Staff
Meet our great group of people serving Christ together
Rev. Hannah Faye Allred
Hannah Faye Allred is a Texas girl at heart who has called New Jersey home for over 7 years with her husband, Patrick, and two children, Henry and Jane. She holds a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in the city of New York with a concentration in Biblical Studies. She was previously Staff Associate for Mission and Social Justice at The First Presbyterian Church in New York City and interned as a student minister at The Brick Presbyterian Church on the upper east side.
She believes that church’s doors should always be wide open with a no-strings-attached welcome and believes in preaching that makes the Bible come alive to people of all ages in a rapidly changing world. Her ministry passion is helping others discover the piece of the divine inside of themselves, understanding what it means to be a beloved child of God. She is also a Taylor Swift super-fan, coffee-snob, anglophile, and keeps herself busy with her love of gardening, running, and occasionally writing for her blog girlpastor.com.
If you want to get to know Hannah Faye more, don’t hesitate to reach out! But she’ll bring the coffee. Click to read Hannah’s monthly words to the congregation.
Rick Kaller, Minister of Music
Rick Kaller has been the Minister of Music at Kitchell for more than 25 years. In his role, Rick serves as organist/pianist and directs the Senior Choir, Handbell Choir, and Youth Choir. These choirs, as well as vocal and instrumental soloists, participate in worship services throughout the church year.
Rick started piano lessons at the age of four. In high school, he attended the Juilliard School of Music Pre-College Division in New York City, studying under Leonard Eisner. He continued his piano studies at the Eastman School of Music as a student of Barry Snyder. His church music background includes performing with the Ringers on-the-Green, the touring handbell choir of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, as well as singing in and accompanying various vocal choirs. Rick studied organ with James Hicks, and has served as guest organist for more than a dozen churches throughout northern New Jersey.
When Rick isn’t at Kitchell, he is the Executive Director of The Discovery Orchestra, a nonprofit arts education organization based in Summit, NJ.
Samiyyah Monia Downey, Nursery Attendant
Samiyyah Monia Downey (also goes by Sam) was born and raised in Newark, NJ. Sam has a passion for teaching and helping everyone around her. She has a CDA in childcare and uses it to support her class of toddlers in The Goddard School of Florham Park. Sam finds joy in growing with the children in her classroom by learning from each other.
Sam is someone who strongly believes in community and reaching out to those in need (whether the need be material goods or emotional support). Outside of the classroom, she continues to give to her community through providing food to people living without homes and supporting her students outside of school.
Shari Markese – Office Administrator
Meet Shari Markese, a proud Jersey girl with a zest for life and a love for her roots. At 37, she’s a multifaceted individual with a passion for numbers and problem-solving, having earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Montclair State University. She enjoys the simple pleasures of life. As a devoted mother, she cherishes spending quality time with her family, creating cherished memories at home and exploring the world together. An avid coffee enthusiast, you can often find her savoring a warm cup of coffee, finding solace and inspiration in its rich aroma. Her spiritual connection is important to her, and she finds comfort and community in her local church, where she cultivates her faith and shares meaningful experiences with others. When she’s not busy with family or church, you’ll likely find her soaking up the sun and tranquility at the beach, enjoying the soothing sounds of the waves and the feeling of sand between her toes. With a heart full of love and gratitude, she embraces life’s adventures with a sense of wonder and gratitude.
Elders & Deacons
Kitchell has a robust leadership group. Elders and Deacons are selected by the Church Officers’ Nominating Committee and voted in by the congregation. Any active member is welcome and encouraged to serve. First time Elders and Deacons will be ordained and installed during a worship service. Term of service is three years for either board.
Session
Ruling elders are elected annually in classes to serve a three-year term. They are the board of directors of the church, receiving committee reports, for all aspect of the congregational life: worship, Christian Education, parish life, outreach and Interpretation, Finance and matters concerning the Physical plant of the church properties.
Board of Deacons
Deacons help minister to the congregation by providing visitation and Communion to those ill either at home or in the hospital. They often deliver chancel flowers, poinsettia plants or Easter lilies to shut-ins. Deacons are also there to help with funeral or memorial service needs, arranging a repast luncheon for families. They deliver hundreds of pounds of food to the Interfaith Food Pantry and Thanksgiving baskets of food for the needy. Deacons foster fellowship among the congregation by offering coffee hour refreshments following worship service each Sunday.