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Rev. Dr. Sheldon Steen, Pastor
As a (nearly) lifelong Presbyterian, Sheldon has been working in ministry for fifteen years, 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 Christ Presbyterian Church in June, 2020. Sheldon and his wife Mary have five children and one dog, love to camp, and are avid home brewers. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Amanda Jordan, Administrator
Amanda joined the Christ Presbyterian Church staff team in September of 2021. Amanda has previously served as a missionary for NET ministries where she worked with youth in small groups to develop their faith journeys. She also has a passion for photography and runs her own photography business consisting of mostly families and weddings. |
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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. |
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Ashley Leland, Nursery Director
Ashley Leland joined Christ Presbyterian Church as Nursery Director in 2019. She is the mother of three amazing daughters and enjoys the honor of raising her daughters as a single mom. Ashley's love for people started young, and her love for nurturing others comes naturally. She is committed to using her gifts from God in accordance with His example, asking and allowing God to guide her. |
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Isabelle Giles, Youth Ministry Assistant
Isabelle 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 be the new Youth Ministry Assistant. |