Pastor & Staff | kirkwoodpc

The Rev. Catherine Cavazos Renken, Pastor

Our pastor, Catherine, joined us on September 5, 2011. She received an M.Div from Columbia Theological Seminary and B.A. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Arlington. She has served churches in Brentwood, TN, North Palm Beach, FL, and Fort Worth. She has written for various homiletics publications and devotional materials. She is active in the community through organizations such as Presbyterians for a Better Georgia, MUST Ministries, and SafePath, and is passionate about supporting organizations that fight human trafficking. Catherine is happily married to Brad, who is the owner of Hearthstone Luxury Pools + Outdoors, and she is the proud mother of two children. Catherine grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and she enjoys exercising, creating art, and spending time at the lake or ocean.

Catherine invites you to join her at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays for Coffee with a Pastor for a time of fellowship.

Dr. Ryan Fellman, Music Director

Ryan R. Fellman is an American conductor, based out of the greater Atlanta area, who serves as Interim Director of Choral Activities at Kennesaw State University. There he conducts the KSU Chamber Singers, University Chorale, Men's Ensemble, Community and Alumni Chorus and teaches courses in conducting. A graduate from Michigan State University, Fellman studied under David Rayl, Sandra Snow, Jonathan Reed, and Derrick Fox. There he served as assistant conductor to several prominent university ensembles. Prior to his time at MSU, Fellman earned a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from Ithaca College, studying under Janet Galván. From 2013-2019, he served as Choir Director at Oñate High School in Las Cruces, New Mexico, significantly expanding the program's enrollment. Fellman holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota where he sang in The Concordia Choir under the direction of René Clausen. Outside of his career, Fellman enjoys traveling and spending time with his beautiful Heeler-Lab companion, Shadow.

Halden Toy, Interim Accompanist

Halden is serving at our Interim Accompanist and is proficient on the organ and piano.

Ashley Knight, Administration Assistant

Ashley Knight is a friend of the church who loves its commitment to faith, connection, and inclusivity. She grew up in the East Cobb and Cartersville areas and now feels lucky to live in the beautiful mountains of Chatsworth, Georgia, with her two kids and her parents—one of whom is a retired PCUSA pastor. As a single mom to Isla and River, Ashley spends her time gardening, sketching, and sky and stargazing with her goldendoodle, Bentley. She’s thankful to be part of a welcoming faith community and to support the church’s ministry in ways that share Christ’s love and kindness.

Jill Maurice, Youth Director

Jill Maurice is originally from San Diego, California. She received her degree in education from California State University, Northridge. Jill was raised in a Presbyterian Church, where she later served on staff for ten years as both a youth director and children's ministry director. Her passion is working with children and youth as they build a solid foundation in Christ. Jill married her husband, Aaron, in 2012. She gained a bonus daughter, Autumn, who now serves in the Air Force and has a family of her own. Together, they have two children, Eden and Owen. Their family moved to Georgia for Aaron's work in the summer of 2020. They have enjoyed getting to know the area and feel very much at home. Jill is excited to create a safe and welcoming space for the youth at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church.

Dana Augur, Children's Church and Education Leader

Dana Augur is originally from Hingham, Mass. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. She worked as a preschool teacher at a local United Methodist Church for 10 years and was the Assistant Director for five years. Currently she is a financial aid counselor at Kennesaw State University.
She has two sons and one daughter. Dana has a passion for teaching children about Jesus.

Marina Nava, Nursery Worker

Marina grew up in the Kennesaw/Acworth area and is currently a college student, seeking a Nursing degree. She has worked in childcare for almost 3 years now and says she is “excited to bring a warm and comforting safe space for your kids!”

Charles Jarman, Treasurer