Dr. Gail Stearns, Pastor
Gail Stearns is a recent past Moderator of our Presbytery and Presbytery Council. She is Dean Emerita of the Wallace All Faiths Chapel at Chapman University, where she also taught Religious and Peace Studies as an Associate Professor. Gail currently consults with churches and businesses to weave together mindfulness and spirituality. She loves kayaking, reading, and spending time with friends.
Contact the Pastor at: gail@firstpresorange.org or Ext. 2.
Melissa Epley, Director of Communications and Operations
Melissa became the Director of Communications and Operations in 2022. She responsible for all church communication such as emails, bulletins, newsletters, and signs on campus, as well as other various administrative and operational duties. Outside of the office, you can usually find her spending time with family, exploring new places, gaming, or doing something creative like writing and drawing.
Contact Melissa at: melissa@firstpresorange.org or Ext. 4
Easter Garcia, Business & Finance Administrator
Easter joined our staff in 2022. Her primary duties include accounts payable and receivable, preparation of financial statements, accounting of contributions, payroll, insurance and other administrative tasks. She likes to read, listen to podcasts and music, and go to the latest Broadway show in town. She and her husband have four children and they love travelling together.
Contact Easter at: easter@firstpresorange.org or Ext. 3
Jeffrey Fahey, Director of Music
Jeffrey Fahey was born and raised in Minnesota. His love for music began as a young singer and instrumentalist in church and school. His involvement in music eventually developed into a passion for various types of performing arts. After graduating from high school, Jeffrey moved to Chicago to attend college, earning a BFA in Musical Theatre from Roosevelt University and a BA in Music Education from Northeastern Illinois University. He has worked for the Archdiocese of Chicago in several churches as music director, section leader, and cantor. Jeffrey also worked with various professional theatres and choral ensembles across the Chicago area as a performer, including the Chicago Choral Artists and the Hinsdale Chorale. Jeffrey relocated to Southern California in 2014 and has been the Director of Choirs at Los Altos High School in Hacienda Heights ever since. Under his direction, the Choirs of Los Altos have earned top honors and awards at SCVA choral festivals and numerous show choir competitions, including recognition for best musicianship. Jeffrey holds a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from California State University, Los Angeles and currently is a staff singer with the Long Beach Camerata Singers.
Contact Jeffrey at: jeffrey@firstpresorange.org.
Rachel J. Choe, Organist / Accompanist
Rachel J. Choe is a dedicated pianist and educator with extensive experience as both a performer and teacher. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance in Seoul, she was awarded a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she graduated with honors. She later continued her graduate studies at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, serving as a collaborative pianist for the school’s orchestra and vocal ensembles. Rachel has taught piano and music theory for several years, including serving on the faculty at Horizon Institute, where she taught college-level music courses. In 2019, she founded a Youth Symphony Orchestra, composing, arranging, and conducting original works to inspire young musicians. She currently works as a Music Coach and Collaborative Pianist for the Palos Verdes Unified School District, supporting orchestras and choirs alongside the district’s music directors. In addition to her educational work, Rachel has served as both an organist and pianist at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church and Neighborhood Church in the Palos Verdes area, continuing to share her musicianship with the community.
Contact Rachel at: rachelkimpiano@gmail.com.