Pastor

As a daughter of a pastor, Susan has been a lifelong PC(USA) member beginning with teething in church nurseries. Throughout her life, she has always felt she could go anywhere because she could find a public library and a church to foster opportunities she values the most: her love of reading, commitment to lifelong learning, and nurturing her faith. This journey originally led her to pursue elementary education at Millikin University; however, her sense of call changed early in her professional career. God's call led her to Princeton Seminary where she could combine her love of learning with theology. Susan earned a degree in Christian Education/Youth Ministry and a Master of Divinity. She has served the church as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, Christian Educator, Associate Pastor, and most recently coming alongside a church as a Transitional Associate Pastor. During her tenure as an Associate Pastor in Pennsylvania and Illinois, she filled in as the head of staff for various amounts of time. She's been part of small and large congregations, rural and city churches, traditional churches, and new worshiping communities. Throughout all her experiences, one thread continues to sew everyone together: hope.

Email: susan@valleycommunity.org

Pastoral Associate

Jenny first visited Valley at age 4 and then made her way here again in college. Jenny received her undergraduate degree from Lewis and Clark and her master’s in divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. She was ordained into ministry at Valley. She has served here as the high school youth director, visiting chaplain and now serves as the pastoral associate. In her current role Jenny supports the pastor, assists with communion and steps in where needed. She loves being present with the congregation in their everyday lives and finds coffee hour an informal place to do life together. In addition to her role at Valley, Jenny serves as the Director of Second Home, a non-profit providing housing for unaccompanied youth in multiple counties in and around Portland. Jenny loves being a mom to Addy and Zeph and is happily married to John. Sitting with a cup of coffee or tea and thinking centers her and being outside walking or trail running (she and John are doing this together) brings her joy.

Email: jsazpratt@yahoo.com

Director of Community & Family Engagement

Leslie began at Valley in March 2023 to serve in a newly created position to assist in the cultivation of next generation/community relationships. Leslie graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in family and consumer studies. Leslie joined Valley after owning two Gymboree Play and Music franchises for 27 years in the Portland area and most recently serving as Director of Children and Families with another Portland congregation. Her favorite part of being part of church staff is walking alongside young families in their parenting journeys. Leslie has been married to Mark since 1987 and he often joins her in ministry even wearing a rabbit costume. Leslie's family includes their two children, Margaret and John, and her daughter-in-law, Elise. She welcomed the arrival of her first grandson in October 2023. Leslie spends her free time painting, reading (good mysteries are a favorite), walking the neighborhood to get 10,000 steps and traveling near and far with Mark.

Email: Leslie@valleycommunity.org

Director of Valley Christian Preschool

Kylie joined our staff as our preschool director in 2020 and shepherded us through the pandemic. Kylie joined VCP with background in both the educational and nonprofit sectors. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Multnomah University. She has owned her own preschool and began the nonprofit, Capes and Crowns Foundation in 2015 bringing professional photography to families battling health crises. Serving children from all backgrounds in a safe, nurturing environment so they can thrive is her passion as is supporting families She has 4 boys and shares her household with a pet bearded dragon and a golden retriever named Belle (who visits VCP often). Her life at home is filled with lots of noise, all things superheroes and lots and lots of Disney.

Email: Kylie@valleycommunity.org

Director of Music Ministries

Thomas joined the staff at Valley in April 2021 to serve as the director of music ministries leading the congregation in worship through music each Sunday. He loves hearing from an encouraging congregation that his music raises their spirits and enhances their worship experience. Thomas received his Master’s in piano performance at the University of Illinois and has composed music for plays, musical theater and independent film. In addition to his classical training, Thomas enjoys performing jazz, pop, folk, and contemporary praise music as well. His ten recorded albums reflect this unique diversity of musical style. Thomas has taught classical, jazz, and music theory courses at Willamette University and Rockford University and directed a concert series for 14 years. He has a private piano studio in our neighborhood. Thomas is married to Amy Rheingans, our Director of Children and Youth Music. They have two young adult children, Sam and Jacque. In his spare time, Thomas enjoys hiking and travelling with Amy, taking in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and Europe.

Email: Thomas@valleycommunity.org

Assistant Director of Music Ministries

Phill is a music educator, choral conductor, and bass-baritone currently based in Portland, Oregon. Phill graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor's degree in vocal music education in 2020. Phill has experience singing choral music at the highest level with groups such as the University of Louisville Cardinal Singers, the Louisville Chamber Choir, Elus Vocal Ensemble, the Voces8 US Scholars and the Charles Wood Singers. Before moving to Portland this summer, Phill worked full time as an educator at Legend High School in Parker, Colorado from 2020-2024. He directed four choirs, two orchestras, and taught an AP music theory course, along with serving as the music director for the school's musical theatre productions. Now in Oregon, Phill is pursuing a Masters Degree in Choral Conducting from Portland State University. He is excited and honored to work with the wonderful choir and congregation of Valley Community Presbyterian Church!

Email: phillhatt2@gmail.com

Director of Youth & Children’s Music

Amy has served Valley since 1996 directing children, youth and adults in how to use music and drama to lead others in worshipping God and create community. The openness and willingness of children to try new things, have fun and learn brings her joy. In addition to her role at Valley, Amy has been the lower school music specialist at Oregon Episcopal school. Amy has her Masters in music from Northern Illinois University and has a certification in Kodaly music instruction which combines games, folk music and singing to inspire students of all ages to love music and develop musical literacy skills. She is married to Thomas, our director of music ministries and in addition to two children, Sam and Jacque, shares their home with Terra, a German shepherd and Nova, a golden retriever. Amy’s happy place is on a hiking trail and she loves to hike in the gorge or on the trails in Forest Park.

Email: Amy@valleycommunity.org

Publication & Office Administrator

Angela began at Valley in October of 1998 as a teacher in our preschool in the mornings and in the office in the afternoons, transitioning to full-time in the office in 2002. Her personal relationship with the congregants is the most fulfilling part of her job. Angie, a native Oregonian, has four children Alexis, Anthony, Zachary, Nathan and a darling granddaughter, Scarlett, whom she loves spending time with. You will find Angie knitting or crocheting when she has a spare minute and she is part of our prayer shawl ministry. She is in her 3rd year online at Arizona State University majoring in biology.

Email: Angie@valleycommunity.org

Business Manager

AmyAnn has served at Valley since 2011 and handles all things financial and personnel. She joined us with a background in bookkeeping, tax preparation and corporate HR. She loves to envelop people into the Valley community. Her husband Dan is a stay-at-home dad and caregiver and they are the parents of Annika, Troy and Dane as well as two dogs, one a rescue and one a puppy. AmyAnn grew up in our neighborhood attending Raleigh Park Elementary and coming to Valley for Girl Scouts; her parents are still in the family home not too far from the church. Her passion is helping others and she sits on the board of Challenger Baseball, a club for special needs kids. She says that sometimes “her ideas get her in trouble.”

Email: AmyAnn@valleycommunity.org