was born and raised in Northern Utah. She received a BA in Theology and History from Whitworth University, Spokane, WA and a Masters of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA. Previously she served as a solo pastor at Altavista Presbyterian Church, Altavista, VA and as the Associate Pastor for Membership and Mission at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, Scottsdale, AZ. She loves God and the congregation, spending time in the kitchen and reading a book. Most of all she loves spending time with her husband and family, and their dog Simon.
-
Rev. Kelsy GUNTHER
Pastor
-
gloria Fenton
Custodian
Gloria is back as half of the duo that is helping Mission del Sol shine.
-
Smith Graham
Music Minister
has established a name for himself as a professional musician in the East Valley for over 15 years. Starting at church, Smith grew up in Arizona and attended St. Andrew the Apostle in Chandler and later St. Thomas the Apostle in Phoenix where he learned about singing in the choir and grew to love Sacred Music. He attended Northern Arizona University to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 2013 and was Music Director at NAU’s Newman Center. Smith has sung with many choirs around Arizona including the Phoenix Chorale, Sedona Academy of Chamber Singers, Sonoran Desert Chorale, and North Valley Chorale. In the summer, he has the privilege of being the Assistant Music Director at the Arizona Magic of Music & Dance in Fountain Hills. Smith has been the Music Director at Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church since 2015 where he leads the adult and bell choirs. Smith also has a private music studio and founded the Community Choir of Arizona in 2018 which he directs. Smith enjoys long walks with his adopted dog-daughter, Stella, playing board games, and baking delicious treats.
-
Colette Hughes
office manager
moved here from Nebraska a year ago and is happy to get out of the humidity and snow. She has over 30 years experience as an Executive Assistant and was not ready to fully retire. She was also raised in the Presbyterian Church, so knows a little about what we do. In her spare time she reads and plays with her two dogs Simon and Leila.
-
brenna youngbauer
NURSERY ATTENDANT
is a second-year college student studying sports psychology. She is originally from Minnesota and is excited to serve in the nursery and get to know the little ones of Mission del Sol.
-
Jessica wernau
family ministries coordinator
is excited for the opportunity to walk alongside your families in faith, nurture spiritual growth, and help create a welcoming space for all generations to encounter the love of Christ.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University, and has been blessed to serve in various ministry and early childhood education roles throughout the Phoenix area. Her previous roles include Director of Youth and Family Ministry at both Ascension Lutheran Church and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley, as well as Assistant Director at Prince of Peace Preschool in Phoenix. Each of these experiences has deepened her love for faith formation and strengthened her passion for serving children, families, and the church community. At the heart of her calling is a commitment to care for the least, the lost, and the little. She believes in the transformative power of God’s love and the importance of fostering a church environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and nurtured in their faith journey. On a personal note, Jessica is married and the proud mother of two beautiful boys who keep life joyful and busy. Her family cherishes time together, love being active in their church, and seek to live out their faith with grace and gratitude.
-
Simon Brown
Parish Pup
came to us with his family, Pastor Kelsy and Kyle Gunther. He faithfully serves through caring ministries, including cuddles, a listening ear, support at the Annual Blessing of the Animals Service, regular visitation and office hours. He loves going for walks, bringing a smile to your face, and visiting with new and long-time friends (both furry and human varieties).
