The Rev. Theresa Swenson, Associate Supply Pastor
The Rev. Theresa Swenson views as the foundation of her ministry this verse: "That they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3). "I want to share the gospel with a world that needs to know Jesus, to give people hope that they can be reconciled to God and others," she says.

Theresa earned the Master of Divinity, summa cum laude, at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Brunswick, NJ in 2009. She joined the staff of the First Presbyterian Church at Red Bank ("Tower Hill") in September 2009, and was ordained at Tower Hill by the PCUSA in March 2010. She has been the Associate Supply Pastor at Tower Hill since early 2010.

She began the path to ordination in the Christian ministry after spending 30 years in the corporate world as a computer systems project director. Her spiritual journey, however, began much earlier when, five years after graduating from college, "I placed my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and committed myself to follow and serve Him all of my days." For 30 years, as she pursued her corporate career, she also served as a leader in several local churches. Her varied roles included Sunday school superintendent, co-director of women's ministries, assistant director of Christian education, worship leader and hospital chaplain.

The spiritual gifts Theresa brings to Tower Hill are treasured by the congregation, especially during this time of transition. She says, "It is precious to me to have the call of God on my life affirmed as an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament, so I may serve the Lord in new ways. I embrace the church's mission to proclaim God's mercy in the Gospel, to care for God's creation, to promote justice, and to practice welcoming love toward all."

The Rev. Dr. Byron Shafer, Worship Supply Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Byron Shafer has joined our staff part-time with particular responsibility for Sunday worship. He will be preaching three Sundays a month. He comes from the Rutgers Presbyterian Church in New York City.

For 18 years, he was the Protestant host of "Religion on the Line," a 3-hour Sunday interfaith call-in show on WABC in New York. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University. He teaches Biblical Studies at Fordham University and at the United Theological College in Bangalore, India. He and his wife live in Hightstown.

The Rev. Joe Hein, Pastoral Care Supply Pastor
The Rev. Joe Hein has joined our staff part-time with particular responsibility for pastoral care and visitation. Joe is the pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Middletown, NJ and will serve at Tower Hill in addition to continuing his work at Westminster. Joe has an extensive background helping people in various aspects of life. For pastoral care, Joe can be reached via our church office.

He graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg in 1988 with a Master of Divinity degree. He has pastored churches in Syracuse and Johnson City, New York. He founded Protecting Our Children, a child advocacy organization. He and his wife live in Middletown.

Adam Peithmann, Director of Music Ministries
Adam Peithmann became Tower Hill's Director of Music Ministries on August 1, 2010. He came to Red Bank from New Haven, Conn. where he was director of music at Bethesda Lutheran Church and co-director of music at the Berkeley Divinity School of Yale University. "I feel extraordinarily blessed to help lead in worship every Sunday," he says.

Adam earned a bachelor of music in organ performance from Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York, and a master of music in organ performance from the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale. He received a Fulbright Grant for organ study in Germany in 2007-2008. He has conducted church choirs in New Haven and in Rochester, New York. He is experienced in conducting and performing in handbell groups, and has arranged music for handbells. His travels as organist, pianist and singer have taken him throughout the United States and to Europe, South Korea and China.

At Tower Hill, Adam leads a music program that includes two traditional worship services and a contemporary service; an adult choir; graded children's choirs; five choirs of English handbells, a praise band, and the Tower Hill Concert Series. He says, "It is a privilege for me to serve with
Tower Hill's staff and musicians to draw people closer to the Lord."

Dan Corboy, Celebration Service Leader
Dan's love for music started early, as did his relationship with Jesus Christ. Raised in the Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven, he started piano lessons with their director of music when he was 8 years old. He began learning guitar when he was 12 and has been making music in bands ever since. Dan earned a BA in psychology from the university of Delaware in 1995 and became a member of Tower Hill in 1998. Past volunteer positions include ushering, helping in the nursery, being a Campus Club advisor, and member of the praise band. Dan feels blessed to be able to praise God with music.

Dan Herman, Youth Director
Dan came to faith in 1991, and Tower Hill is his first and only church family. Dan has always had a heart and passion for youth. He served as a coach for many years and was also a camp counselor and Outward Bound instructor. In September 2008 he assumed a part-time staff position as an assistant in the youth program, and was named Youth Director in September 2010. Dan considers himself blessed to hold his present position.

