Our Ministry Staff
Rev. Kati Collins,
Pastor
Hello Columbia! My family and I are so excited to join your community! The willingness of this congregation to be flexible and resilient in light of a changing world has inspired me. I was drawn to your joy in hospitality, and your PNC showed us your genuine love during my interviews online and in-person. Sammi especially loves her prayer bear(from the deacons ministry) and takes it everywhere. Robbie is looking forward to college sports and was blown away to visit Faurot Field. Abigail looks forward to more gummy butterflies and cookies from The Candy Factory. I look forward to supporting your ministries of compassion and spiritual care. Also, your incorporation of traditional and contemporary worship delights us. And, to be honest, I’m dreaming about the bagels and coffee available at many local establishments, and those cookies from the Candy Store;)
Audra West,
Director of Christian Education
I love working with children and youth, so serving as the Director of Christian Education here at First Presbyterian is a wonderful blessing for me.
I grew up in Oklahoma and completed my degree in Elementary Education at Oklahoma City University. I taught for 20 years in the public schools before finding my new calling in Christian Education.
I enjoy my life here in Columbia with my husband Jason, and our son Garrick, who are also both part of the FPC Family. I enjoy spending time with my friends, working in the yard and taking walks to enjoy God's creation.
I have always placed a high importance on the value of a strong church family in the development of young people. The words found in Proverbs 22:6: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” keep me motivated to lead our FPC church family in support of today's children and youth in their faith development.
Administrative and Support Staff
Noreen McNelis,
Office Coordinator
I recently relocated to Columbia, Missouri from Long Island, New York. Two of my children moved here several years ago and I have been planning to join them for quite some time. Another very important reason that I have moved here is to join my four amazing grandchildren, who range in age from eight months to eight years.
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The two previous positions I held in New York were Coordinator positions at a school for disabled and medically fragile children. It was a wonderful and caring environment which was very important to me.
I became very interested in working for the First Presbyterian Church when I saw the involvement and care given to the community. I am very pleased to be chosen as your new Office Coordinator and look forward to working with you.
Fran Muench,
Financial Coordinator
Fran joined the FPC staff as Financial Coordinator in June 2019. Her career background includes experience in operations leadership, project management, and financial services. Fran is a graduate of William Woods University, and she earned her Chartered Financial Consultant designation from the American College of Financial Services.
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Fran grew up in the Presbyterian Church as a pastor's daughter. She, her husband, and their two adult children are all ordained Elders at Trinity Presbyterian. She enjoys working with the FPC staff, church members, and parking renters.
