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Staff/Leadership
Pastoral Staff
BioRaised just a few miles from Highrock, Dave is a local. Though he lived nine years in Virginia and two overseas, when he returned to Boston for graduate school he was home to stay. Dave and his wife Michelle started dating in high school, and they now have eleven children adopted from all over the world. Dave served several wonderful churches before coming to Highrock in 2000, but hopes to stay here forever. To reach Pastor Dave’s assistant email lorim@highrock.org |
BioChris lives in Arlington with his wife Sara and their three daughters: Morgan, Trinity, and Ryder. The Gredeniuses are a family who love to surf, bike, and ski together. Chris’ ideal morning is changing from pajamas into a wetsuit for a sunrise surf session, and then cleaning up to head off to work. Born and raised in the Midwest, Chris went to North Park University and Seminary in Chicago. He served in camping ministry and three other churches before joining the Highrock team. |
BioKim was born and raised in small towns in Northern California, but has since lived in Southern California, Switzerland, the San Francisco Bay Area, and North Carolina. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have four deeply loved children. She has been an elementary school teacher, a preschool teacher, and the Director for Connections at her former church in North Carolina. She obtained a Masters degree in Spiritual Formation from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and is passionate about connecting people to God and to one another. |
BioMade in Korea but born in the USA, John grew up in north-central New Jersey. Ever the skeptic, he didn’t become a believer until his first semester at Carnegie-Mellon in Pittsburgh, where he connected with Intervarsity. Even after giving his life to Christ, his theological and scientific questions only deepened. This quest for answers led him to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies in philosophy and theology, respectively, at Wheaton College in Illinois. He met his wife, Aimee, at a local church where they served in the young adult ministry. Their passion to serve led them to Massachusetts in 1998 to be part of a church plant. John later joined Highrock as a pastor to young adults in 2012, and now also serves Highrock's MetroWest campus as a teaching pastor. He and his wife Aimee have three teenage children: Xander, Jasmine, and Eliza. |
BioA Baltimore native, Walt attended the University of Maryland in College Park, where he met his wife Jen. They moved to Cambridge in 2009 and became members at Highrock, where they fell in love with the community and mission. Walt joined the Highrock staff team in 2015. Prior to working at Highrock, he spent ten years on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship serving college students in Washington, DC and Boston. He and Jen enjoy CrossFit, craft beer, museums, watching soccer, travel, and spending time with their daughter Rian and dog Dublin. Walt has a Masters in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. |
BioBrian grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. He came to the Boston area in 1999 to attend Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. After working at Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA, for seven years as the Middle School Pastor, he joined the Highrock team in September 2009. Brian and his wife Heather have been serving together in ministry ever since 2002, and have a huge love for teens and families! They have three kids: Abby, Lydia, and Caleb. Aside from his family, Brian's other loves include playing ultimate frisbee, basketball, and pretty much any kind of game such as Settlers or Pictionary. He is also a huge fan of vanilla frappes and the Cheesecake Factory! |
BioOriginally from Brazil, James moved to the US when he was young and grew up in central Massachusetts. After working in youth ministry in Watertown, MA James joined Highrock in June 2021. James came to know Christ as a teenager and has a passion for discipling and teaching students about the love of Christ and integrating faith into every aspect of life. James and his wife Sarah love to travel, eat food, watch sports (particularly soccer), play games, and explore the outdoors. James is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary where he completed his Masters in Intercultural Studies. |
BioBorn and raised in upstate New York, Michael joined the Highrock team in September 2016. He currently attends Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he will receive a Master of Theology and Master of Religion degree in May 2020. Michael married his high school sweetheart, Grace, and both now serve on staff in the Highrock Network! They have two spunky daughters: Kiah Joy and Jianah Kara. Aside from spending time with his family, Michael loves sports, listening to a great podcast, spending time with friends, watching movies, and eating great food! |
Ministry Staff
