Meet Our Staff
Temporary Pastor
Dan Price
Dan is a graduate of Westmont College, Fuller Seminary, and Aberdeen University in Scotland, where he earned his PhD in theology. Dan has pastored in Fresno, in Scotland and in Switzerland, but his main experience is in Eureka, California. He was head pastor at First Presbyterian Eureka for 25 years.
Temporary Pastor
Emily Stockert
Emily delights in the fact that her main focus is to point people to Jesus and remind them that they are unconditionally loved by God. As pastor, Emily's roles include preaching, teaching, pastoral care, community service and social justice work. Emily has an active hand in our ministry to children and teens, as well. Emily holds an Master of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary. She is currently working on her Doctorate of Ministry at the University of Redlands Graduate School of Theology. Emily habla español conversacional (Emily speaks conversational Spanish). Eschuche a Emily predicar en español aquí.(Listen to Emily preach in Spanish here.)
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Emily is mother to two teens and married to her college sweetheart Todd. In her free time, you'll find Emily watching movies, baking, volunteering with children's theater, and getting some exercise. Emily loves to travel and spent 5 weeks in South America (Ecuador & Colombia) in the summer of 2023.
Minister of Congregational Life & Care
Colleen Soldate
From early childhood, Colleen discovered that “Jesus loves me.” That Love ignited a passion to serve others and that same love continued into adulthood. As Minister of Congregational Life & Care, Colleen's prime focus is to mobilize teams, direct, lead, provide vision, organize and oversee the pastoral care of members and friends of our church. Colleen grew up in Santa Rosa and married the boy next door who remains her very best friend today; they were blessed with two precious children, Jheri and Paul. Colleen's favorite hobby is building lasting relationships and she is delighted to get to know people’s stories and help them feel welcome and part of our church family.
Church Administrator
Monique Isom
Monique keeps the administrative side of the church running smoothly. Besides her administrative skills, Monique is a talented visual artist.
Director of Adult Discipleship
Allie Shoulders
Allie came to First Pres as a young mother in 1985, seeking connection as a new transplant to the area. Through many connections at the Presbyterian Preschool and church, Allie experienced authentic Christian community and came to see herself as a beloved child of God. Allie knows the power of Christian community and hopes this is reflected in Adult Discipleship and through our work in supporting Small Group Leaders, connecting new members to groups, and in other avenues designed to deepen discipleship through classes, workshops, establishing mentoring pairings, and the Movie Discussion Group.
When not working, Allie loves finding time to read, go to movies, walk with friends, travel and camp with her husband, Bob.
Director of Youth Ministries
Cory Myers
Cory grew up across the street from this church as a kid, and matured in his faith through the ministry of First Pres, Westminster Woods, and Campus Life. In the same way a youth director from this church made a relationship with Cory –a neighborhood kid– he also desires to make lasting relationships with students as we explore God’s love on a personal level. Our focus is not a program. Rather our joy is connection to one another, as we grow passionate about trusting Jesus with our lives.
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When Cory is not serving our students, you can find him spending time with his wife and son on adventures around the world, in San Francisco fanatically following the Giants, or elbow deep in a home improvement project.
Director of Children's Ministries
Darcy Fluitt
Darcy strives to make Sunday mornings a time where kids learn about God’s love for them in a fun and engaging way. She makes every effort to support parents in the discipleship of their children. From devotionals to weekly communications, Darcy provides cues for parents to have important faith conversations with their kids during the week. Building relationships is a priority for Darcy. She and her team create events throughout the year for families to connect and play together. It is her desire to create a safe, loving, and inviting space for children to explore what it means to follow Jesus.
Darcy grew up in Sebastopol and has been married to her high school sweetheart, Don, for 45 years. They have two children, three grandchildren, and a precocious long-haired dachshund named Gretta. When not at church, Darcy teaches piano, works in her garden, and likes to binge watch British period dramas.
Children's Ministries Assistant
Soo Tee Lim
Soo Tee plays a key role in making sure that each month's theme is brought to life in a memorable and engaging way. From creating intricate props to designing immersive backdrops, Soo Tee enjoys using her creativity and attention to detail to make each event a success.
One of the things Soo Tee loves about this role is seeing the children's faces light up when they see the set design and decorations. She finds it incredibly rewarding to know that she's played a part in creating a fun and welcoming environment for them to learn and grow in their faith.
Director of Worship Music
Chris Studer
Chris has worked in the church for over twenty years, in ministry leadership with youth and young adults, and as a contemporary worship music director. Chris began leading worship at First Pres Santa Rosa in December of 2011. He is a pianist and singer from Sacramento, California. After earning an A.A. degree and certificate in jazz studies from American River College, Chris attended Berklee College of Music where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in piano performance.
Director of Choral Music & Organist
Doug Wiggers
Doug comes to us with a long and rich experience in church music. He is comfortable with both traditional and blended styles of music. Doug has conducted choirs, instrumental ensembles, is a skilled pianist and has a passion for the organ! Doug and his wife, Lisa, live in Santa Rosa and are excited to call First Pres their church home. Doug has a strong appetite for the outdoors and enjoys hiking and photography.