Our PastorS

Rev. Herzen Andone

Senior Pastor

In a world where Christianity has become one religious or spiritual “option” among many, the most effective way we express our faith is through the way we love – the way we love one another and the way we love the strangers among us.

“Indeed, God did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:17 

Dr. Michael Cromwell

Associate Pastor and Minister of Worship

One of the greatest privileges of the Christian life is that we get to be God’s body on this earth and point others to Christ. That means we have the opportunity to be agents of grace, mercy, hope, and love to a world who is in need of a Savior. What a joy and honor it is to be on this journey together.

“He (Jesus) must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

Executive Ministers

Travis Jones

Minister of Spiritual Growth and Development

I have the honor and privilege to serve as the Minister of Spiritual Growth and Development at Hillside. My direct areas of oversight include the discipleship ministry at Hillside. I am a systems driven individual that enjoys seeing people connect with the purpose that God has given them as well as seeing people walk in their true identity as followers of Christ.

'I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.' Isaiah 45:2

Andy Triplitt

Minister of Operations

As the Director of Operations I serve as the primary steward for church resources, finances and facilities in conjunction with church leadership.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Ministers & Directors

Steve Brooks

Youth Minister

As Youth Minister I help students KNOW the Gospel of Jesus Christ, disciple students to GROW in their Christian faith, and encourage students to SHOW the love of Christ by their actions.

'Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

Lauren Cox

Director of Communications

As the Director of Communications, I get the opportunity to coordinate but also help support and develop the various ministries of Hillside on all promotional and communications activities. I love to design cutting edge art and promotional materials, while developing communication strategies that will help us as a church reach more people for Christ in our community.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Mary Elizabeth Gerick

Minister of Modern Worship

I have the privilege of serving as the Minister of Modern Worship here at Hillside. I am dedicated to fostering an environment where we can gather together to connect with the Lord through song,  deepening our faith, and build community.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Jenny Hurt

Children's Minister

As the Children’s Minister, I am working to make Sundays the best day of the week for our families at Hillside by creating a fun and dynamic LifeGroup and Large Group experience for their children. It is my goal to incite wonder in the hearts of our children for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalms 18:2

Tina Kirkland

Director of Congregational Care 

As the Congregational Care Director I have the privilege of leading trained lay persons who provide one on one Christian care to hurting people both in our church and community. Congregational Care Ministers have gifts and graces in compassion, encouragement and support. Congregational Care Ministers are available to visit or contact persons in hospitals, nursing homes, or private homes alongside the pastoral staff providing companionship, prayer, anointing and holy communion. We also have trained Stephen Ministers for one on one confidential care with long term support and care.

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense.
Isaiah 12:2 NIV

Kerri Muffett

Director of Guest Services & Membership

As Director of Guest Services & Membership, I take care of the guest services experience as well as the volunteer base at Hillside. I also oversee and maintain the membership process for the church.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4–8

Sarah Schuenemeyer

Director of Missions & Outreach

As the Director of Missions & Outreach, I am working to direct and oversee the Missions and Outreach ministries to encourage Hillside to be the body of Christ by loving and serving our neighbors and to make disciples through local, national, and international opportunities. It is my hope for everyone to experience the transformative power of service, using any and all gifts and talents to be the body of Christ wherever your mission field may be.

'Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.' -Proverbs 3:5-6

Jimmy Smith

Facility Manager

The purpose of our facilities team is to present a well-maintained and inviting space that enhances worship experience and creates a welcoming environment for all
 As the Facilities Manager, I oversee the maintenance and repair of the complex.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

David Watanabe

Director of Production & Information Technology

As the Director of Production and IT, I oversee the technical side of our Sunday services and events as well as provide computer support to our teachers and staff. I am working to improve our live and online presence as we continue to evolve as a church and spread the word of God in new and exciting ways.

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:3-7

Program & Support Staff

Adriana Alvarez

Program Curriculum Specialist

As a curriculum specialist, I strive to implement the most effective methods to help children in our programs reach their full potential, always aligning with God's purposes for each of them.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you" Psalm 32:8

Anne Beyer

Assistant Youth Minister

As Assistant Youth Minister, I am blessed to assist our Youth Minister in program development, as well as help disciple the junior and senior high youth in their walk with the LORD.

I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3

Erica Cawood

Kids Connection Director

As the Kids Connection Director, I get to oversee our Weekday Children Programs and Children's ministry special events.  I am able to combine my love for children and passion for Christ while creating a safe, nurturing, and fun Christian environment for children and their families.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."  3 John 1:4

Melissa Cox

Children's Support Staff

I have the sincere privilege of working on the Children's ministry team here at Hillside. I handle the daily task of the clerical and administrative functions for Children Ministries.

'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and Courageous. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you whenever you go.' Joshua 1:9

Danielle Hopkins

Breakfast Club Lead

As the Lead for Breakfast Club, I create and implement Hillside's before-school programing for our preschool and Kindergarten-aged children.

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." 1 Chronicles 16:11

Anita Norman

Organist & Music Associate

Music and ministry have been my passions throughout my entire life. It is a great privilege and blessing to share my gifts with the Hillside family as I direct our two handbell choirs, reignite and lead our children’s choirs, support and accompany the adult choral ensembles, and serve as organist for Traditional Worship.

“Make a JOYFUL noise unto the Lord, all ye lands; serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing!” Psalm 100:1-2

Victoria Organt

Children's Nursery & Preschool Director

As the Nursery and Preschool Director, I get to share my love for Jesus with all our kids 5 and younger each Sunday morning.  

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

Belinda Russell

Administrative Assistant

As Administrative Assistant, I support the other ministries in whatever they need, oversee the church calendar, take care of the office and supervise our wonderful office volunteers.

'Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.' Isaiah 40-31

Daniel Terry

Children's Elementary Director

As the Hillside Kids Elementary Director, I get to share my love for Jesus with all our kids 1st - 5th grade  each Sunday morning.  

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1: 2-3

Angela Tepe

Financial Administrator

As the Financial Administrator it is my job to accurately account for all incoming and outgoing funds that help Hillside operate effectively and efficiently.

'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.' Romans 15:13