Tara came to Mountain Park in June of 2007 and serves as the pastor in charge of the Contemporary Worship Service. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in Religion and received her Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, Emory University. She will begin her work on her Doctorate of Ministry focusing on Gospel and Culture in the summer of 2009. Tara is married to Jim and they have two children: Hannah and Carter.

Deanne was born in Brampton, Ontario Canada.  Her family moved to the Lilburn area the summer before her sophomore year at Parkview High School.  She was lovingly accepted by the youth of Mountain Park and "hasn't left."  Prior to Deanne joining the staff as Administrative Assistant in 1991, she was a commercial artist, graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta.  Deanne is married to Mark, who teaches at Trickum Middle School and they have two children.  Their son, Brendan, is in his second year of college and their daughter, Connor, is a freshman at Parkview.  Deanne became a citizen of the United States in May of 2000 and may have been part of the cause of the "hanging chads" issues of that year's election.  Deanne began the ordination process, became a certified candidate in September of 2003 and was appointed to Mountain Park UMC as a Part-Time Local Pastor in July of 2004.  Her main area of ministry concentration is congregational care and prayer and you will see her in the chancel during the Traditional Services

If you have ever visited the Traditional Worship Service, you have probably met Charles. He's the one who noticed you as a visitor the moment you drove into the parking lot and made his way over to you before you could sit down. Charles is a retired Methodist pastor who once served Mountain Park UMC many, many years ago.

Adam Hilderbrandt has been the Director of Youth Ministries since 2004.  He is studying for his Masters in Divinity and is a candidate for ordained ministry.  He is married to Michelle and they have two children, Caleb and his new little sister, Selah. When he is not out bargain shopping, you can find Adam helping out friends with their taxes.

Ryan is known as "The Experience" and if you have ever met him, you'd know why! He leads the music on Sunday mornings during the Contemporary Worship Service and on Sunday nights for the Youth. He is also the Middle School Youth guy. For fun he likes to stay up all night and play Xbox and sleep through the day.

Ed's educational accomplishments include a BS in Music Education and Master of Music from Tennessee, a Master of Church Music from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently completing work on his PhD in Music Education from Florida State University.  Ed's gift is teaching and developing voices, leaving a legacy of technically proficient choirs and growing programs throughout his career. Ed's love for the Southland has brought him to Mountain Park from his home in Stanford, Connecticut.

Joyce Ketchie-Carr is our Associate Director of Music as well as our Organist.  She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Queens College and has done graduate study toward a Master of Organ Performance degree at Winthrop University under David Lowry.  Joyce is also the Music Director of Harmony, Atlanta's International Youth Chorus.  Joyce has three sons and a grandson.

Kathy Slaton is our Preschool Director.  Kathy has been directing the preschool for the past 21 years.  She is married to Phil and they have three grown children.  Phil and Kathy have been members of the church for 25 years.  In her spare time Kathy likes to walk her dog, play tennis and read.

Lynn oversees our local and international missions as well as Christian Education. Lynn is married to Steve Kimbro and they have three children and one granddaughter.

Lisa is from Orlando, Florida and moved to Atlanta last summer to attend seminary at Candler School of Theology at Emory University.  She is pursuing ordination as a deacon and is primarily interested in religious education.  She has Bachelors degrees in English and Political Science from the University of Florida, as well as a Master of Public Administration from the University of Central Florida.  Lisa is married to Travis and they have a dog, a cat and 2 rabbits at home.

Bonnie is responsible for Finance. If you have questions about giving, your giving statement or any financial transactions with the church, please contact Bonnie.  Bonnie has 3 children and 4 handsome grandsons.  In her spare time Bonnie likes to run marathons and participate in community plays!

Ana Orsini is responsible for the church office and website management.  Ana has been at Mountain Park UMC for 2 years.  One of the things she likes most about Mountain Park UMC is working with the staff and church volunteers.  Her husband, Rev. Diego Orsini, serves as Associate Pastor at McKendree UMC in Lawrenceville.  Diego and Ana have four children: Diego Jr., Melanie, Giancarlo and Cristina

Shaysha works part-time in the church office.  She is married to Bill.  Their children and grandchildren call them Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they are known for their extravagant gingerbread house parties.

Hank is one-half of our wonderful maintenance crew.  He is married to Debbie and they have three children and one gran-daughter.  He and his wife volunteer at SPAY Atlanta and Southeastern Greyhound Adoption.  In his spare time, Hank enjoys gardening.

Steven makes up the other half of our wonderful maintenance crew.  Steven likes to attend country music concerts and UGA football games. He also volunteers with the church's youth group.