Kristen Nelson, Senior Pastor
We are delighted to introduce Reverend Nelson, a seasoned pastor with a wealth of experience in ministry. Having completed her BA in English at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, she pursued her theological education at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. She later completed her clinical residency at Mayo Rochester, and Fairview Southdale in Edina, Minnesota, and then completed the Grace E. Harris Women’s Leadership Program at VCU in Richmond, VA. Reverend Nelson brings with her a remarkable background, having served as a Pastor within various congregations including Northern California, Virginia and Minnesota. She has also served as a Hospital and Hospice Chaplain, Director of Programs for Domestic Violence Shelter, Spiritual Care Counselor for Hazelden Betty Ford and Interim Pastor for a number of congregations in Minnesota. Notably, her dedication to the United Church of Christ (UCC) runs in the family, as her husband is also a UCC minister who recently accepted an interim position in California. Together, they have a wonderful blended family, proudly raising six grown children. Among them, the youngest has just embarked on an exciting journey, starting college here in California. With her profound understanding of spirituality and her commitment to nurturing a loving community, we are fortunate to welcome Reverend Nelson to our congregation. Her compassionate presence and spiritual guidance will undoubtedly enrich our lives and strengthen our bonds as we embark on this journey of faith together.
Joshua Romo, Music Ministry/Choir Director
Joshua Romo brings six years of experience to the podium. He is a conductor from the Southern California area holding a B.M in Music Education with a choral emphasis from Azusa Pacific University.
While in his collegiate studies, he has been part of multiple ensembles offered by the university, from the Chamber Singers to the contemporary A Capella groups. He has held leadership positions as student conductor of the Men’s Chorale and bass section leader of the University Choir Aside from his choral ensembles, he is also a percussionist and has had multiple conducting opportunities with the APU Symphonic Band, of which he has also served as music librarian. Outside of the university he has served as the assistant conductor for the Los Angeles based, “Echo Luminos.”
Currently, Joshua is the Artistic Director, conductor, and founder of the community ensemble, the “Rose Singers,” and is the Associate Conductor and Licensing Specialist for the Elite vocal ensemble, “Vocal Affinity” based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Additionally, he has served as stage manager for a production of Rob Gardner’s oratorio “Lamb of God” at the historic Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara, California.
Joshua is under the tutelage and mentorship of accomplished conductor, David Lozano Torres. In his journey as a conductor, he has participated in conducting workshops and masterclasses receiving high-level training with Dr. Joshua Habermann in the Modern Conducting Academy and was recently chosen to be one of the conductors for the 2022 Regional Western American Choral Director’s Association (WACDA) undergraduate conducting masterclass with Dr. Charlene Archibeque. Joshua is an avid believer in always refining one’s skills and achieving the highest levels of excellence in music making. Joshua hopes to pursue a master’s degree in Choral Conducting to continue to refine his skills as a Conductor, Teacher, and Leader.
Hanako Duffie, Pianist/Organist
Hanako is a Southern California based pianist, and is delighted to be working as the pianist for First Congregational Church of Riverside. In 2019, Hanako graduated from California School of the Arts as part of the Instrumental Music Conservatory. She is currently studying at the University of Redlands School of Music, where she is working towards her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. Hanako has extensive solo and collaborative piano experience, and has played in numerous solo recitals as well as collaborative concerts. She is currently working as the pianist for First Congregational Church of Riverside, as well as teaching piano at the Beaumont Music Centre and the University of Redlands Community School of Music. She has played for choirs, chamber ensembles, pit orchestras, music studios, churches, and more. Hanako has been the recipient of the Patricia Ruiz Memorial Music Scholarship (2019), Mary E. Lehigh Endowed Music Scholarship (2019), the University of Redlands Music Scholarship (2019-2020), University of Redlands Achievement Award (2019-present), University of Redlands School of Music Freshman of the Year Award (2020), and the University of Redlands School of Music Sophomore of the Year Award (2021). Additionally, Hanako has performed in numerous master classes with pianists such as Dmitri Rachmanov (2018), Andrew Park (2019), and Anne-Marie McDermott (2020).
Trevor Bullock, Office Manager
Trevor has worked as a church administrator for 12 years. He currently works part time at Bethel Lutheran Church in Los Angeles as well as his full time job as Office Manager here at FCC Riverside. Trevor has lived in Riverside on and off since 1980 with stops in LA, San Francisco, New York, and Tokyo. He lives with his wife and daughter and is very happy to be welcomed so warmly at FCC Riverside.
Noemi V., Wedding Coordinator
Noemi is a current student at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science with an emphasis in Pre Veterinarian Medicine, and a minor in Zoology. Her ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian specializing in infectious diseases. She has earned an Associate of Arts in Merchandise Product Development from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles where she compiled an array of skills in color theory, design, and planning. She has a well rounded background that includes photo editing, merchandising, retail, customer service, hospitality and office management; however, her favorite line of work took place in 2019, where she used much of her background and love for nature within a wedding floral planning business. Her favorite skills to practice within the wedding industry are color palette organization, table setting details, and hospitality. When she’s not planning or studying, she enjoys traveling, attending live music events, hiking and reconnecting with her indigenous roots from Mexico through Social Activism, Danza Mexica and self teachings of her indigenous language of Nahuatl.