Chris Samsen, Youth Assistant
Chris came to the church in 2010 as an intern from Princeton Theological Seminary and is continuing at Tower Hill as Youth Assistant. A 2007 graduate of Wesleyan University in Connecticut, he served as a middle school youth minister before following the call to seminary here in New Jersey. Chris feels privileged to be working with the youth and families of Tower Hill Presbyterian Church..

Roxanne Karol, Children's Curriculum Coordinator
Roxanne has written and adapted curriculum for Sunday School classes at Tower Hill since 2007. She has directed or co-directed Vacation Bible School since 2007 and the Kirk Club youth group (4th and 5th graders) since 2008. Prior activities included Sunday School volunteer; Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) children's supervisor; co-leader of the Mothers of Pre-schoolers (MOPS) children's program; and co-leader of BSF children's classes.

In addition to her work with children, Roxanne provides staff support for the church's Web site. Earlier, for 12 years, Roxanne was employed as a software engineer at Bell Laboratories.

Lori Faust, Children's Ministry Coordinator
Lori has been active at Tower Hill Church since childhood. She attended Vacation Bible School as a primary school student and participated in youth programs as a teen. Her love of children is her lifelong passion. Lori served as a teacher in a day care center until she became the mother of her own three children. At Tower Hill she is responsible for securing volunteers to teach in the Sunday school—another way for her to share her love for children and the adults who care for them. Lori has also held several volunteer positions at Tower Hill, and she has been leader of Faith Circle since 2003.

Sue Falzone, Worship & Music Assistant
A graduate of Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ, Sue has been active at Tower Hill, particularly in the music department, for more than 20 years. She became a member of the staff in 1998. In her current role, she directs the Covenant Choir and the Joy Bells Handbell Ringers. Sue manages the extensive music library and produces all concert flyers and programs. She produces bulletins for Sunday worship, schedules weddings and baptisms, and provides office assistance for several of Tower Hill's ministry teams. An accomplished flautist, Sue often provides flute accompaniment for the Tower Hill Choir and children's choirs.

Judy Foley, Membership & Nurture Assistant
Judy joined the staff of Tower Hill in 1997 as membership/nurture assistant and children's ministries assistant. She manages the church membership database and provides staff support in the areas of membership, nurture, and children and youth. She is also responsible for desktop production of the church newsletter, The Open Door. Judy was employed by Bell Atlantic for 29 years before coming to Tower Hill. "I've been working here for all these years, and it still doesn't feel like a job," she says. "It's where my heart is."

Susan deBrigard, Director of Tower Hill School
Susan began her career as a teacher at Tower Hill School from 1978 to 1981. Following a move to Northern New Jersey she continued her career in education as a classroom teacher, director of a cooperative school, a training director for Foster and Adoptive Family Services, and a senior training specialist for the Child Welfare League of America, Washington DC. While in this position Susan developed curriculum for foster and adoptive parents. She has been a guest speaker at many child advocacy conferences and has advocated for children's rights on Capitol Hill.

In 2001 Susan returned to Tower Hill School as Director and is grateful to have been given the opportunity to return to such a special place. "It is a privilege to be the Director of a Ministry that enriches the lives of children and families," she says. "It is also a blessing to work with such a talented and dedicated staff."

Susan is a trained Stephen Minister. She is also a member of the Advisory Board of Foster and Adoptive Family Services, is Vice-President of Membership for the NJ Association for the Education of Young Children, and has most recently been accepted to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children.

Rob Wallman, Property Manager
Rob came to Tower Hill in 2001 to work on renovation of the sanctuary, and became the full-time property manager in 2006. In that capacity he served as project manager for the construction of the new Narthex and general manager for phases 1 and 2 of the Webster Hall improvements. Prior to becoming an employee of the First Presbyterian Church, Rob owned a store fixture design and manufacturing business. Earlier, he worked for 17 years in store planning and design for Macy's and Federated department stores.

Members of Rob's staff are Ramiro Lara, resident custodian; Edmund Deane, weekend custodian; and Stephan Heinlein, evening custodian.

Barbara Homack, Finance Manager
Barbara is responsible for the financial systems of the church, including accurate recording of all financial transactions, such as donations and payables. In addition, she processes payroll and administers the human resource area. Prior to joining the staff at Tower Hill, Barbara was employed full time for 20 years as a CPA in the positions of auditor, accounting manager and controller in for-profit companies. Barbara joined the staff in December, 2006 and feels it is a tremendous blessing to be able to use her gifts as part of the Tower Hill community.