The Reverend Mark Peake
Mark was born in Burlington, North Carolina, but grew up in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country. Mark attended Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania where he earned a B.A. in History. From there Mark traveled to Boston’s historic north shore where he earned the Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Mark describes himself as a Christ follower and as passionate both for issues of personal living and social justice firmly rooted in a Biblical ethic. Mark served churches in Michigan and New Jersey until he was called to Monterey in the Summer of 2010. Mark and Kimberley (a native of Santa Cruz) have been married since 1997 and have two school-aged boys.
The Reverend James Potts
James was born and raised in Danville, Illinois—the hometown of the great Dick Van Dyke. James earned a B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development from Southern New Hampshire University. He earned his Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. James has served as pastor in Illinois and as Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry Directors in Nashville, TN and Hollywood, FL. He came to Monterey in February of 2024. James is currently in the Doctor of Educational Ministry program at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. In his spare time, he enjoys quilting, reading, and trying new baking recipes.
Susan Weir
Church Administrator
Susan joined FPC Monterey in 1994 about a year after she moved here with her family. As the daughter of Presbyterian missionaries, she has a lifelong connection to the church. At FPC Monterey she has taught Sunday school, served as an elder on session, was the financial secretary and now is on staff as the church administrator. She has an MBA with work experience primarily in tax and accounting, but finds working at the church much more rewarding than preparing tax returns.
Linda Thompson
Director of Children’s Ministry
Linda has a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Education with a minor in music as well as a Masters Degree in Education. Over many years she has volunteered as a Sunday School Teacher, Christian Education Director, and children’s choir director. She is presently serving part-time as the Children’s Ministry Director here at FPC Monterey. Linda works alongside an outstanding team of volunteers to provide quality Christian and Bible Education for children from birth through 5th grade. Linda is also a pianist and vocalist with 25+ years of experience leading praise teams and children’s choirs, as well as directing the Christmas Eve Children’s Musical.
Monique Garretson
Director of MMO Preschool
Monique was born in San Jose, but has called many places home both in and outside the USA. Monique has been teaching for over 30 years; at MMO since 2003, where she has served as Director since 2011. She lives with her wife, Bona, a middle school teacher, and their cats in Pacific Grove. They love going to and watching San Francisco Giants games, traveling, game nights, movies, TV, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. Monique also has a passion for photography.
Dr. William (Bill) McMillan
Choir Director
Bill comes to us from El Paso, Texas, and has assumed the duties of Artistic Director of Camerata Singers in addition to directing the Chancel Choir at First Presbyterian Church. Bill has taught music and conducted in high school, community college, and college level in nearly every part of the United States. He has also served at several Presbyterian Churches: First Presbyterian Church of Las Cruces, NM (Director of Music Ministries), First Presbyterian Church of El Paso, TX (Director of Music Ministries), and University Presbyterian Church of El Paso, TX (Assistant Music Director).
Margaret Bellisomi
Organist
Margaret has been playing the piano since before the age of five. In the fifth grade, she was accompanist for her church’s youth choir of about forty members. After moving to Fremont, she received a last minute call to substitute for a church organist and from that Sunday until now, she has been playing the organ every Sunday (almost). In addition to serving at this church, Margaret plays for the choral classes at San Leandro High School, and plays for the Centerville Community Chorale. In her spare time, she teaches piano lessons.
Elaine Cole
Church Assistant
Elaine Cole began her career with FPC Monterey as an aide in MMO Preschool. After the birth of her 3rd daughter she began working in the church office where she has been the Office Assistant for over 28 years. Elaine loves serving the congregation of FPC Monterey, and loves playing with her 3 year old grandson.
Elders
Bev Prowell
Cory Piña
Denise Hand
Dorothy Dickson
Ellen Tucker
Jeanne Porter
John Durein
Karen Fowlie-Blacker
Robin Dickson
Tom Housel
Deacons
Gail Bartow
Ron Bowers
Kathy Caves
Becky Eskenasy
Mary Feske
Sandy Larson
Hal Laughlin
Judy Merritt
Marilyn Uwate