BioFrom Milwaukee, WI, Drew attended Boston University for his undergraduate degree. There he rowed for the crew team, helped launch the Navigator campus ministry, and met his wife Caren. They got married and moved to Michigan, where they had four kids: Annica, Garrett, Nora, & Elias. Drew’s career started in youth ministry with F.O.C.U.S., followed by nine years at Genesis the Church as the Executive Pastor. He got an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and is passionate about discipleship, developing leaders in ministry, and excellence in church organization. Drew is excited about the strategic mission of Highrock! When he is not working, Drew enjoys Crossfit, a cold beer with friends, and adventures with his family. |
BioOriginally from Queens, NY, Koo moved to Boston in the fall of 2013 with his wife Jinny. For many years, Koo was a full time singer-songwriter who recorded several albums and toured around the US, performing with his band and other independent artists. Throughout his music career, worshiping God and leading others in worship has always been a priority and one of his biggest passions. Koo is thankful he gets to do that every week along with his amazing partners in ministry at Highrock. Outside of church, he spends most of his time with his family, discovering good eats in Boston, and looking for the best coffee he can find to get him through his first few years of parenthood. |
BioA part of Highrock since 2010 and a member of staff since 2018, Joe has worn - and continues to wear - many hats at our church. Joe’s primary spiritual interests include taking the gospel out of the church to those who live on the margins, and learning to follow Jesus through every season, challenge, and opportunity in life. Prior to joining staff, Joe worked for a non-profit transportation company that serves the needs of senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and served as a local church pastor for 24 years. Joe and his wife Lissa have seven grown children and three grandchildren. Rarely comfortable sitting still, Joe enjoys walking, biking, hiking, high school sports, and chasing his grandchildren, though he has given up on trying to beat his sons in basketball. |
BioBorn in South Korea, Justin immigrated to the States when he was nine years old. He grew up in New Jersey and came to the Boston area to attend Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He graduated in 2015 and serves as the elementary ministries director for Kidsrock. During his free time, he loves playing sports, going to the beach, and watching movies and food network shows. |
BioMichele has lived in Cambridge, MA for the last 45 years. She attended Mount Holyoke College for her BA and Simmons University for her MBA. She was raised and confirmed in the Evangelical Congregational Church. Her professional work has concentrated on healthcare. She likes horses, dogs, history and mystery books, particularly English. |
BioMichelle grew up in Greater Boston, and while she enjoyed living in Virginia during college, she loves being back home. She and Dave had their first date at the Burlington Mall when she was 15 years old, and after 25 years of marriage they still go on dates there! After earning a Bachelors in Religion and studying New Testament Greek, Michelle served in ministry with Dave before returning to get a Masters at Boston University. Above all else, Michelle has a passion for her 11 kids, her husband, and for following Jesus no matter what! |
BioJill spent time in the Midwest, New England, and the South before making the Boston area home. She currently resides in Winchester with her husband Nathan and two kids, Sydney and Jayden. After 10 years of working as a physical therapist, 8 years of being a stay-at-home mom and volunteering at Highrock and her kids’ school, she joined the Highrock staff to do what she absolutely loves: planning, coordinating, and supporting others. Her unofficial title, “Keeper of the Kidsrock Closets”, may not come with a crown and sash, but she happily bears it, knowing that a well organized ministry can be a blessing to alI. In her free time Jill enjoys baking, crafting, reading, and spending time with her family. |
BioSheila grew up on the South Shore of Boston and then moved south for college, graduate school, and beyond. She returned to the Boston area in 2009. She currently lives in Medford with her husband, Will, and their two young children, Rachel and David, and loves having her extended family in the area. After 17 years of working as an elementary classroom teacher with a focus on English as a Second Language, she joined the Highrock staff in August 2021. She is excited to use her education background in a new setting where she is able to work with her favorite people (elementary school students) and help them develop a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ. In her free time Sheila enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends, especially hiking and relaxing on the beach. |
BioKatie is a local, growing up just 10 miles from Highrock's Arlington campus. She has been attending Highrock since 2008 and joined the staff in 2015. She loves her role, supporting the church in its care for the staff that care so well for our congregation. Katie has a background in music education and classical vocal performance, and continues to sing - on stage or as part of a pandemic-inspired virtual choir - as time allows. She and her husband Tim have two sons, born in 2011 and 2014, and have a home that is always full of music. |
