Our Staff

The Lutheran Church of the Abiding Presence Church Staff
	PastorJim Dugan, interim pastor, has 32 years of pastoral experience and has previously served churches in Upstate New York, Savannah Georgia and Waterford Michigan. He'll be serving here throughout the interim process until another pastor is issued a call to Abiding Presence.
	Robin Helmore , Director of Operations Robin has been Director of Operations at APLC over five years. She, her husband, Alan, and 2 sons, Scott and James, became members of the Congregation of APLC shortly after moving to the area over 25 years ago. As Director of Operations she provides clerical and administrative support to the Pastor, Congregation Board, Preschool staff and the many organizations within the Congregation. Her responsibilities involve all areas of church administration, finances, logistical support for Congregation and group activities as well as facility usage and maintenance matters.
	Kim Shepherd, Preschool office assistant Hello, my name is Kim and I work in the preschool office. After graduating from college I worked in banking for 10 years as a Branch Manager and Lending Officer. My husband and I were transferred to Michigan 7 years ago. All 3 of our children attended Abiding Presence Preschool and I love it so much I never left!
	Karen Michalik, Preschool Co-director Hello, I'm Karen and I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelors in education and taught kindergarten in Brook Park, Ohio until the arrival of my first child. My husband, Craig, and I have four children currently in their teens and early twenties. We have lived in Rochester for twenty years! I have been the 3-year-old teacher at Abiding Presence for 12 years and have been co-director for two years. Over the past 12 years parents have shared over 500 little ones with me. I love my job!
	Michelle Staarmann, Preschool Co-director Hello! I 'm Michelle and I graduated Miami University with a degree in education. I taught elementary school in the Cincinnati area before moving to Rochester eight years ago. My son attended Abiding Presence for his preschool years. I loved the program and the people so much I applied for a position and I have now been with Abiding Presence preschool for four wonderful years.
	Michelle Grzywacz Pre-K Teacher Miss Michelle graduated from the University of Detroit with a degree in education and Oakland University with a master’s degree in early childhood education. She has taught preschool and elementary school. She has an exciting year planned for her preschoolers.
	Wendy Rittner our Begindergarten teacher. Wendy graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She received her master’s degree from MaryGrove College. She has been with the preschool for a year as Miss Michelle’s assistant. She has a fun productive year planned for the young five children. She is using an exciting program called Zoophonics to teach letters and sounds. One of her children graduated from the preschool and the other child is currently attending the preschool. She is a wonderful addition to our staff.
	Caitlin Czarnecki, Adult Choir director Caitlin graduated from Rochester Adams High School in 2002, where she was active in both the choir and theatre programs. She recently earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. While at Otterbein, she indulged her musical passions by singing in numerous choirs and working as the Music Assistant at North Broadway United Methodist Church. She joined the Abiding Presence family during the summer of 2006, and is thrilled to be working with such amazing people!
	Carolyn Smith, Organist and hand-bell choir director
	Beth McBride, Bulletin and Announcement Preparation
	Denny O'Neill, Newsletter Editor