014. |
Emily Bruno, Pastoral Intern
Emily Bruno lives in Tallahassee with her husband, Dan; daughters, Corinne (8) and Ilsa (5); and their two cats and dog. She is a lawyer, elder at First Presbyterian, and M.Div. student at Iliff School of Theology in Denver. She has been involved locally in advocacy work for reproductive justice, death penalty abolition, and the Guns to Gardens movement. For recreation, she enjoys running, camping, and singing. |
Isabella Giles, Youth Ministry Assistant
Isabella is a Sophomore Public Relations Major at FSU. She is from St. Augustine, FL and attends Memorial Presbyterian Church. She enjoys volunteering, spending time with friends and family, going on outdoor adventures, and drinking lots of coffee. She has been a Presbyterian for about 6 years and is so excited to work with the youth of CPC! |
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Amanda Lopez, Nursery Attendant
Amanda is studying Choral Music Education at FSU and has enjoyed being a lead camp counselor and music teacher at Mason's School of Music. In her words, "Embarking on this new journey at Christ Presbyterian Church's nursery fills my heart with joy and anticipation. There is something profoundly special about caring for our youngest members, shaping their early experiences with love, faith, and community."
Amanda is studying Choral Music Education at FSU and has enjoyed being a lead camp counselor and music teacher at Mason's School of Music. In her words, "Embarking on this new journey at Christ Presbyterian Church's nursery fills my heart with joy and anticipation. There is something profoundly special about caring for our youngest members, shaping their early experiences with love, faith, and community."