BioEmilyn is originally from Taipei, Taiwan. She moved to Boston 12 years ago after finishing her Bachelors Degree. She had mostly attended Chinese churches throughout her life, but after being introduced to Highrock Arlington two years ago and loving all that she's experienced here, she's made Highrock her permanent church home. Her hobbies are movies, walks, and anything to do with the ocean. |
BioLew grew up in New Jersey, then moved to New York City after college to pursue a career in business and a side gig as a guitarist-songwriter for his band. He came to the Boston area twenty years ago for a job opportunity and then decided to stay after he met the woman who would become his wife. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve the High Rock community and is thrilled to be a part of the church's mission. On his days off, he loves to spend time with his wife and two children, watching and playing sports, cooking, gardening, and visiting the Massachusetts coast. |
The Council
BioRaised just a few miles from Highrock, Dave is a local. Though he lived nine years in Virginia and two overseas, when he returned to Boston for graduate school he was home to stay. Dave and his wife Michelle started dating in high school, and they now have eleven children adopted from all over the world. Dave served several wonderful churches before coming to Highrock in 2000, but hopes to stay here forever. To reach Pastor Dave’s assistant email lorim@highrock.org |
BioCeleste grew up in Philadelphia and attended the University of Pennsylvania to study education. She fell in love with Jesus during college when she first discovered the beauty of Scripture. She taught at a small, private, urban elementary school in Philadelphia for several years. In 2008, she relocated to Massachusetts with her three sons, who are now in their early twenties. She visited Highrock several times over the years, but didn’t feel called to make it her home until she began attending Highrock Cambridge's Thursday night Bible study in the summer of 2019. Celeste has been teaching in the Cambridge Public School District for the last three years. She loves her students and the ministry that happens amidst the fractions and art supplies. Celeste believes that the walls of heaven will be lined with bookshelves, and can often be found in a coffee shop with a stack of books, her Bible, her journal, and any drink that isn’t coffee. |
BioDavid and his family have been blessed to be part of the Highrock community for the past 12 years. Born in Korea and raised in Brazil, his family eventually settled into immigrant life in Los Angeles, CA before moving to the suburbs of Arizona where he met his wife in middle school. His family of origin and immigration journey deeply informs his passion for cooking and feeding people. Professionally, David loves making an impact in the lives of his clients, colleagues, and community as a Financial Advisor and strategic leader in his organization. |
BioEzer hails from the suburbs in Maryland and has attended Highrock since 2011. Holding a degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park, Ezer is currently a Private Mortgage Banker at Wells Fargo Private Bank. Passionate about furthering His Kingdom, Ezer is slowly pursuing his Master of Divinity at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Ezer served on Highrock staff as the director for Young Adults (2014-2016) and has led various Small Groups. In his free time, he enjoys hosting people in his home, "The Essex House", a Highrock Cambridge community in Central Square. |
BioJennifer has been attending Highrock Arlington for 15 years. She grew up in California and studied Computer Science at Cornell University, where she met her husband. They both moved to Boston after graduating and now live in Arlington with their daughter. Jennifer works as a Technical Product Manager at VistaPrint. She is a kid at heart and loves serving kids and youth. She has served in SoulFood, Small Groups, Kidsrock, and now serves in Middle School youth group. |
BioJoe has been attending Highrock since 2000. He grew up in Queens, New York, but has lived in the Boston area for over 35 years. Joe earned degrees from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the Harvard School of Public Health, and currently has a dental practice in Wellesley. Early in his career, Joe served bi-vocationally as a pastor and a dentist. At Highrock, he had served as a Sunday School teacher, small group leader, Capital Campaign Chair, and Councilor. Joe is passionate about church and culture, healthy church growth and church planting, and helping people find their ministry passion. He regularly goes to the Mexican border to serve the dental needs of the migrants. Joe lives in Wellesley with his wife Julie and three children: Joshua, Jacqueline, and Jeremy, and attends Highrock Metrowest. When not working, he cheers for the Red Sox and Patriots, and struggles to improve his golf game. |
BioLarry has been attending Highrock Arlington with his wife Sharry for nine years. He has a passion to serve the underserved and the unreached and has served in a number of ministries including Missions, Tokyo Life Church Support, Summer Blast, Japanese Ministry, For Men Only (FMO), and Highrock Means Business. Larry is President and CEO of Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, a non-profit organization that provides inclusive resources to underserved small businesses throughout the Commonwealth. Larry and Sharry enjoy serving together at church and the Andrews children have been actively involved at Highrock Arlington and Acton. |
