Meet the Staff

 

 

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Rev. Jeff Schrage

Rev. Jeff Schrage was born in Bitburg, Germany into an Air Force family and grew up on the move. He went to Spartanburg Methodist College on a cross-country scholarship, where he came to know Christ through some dear friends. After transferring to Anderson College in Anderson, SC, Jeff learned about reformed theology and joined the Presbyterian Church. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry, Jeff worked for and was connected to several Christian organizations, before going to seminary at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte. As a student, Jeff met and married his wife, Shannon, and they embarked on a ministry journey taking them through Western Pennsylvania, South Texas, and Eastern Indiana before accepting the call here in Roanoke. Jeff and Shannon have five children ranging in age from 6 to 16, and the entire family is excited to begin ministry at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Jeff is also pursuing a Doctor of Ministry, and hopes to complete a project focusing on the value and weight of maintaining a practice of church membership in the modern era.

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Pete Guillard

Pete serves as Director of Youth and Adult Christian Education.  Pete has many years of experience challenging young people to follow after Jesus Christ. He is an active outdoorsman and would love the opportunity to speak with you about your family's ministry needs. Contact

 

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Abby Garber

Abby serves as the Church Secretary. She joined the staff in February 2026.​

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Mr. William Turner

Bill joined the church staff as organist in December, 2019.  He is a native of Roanoke, VA where he has served several local churches.  As organist-choir director he led the music program at Bedford Presbyterian Church for fifteen years.  Mr. Turner holds music degrees from Bridgewater College and West Virginia University.  From 1990 until 2014 he taught in Bedford County Public Schools.

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Dr. Erma Rose

Erma is Handbell Director. She received her BME and MS degrees from Pittsburg (Kansas) State University and her Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of North Texas. She is Professor Emeritus of Music at Ferrum College, where she was a vocal coach, professor of music history and theory, and directed handbells and vocal ensembles.  In addition to directing the Carillonneurs handbell ensemble she directs the Franklin County Community Chorus.

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Katie Brown

Katie serves as director of our Preschool and Mother’s Day Out program. Joining the staff in 2004 Katie has a genuine heart for our students and staff and has a true open door policy for parents, teachers and the little ones. A graduate of Salem High School and attended Asbury College in Wilmore, KY Katie lives in Salem with her husband of 20 years, Peter, and two beautiful daughters, Sydney and Georgia. She loves serving at her church where she works in the student ministry, specializing in service to high school seniors. In her spare time, Katie is very active in a women's bible study group and enjoys shuttling Sydney and Georgia to their various activities, including Roanoke Valley Children's Choir, school and sports. Contact

 

 

Erika Schweitzer

Erika is the Office Administrator for our Preschool and Mother’s Day Out program.  She joined the staff in May, 2022.  Contact