Staff

Sue Coller- Interim Sr. Pastor/Head of Staff

Sue Coller has been a pastor for over 20 years, serving churches in Illinois for 14 years before moving to Minnesota to serve as Executive Presbyter of Minnesota Valleys Presbytery.  She grew up in California and Utah before heading to Boston, where she graduated from Boston University where she studied religion and archaeology.  She received her Masters of Divinity degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary, and her Doctor of Ministry degree in parish revitalization with a focus on leadership from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.  Sue is also a church growth consultant, a spiritual director, and a ministry coach.  Her hobbies include kayaking, camping, biking and hiking, as well as photography and reading a good book.  She is owned by a very energetic German Shorthaired Pointer mix named Jas.

Peter Frazier-Koontz - Interim Associate Pastor

Pastor Frazier-Koontz graduated from Hastings College and earned his M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. In addition, he completed two years of Clinical Pastoral Education at Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha, and received an MA in Counseling Psychology and the Ph.D. in Adult Education from UNL. He is a licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and a Certified Professional Counselor. Dr. Frazier-Koontz has served congregations in Iowa and Nebraska as pastor, associate pastor, interim, and temporary supply. In addition, he has preached in over 115 churches in 12 denominations as a pulpit supply. Most of Peter's work has been in the field of mental health and he was on the outpatient clinical staff at Community Mental Health Center of Lancaster County for twenty-two years. After retiring in 2002, he was elected Presbytery Executive for Homestead Presbytery. After retiring from the presbytery office in 2005, he was a grant director for the Nebraska Conference of the United Church of Christ and a psychology teacher at Southeast Community College. His hobbies included ham radio, photography, baking bread, astronomy, and woodworking.

 Director of Business and Support Staff

Susan Taylor - Director of Christian Education

Susan has been on staff as Director of Christian Education for 10 years. The Taylor family moved to Lincoln in July of 1987 and joined Eastridge Presbyterian Church in January of 1988. She is the director of VBS and Sunday School at Eastridge.  Susan is an ordained Elder and an active Stephen Minister. Her family consists of Steve who is a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology.  Her daughter Amanda, 31, is married to Aaron Kalina and lives in Denver, CO.  Amanda works for the Colorado Girl Scout Council.  Her son Andy, 28, is a city, regional planner in Columbus, Ohio where he currently resides.  Her interests include her family, traveling, flowers, friends, bowling, reading, and crafts.

Molly Schmit - Director of Music

Molly Schmit is the Director of Music at Eastridge Presbyterian Church. She has been a part of the music ministry at Eastridge since 2002. Molly has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She also has an Early Childhood Education certification from Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN.  In addition to directing six choirs/ensembles and leading the Contemporary Worship Team, she teaches Molly's Musik, an Early Childhood Music and Movement Program, at Eastridge. Molly and her husband, Travis enjoy experiencing life together with their son, Chandler - 7 and daughters, Eden - 5 and Ava - 3 years old. They love time outdoors taking walks, biking, and playing as well as singing, dancing and sharing family time by the fireplace!

Tena Whiston - Assistant Music Director

Tena has had the pleasure of directing the Antiphonal Choir for the last seven years.  During rehearsals they sing, play instruments, share devotions, and learn to care about fellow choir members. Although music is a huge part of Tena's life between school and Church, she also enjoys all kinds of needlework, cooking up delicious treats, and spending lots of time with her family.

Pam Penner - Organist

Playing the organ is Pam's all-time favorite thing to do! She finds it relaxing, is uplifting, and at times can make her forget every other problem I have as she struggles to learn and master a new piece! It involves her mind, entire body, and her spirit. She hopes you find her music a blessing, and an extension of her soul.  Pam received a Bachelor of Music, with an emphasis in organ performance in 2001 from the University of Nebraska. Since moving to Lincoln in 1985, she has studied organ either privately or through a degree program, and she continues to study. She thinks it keeps her playing and ministry fresh and alive. It is her passion! Pam also enjoys her family. She and husband Paul like to take "mini" vacations around the state to discover more of the "Good Life". They also enjoy visits from our three sons and their families. They have four granddaughters who keep them very busy when they are around. They live on an acreage west of Lincoln, and very much enjoy the country life.

Michelle Bassford - Administrative Assistant

Michelle is the Administrative Assistant. Michelle has been a member of Eastridge Presbyterian Church for five years. She and her husband Jeff, have two children named Brandon and Madelyn. Michelle graduated from Minden High School and went to Kearney State College. The Bassford's lived in Tucson, Arizona for 10 years before moving back to Nebraska in 2001.  Michelle has been actively volunteering in VBS and Chancel Choir. 

Susan Pinkerman- Information Technology and Resource Secretary

Susan is the Information Technology and Resources Secretary.  She has been a member of Eastridge since 1999.  Susan has a degree in Travel and Tourism from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.  Most of her post college experience is in the copy industry.  Susan was employed by Kinko's for 8 years where she worked her way up to store manager.  Susan spent 5 years as a stay-at-home mom for her and David's, her husband, two children before working for Eastridge.  Susan and David love to travel and have been fortunate enough to travel all over the United States and abroad.  Their favorite pastime is watching movies in their "homemade" outdoor theatre with family and friends.