BioBorn and raised in Colorado and married in Canada, Mike has lived in MetroWest for nearly 20 years. He taught European history at Wellesley College and Tufts University before moving in 2012 to Boston Trinity Academy. He enjoys skiing, playing music and travel. Together with his wife Katie, Mike has lived in Austria, France, Germany, Canada, and the United States. Their three out-of-the-nest children (Brendan, Mary Kate, and Sophie) are now happily sowing their wild oats worldwide. |
BioSandi grew up outside Detroit and attended Wheaton College in Illinois. After college, she returned to the Detroit area where she worked as a television producer and met her husband Mark. Sandi became a stay-at-home mom as their young family made several moves around the Midwest. In 2008, Mark’s job brought the Normans to Boston. They discovered Highrock Arlington on their second Sunday in Massachusetts and made the drive from Needham to Arlington for 9 years. In 2017, Sandi and her family became part of Highrock MetroWest. Sandi served on the transition team for Highrock MetroWest and has been a leader in MomsRock at Highrock Arlington and MetroWest. Sandi’s favorite place is on a boat, preferably with Mark and their four children. |
Revelation 7 Faculty
BioMichelle is familiar to many of us at Highrock as the former pastor of Christian Formation and Mission at Highrock Arlington. Michelle currently serves in our denomination, the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), as the Executive Minister of Make and Deepen Disciples. The ECC is well-known as one of the most ethnically diverse denominations in North America, and Michelle is honored to serve as the senior Black woman. The ECC’s impactful racial discipleship programs (including Justice Journey for Kids, Sankofa, Journey to Mosaic, and Invitation to Racial Righteousness) have been well-regarded for years. Michelle has also served in leadership for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization and worked as an investment banker for Goldman, Sachs & Co. She speaks regularly on discipleship, evangelism, race, and multiethnicity; is a columnist for Outreach Magazine; and is currently completing her first book on antiracist discipleship. |
BioOriginally from Dallas, Dani moved to Atlanta for college and ended up staying for 17 years, serving in ministry as a Youth Pastor, Worship Leader, and church marketing. Now the Pastor of Outreach and Missions at Marin Covenant Church in San Rafael, CA, Dani and her husband William have been married for 10 years and have a beautiful five year old daughter, Harper. Dani has a heart for justice and feels that God has equipped her to relate to all people so that they might experience God’s love. |
BioOriginally from Cleveland, Ohio and still an avid Cleveland sports fan, Jua moved to Boston in 2006 to plant a multi-ethnic church in Roxbury. He is currently the Co-founder and Managing Partner of the Boston Collaborative, an organization focused on helping workplace Christians better connect to each other and to unacceptable realities within Boston. He also serves as a church planting catalyst with SEND Boston and on the directional team of Greater Things for Greater Boston. He and his wife Regina have been married for 18 years and have four children. Jua speaks frequently in settings including churches, podcasts, college campuses, professional sports teams, and on various media outlets about urban ministry, missions, leadership, reconciliation, and justice. He has a passion to see the bride of Christ become more known for what it is for rather than against. |
BioKristian serves as the Lead Pastor of Hope Astoria Church in Queens, NY, and has been a guest preacher at Highrock. With a heart for preaching from a deep place of encounter with Christ and a faithful study of Scripture, Kristian is the founder of the Kerygma Group (a coaching resource for preachers) and the author of Beholding and Proclaiming, a well-respected text for training the next generation of preachers. Kristian and his family live in Rockaway, NY, and enjoy the beach whenever they can. |
BioPrashan hails from Colombo, Sir Lanka. Having grown up in the midst of a three decade long civil war, the Lord led him to lead a youth movement for reconciliation in the country. Today, Global Unites is the largest peace movement in Sri Lanka and has expanded to include 13 nations. Prashan has been part of the Highrock community since his college years in Boston, and has been a guest preacher at many of our locations. |
BioA former pastor of Bethany Well Church (and a former Highrock intern in 2003-2005!), Richard has been speaking at churches across the nation on justice and the Church for the last 20 years. He is the host of The Pursuit with Richard Lee, a podcast of unfiltered conversations with faith leaders about their journey to pursue God, and has contributed on churchleaders.com and medium.com. Be sure to check out his 2017 TED talk "Slavery Still Exists. Here’s How to End It". Richard resides in New Jersey with his wife Theresa and their two children. |
