Meet our staff and officers

Rev patrick heery

Patrick began his ministry as called pastor at Westminster in May of 2016. Patrick is a native of Cincinnati, OH, and a graduate of Ohio University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Ordained in 2011, Patrick began work with the Presbyterian Mission Agency as associate for social witness and managing editor of Unbound, an online interactive journal of Christian social justice. In 2013, he became the editor of Presbyterians Today, the national magazine of the PC(U.S.A). Patrick and his wife Jenna, also a pastor, are excited to be in Auburn, engaged in congregational ministry. They welcomed their son, Emerson, in the summer of 2018.
Contact Patrick at pastor@westminsterauburn.org.

melanie toole

Melanie began working as Westminster's Administrative Assistant in December 2014, after many years experience in administrative work, most recently with the Institute for the Application of Geospacial Technology at CCC. She lives in Auburn with her husband and young son. 
Contact Melanie at office@westminsterauburn.org.

Lori rhodes pettit

Westminster is blessed to have an organist the caliber of Lori Rhodes Pettit, who can master the church's challenging Skinner organ, and direct the choir at the same time. Lori also directs the church's handbell choirs, and is a private teacher of piano and voice. She welcomes new members to the Westminster Choir, which rehearses 7:30-9pm Wednesdays (except in summer). 
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Chris Patch, Youth and Children Ministries
Chris coordinates the REACH (Relate, Explore, Act, Care, Help) ministries for children and youth. Chris has a masters in theology from Northeastern Seminary, and lots of experience in leading formal and informal small groups and workshops for adults and children. In prior years, he worked in education, project management, restaurants, and as a chef. 
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Noel Lardeo, Children's Worship Center Leader
​Noel has a Bachelor's Degree from Buffalo State College in Elementary  Education, and experience teaching preschool and elementary education in Las Vegas, Nevada. She's worked  at the after school program at Genesee Elementary School, as a Park  Director for the city playgrounds, with the YMCA summer program, and with Freedom Camp, a summer camp for children with disabilities.
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​Ethan Reilley, Nursery Care
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​​Shawn Reeves,
Property Caretaker
Kathleen Hansen, Housekeeper
Jill Fandrich, Communications
Jill is a elder who produces the monthly newsletter, and manages the webpage, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts for the church. She's a graduate of Colgate University and SU's Newhouse School of Public Communications. Jill has been a Westminster member since 1980. She is also on the board of Westminster Manor. 

church officers

The Session 
The Session is made up of Ruling Elders elected and ordained to a ministry of
spiritual leadership, governance, and discipline. 
Rev. Patrick Heery, Moderator    Monta Faye Tuxill, Clerk of Session    Rob Schemerhorn, Asst Clerk of Session
Class of 2020: Paul Dungey, George Hiza, Monika Salvage, Monta Faye Tuxill
Class of 2021: Susan Marteney, Robyn Warn, Rob Schemerhorn, Ann Wiley
Class of 2022: Thomas Fessenden, Donna Hunt, Roger Dilmore, Christina Thornton

The Deacons
Deacons are elected and ordained to a ministry of compassion, hospitality, and service
to those in need, both within and outside the church. 
Judy Santillo, President                Lisa Rosecrans, Secretary
Class of 2020: Penny Adams, Lisa Rosecrans, Patricia Kennedy, Don Weber
Class of 2021: Michael Hahn, Beth Loomis, Sara Davenport, Tom Fetterman
Class of 2022: Ernie DeCaro, Judi Dorsey, Anne Malvaso, Judy Santillo